On October 18, Madison Square Garden hosted an unforgettable evening with the legendary Stevie Wonder, as part of his “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour. The concert not only celebrated Wonder’s timeless music but also delivered a powerful message of hope and unity, ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
The tour takes its name from Wonder’s latest single, “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” released shortly after his performance at the Democratic National Convention in August. Speaking to the audience, Wonder explained the inspiration behind the song. “I wrote the song because in the air I could feel the hearts being broken by negativity, by hatred, by racism, by bulls—t,” he said. Before diving into the music, he reminded the audience of the importance of leadership, saying, “To have been given the gift of being a leader means that the Most High has given you the responsibility of living in the light of truth.”
After this heartfelt message, Wonder quickly added with a smile, “But I’m not here to preach,” before sitting at his piano to perform “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” captivating the audience with both his message and his music.
From there, Stevie Wonder took fans on a journey through his five-decade-long career, filled with a dazzling mix of hits and deep cuts. Accompanied by a string section, brass section, background vocalists, dancers, and various other musicians, he performed songs that ranged from the smooth grooves of “As If You Read My Mind” and “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” from his Hotter Than July album, to the urgent funk of “Higher Ground,” a track that feels as relevant today as it did 51 years ago.
Throughout the evening, Wonder kept the crowd energized with a mix of his most beloved classics. Highlights included “My Cherie Amour,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours),” “For Once in My Life,” and the soulful ballad “Overjoyed.”
Halfway through the show, Stevie Wonder introduced rising star Sheléa, who took center stage for a breathtaking performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Until You Come Back to Me” and “Something’s Coming.” The collaboration continued when Wonder returned to the stage, and together they performed feel-good hits like “It’s All Right” and “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing,” their voices blending seamlessly.
Wonder then treated the audience to more timeless hits, including “Living for the City,” the upbeat and joyous “Sir Duke,” and the celebratory “Isn’t She Lovely.”
Fittingly, he ended the night with the final two tracks from his iconic Songs in the Key of Life album: “As” and “Another Star.” The entire arena sang along, closing the show on a high note of unity and optimism.
Setlist: Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart, As If You Read My Mind, Master Blaster (Jammin’), Higher Ground, You Are the Sunshine of My Life, For Once in My Life, Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours, My Cherie Amour, Chapel of Love, Overjoyed, Until You Come Back to Me, Somethings Coming, Contusion, It’s All Right, Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing, All I Do, Village Ghetto Land, Living for the City, Sir Duke, I Wish, Isn’t She Lovely, Just the Way You Are, Send One Your Love, Do I Do, I Just Called to Say I Love You, Superstition, As, Another Star
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