Just as the members of Destiny's Child were interchangeable background singers to launch Beyonce Knowles into stardom, Missy Elliott and Alicia Keys were interchangeable opening acts to prime the audience for the main star -- Beyonce.

Beyonce entered Charlotte Coliseum on Saturday night riding what looked like a giant chaise lounge and showering some of her fans with flower petals as she glided toward the stage. Once in the spotlight, she commanded the stage in a way that Missy and Keys couldn't touch.

When Beyonce stepped into the arena to "Baby Boy," a rumble echoed through the Coliseum as more than 12,000 people jumped up and down like schoolchildren at their first concert. Grown women screamed and giggled. Men cheered and looked at her hungrily.

It was easy to understand why. She looked good with her flowing blond tresses, perfectly applied make-up and glittery gold mini-shorts and matching bra. She danced in her heels as if they were Air Jordans.

But Beyonce made sure her fans knew she wasn't simply a pretty face. Although she claimed to be suffering from a cold, she hit the notes on "Be With You" and "Me, Myself and I" with a fire that filled the auditorium.

But her smoldering rendition of "You Got Me" should be released as a single on the radio. It's easily one of the best songs on her solo debut "Dangerously In Love" and she worked it out. Beyonce delivered a balanced mix of songs from "Dangerously In Love" and medleys of Destiny's Child's singles, such as "Survivor" and "Say My Name."

Missy Elliott didn't disappoint either, but her show was predictable hip-hop fare. She sang hooks from "Supa Dupa Fly," "Get Ur Freak On," "Hot Boyz," "Work It," "Pass that Dutch" and her other hits.

But Missy centered her show on theatrics instead of herself. She was nearly invisible with a platoon of dancers and a stage that included three video screens, stripper poles and a DJ.

Keys was the biggest disappointment of the evening. Apparently her handlers told her she needs to dance to appear sexy during live performances. So she spent the first few songs looking stiffer than crash test dummies when she danced to "Karma" and "Rock Wit U." Keys was most comfortable - and sexy - wailing behind the piano as she pounded out "Fallin' " and "A Woman's Worth."

By TONYA JAMESON