R&B diva Ciara ascended from a makeshift platform into a cloud of smoke as she took the stage at New York's Nokia Theatre on Sunday night with one word written across her chest: Evolution. The significance of that one word shouldn't be underestimated. While it's the name of her new album, it's also what allowed the 21-year-old sensation to settle into her own skin, asserting a confident, cool and composed presence throughout the night's performance.

"My message to you is to love yourself," Ciara said before launching into a new track, 'I'm Just Me,' written with friend Pharrell Williams. "I used to be insecure about being tall and now I'm loving it. I'm at a point where I'm embracing myself and who I am."

The singer, armed with a gaggle of backup dancers, rocked crowd favorites '1, 2 Step,' 'Goodies' and 'Lose Control,' while offering up a taste of her new material including 'Promise' and the Lil Jon laden 'That's Right.' "Ya'll want to get crunk one time?" she yelled.

"It's my first live show here in New York and this feels good," the southern chanteuse confessed. "Ya'll make me feel so good. I must say the past few years have really been a journey. I love this and want this night to last forever."