Michael Bublé Charms Crowd At Petersen Center In Pittsburgh

None — Canadian crooner Michael Bublé, 34, brought his onstage charm, smooth voice and boyish good looks to the Petersen Events Center in Oakland Wednesday night.

In one of his many conversations with the more than 9,000 in attendance, Bublé noted that The Pete was the smallest venue on the North American leg of his Crazy Love tour.

He said sharing an intimate evening with the crowd is what he enjoys most, and proceeded to engage fans in several sing-alongs. Bublé even ventured out into the center of his audience to sing "Home," joined by his a cappella opening act, Naturally 7.

At the end of the song, a large photo of the Pittsburgh skyline was displayed on one of the on-stage screens, drawing a slew of cheers.

Bublé mockingly apologized to Pittsburgh, at one point, for Team USA hockey losing to Team Canada in the winter Olympics. He said he didn't feel too bad, though, since the Penguins have a history of hockey heroes, including Mario Lemiuex, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Bublé actually ended his comic rant with a certain lewd gesture to the crowd.

Bublé may have even broken some local hearts Wednesday, when he announced his recent engagement. He never disclosed her name, but after a quick Google search I discovered the lucky lady is Argentinian actress Luisana Loreley Lopilato de la Torre, 22.

Bublé's intimate evening even included a confession. He said most people think his idols were the classic crooners like Frank Sinatra. Actually, he said, his idol was Michael Jackson, and the moment that made him want to be a performer was watching Matthew Broderick parade down a Chicago street singing "Twist and Shout" in the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." Bublé said he was 13 when he watched this famous scene.

Bublé then launched into a short rendition of "Billie Jean," crotch grabbing and all, followed by "Twist and Shout," complete with giant beach balls.

Watch Raw Video: Billie Jean, Twist and Shout

Even if you don't think Bublé will be remembered as one of the all-time greats, you can't deny his enthusiastic showmanship. It's the primary reason, I think, he has gained such a following of adoring fans.

It also doesn't hurt that Bublé is backed by an impressive 13-piece band. I was certain that he introduced one of his saxophone players as being a Pittsburgh-native, but I haven't been able to confirm that fact.

Bublé started the show with the dramatic "Cry Me A River," my personal favorite of the night, and ended it with an encore that included "Me and Mrs. Jones."

Bublé seemed determined to come off as a regular guy, even though in his fourth visit to Pittsburgh, he's certainly a bigger star than ever before. He said he'll continue to come back to the Steel City, as long as fans here will have him.

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WPXI