Beyonce Knowles' solo success already has been established, so the announcement
that this was Destiny's Child's final tour surprised approximately no one. But Destiny's other two - Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams - dispensed with any notion that they were simply Knowles' backing singers Saturday night before a St. Pete Times Forum crowd of 9,147.
Rowland is the trio's most effervescent member, pumping up the audience with an energy and enthusiasm that was infectious.
Williams is the trio's most talented singer. Her solo number, ``Do You Know,'' was the finest vocal performance of the evening, with Williams bringing the song to a fiery climax. She very nearly equaled that performance later in the evening, hitting her knees to wail a few choruses of ``Through With Love.''
Still, there was no denying Knowles' charisma, and the set definitely played to that.
Her solo sequences were longer and more elaborate, inevitably following spots by the other two. And her solo hit, ``Crazy in Love,'' was a highlight, with the lights popping in time with the song's frenetic beat and Knowles in her most revealing outfit of the evening.
The show didn't milk the ``final tour'' angle, instead focusing on the group's many hits, as well as numerous dance numbers and costume changes.
The women rose from below the stage for the opening number, ``Say My Name,'' then moving into a spirited ``Independent Woman.''
Male dancers performed prior to ``Soldier,'' while ``Survivor'' featured a Spanish theme complete with the trio joining the troupe for some flamenco steps.
Three men from the crowd were brought onstage for some bump 'n' grind teasing on ``Cater 2 U''.