Miley Cyrus’ tour raises the bar on pop concerts and conflict

Miley Cyrus’ Bangerz tour hit San Jose’s SAP Center on Tuesday, Feb. 25 with an overly sexualized, off-the-wall and completely enjoyable bang.

Cyrus entered the stage humorously, sliding down a tongue-shaped slide that stuck out from a projection of her face.

“My favorite part of the show was the very beginning when Miley slid out of her own mouth on a giant tongue,” said Brittany Allen, 22, daycare administrator. “I like her sexually provocative attitude.”

Cyrus showed off her attitude by riding a huge hot dog that was suspended above the stage during her performance of “Someone Else.”

The start of the show exploded into a celebration with “SMS(Bangerz),” “4×4” and “Love Money Party.”

“I’ve never seen a concert where the entertainer had every single person out of their seat screaming, singing or dancing,” said Charles Navarro, 20, business management economics major.

The setlist contained 15 of the 16 songs from Cyrus’ album “Bangerz,” two cover songs, and earlier hits, such as “Can’t be Tamed” and “Party in the U.S.A.”

To shed her childhood image, she excluded “The Climb” and all of Disney’s “Hannah Montana” songs, despite their great successes.

Many parents were outraged by Cyrus’ stage antics.

“The tour’s management team has been called to an emergency meeting to strategize after learning that several arenas are considering dropping her act,” according to the San Jose Mercury News.

There were many outfit changes, but they were all similarly revealing, glittery unitards.

The vibe in the SAP Center changed as controversial dancers and set pieces exited the stage to fit more emotional and serious songs.

Cyrus’ vocals soared in “FU,” “Adore You” and “Drive.”

During “Adore You,” Cyrus urged audience members to kiss the person next to them if they wanted to be shown on the large video screen.

Her best songs, “We Can’t Stop,” “Wrecking Ball” and “Party in the U.S.A.” were saved for last.

For cover songs, Cyrus moved to the opposite side of the arena to address as much of her audience as possible.

She covered Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and Outkast’s “Hey Ya!” while wearing a large shirt with a picture of her own face on it. Parton also happens to be Cyrus’ godmother.

Opening act Sky Ferreira had minimal stage presence, but her songs were good. Icona Pop followed Ferreira and did an amazing job presenting high energy and strong vocals.

The crowd at San Jose was in sync with Cyrus and fed off her fun and wild behavior.

The 21-year-old “Wrecking Ball” singer did not seem to be any more controversial or sexual than Britney Spears during her “Onyx Hotel Tour” or Madonna during her “Erotic” era.

Dropping this successful tour because she is sexual would be a shame for all her fans.

Spears and Madonna shared a kiss at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards and Cyrus was photographed kissing “Teenage Dream” star Katy Perry during her concert in Los Angeles on Feb. 22.

Parents should control what their children see and hear instead of trying to shut down Cyrus’ tour.

As guilty as she is for being sexual, Cyrus has a great vocal range and knows how to give a festive performance.

“I would hear her laugh on stage and know she was having a good time performing,” said Jay Hart, 20, service representative. “Any doubt or skepticism I had toward her is gone after attending her concert.”

Cyrus has left the Bay Area, but her tour is just getting started and it will run until June 13.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars