CheekyChicago

Was Ke$ha’s performance supporting Rihanna at the United Center a) a pathetic parade; b) a crazy circus; c) a delirious dance-a-thon; or d) all of the above? I am not sure what to make of Ke$ha’s live representation of debut album Animal. The “singer” kicked off her seven-song set with “Blah Blah Blah,” even though I would consider Ke$ha’s musical routine anything but boring.

The stage was adorned with a random assortment of items including mannequin heads, flags and Christmas lights, inviting the audience to join in on the night’s festivities (also referred to as Ke$ha’s white trash glitter infested party). Who would think this 23-year-old is from Nashville?

Set List

Right Round Intro

Blah Blah Blah

Party At A Rich Dude’s House

Dinosaur

Stephen

Take It Off

Your Love Is My Drug

Tik Tok

Ke$ha does not fit the stereotype of a typical pop show. Instead of chiseled back-up dancers, Ke$ha was supported by two skinny white boys awkwardly attempting to nail their choreography. Relying heavily on movements that were wholeheartedly in sync, the execution appeared oddly quirky and choppy. Ke$ha’s band and dancers paraded around the stage, doing whatever the hell they wanted. Case in point: Ke$ha being chased to and fro by her keytarist wearing an over-sized dinosaur head during the appropriately titled “Dinosaur.”

Ke$ha live in concert is one big freak show embellished with a touch of organized chaos. Each moment more ridiculous than its predecessor. Free reign aside, I have never seen a pop star take their artistic control to such extreme measures. It remains a mystery whether or not Ke$ha’s attempt at stage presence was effective; I cannot decide if I loved it or hated it.

Ke$ha’s opening set was brought to a standstill during the overly Auto-Tuned track “Stephen.” When introducing the tune, Ke$ha called Nuno (Rihanna’s lead guitarist) to the stage. No history or indication was given as to why she was beckoning him onstage, or why she was planning to sing and dedicate the song to him instead of former hometown obsession, Stephen. Ke$ha walked aimlessly around calling for Nuno, but no one came. The crowd was silenced and utterly confused. Nuno finally appeared seated on a chair. Ke$ha proceeded to give him a lap dance, leaving the crowd flabbergasted by this insanely awkward moment.

Rolling Stone magazine describes Ke$ha’s music perfectly: “repulsive, obnoxious, and ridiculously catchy.” A suburban country girl who hit the scene just eight months ago, it has yet to be seen if Kesha Sebert has any actual talent.

Caught off guard and visibly shocked, Ke$ha’s bandmates ended her set with a surprise grand finale that – in all honesty – was highly unsurprising: mooning the audience with “We love you, Ri Ri” written across each person’s butt cheeks.