To cop a line from Gwen Stefani [ tickets ]'s song "Hollaback Girl," the pop and fashion icon's show Saturday (4/28) at Phoenix's Cricket Pavilion was b-a-n-a-n-a-s.

The 20,000-plus, sold-out crowd was enthusiastic straight through the show--from the opening numbers by Brit rapper Lady Sovereign [ tickets ] and uber-popular Senegalese reggae-rapper Akon [ tickets ] through Stefani's 90-minute set.

Fans' excitement exploded when pop's leading lady hit the stage close to 10:20 p.m. to the tune of Elvis Costello's "Watching the Detectives." The subtle taps of a tambourine hinted at opening number "The Sweet Escape."

The No Doubt frontwoman--who, along with her Harajuku Girls, was dressed as a convict (she'd make multiple costume changes throughout the night)--arrived on stage in a faux-gold-gilded cage that slid through an opening in the platform on which her band stood. A large, Las Vegas-like "G" lit up the top of the stage, and a nine-piece video screen provided the backdrop. At the end of "The Sweet Escape," the dancers were rustled into the cage, which retreated backstage.

"So this is what 20,000 people looks like," Stefani told the crowd before launching into "Rich Girl." Bubbling gold lit up the video screens as the audience sang along to the "na nas."

For the delicious "Yummy," Stefani walked on a moving walkway with two keyboard players--similar to Jamiroquai circa 1997.

"Early Winter," a song she dubbed as one of her favorites from the new album, was sweet and tender.

One of the night's highlights was "Wind It Up," during which she and her dancers dressed as schoolboys and girls and arrived via a moving staircase. The song's title flashed on the nine-piece video screen as she yodeled her way through the number.

A tribute to ex-boyfriend and No Doubt bandmate Tony Kanal, "Cool," was sung from a small stage in the middle of the pavilion. During "Orange County Girl" she paid tribute to her family--husband/Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale and baby Kingston--via videoscreens. Earlier in the night, Stefani said Kingston had played in a portable pool at the venue all day, and was asleep on the tour bus.

The show's pacing was impeccable. Instead of silence or banter between songs, Stefani's band played musical interludes, or breakdancers entertained.

Lady Sovereign [ tickets ], known for her acerbic attitude, softened her tough image to smile and laugh with the audience during "Hoodie." Vocally, however, she was hoarse, leaving her techno-flavored rap "Love Me or Hate Me" mediocre.

Many in the audience were clearly there to see Akon [ tickets ], who joined Stefani on her opening number, "The Sweet Escape." Applause and screams erupted when he sang "Smack That," but the set's momentum slowed down significantly when he introduced the latest addition to his Kon Live family, scantily clad Jamaican sisters Brick and Lace. Better use could have been made of the time he had during his set. When he returned to the stage after their two-song performance, Akon played the annoying "Lonely" after explaining that, pre-fame, he was unable to find a date. Now, the women are lining up to be with him.

While closing his set, he told the audience, "Thank you for making this a beautiful family event." Ironic, considering he let loose a few four-letter words during his 45 minutes.

Gwen Stefani [ tickets ]'s Set List:

"The Sweet Escape"
"Rich Girl"
"Yummy"
"4 in the Morning"
"Luxurious"
"Early Winter"
"Wind It Up"
"Danger Zone"
"Hollaback Girl"
"Now That You Got It"
"Don't Get It Twisted"
"Cool"
"Wonderful Life"
"Orange County Girl"

Encore:
"The Real Thing"
"What You Waiting For?"