Michael Buble, Resorts World Arena, Birmingham - review

The superstar was in Birmingham for the first UK leg of his highly-anticipated world tour ‘An Evening With Michael Bublé’.

His 2019 tour, to promote his tenth studio album Love, is the first time Michael has been back on stage properly since his eldest son Noah was diagnosed with cancer in 2016.

The 43-year-old had cancelled his not-yet-announced tour after hearing the news, choosing to spend time with his son as he underwent treatment.

And it appeared the singer was overcome with emotion at just being on stage last night.

The father-of-three opened up completely to the audience, not making any secret of the fact he had experienced a difficult past few years.

His opening night in the UK – the tour officially kicked off in February in Florida – had the audience on their feet from the get-go, as he began with a smooth take of Nina Simone’s Feeling Good.

Dressed in a smart, blue suit, Michael was charming, blowing kisses to the crowd, reaching down to hold outstretched hands.

As if his stunning voice wasn’t already enough to create an incredible show, a professional orchestra joined him.

Welcoming the crowd, Michael said: “Hey everybody, hello strangers. It’s so nice to be back. I’d like to begin this UK tour by telling you I come to your land with an attitude of gratitude.

“I’ve been through a lot and whether you know or not you’ve been a big part of my life and world.

“I love Birmingham – I do – I’ve spent a lot of my life here.

“Sometimes you get artists who come here and say they love Birmingham but they don’t mean it.

“I’ve come here with my wife and kids and had the best Indian food.”

His cheeky commentary in between songs had the audience laughing, cheering, and clapping along with him.

The Canadian-born singer had the audience in the palm of his hands - but even so, he refused to call them fans – declaring proudly that they were his ‘family’.

Promoting an evening of ‘Love’ Michael continued the night with romantic songs Funny Valentine, Up The Lazy River, and When I Fall In Love.

He dedicated the song Forever Now to his children, saying: "This song is about being a parent, about unconditional love - loving something more than you love yourself.

"I don’t care if you don’t have kids, if you have a dog or a cat then this is for you."

A poignant tune about children growing up, the star became overwhelmed and visibly emotional towards the end of the song, prompting the audience to shout out cries of ‘we love you Michael’ in support.

Wiping away tears at the end, he made light of the situation, joking: “I almost couldn’t sing that just then. What the hell is the matter with me? Are there any therapists out there?”

As the night drew to a close, he delighted fans with incredible renditions of popular songs Home and Cry Me A River.

But the crowd, naturally, wanted more – and Michael was only too happy to oblige with a sensational encore performance of hit track Everything.

Michael added: “I don’t need to go into the depths of what my family has been through – I don’t think there are any words to describe the gratitude me and my family feel to you.

“I don’t use the word fan – it’s derogatory. You’re my family. You’re my friends.

“I speak for my wife, kids and parents when I tell you I’d be nothing without you – I hope I can come back here every night and play for you.

“Thank you for being in my life. I love you dearly.”

Michael’s tour continues throughout the UK until June 9, when he flies out to the USA.