Anthony Hamilton & Fantasia Kick Off 2026 Tour with Homecoming Show
Spectrum Center; Jan. 23, 2026
There’s something special about performing in front of a hometown audience. On Friday, R&B singers and longtime friends Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton showcased their vocals for an enthralled Charlotte crowd that sat for the opening act but stood for every note that the headliners had to offer.
Charlotte native Hamilton, who always looks comfortable on stage, was first up and cheekily mentioned, “I’d like to welcome me to my hometown.” While taking plenty of time to point at and acknowledge people from the stage, he also found time to wander out into the crowd and connect just a bit closer to the Queen City.
Meanwhile, it’s hard to believe that it’s been more than two decades since Fantasia, who was born in High Point and has lived in Charlotte for years, first appeared on American Idol. In that time, she’s grown into one helluva performer. While her voice has always commanded attention, her stage presence continues to shine in all the right ways when she hits the stage.
While she hasn’t blessed her fans with an album since 2019’s Sketchbook, she’s remained busy not only with touring but acting, having starred in the hit film The Color Purple in 2023, reprising her role as Celie, whom she played on Broadway in the aughts. She released the gospel track “Have Your Way” in 2025.
For his part, Hamilton’s 2024 single “QUEEN” was his first project since the release of his 2021 album, Love Is the New Black.
Friday night kicked off the 2026 leg of Anthony Hamilton and Fantasia’s co-headlining tour, something they’ve embarked on a few times over the years. They’ll be hitting spots around the South and East Coast before returning to North Carolina in May, including a stop in Fayetteville before wrapping up with Fantasia’s homecoming show in Greensboro on May 2.
Be sure to check out Queen City Nerve’s Soundwave, Charlotte’s most comprehensive live music listing, so you don’t miss out on any shows or concerts coming up. And hell, if you’re looking for something else to do, you can check out our events page as well, which runs the gamut of things to do in Charlotte. You don’t ever have to be bored again. You can check out more of Jeff’s pics and live reviews here.
