I can remember words OK, and it's true that it gets easier with practice - to the extent that you find yourself remembering songs you didn't know you'd actually learnt - but what I can never do is remember what a particular song is called, so I end up carrying a list of titles around. As for the OP, using a music stand etc., is fine, even for a concert pro AS LONG AS YOU ENGAGE THE AUDIENCE, which is the whole point.

Powerpoint presentations back in the 1990's where the 'presenter' read the slides off the screen rather than using them to illustrate the talk are also seared into my memory.

Certain TV entertainers are likewise unable to do anything but talk to the camera when in front of a live audience. Terry Wogan was one example.