Bruno Mars made a notable impression during his concert at Inglewood’s newly opened Intuit Dome on Thursday night, where he performed his hit “Billionaire” in front of Steve Ballmer, the former Microsoft CEO and billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. Ballmer was enjoying the performance, clad in his signature light-blue shirt, and mingling with friends as Mars sang about his aspirations to “buy all of the things I never had.”
The sold-out show marked the grand opening of the Intuit Dome, a cutting-edge arena with a budget exceeding $2 billion, set to welcome the Clippers this October after they previously shared the Crypto.com Arena with the Lakers. Mars addressed the audience, which included celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Angela Bassett, and Ashton Kutcher, emphasizing the historical significance of the event.
Despite the excitement, the opening faced some challenges. High-tech features intended to streamline entry, such as smartphone access and facial recognition, malfunctioned, resulting in a significant delay and chaos at the entrance. Fans expressed their frustration on social media over long waits and unclear instructions, pushing the concert’s start from 8 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. This hiccup was somewhat ironic given Ballmer’s tech background.
However, Bruno Mars, renowned for his dynamic performances, turned the night around. Returning to the Los Angeles stage for the first time since 2018, he delivered an impressive two-hour set reflecting his extensive musical talent, adorned in a vintage red bowling shirt and embodying influences from icons like James Brown and Elvis Presley.
Throughout the concert, Mars showcased a variety of genres, performing fan favorites like “Calling All My Lovelies” and “Treasure,” while even incorporating a touch of salsa into “That’s What I Like.” As the show neared its conclusion, he surprised the audience by inviting Lady Gaga on stage for their new duet “Die With a Smile,” further elevating the evening’s entertainment.
Mars, who has recently spent time in Las Vegas, demonstrated his enduring appeal in the ever-evolving pop landscape. When a fan required medical assistance, he seamlessly paused the performance, showcasing professionalism and care before continuing.
As for the Intuit Dome itself, while Los Angeles boasts numerous venues of its size, the arena delivered excellent sound quality, enhancing the concert experience. Reflecting on his journey, Mars reminisced about his past in the area, sharing poignant memories associated with one of his early hits, “Nothin’ on You,” leaving a lasting impression on his audience.