By SHANEIA CALDWELL

Contributing Reporter

This year’s “Up Close and Personal/Holiday Exclusive Tour”starring R&B/hip-hop sensations Chris Brown and Bow Wow with special guestSouljah Boy rolled into the Palace of Auburn Hills Sat., Jan. 26, and kept younggirls screaming for more.

The teen heartthrobs put on an energetic and entertainingshow. Brown danced and performed his hit songs while Bow Wow brought hisswagger and his determination, giving a memorable performance.

The opening act was Soulja Boy, 17 year-old dance/rapphenomenon whose set was messy. He performed three songs including his hit”Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which kept the audience on their toes doing Soulja’ssignature dance.

Bow Wow, an adolescent turned not-quite-grown-up rappermoved, and rapped fluently during his performance. He kept the crowd screaming,jumping and singing along as he performed hits “Outta my System” and “Like U.”

 He also broughtback his days as “Lil” Bow Wow by performing older songs including “Bounce WithMe” and “Bow Wow (That’s My Name).”

It was definitely clear that Brown, 18, was the headliningact. After a half-hour intermission, the audience counted down, waving glowsticks, screaming and awaiting his appearance.

Brown was lowered from the ceiling on ropes and dressed inblack, then he took center stage at 9:30 p.m. flashing a smile that promised anight to remember.  

He sang much better than your average dancer, although everyword wasn’t clear because of the sound system. He performed tracks from”Exclusive,” his most recent album, including “Wall to Wall,” “Help Me,” and”Damage” along with hits from his previously released self-titled album.

Although Brown needed little assistance with dance stepsduring his performance of “Gimme That” two young boys joined him on stage andhe was surrounded by back up dancers.

His likeable set consisted of lights wrapped around amicrophone stand. However, the stage felt too dim at times; moments were missedbecause there wasn’t enough lighting around the artist.

The Virginia native brought back the 80s with bright colorsand a battle between his dancers.

The teen sensation caused a brawl as he threw his hat intothe crowd during “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” and another tussle at the end of thenight when he took off his shirt.

He wore a series of playful outfits including the80s-inspired red Adidas tracksuit and glow-in-the-dark overalls as he flipped,skipped and pop-locked around the stage.

The concert ended with Brown and Bow Wow performing “ShortyLike Mine” and battling in dance moves.

Tickets ranged from $39-$79 and the crowd seemed to believethat they had gotten their money’s worth.