In its seventh year of visiting our shores, Legends In Concert has returned to Melbourne’s The Palms at Crown. Having seen this production twice before, I was curious to see what had changed. It is safe to say that this is the best production yet!
Direct from Las Vegas, Legends In Concert is a live tribute show to legends of music, both past and present. It is also widely regarded as the best and most entertaining tribute concert on the planet. With over 40 years of incredible productions up its sleeve, Legends In Concert is the longest running show of its kind, and after seeing it live for the third time, it’s easy to see why.
This time around, the line-up has changed ever so slightly, showcasing tributes to Cyndi Lauper, Stevie Wonder, Cher, Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury and the king of Las Vegas himself, Elvis. Whilst there are some very good impersonators out there, Legends In Concert are a stack above the rest in an all singing, all dancing tribute. Each performer not only embodies the persona of each legend, but they also put on incredible vocal performances to match.
The show is split into two acts, with a 20-minute interval. Kicking off the evening’s entertainment was Nellie Norris as Cyndi Lauper. Having seen Norris in 2023, it is safe to say that Norris has improved greatly in her portrayal of the rock singer-songwriter icon. With classic tracks such including ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’, ‘Time After Time’ and ‘True Colours’, Norris commanded the stage and put on a fantastic performance. I lost count of how many costume changes Norris had during her segment, but each change was executed flawlessly. Her vocals were on point, the mannerisms were well on point, and her speaking voice had that iconic Lauper twang about it. A great way to open the show!
Next on the bill was RnB and soul funk legend Stevie Wonder, portrayed by Billy Buchanan. Opening with the classic ‘Superstition’, complete with Buchanan sitting down at a keyboard centre of the stage, I was not overly convinced that Buchanan was playing the keys or not. But I guess it doesn’t really matter because his body language and vocals did enough to provide a convincing performance. Other tracks included ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You’, ‘Part Time Lover’ and ‘For Once in my Life’. Although Buchanan might not have the technical skills to play the instruments Wonder is known for, it was an otherwise enjoyable performance.
Concluding the first act conjured to the stage the amazing Annika Weaver as Cher. Having seen Weaver last year, I was excited to see this vocal powerhouse once again and was not disappointed. Opening with ‘Turn Back Time’, the packed Palms at Crown audience was excitedly clapping and singing along at her command. Dressed in the iconic black wig and sexy body suit, Weaver’s performance is as good as the real thing.
Weaver even made her way into the audience, seeking a lucky concert goer to be her special guest on stage with a duet of Sonny & Cher’s ‘I Got You Babe’. This is always a fun part of the show, Weaver has no clue what the lucky patron is going to be like, and she handles it like a true professional. There is even a costume change for the final number, the iconic ‘Believe’. Cher’s segment was easily a highlight of the night. Weaver’s vocals are next level, and her portrayal of the legendary icon is flawless. If you didn’t know any better, you would believe Weaver is the real thing!
In the second act, Legends In Concert continued with a tribute to Tina Turner by Lori Mitchell-Gay, opening with ‘Disco Inferno’ before performing ‘River Deep’, ‘The Best’, ‘Private Dancer’ and ‘Proud Mary’. Each of these tracks showcase the incredible vocal range of Tina Turner, but unfortunately it felt that Mitchell-Gay fell slightly short. Her physical presence is a great representation of Tina Turner, including the iconic hair and short-sparkly dresses, but I found it hard to understand Mitchell-Gray as her diction wasn’t always clear. In saying that, the performance was still fun, complete with an epic sax solo during ‘The Best’, although overall, Mitchell-Gay’s performance has the potential to be better.
Also returning to the Melbourne stage in 2025 are Fernando Castro as Freddie Mercury and Bill Cherry as Elvis, respectively. Having seen both performers before, I was curious to see how they would change things up and improve on their previous seasons.
Bill Cherry as Elvis just keeps getting better each time. Vocally powerful, crowd favourite and a wonderfully matched persona of the King himself. Although this time, Cherry was a little more cheeky and playful with the Melbourne audience. On the evening that I attended, delighted patrons were up and dancing, even tugging at the silk scarves that Cherry’s Elvis wore to give away to the lucky ladies at the front of the stage. Cherry’s performance consisted of famed Elvis tunes including ‘See See Rider’, ‘Suspicious Minds’ and ‘Burning Love’.
Cherry also took the time during his set to introduce the Legends In Concert band and two Aussie backup singers, led by musical director and guitar extraordinaire George Safire. There are also incredibly talented dancers that accompany each legendary act, complete with fun and exhilarating choreography, along with so many costume changes that you’d lose count.
The highlight of the show this year would be Fernando Castro as the legendary Freddie Mercury. Dressed in white denim and the iconic yellow leather jacket, Castro is the best impersonation of Freddie Mercury that I have seen on stage. Not only does Castro proudly prance while swinging the half mic-stand around just like Freddie did, but it was Castro’s crowd work too that thoroughly impressed. Castro’s vocals are incredible. I mean, you have to be great to tackle such vocally demanding Queen tracks like ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ and ‘We Are The Champions’.
But it was ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘Under Pressure’ that Castro knocked out of the park. The arrangements and staging for these two numbers were wonderful, with the full dance ensemble and backup singers standing on the stairs during the song to replicate the iconic music video, complete with the dramatic lighting. Plus, with ‘Under Pressure’ being a duet, Castro brought Nellie Norris’ Cyndi Lauper back on stage for a very fun and vocally satisfying rendition of this classic anthem. Castro’s rock vocals are next level and had me shaking my head in awe of his sheer talent. This performance is well worth the price of admission alone.
Overall, Legends In Concert is better than ever. Having seen it three years running, I am grateful that this production keeps bringing a new show each time and providing something different for repeat offenders, with each as enjoyable as the last The musicians are the best that you can get, plus the sound and dynamic lighting that accompany each legendary performance is executed masterfully.
The only criticism I have is regarding its finale. Each of the performers return to the stage for an ‘all-in performance’, however none of the legends actually perform anything and just wave to the crowd. It would be great to have the closing number that’s a mashup or a medley of songs from the legends that performed, where they each would get one last chance to showcase their craft. After such a fun show, the ending felt a little underwhelming. However, this is one tiny thing that can easily be adjusted and did not hinder on the otherwise fantastic and fun evening of tribute and celebration.
It is easy to see exactly why Legends In Concert is the longest running tribute show on the planet, and Melbourne is extremely lucky to get this show each year! I for one, cannot wait to see what they bring in 2026.
Legends In Concert is on now at the Palms at Crown in Melbourne until Saturday the 25th of January. Doors open 45 minutes prior to each show, allowing time to grab a drink and take your seats.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://legendsinconcert.com
https://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/entertainment/live-shows-and-concerts/shows/legends-concert
https://www.instagram.com/legendsinconcertlv
Photography supplied.
