Marques Houston serenades FAU at Pre-Valentine’s Day Night Cap

February 15, 2013

R&B singer Marques Houston asks the crowd which side is more hype. Photo by Max Jackson.

Owl Radio’s Pre-Valentine’s Day Night Cap featuring Marques Houston was definitely a show for the ladies at FAU.

Approximately 300 students arrived at the Barry Kaye Auditorium to hear the R&B singer serenade them — and they were not disappointed. But before the Gucci jacket, red hoodie, and blue jean clad Houston even touched the stage, four opening acts performed.

Although the crowd appeared entertained by the opening acts, the decibel level rose even at the mere mention of Marques Houston’s name.

At one point during the show, Owl Radio’s DJ Thunder asked the crowd, “Who’s ready for Marques Houston?” and began to play one of Houston’s popular songs, “Naked.” Screams broke out from the crowd as many ran to the stage, until the concert’s host Julian Hanlan appeared, revealing it was just a tease.

Opening act and FAU student, Porschia, performing. The singer covered Rihanna's "Diamonds". Photo by Max Jackson. — Opening act and FAU student, Porschia, performing. The singer covered Rihanna’s “Diamonds”. Photo by Max Jackson.

The first was FAU student and singer, Porschia, who previously performed at Program Board’s Apollo Night. The audience then got some laughs from another fellow student, Ralph LaGuerre, who loosened them up with a comedy routine. He was followed by singer, Muzik Jones Drew, and finally Owl Radio’s Yungin Da SP.

Once Marques Houston emerged onto the red-lit stage, the remaining students rushed to the front of the stage.

“I came all the way from Los Angeles to rock with y’all,” Houston said as he began his set with “All Because Of You,” a single from his second album. The crowd swayed side to side and reached for him. At one point during the show, a girl even gave Houston a red rose.

The ladies in the crowd stole Houston’s attention as he dedicated his next song, “Favorite Girl” to them. Houston performed songs from his first album, MH, as well as more recent songs. But the crowd erupted as he began to sing two of his hits, “Naked” and “Circle.” They proceeded to sing along and wave their hands in the air. During his performance of “Naked,” many ladies in the crowd yelled for Houston to take his shirt off.

Houston falls to his knees as he belts out one of his hits. Songs included "Circle" and "Naked" from his second and third album. Photo by Max Jackson. — Houston falls to his knees as he belts out one of his hits. Songs included “Circle” and “Naked” from his second and third album. Photo by Max Jackson.

“I know y’all are in college, but I’m gonna keep it PG-13 tonight,” he replied. However, Houston did manage to hype up the audience when he proceeded to jump into the crowd while his DJ played rapper Drake’s new single “Started From the Bottom.” After a few moments of affectionate grabbing by fans, he was helped back onto the stage by his DJ.

Houston concluded the set with his new single “Speechless.”

After the show, the singer had a meet and greet backstage where he graciously took pictures with fans and the Owl Radio staff.

“I enjoyed it a lot, it was fun. I didn’t really think it would it be, but it was,” said Telesha Felder. “And meeting him was awesome.” The FAU freshman attended the concert with her friend and fellow freshman, Lucy Honore.

“He took pictures, gave hugs and stuff. He wasn’t being stuck-up,” said Honore.

After the cameras stopped flashing and hugs were given to fans, Houston made his way out of FAU.

“I think the show went great, I loved the energy of the crowd,” Houston said. “I jumped out there into the crowd, because I was feeling the energy.”

Houston also wants his fans to look out for new music from him. His next album, Famous, will be released April 16.

“I really want to give my fans just all of me, all of MH. So expect a great album. I love it and I think the fans are gonna love it,” he said.