Rochester hasn’t seen Fantasia on a local stage in roughly 12 years. That changes on Friday, May 8 — Mother’s Day weekend — when she and fellow Grammy winner Anthony Hamilton bring the Soul On Tour 2026 co-headlining show to Blue Cross Arena. This is one of the better reasons to make the drive to Rochester this spring.
About Fantasia
Fantasia Barrino broke through when she won American Idol Season 3 in 2004 — but what she has built since then is a career in its own right. Her debut single “I Believe” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and her debut album Free Yourself earned platinum certification and three Grammy nominations. She went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Bittersweet,” starred as Celie in The Color Purple on Broadway from 2007 to 2008, and reprised that role in the 2023 film adaptation — earning a Golden Globe nomination in the process. She is one of those performers who fills a large room and makes it feel intimate. Blue Cross Arena is going to suit her.
About Anthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton is a co-headliner in every sense of the word. The Charlotte-born soul singer broke through with Comin’ from Where I’m From in 2003, and his warm, gospel-rooted voice has made him a reliable live draw for two decades. Grammy Award winner. If you know “Charlene,” you already know what he brings to a crowd.
The Venue
Blue Cross Arena sits in downtown Rochester along the Genesee River. It holds up to 14,000 for concerts — big enough for an arena soul show to really breathe. Plan to arrive by 7:30 for the 8:00 PM start. Downtown Rochester has solid dinner options within walking distance if you want to build the whole evening around it.
Tickets & Info
Tickets start at $96 and are on sale now. If you are in the Rochester area — or willing to make the trip — this billing is worth it.