Music lovers went crazy for singers Usher and Katy Perry at the closing ceremony of the World Parachuting Championships in Dubai last night.
The Bland family, along with their friends Maddy Carter and Destiny Fernandes, were among the crowd at the sold out gig organised by Done Events at Meydan Racecourse.
The group had dubbed themselves Katy’s Posse and dressed up as the ‘California Gurls’ singer. Emily Bland who was celebrating her birthday at the concert said: “We’re big Katy fans. We love her not only for her music but also her nature. She’s so good and colourful and that’s what we like. She’s a role model.”
Another group of fans called themselves ‘Katy Kitty’. One of the group Ashleigh Wilmot said: “We love Katy. I have been a big fan since I was born. She’s very pretty and glittery.
“Her positive character is what we love most.” R n B singer Usher took to the stage first last night, opening with ‘Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop’ followed by ‘Oh My God’ and ‘Yeah!’ and sending his fans into a frenzy when he took off a black T-shirt and threw down his gloves.
“Usher is my idol. Everyone who listens to Usher’s songs learns how to dance to his hip hop beats and that’s how I learned. He’s super awesome and cool. I love him,” said Abdallah Tom, 14. Usher got the crowd singing along with him to ‘Without You’ and showed his super strength by doing 40 push ups.
Deng Chol from Sharjah added: “I have learned Usher’s dance moves to all his songs from the very beginning. He sounds so good he makes people happy. He always conveys a positive message through his songs.”
The parachuting championships, which were held in the Middle East for the first time, saw 1,600 participants perform breathtaking stunts in the air.
Austrian skydiver and base jumper Felix Baumgartner, who set the world record for skydiving an estimated 39km and reaching an estimated speed of 1,342kph earlier this year, was a special guest at the closing ceremony where he picked up a special award.
Fearless Felix as he is known became the first person to break the sound barrier.
By Kimberly Lobo
