Pop singer Bruno Mars played his chart-topping hits in Sydney

GRAMMY-WINNER Bruno Mars has maintained his status as a premier entertainer after performing a host of his chart-topping hits from his album 24K Magic in Sydney.

Bruno Mars at concert in New Zealand

BRUNO Mars matched the gold standard of the greats with his 24K Magic world tour concert in Sydney on Saturday night.

The Grammy-slaying chart-topper opened his five-night stand at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena with a show which channelled James Brown, Michael Jackson and Prince with his particular blend of Motown soul, r&b and pop.

Bruno Mars in concert. Picture: Supplied

Despite the absence of opener British pop star Dua Lipa to stoke the Saturday night vibe as she recovers from emergency dental surgery, the audience was pumped by the time the curtains finally rose and Mars launched into his latest hit Finesse.

Cardi B and Bruno Mars perform their hit Finesse during the 2018 Grammy’s. Picture: AFP

With his ensemble of musicians and backing singers bringing polished panache to the tightly choreographed concert, Mars set a cracking pace with his all-singing, all-dancing revue which conjured the legendary concerts at Harlem’s Apollo Theatre where he starred last year.

Bruno Mars performing during his 24k Magic world tour. Picture: AAP

He had a willing choir of more than 12,000 backing singers on a raft of hits including 24K Magic, Treasure, That’s What I Like and Versace on the Floor.

Mars was assisted by a captivating stage design and light show but he kept focus on himself and his troupe as they busted out their synchronised moves and he exercised those golden tonsils.

He employs all the trademarks of the modern pop show to keep the crowd engaged and while the arm-waving and “who’s louder” singing competitions might be trite, they still do the trick.

And there were way more pyros than next door at Ed Sheeran, the explosions punctuating at least half the setlist.

Bruno Mars with his Grammy’s for album 24k Magic. Picture: AFP

Marry You tripped the decibel meter into the red for crowd karaoke and featured his nod to Prince with a Purple Rain guitar solo mid song.

He conjured Jackson with his particular brand of moonwalk but could entertain just as successfully simply by standing in formation with his squad and popping his feet.

The pop signer played all of his hits. Picture: Supplied

Mars did inject a bit of local flavour, giving Mt Druitt a cheeky shout out as an alternative holiday destination to the Bahamas for a lover during Calling All My Lovelies.

He performs at Qudos Bank Arena again on Sunday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

Originally published as Pop singer Bruno Mars played his chart-topping hits in Sydney