Fifth Harmony tick all the pop-concert boxes in Abu Dhabi

UAE 'Harmonisers' got the hit singles, the choreography and crowd interaction

Fifth Harmony perform at Du Forum on Yas Island.

They might have been one member down since their last visit to the UAE, but that didn't stop the all-girl group Fifth Harmony from bringing an energetic performance to the stage this weekend. The foursome performed in front of a small crowd at du Forum in Abu Dhabi on Friday night.

Speaking to The National shortly before the gig, the former The X Factor (US) stars said they were happy to be back in the country.

“The last time we were here, it was really hot, but we had a great time,” said member Dinah Jane.

“Honestly, we’re grateful to just be here. We never have enough time, but it’s really beautiful here and we’re happy to see what we can see and to see our fans,” added Ally Brooke.

The group visited Dubai in 2016, where they performed at Virgin Radio’s RedFest DXB festival, alongside their former bandmate Camila Cabello.  At the end of that year, Cabello departed the group in pursuit of a solo career.

The tabloids had a field day with that development, circulating rumours of infighting and also speculating whether there would be a future for the group. Despite that, the four remaining members pushed on, releasing their third, self-titled album in August.

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Read more: 

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The album peaked in the top five in the United States and shortly after its debut, the PSA Tour was announced, which included a trip to the UAE’s capital.

To get the show on the road, another RedFest DXB alumni Kelli-Leigh warmed up the stage, performing several of her songs including Do You Wanna Be Loved Like This.

When Fifth Harmony sang for their 'Harmonisers' the show was everything you'd expect from a high-energy pop performance: it featured hit singles like Sledgehammer, Bridges and Work From Home; great choreography and crowd interaction.

However, it seemed as though there were a few hiccups in the lighting department - if the shadows on some of the members were anything to go by. If it was for effect, it might need some attention for other gigs they do.

Among the highlights of the show were Jane's vocals. On Twitter, the star said she wanted to hold off a bit, but that didn't happen because, given the opportunity to belt out a high note, she went all out. Her rendition of Beyoncé's If I Were A Boy on The X Factor back in 2012 made music executive and judge LA Reid claim that even Knowles herself didn't take the song to the places Jane did. That's when you know you're on to something.

One can’t help but wonder then, is she gearing up for a big solo career too?