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Dion Doesn't Rest On Her Laurels At Tampa Performance

Tribune photo by JULIE BUSCH

Wednesday's show at the Forum was more a celebration of Celine Dion's celebrity than a concert. But at least Dion remembers to take her fans along for the ride.

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By CURTIS ROSS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 29, 2009

TAMPA - Celine Dion's stage sat in the center of the Forum floor Wednesday night like a boxing ring. She entered the arena, in fact, surrounded by an entourage, not unlike a fighter about to enter the ring.

Performing in the same venue in 1997, she performed like a hungry challenger. Despite being at perhaps her peak of commercial success, she seemed determine to win over an already won-over crowd.

Wednesday night, before a crowd of 18,550, Dion wore the superstar mantle with ease, knowing the crowd was in her pocket before the house lights dimmed.

Of course she still worked her French Canadian tail off. It's her way.

The staging did an admirable job of bringing the show to the cheap seats. A frenetic light show, dancers and nonstop video imagery kept things popping.

It wasn't exactly subtle, but subtlety wasn't really on the bill. Dion specializes in big - big ballads, big gestures, big productions.

Besides, with a voice that big, why caress a lyric when you can wrap it in a bear hug?

What saved the show from overkill was Dion herself. She may ooze the same show-biz sincerity as any other performer, but she's more self-effacing, more willing to laugh at herself, a welcome breather between melodramatic ballads.

When a fan on the floor handed her a copy of her first album to sign, she reacted like any other adult being surprised with a photo of themselves as a teen. Well, actually a lot more graciously than that. But the look on her face was priceless.

Dion has grown sleeker and sexier as well, dancing and twirling with drill team precision clad in slinky mini-dresses and stiletto heels. And in the end, that was as important as anything she sang. The show was more a celebration of Dion's celebrity than a concert. But at least Dion remembers to take her fans along for the ride.

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