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CHRIS BROWN TRYING TO BE 'A BETTER MAN': Singer addresses supportive crowd during performance at Powerhouse '09 gig in Jersey. (video)

(October 29, 2009)

*In his first comeback concert since assaulting former girlfriend Rihanna, Chris Brown took the stage at New Jersey's Izod Center Tuesday night and told the crowd that he is trying to be a "better man."

Brown was on a bill with opening acts The-Dream, Fabolous, Day26, Trey Songz, Keri Hilson and Mario for Power 105.1's Powerhouse '09 concert.

Sporting a red and black leather jacket, reminiscent of the Michael Jackson's outfit in the "Thriller" video, Brown took the stage to a warm reception from fans. After performing the hit single "No Air," he told the crowd, "Despite my past and stuff like that, I appreciate all of y'all."

Brown's set lasted about 45 minutes, during which he showed off some new choreography and sang about his newfound maturity. "The young boy now is 20," he sang during "Gimme That."

According to MTV, many of the opening acts stuck around during Brown's performance, dancing on the wings of the stage. After the show, singer Omarion, who had made a guest appearance, told MTV that Brown chose the perfect time for a comeback. "He's ready," Omarion said. "He's right and he's ready. It's time."

Fellow performer Polow Da Don agreed. "You can tell he's been missing in the game," he said. "He is the future. If there will be another Michael Jackson, he's the closest thing to it. The kid's only 20, by the time he's like 25, that's when Michael hit his peak, that's when Usher hit his peak . . . I think it's going to be his world."

Below, Brown performs "I Can Transform Ya" at Powerhouse '09.