Silk Sonic returned for the group’s second-ever performance at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday, finally allowing the duo to make a connection with audiences. The supergroup, comprised of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, delivered a far-from-distanced performance at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theater for a highlight of the ceremony.
Though Silk Sonic made its world debut during the 2021Â Grammy Awards back in March, that performance was a hollow shell of the group’s true capabilities. Whereas the band recorded a crowdless single-song performance for the Grammys, the iHeartRadio Awards put them face-to-face with a roaring crowd of rabid fans, as well as several women who got much closer.
The Grammys performance was understated elegance, as the band adopted vintage 70s garb and crooned from a dark stage. Though they sang the same song during both appearances, the delivery made it look like two completely different groups. iHeartRadio saw Mars and .Paak delivering the full potential of their star power and sex appeal.
Though “Leave The Door Open” premiered only two months ago, every attendee at the award ceremonies knew the words and took the song a cappella as if it was a sold-out stadium, meanwhile Silk Sonic held the entire room in the palm of their hands. Not for long, however, as Mars soon focused all of his energy onto one woman seated in front of the stage and—in an act perhaps more symbolic than literal—initiated physical contact by putting her hand on his chest. While this may seem like pandering pop sensualism, the simple act of physically touching another person could not have more meaning after 15 months of the pandemic.
Watch Silk Sonic perform “Leave The Door Open” at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. The group’s debut album, An Evening with Silk Sonic, is due out later this year.
Silk Sonic – “Leave The Door Open”
[Video: Bruno Mars Indonesia]
[H/TÂ Vulture]