HAMPTON

Say what you want about Alicia Keys, but she knows how to work a crowd.

Fresh off a European tour, R&B's favorite songbird opened the U.S. leg Saturday at the Hampton Coliseum.

The New York native has steadily improved her live performance over the past few years, and it showed during her tour, which also featured newcomer Jermaine Paul and Ne-Yo.

"American Idol" alumna Jordin Sparks was scheduled to perform but didn't because of illness.

Paul, Keys' longtime and underrated backup singer, opened the show.

Clad in a black leather jacket and jeans, Paul seemed to get a positive reception from the crowd of about 5,500. They clapped and nodded to a few singles from his first album, which were nicely delivered.

But despite a decent performance, Paul's strong vocals were sometimes drowned out by his music.

What a pity.

R&B crooner Ne-Yo was next on the roster. The multiplatinum singer's eight-piece band was decked out in silver suits and showed immense musicianship.

Unfortunately, Ne-Yo had a little bit too much going on during his set.

His dancers seemed a bit too much at times. Their routines were slightly oversexed, taking much-needed attention away from Ne-Yo.

Although his two-step was solid throughout the performance, Ne-Yo's vocal chops could've been a bit stronger.

Crowd favorites included hits such as "Sexy Love" and "So Sick." Another highlight was "So You Can Cry," a track from Ne-Yo's upcoming album, "Year of the Gentleman."

Overall, he turned out a mediocre performance, but was overshadowed by his dancers and band.

Keys began her set by entering the stage, sitting at her trademark piano and starting with "Ghetto Story."

Clad in a silver top and jeans, Keys shimmied her way all over the stage with her dancers.

She gave life to songs from her latest album, "As I Am," which has sold about 3 million copies in the United States so far. The tracks translated much better during the live act; they're bland on CD.

The lighting, sound, band and dancers all seemed to work in unison for Keys - at least sometimes.

But she was at her very best when she played the piano because she seemed much more intimate and endearing.

Highlights included a tender rendition of "Got to be There" and a very passionate offering of "Superwoman," a track from "As I Am."

The crowd sang along to some of the chanteuse's biggest hits, including "No One," "Unbreakable," "Diary" and "Fallin'."

Much like her passionate delivery, which included strong vocals, Keys' connection with people from all walks of life is real.

Jennifer Jiggetts, (757) 446-2538, jennifer.jiggetts@pilotonline.com