The legendary musician Stevie Wonder has been carrying out his yearly shows for the holidays in Los Angeles (LA). December 15th’s event at the Crypto.com Arena marked another phenomenal performance by the esteemed singer-songwriter and record producer. Wonder’s Christmas shows in LA remain an occasion many partake in yearly. With a packed audience and unwavering admiration, the performance at the Crypto.com Arena simultaneously scores as the 25th anniversary of Wonder’s House Full of Toys benefit concert.
Stevie Wonder’s Annual Christmas Benefit Concerts Prevail
Stevie Wonder completed his annual Christmas shows in LA this holiday season. As always, the musical prodigy’s festive performances took on a life of their own, with house partying, holiday cheering, and much more. Straying away from the traditional performance structure that follows a strict script, Wonder plays his seemingly countless iconic hits for a crowd of celebratory supporters who are young, old, and everything in between.
This year, the artist’s “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” show marked the 25th anniversary of his yearly benefit concert “Wonder’s House Full of Toys.” Sticking to tradition, concertgoers arrived with gifts and toys that Stevie’s foundation administers to children, families in need, and individuals with disabilities. In return for their generous offerings, the loyal attendees experience an unforgettable night of music, surprise special guests, and Wonder’s signature impromptu storytelling.
Stevie Wonder Offers the Setlist of the Season
The performance at the Crypto.com Arena was especially significant, not just because of its commemorative nature but also because its incredible guests made memorable musical moments. The show commenced with a complete gospel choir singing a powerhouse production of church standards. Afterward, Wonder delivered a deep, somewhat improvised rendition of the recognizable “Ave Maria.” As he performed the piece, he lightheartedly admitted that he hadn’t “done this in a while,” even chuckling upon misremembering a lyric of the tune.
Afterward, Wonder asked the audience to stand for Motown founder Berry Gorder, who remained lively in the arena wings at 95. This standing ovation was the ultimate tone-setter for a night drenched in joy and reminiscence.
Wonder, aged 74, didn’t simply replicate his most loved tracks that outlined his success and status as a musical master more than 50 years ago. As he perched on the stage, he initially baited his audience with short snippets of the classics, including “That Girl” and “You’ve Got It Bad Girl.” Rather than finishing the songs as they would normally transpire, Wonder would stop mid-track to celebrate his holiday spirit, family, and love. His daughter Aisha, whose presence is preserved as the baby cooing in “Isn’t She Lovely,” then joined her father on stage. Even at age 49, her glow remained as she introduced the crowd to her dad.
Keeping things interesting, Wonder’s setlist for the night was just as unpredictable as he was. He could go from “(They Long to Be) Close to You” to “Billie Jean,” followed by a rendition of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” before landing on “Tell Me Something Good.” While the setlist may have seemed hard to follow, the crowd kept the energy high as the night persisted. Some arrangements felt slightly overwhelmed, but Wonder’s charitability, contentment, and energy on the stage triumphantly encouraged the fans to stay engaged.
The unmatched musician has always been passionate about partnership in the entertainment sphere. Besides Gordy’s presence in the crowd, Wonder brought out several artists worthy of attention. The night’s guests included powerhouse vocalist Sheléa, who performed incredible arrangements of “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Until You Come Back to Me,” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” All the while, the soulful songstress channeled vocal stylings akin to the late, legendary Aretha Franklin.
As the night continued, Wonder invited Jon Batiste to the stage for six songs. The pair delivered a daring duet of “They Won’t Go When I Go,” dedicated to Gordy and essentially serving as the night’s moment to remember. Furthermore, stage appearances by El DeBarge and Lucky Daye sealed the deal for an excellent evening of musical holiday cheer.
Stevie Wonder’s Chaotically Exceptional Night
The night finished with the same chaotic energy that got things started. Wonder performed half of “Superstition” before abruptly transitioning into a singalong of “Do I Do.” With every unpredictable occurrence, the event prioritized the importance of camaraderie over perfection.
