CLARKSTON, Mich.--Weak performances hampered the Detroit-area stop of MTV's inaugural "Total Request Live" tour, but Destiny's Child [ tickets ] resuscitated the night in the end with an energetic performance.

The Texas trio's hour-long set on Thursday (8/23) at the DTE Energy Music Theatre included multiple costume changes and a battery of hits, most of which sported new arrangements to convey a jazz or reggae feel. The three women were joined by eight dancers that, considering Destiny's Child's high energy, were unnecessary.

Although taped vocals provided most of the background vocals, Destiny's Child usually sang live. Frontwoman Beyoncé Knowles showed off her range with vocal gymnastics reminiscent of Mariah Carey, while Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland proved to be able to hold the spotlight in their own right. An a cappella gospel number at mid-show was Destiny's Child's way of discrediting critics who claim the group’s vocal talents are less than stellar. But, in a seemingly ill-thought-out--if not sacrilegious--move, the gospel song was followed with the group's latest hit, "Bootylicious."

"Bootylicious" and "Emotion," its first cover song, were two of the many songs that Destiny's Child served up from its latest album, "Survivor" (Columbia). The trio also merged Tina Turner's "Proud Mary" with its own hit "Jumpin' Jumpin'," and wrapped up the night kicking balloons and waving away confetti during "Happy Face."

City High, 3LW and Dream offered short, 15-minute performances. (As someone nearby said, "Anyone can look like a genius in 15 minutes.") But as the evening wore on, the sets grew longer and more unfocused. Background rappers were clumsy additions to Eve [ tickets ]'s hit "Who's That Girl," which ended with a blast of pyro and confetti.

Rapper Nelly [ tickets ]'s set was disappointing. Poor mixes and a collection of rappers from his side project St. Lunatics--who were out of sync with each other--hampered the hour-long performance. The hits--"Ride Wit Me," "Country Grammar" and "E.I."--peeked through a cesspool of poor sound, but less familiar songs fell flat.

In all, MTV's "TRL" tour isn't a bad idea. However, as with many of these teen-oriented shows, the producers do not seem to understand that the audience does care how the performer sounds. Looks and props can only take you so far.