Mika combines politics and camp at LA show

Mika gave an over-the-top performance during his sold-out show at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles last night (February 11).

The pop singer, who has struggled to get radio airplay in the US, brought out a large and loyal following who sang along to every chorus and cheered loudly at every spectacle.

"We've had trouble with radio in this country, but ours is a career that's based on playing live," Mika told the crowd before launching into 'Grace Kelly'.

The evening began with a giant balloon that popped to reveal a woman inside dressed as an angel, only hinting at the antics to come.

During 'Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)', Mika's ode to large ladies, a giant female blow-up doll hovered over the stage while three scantily-clad, plus-size women performed a dance routine replete with flips and cartwheels alongside the singer.

Later, a giant skeleton marionette trotted onto the stage and gave Mika a big hug. Before the night was through, the singer engaged in a shirtless drum-off with his tiara-wearing drummer on flower-covered steel trashcans.

The audience ate it up, shouting and cheering more vigourously the campier things got.

"It was two years ago that I was here recording in Culver City, and the gigs keep getting bigger and better," Mika said.

Mika played most of the tracks off of his debut album 'Life In Cartoon Motion' including crowd-pleasers 'Billy Brown' and 'Relax, Take It Easy' during his hour-long set, as well as previewed a new tune.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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