There wasn't a wet eye in the house at last night's farewell New York concert
by Destiny's Child.But then, sentimentality is hardly the point with a group whose best-known songs have always trumpeted the women's independence, survival and ability to sass-talk up a storm.
At Madison Square Garden, the members of Destiny strutted through smashes like "Independent Woman," "Survivor" and "Say My Name" with defiant panache.
As exciting as parts of this swan song show were, everyone knew it only served to clear the way for what's likely to be an even more brilliant solo career for the group's fetching frontwoman, Beyoncé.
Last night's show gave the trio - Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and what's-her-name (oh, yeah, Michelle Williams) - a chance to put a period on the past.
At times it seemed like they couldn't wait to. Most of their early hits, from "Bills, Bills, Bills" to "Bug-A-Boo," were corralled into a fleeting medley.
They also shoehorned in solo numbers for each of the three, giving Rowland and Williams a running start on catching up with the exposure of the group's star. Rowland performed her No. 1 solo hit "Dilemma," while Williams powerhoused through a gospel number. Understandably, each seemed to put more oomph into her time alone than anything they did together.
Even so, Beyoncé got two pieces in her solo turn to the others' single shot each.
The women came together most tightly on recent songs like "Free" and "Soldier," which featured a bangup piece of militaristic choreography.
The group included a few "slower" ballads, but even these featured brisk vocals. The women navigated them with aplomb. But it's telling that the hard-core seldom let up. As in most of their career, this show was all about appearing dynamic - from the runway-ready poses of the women to the rigid rhythms of the band. As a consequence, it was unlikely anyone would get the kind of lump-in-the-throat fans experienced at the demise of Destiny's clearest role model: The Supremes. But at least last night's show underscored that, within the realm of bold female R&B, Destiny has no peer.