Home / Arts and Entertainment / Smokey Robinson Shines, Gladys Knight Falters at Hollywood Bowl
Smokey Robinson Shines, Gladys Knight Falters at Hollywood Bowl
25 Jul
Summary
- Smokey Robinson, 86, delivered a strong, agile, and engaging headlining performance.
- Gladys Knight, 82, relied heavily on backup singers to get through her set.
- The concert at Hollywood Bowl occurred on July 24, 2026, as part of 'Just the Two of Us'.
Music legends Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight performed at the Hollywood Bowl on July 24, 2026, in a concert billed as 'Just the Two of Us.' Robinson, 86, demonstrated remarkable stage presence, delivering a strong vocal performance and captivating the audience with his showmanship.
Robinson's headlining set was dynamic, showcasing his ability to connect with the crowd and even offering a humorous impression of Stevie Wonder. However, his performance was marred by a tedious audience participation segment, which led to the omission of popular songs.
Gladys Knight, 82, faced significant challenges during her performance. While she still had moments of her signature passion, her set was largely truncated and rearranged. She heavily relied on her backup singers, who even took lead vocal parts.
Knight's interaction with the audience was minimal, consisting mainly of pleasantries, and she did not acknowledge Robinson's presence. The contrast in their performances raised questions about when veteran artists should consider retiring gracefully.
