Expecting a Chris Brown Backlash?

There was no such thing at the Powerhouse '09 concert Tuesday night at the Izod Center in East Rutherford. Brown's first public performance in nearly a year was met by a very enthusiastic response from the approximately 9,000 in the audience, composed of mostly young females.

While Brown did appear contrite — more on that in a bit — he did seem more intent on delivering the poppy R&B jams and sexy ballads he's known for.

Sometimes the sexy part became blatant. When Brown and two male backup dancers performed "Take You Down," the trio, while lying face down, delivered a series of pelvic thrusts to the stage to the crowd's delight. Brown also took off his shirt for good measure during the song.

Brown did not directly address the audience for much of his performance except for a moment toward the end of his show-closing set.

"Despite my past and stuff like that, I appreciate y'all," Brown said. "I'm going to change and be a better man."

Brown made headlines in February when he assaulted his then-girlfriend Rihanna. The Powerhouse (New York City's 105.1) concert also featured sets by The Dream, Trey Songz, Keri Hilson Day26 and Fabolous.

Brown is set to perform a show Dec. 9 at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville as part of his Fan Appreciation Tour. Tickets for the Starland show go on sale noon, Saturday.