Music

Music Icons Return to South Florida

Published

11 months ago

July 25, 2024

Coach

New Kids on the Block, Paula Abdul, and DJ Jazzy Jeff Take the West Palm Beach Crowd Back to the Future with a Spectacular Blast of Nostalgia.

July 20th, 2024

The five members of New Kids on the Block—Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre, Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, and Danny Wood—are all in their 50s, but the beloved early ’90s boy band still knows how to deliver a show that’s both nostalgic and fresh. With flawless choreography and a stage production that could rival a Broadway show, NKOTB gave fans a night to remember.

The energy was electric as Jordan Knight and Donnie Wahlberg showed off their midriffs, sending the crowd of women in their 40’s and 50’s into a frenzy. It was a heartwarming flashback to their teen idol days, reminding everyone of why they fell in love with NKOTB in the first place. The band seamlessly modernized their classic hits to fit the current music scene, with an updated rendition of “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” that had everyone dancing in their seats. The nostalgia continued to flow with fan favorites like “Hangin’ Tough,” “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever),” “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind),” and “Cover Girl.”

Kicking off their two-hour set, NKOTB hit the stage with “Magic” from their 2024 album “Still Kids,” their first album in 11 years. The performance was a visual feast, with a digital screen backdrop featuring the toy doll boxes of each member from 1990. The vibrant neon décor, stunning stage lighting, and iconic outfits made it feel like stepping into a time machine with a modern twist.

Just before NKOTB took the stage, the audience was treated to an electrifying performance by former 80s-90s pop star, world-renowned choreographer, and “American Idol” judge, Paula Abdul. At 62 years old, Paula proved she’s still got it, delivering a high-energy set that defied her years. Accompanied by a crew of backup dancers, ana array of vibrant wardrobe changes, she performed hits like “Straight Up,” “Vibeology,” “Cold Hearted,” and “Opposites Attract,” complete with a dazzling visual of MC Skat Cat dancing alongside her. The medley of “The Promise of a New Day / Knocked Out / I’m Just Here for the Music / Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow / Ain’t Never Gonna Give You Up” kept the energy high, and she closed her set with the timeless “Forever Your Girl.” Paula’s performance was so captivating that it left everyone hoping to see her headline her next tour.

Setting the perfect tone for the night, DJ Jazzy Jeff kicked things off with a performance that felt like a high school pep rally on steroids. His set got everyone out of their seats and dancing, creating the ideal vibe for the main acts to follow.

In all, the night was a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair, proving that NKOTB, Paula Abdul, and DJ Jazzy Jeff still have the magic to captivate audiences old and new. The concert was a celebration of the past brought brilliantly into the present, leaving everyone eager for more.

New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
D.J. Jazzy Jeff performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
D.J. Jazzy Jeff performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
Paula Abdul performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider
New Kids on the Block performs at iThink Financial Amphitheater in West Palm Beach ©South Florida Insider

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Coach

Coach is South Florida Insider's Owner, President, Webmaster, as well as a Reporter and Photographer covering events all over the world. Born in West Palm Beach, Coach continues to call the sunny Florida area home. He received his Associate degree from the University of South Florida, then transferred to the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism & Communications. During his journalistic career, which has been featured in local newspapers and magazines as well as national publications, Coach has also continued his love of being an educator. It’s through both endeavors that he’s actively got students interested in following in the field of journalism. Coach loves sharing the world of entertainment with others and giving people the opportunity to step out of the everyday life.