Live music in Boston
This month we get so emotional speaking with Adenike Adewale who is embarking on a massive 80-day tour bringing the music of Whitney Houston to the stage in Queen of the Night. Adenike is saving all her love for Boston and Lincoln, with two dates in our neck of the woods guaranteeing audiences one moment in time
After an unforgettable 2024 – with over 100,000 tickets sold, a blockbuster UK arena tour, and standing ovations at the Royal Albert Hall and The London Palladium – the phenomenon that is Queen of the Night – A Tribute To Whitney Houston is gearing up to celebrate its 10th anniversary in jaw-dropping style.
Get ready, because 2025 will see this smash-hit production embark on its most ambitious tour yet, bringing the magic of Whitney Houston to 85 cities and towns across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England.
This is more than a tribute – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime West End theatrical experience, a glittering celebration of the music, spirit, and legacy of one of the greatest voices of all time.
Adenike Adewale was a shy kid who loved music, finding her voice in school choirs and singing along to powerhouse legends in her bedroom. Now, she’s front and center, leading Queen Of The Night with a live band, dazzling performances, and all the Whitney classics—I Wanna Dance With Somebody, I Will Always Love You, Saving All My Love, and more.
How did you land the role in Queen Of The Night?
I started out singing in choirs and school productions, but I was super shy. Music was my escape — I’d sit with a piano and just lose myself. I was always drawn to powerhouse singers like Whitney, Celine Dion, and gospel greats.
I went to university to study law (classic strict African upbringing!), but music was always my passion. I led a choir at uni, started singing at events, and eventually pushed myself out of my comfort zone.
Then, in 2021, I auditioned for The Voice—right in the middle of Covid. I made it onto Team Will.i.am, got through to the battle rounds, and even sang a Whitney song!
That whole experience made me realise this is what I wanted to do. So, when Queen Of The Night came up, I went for it—and here I am!
What makes Whitney Houston so special to you?
Whitney was always playing in our house—my mum was a huge fan. Her voice wasn’t just powerful; it had soul. She could take a song written for her and make it feel like her own story. I wanted that same vocal freedom, that emotional connection.
She started in gospel, then took on pop, R&B, and soul—but her faith and passion were always there. That’s what inspired me most.
Why do you think her music still connects with people today?
Whitney’s music is timeless. It speaks to every generation. Teenagers still go crazy for I Wanna Dance With Somebody, just like their mums and grandmothers did.
She was always herself, and you felt that in every song. Whether it was a power ballad or an upbeat dance track, it came from a real place. And in our show, we see people singing their hearts out, reliving memories through her music—it’s amazing to witness.
Whitney had an iconic voice. How do you prepare to take on her songs?
She really was The Voice! For me, it’s about discipline—lots of vocal training, practice, and making sure I’m taking care of myself. I warm up, listen to her recordings, and keep my voice in top shape so I can bring my best every night.
The show isn’t just about hitting the right notes—it’s about bringing people on a journey through her life and music. That’s what makes it so special.
What can audiences expect from Queen Of The Night?
It’s an experience! The show is interactive, high-energy, and packed with Whitney’s biggest hits. We’ve got a full live band—guitar, bass, sax, percussion, drums, piano—plus backing dancers and singers. It’s a full-on celebration of her life and music.
We also tell her story between songs, which makes this tribute different. I’m not acting as Whitney, but as soon as the music starts, I step into her world.
Any favourite moments in the show?
Definitely My Love Is Your Love! We bring someone from the audience on stage, and it’s always a surprise—sometimes they can really sing, sometimes they just want to dance! It’s such a fun, feel-good moment.
And of course, I Will Always Love You—it’s the song. When I first started performing it, I felt the weight of how much it means to people. Some nights, you could hear a pin drop; other nights, the crowd cheers through the whole thing. It’s pure magic.
You’ve performed at legendary venues like the Royal Albert Hall—what was that like?
Unbelievable! Headlining the Royal Albert Hall and the London Palladium felt like a dream. I had so many family and friends there, and the night before, I was in tears, just feeling so grateful.
For a tribute show to reach venues like that, it shows how far Queen Of The Night has come. The fact that we get to celebrate Whitney at these iconic places is amazing.
Touring is intense—how do you keep your voice in shape?
It’s all about balance. I make sure to rest, eat the right foods (no fizzy or cold drinks before a show!), and follow vocal coaches’ advice. If we have four shows back-to-back, I
pace myself—every performance has to be top-notch. Our team is great at supporting each other, which makes the whole experience even better.
What does a show day look like for you?
Early travel, then I love walking around whatever city we’re in—one of the best parts of touring is seeing new places! Once we’re at the venue, we do soundcheck, then I prep my costumes (three wigs, up to ten outfits!).
We hang out backstage, listen to music—sometimes Whitney, sometimes just a random playlist. Then it’s makeup, final warm-ups, and a quiet moment before I step on stage.
There’s this electric moment at the start—just me, backstage, the band kicking in, the energy building. Then I walk out, strike a pose, and boom — we’re off! Every night feels brand new.
How does the show balance celebrating Whitney’s legacy with acknowledging her struggles?
Whitney’s story is layered—her highs were incredible, but there were also challenges. We focus on her music and the joy she brought people, but the emotions in her songs reflect everything she went through.
We get messages from people who saw her live, telling us how much they love the show. That’s the biggest compliment. It’s an honour to bring her music to life and give people a way to relive those memories.
Queen of the Night – A Tribute to Whitney starring Adenike Adewale will take place at Boston’s Gliderdrome on Saturday 12th April, and at the Engine Shed in Lincoln on Saturday 7th June. Tickets £27.50-£33, book online at www.queenofthenight.co.
For more What’s On suggestions, see the April edition of Lincolnshire Pride at https://www.pridemagazines.co.uk/lincolnshire/view-magazines?magazine=April-2025