The world's biggest star? It could just as easily have been your best mate up there tonight.

Adele proved she can belt out a ballad just as easily as tell a tale at Birmingham’s Genting Arena.

Tonight was the first of four sold out gigs at the venue.

It is a far cry from when her Midlands fans could squeeze into the Glee Club on Broad Street - only a few years ago.

When she told the crowd how much she appreciated them coming out, she meant it. Pointing out: “Some day no one will care.”

That seems a long way off on this performance.

It is not often you hear so many instantly recognisable hits.

Popular hit Hometown Glory was set to a backdrop of aerial views of Birmingham city centre.

There was a sing-a-long to Chasing Pavements.

And how many people do you know who can resist singing Hello?

Skyfall won an Oscar, for Pete’s sake.

There was a real poignant moment when the star was joined by the audience in a tribute to those affected by those killed, injured and affected by Sunday's bombings in Pakistan.

Having paid tribute to those killed or injured in Brussels earlier in the tour, this time around Adele asked those at the Birmingham show to hold there torches aloft for the victims of recent horrors in Lahore where at least 69 people were killed.

The south Londoner was happy to share the stage with fans too.

On one such occasion she welcomed one woman on to grab a selfie.

During another she led the chorus of happy birthday to two young fans who had joined her with their mum.

It is still a little baffling that someone aged only 27 is so resigned to looking backwards at her youth.

The singer did admit to the crowd she didn't have many ‘dancey songs’ as she successfully encouraged everyone to stomp to Rumour Has It.

To be honest she was so charming most people would have done anything she asked.

Although she acknowledged her love for Mariah Carey recently, there was no place for divas and vocal histrionics here.

Adele was very open and honest on stage.

She freely told everyone how she craves a cigarette, jokes she was wearing three pairs of spanks (big pants), and even mocked herself for over using “oi oi.”

It was comments like that which won her fans but, as she keeps demonstrating, it is her impressive vocal range and control which has won her so much adulation.

If at 21 Adele’s songwriting announced herself to the world, at 27 it looks a little bit like she's conquered it.

And tonight, there was no suggestion she was about ready to let it go.

Courtesy  Birmingham Mail