Rita Ora Lights Up The North With Manchester Gig

Actress, singer and TV talent show judge, Rita Ora certainly doesn't let the grass grow under her feet. Due to all her other commitments it has been a few years since she went out on tour, the Manchester gig like the other dates on the tour were sold out, it's easy to see why she has such a strong appeal: Powerful songs, a good voice and spot on choreography make her look like a long term prospect.

In the fickle world of pop she could have easily been forgotten about for such a lengthy period away from the stage but her hit singles and TV appearances have kept her in the public eye.

In the past she has been described as the British Beyoncé, tonight dressed in similar attire to Beyoncé it is easy to agree with the comparison. Whereas Beyoncé tends to focus on more feminine issues especially with the chat in between the songs, Ora keeps it on a more friendly tone. "We had a day off yesterday so we spent it in Manchester" she shares.

Entitled The Girls tour after the title of her new single she has released with Cardi B, Charli XCX and Bebe Retha, it could have easily be named after her audience who are predominantly female. Full marks for not one swear word coming from her, which is unique in the world of R&B pop.

Accompanied by 4 dancers she appears on stage with a hood over her head as Your Song is driven along by a heavy bass that vibrates the room.

Yes, there are lots of suggestive, provocative moves especially during Body On Me where she plays with a scarf whilst on R.I.P. her prop is a chair with moves looking like they were influenced by the musical Chicago.

Her newer tracks such as Soul Survivor - from her next album sounds confident and soulful. "I started with nothing, I've got nothing to loose" she sings.

On her new single, Girls she invites some fans up on stage with her, for one it is a birthday she will never forget as Ora asks the audience to sing to the fan Happy Birthday. It made the show even feel more like a party than ever. Even the more cynical would have had to smile.

A tribute to the late Avicci with the track Lonely Together picked up the vibe before her first Number 1 with DJ Fresh, Hot Right Now turns the Academy into one big dance floor.

Saving what are probably her best 2 tracks for the encore, For You and then Anywhere the gig reached a High as Ora climbs up a small flight of steps to walk over a large see through box with one of the male dancers trapped inside it - whatever the message was it was a fine end to what had been a dazzling return to the stage.