Michael Bublé Review

Footprint Center | Phoenix, AZ

September 20, 2022

Multi-platinum award-winning artist Michael Bublé gave the audience in Footprint Center a performance they will never forget. Named after his eleventh studio album, the Higher Tour blasted off in Duluth, Georgia, and the North American leg is set to end in Buffalo, New York.

Bublé promises to give his all at each of the 27 different shows, and Phoenix, Arizona was no different; being the 20th show in the leg, some might expect Bublé to show fatigue. However, that was simply not the case. Opening with his highly-coveted version of “Feeling Good,” the Canadian singer shows immense vocal longevity, as the live performance sounds nearly the same since its 2005 release.

Accompanied by both orchestra and brass sections, Bublé reveals that his intentions were to give his fans the best production he could’ve possibly put together. He jokes, “All the money you guys handed to me went straight back into production value.” With the brass and orchestra sections on either side of the main stage, it leaves a perfect walkway for the platform to extend out towards the floor near the audience. This gives Bublé the perfect opportunity to express gratitude and show love toward some of the people he cares about most: his fans.

As he continues with his performance, he pauses to talk to the crowd for a second after “Haven’t Met You Yet.” He starts off in a very serious, slow tone, saying, “You know, I just want to thank you guys so much.. you have no idea. All of the proceeds from this show are going straight towards buying this arena some air conditioning!” The crowd erupts with laughter and Bublé goes to wipe his face with a handkerchief. “For real though, I’m hot as shit up here.” A large rumble of laughter erupts from the packed-out venue of ten thousand, and Bublé can’t help but chuckle along with them as he continues to talk to the crowd. “Are y’all ready to get the party started?’’

As he strolls out to the front of the walkway, closest to the crowd, he is joined by a piano and drum set. Most of the lights dim, besides the four lanterns reflecting off of the disco balls that have risen at the corners of the platform, and Bublé tells the crowd he wants to perform some of Elvis Presley’s work.

Never did I think I would hear a similarity between the two, but Bublé’s vocals were reminiscent of Elvis during his next three songs. He sings “One Night with You,” “All Shook Up” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Bublé’s voice brought a sense of nostalgia and warmth that could only be found in that era of music. The whole show flew by as he performed track after track from his extensive career. It felt as if the concert had just begun.

To round up his two-hour performance, Bublé finishes with “Always On My Mind.” As a Phoenix Suns Devin Booker jersey is thrown up on stage and he puts it on, he is happy to say that he had a great time. “I wish I could take you guys on tour with me everywhere I go; you all sound so amazing. Doing these shows fulfills me in the greatest way. I’ll come back a million times if I can,” he genuinely proclaims.

Bublé asks the crowd to put their phone lights up and it was so bright, you would’ve thought the venue turned the lights on. It was a surreal way to end the production, and I’m ecstatic to say I witnessed a night I’ll never forget. Michael Bublé is a generational talent and a phenomenal performer. I highly recommend stopping by the Higher Tour to experience a production that is guaranteed to tug at your heart strings.