CeeLo Green illuminated the Cerritos Performing Arts Center with a powerful concert filled with love and unforgettable memories. Cerritos hasn’t seen such an electrifying performance since Sinatra took the stage in ’93. Alongside his own hits, CeeLo paid tribute to his musical idols, covering songs from Bon Jovi to Prince, showcasing his incredible voice and talent that places him among the greats.
Known for his soul-infused blend of hip-hop and R&B, CeeLo is a multi-talented singer, rapper, writer and producer with an impressive collection of accolades, including a Billboard Music Award, a BET Award, a BRIT Award, and five Grammys—most notably for “Best Urban/Alternative Performance” for his hits “Crazy” and “Forget You.” Yet, beyond those accolades, it’s the man himself who truly stands out. I was graciously invited by CeeLo, giving me the opportunity to get to know a bit more about the man behind the music.
CeeLo is far from one-dimensional; he exudes strength, grace, and integrity—a true class act. With a smile and laugh like no other, he shared, “It’s all about great music that has touched, inspired, and changed our lives. That’s all I am and all I’ll ever be,” just before launching into Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” From humble beginnings, CeeLo is an advocate for the belief that dreams do come true, allowing others to live vicariously through his own reality. One standout element that hasn’t been mentioned yet is how CeeLo invited everyone to gather near the front of the stage, fostering an interactive and immersive experience that set his showmanship apart from others.
During his concert—perhaps better described as a celebration—CeeLo showcased a side of himself that had been somewhat under the radar. The audience was treated to a heartfelt 10-minute conversation with the powerhouse performer. As the atmosphere grew quiet, we were enriched by his humor, stories, future inspirations, and personal reflections. It felt as if a higher power urged him to connect with us, intertwining our bond and weaving us together in that moment. Additionally, it’s important to note that CeeLo is stepping into a new phase of his life as he approaches 50 next year.
CeeLo is truly a master of his craft, with a profound love for the history and appreciation of music. Having been mentored by the musical genius Prince, he continues to pay tribute to his idols, including Billy Idol, David Bowie, and Billy Joel, to name a few. On a more serious note, he raised awareness about how our celebrities are diminishing, quoting George Clinton: “Think… it ain’t illegal… yet.” Urging people to move forward, he emphasized, “Pay attention, be present, get engaged, and be the change you want to see in the world.”
As our world rapidly changes, many are confronted with a choice: will you fade away, or will you take action? CeeLo proudly states, “I’m going to stick around so I can help people out of the fire. That’s the kind of guy I am.” He goes on to proclaim, “A life’s work: I’m going to give my life to everybody.” This is a man who embodies a higher purpose and stands as a guiding, exemplary figure of resilience.
A show like this stays with you for a lifetime, and it’s an honor to witness an artist like him existing in this generation. CeeLo describes his music as the “essential oil” that unites diverse people across time, which serves as the foundation for his unique approach to performances. This sentiment was both true and evident throughout the night.
The show concluded with CeeLo performing “Closet Freak,” followed directly by “Forget You” and “Crazy.” Backstage, I congratulated CeeLo on an incredible performance and expressed how proud I was. He playfully hinted that there might be a part two to my article, leaving me excited to see what’s next for CeeLo Green!
