There is no mistaking which band is next up on the Azalea stage. A huge black and white flag with the words Janelle Monáe provides the backdrop. After a short revving up of the crowd by today's MC, I think he was the drummer, the stage is inundated in more black and white as around 15 band members/back-up singers/performers fill the large platform.
As the crowd waits for the songstress to enter, one of the dancers drops her black cape. It's Miss Monáe.
The show begins ok. But a few songs in, an impressive cover of Charlie Chaplin/Nat King Cole's Smile marks the turning point. The crowd is drawn in and the stunning vocals of Monáe are on full display.
The show goes from strength to strength dishing out a mix of 60s pop, jazz, soul and big band music - the big band is impressive. Highlights include Cold War, Tightrope and a second cover, Jackson 5's One more chance.
At all times the stage is a hive of activity. But, there is no mistaking that the girl with the stylish clothes and rockabilly haircut owns it. She has the voice, the dance moves, and style to boot. It's not surprising that Fleet Foxes' Robin Pecknold was so impressed.
"Did you guys catch Janelle Monáe? She was fucking amazing!" he says during the Fleet Foxes set.
