It’s one thing to catch Miguel opening for Usher on the “OMG” Tour, but it’s another to watch him light up the stage when the show is all his. All by himself, Miguel put on a show that not only entertained, but captivated and inspired. The intimate atmosphere that the Birchmere in Alexandria, V.A., provided was a nice setting for an almost personal interaction with a rising star whose talent and skill seemed beyond his years.

Watching Miguel and his band perform songs from his debut album, some of which are “Sure Thing,” “All I Want Is You,” and “Teach Me,” was like watching a rock, R&B, pop, soul concert all in one. The mixture of the many genres married so well, I had the feeling of “Wow, this is so different, but I love it.” And it didn’t hurt that he’s an attractive, confident man who writes some very swoon worthy music-lyrics that make you say, “Wait, what? Run that back.”

I would have to say what struck me the most about this superstar in the making, was the level of assurance that it’s better to be himself than to try to fit in. Miguel is unquestionably comfortable in his own skin, and his uniqueness permeates throughout his music and performances as he wraps the audience up and takes them on a ride through his mind, heart, and soul.

Check out my interview with Miguel as he gives us the scoop on what it means to be “eclectric,” what he needs in a woman, and how it feels to be a Grammy-nominated artist at the beginning of his amazing career.