Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, I’m officially adding Florence of Florence and The Machine up there with you guys as my patron saints of all things diva.

This is a big deal for me — Lady Gaga had to work real hard to reach Beyoncé status, so it’s pretty impressive that after seeing Florence live for the first time, and having only mild feelings toward her music, I changed my mind so radically. Her cover of Beyoncé’s Halo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu6GhJSj3HI) should’ve convinced me last summer, but I’m hooked on her now at least.

Watching her headbang it out, drum stick in one hand, boa slung over one shoulder, dressed in an all white, and that brilliant red hair tossing about — I just kept repeating to myself: Florence, you are a fucking rockstar. An indie diva rockstar, with this insane all encompassing bordering on gospel-esque kind of voice, supported by a band that makes me feel like I’m in a circus caught between heaven and hell.

The show was opened by Holy Hail who really only rubbed me as so-so. Lead singer had no energy, I was easily bored watching this girl toss herself so lifelessly here and there on the stage. BUT, as long as I avoided looking at the stage and the disconcerting image of the lead singer, I actually really enjoyed listening to them play their set. Holy Hail has a style that their MySpace page calls experimental electroacoustic hip-hop and I really dig it. It’s funky yet mellow — I’m imagining their single Cool Town Rock playing on the radio while I drive to the beach in the middle of the summer.

I had some time so I went for a few drinks and a schmooze fest on Terminal 5’s pretty sweet deck (which now features an outdoor BBQ), and then it was time for Florence. I made my way to the second balcony, cradling my $14 drink (like, honestly Terminal 5?), and found a pretty decent spot near the stage. I had a perfect view to see her erupt onto the stage, clad in a tight a white mini dress and a stringy white boa and these fantastic crytsal covered pumps, the red hair literally being the cherry on top. You just can’t help but fall in love with Florence when you first see her.

She started promptly at 9PM played until 10:30.  It was an experience of epic proportions. Yeah, people didn’t dance as much as I’d hoped but I think it was simply because no one could do much other than stare in awe. Three levels of people were packed wall to wall, eyes glued to the stage, and singing along to each and every number at the top of their lungs. In could feel the anticipation building in between every song, overhearing my neighbors betting which song she was going to do next.  I was automatically content for the evening when I heard Kiss With A Fist because it has such a hard edge to it for an otherwise indie song. Plus, seeing her perform it live really highlights that roughness — Florence with her head down, yet eyes peering dangerously over the audience, and in voice slow and steady, “You hit me once / I hit you back / You gave a kick / I gave a slap / You smashed a plate over my head / Then I set fire to our bed.” All I could do was bounce in my spot, tingling because this chick is just that badass.

Ordering us to jump on three, Florence set the mood up for Dog Days are Over perfectly.  The room actually erupted with the sounds of hundreds of feet hitting the floor, but still, Florence’s voice overpowered even that. She basically covered all the major hits from Lungs, paused a few times to change and also to sing happy birthday to the bassist. I was a bit pissed it ended so early (10:30, wtf?) but now I just can’t wait for them to come back to NYC. I will definitely elbow my way to the front of the audience and stand their wide eyed like a five year old child looking at this musical genius/real life fairy princess.