Shunning unnecessary theatrics or gimmicks, Adele only needed a microphone and a pianist to deliver what might have been the classiest performance of the 2011 VMAs with her rendition of "Someone Like You."
Dressed in a sophisticated black dress, the UK singer delivered a subtle, emotionally rousing performance of "Someone Like You," the second single from her gazillion-selling album 21. With many of tonight's performances going for the over-the-top feel, Adele's performance felt anachronistic and out-of-place in the best possible way; the tiny, smoke-filled jazz club magnified and beamed out to millions.
Given her forceful, emphatic hand gestures, Adele came off as much opera singer as jazzy soul belter, proving that you don't need flashy pyrotechnics or outrageous costumes if you have the vocal chops. You could hear the sound of a thousand audience members thinking of their exes and dabbing their eyes with gold-encrusted handkerchiefs.
Adele's second album 21, released earlier this year, is the biggest album of 2011 so far, selling more than three million copies.
+ Watch Adele perform "Someone Like You" at the 2011 VMAs.