Goodies all around
This is a Sacramento review by someone who actually loved everybody. Shocking! All critics should take their happy pills before a show. It makes for much more pleasant reviews.
The monster machine that is the "American Idols Live! Tour 2009" roared into Arco Arena last night. And, for three hours, fans of the TV show and the Top 10 finalists were treated to a spectacle of lights, theatrics and amazing music.
(Maybe Beyonce stuck around after her show here Thursday. It would have been worth it!)
A member of arena security estimated the crowd at "near capacity - if not more." It was a packed audience, willing to spend close to $70 for the coveted floor level seats and filling the upper levels almost to the top. Sacramento was only the fourth stop on a tour that will criss-cross the country through Sept. 15.
So last night, fans were lucky to have the "Idols" psyched and well-rested.
Many waited in line to snap up T-shirts, programs and teddy bears. Susan Strongfellow ofSacramento was bound and determined to add a shirt to her collection. "I told my husband to sit down, I'm getting one!" she said in line. This was her first-ever "Idol" concert. Her favorite performer? "Definitely Adam Lambert."
It was a girls' night out for Susan Kanold and her daughter Anna, 12, who came from Lodi for the show - also their first. "Kris (Allen) is my favorite," said Anna. Her mom says Danny Gokey is her sentimental favorite.
The show opened with blazing lights and the all-too-familiar "American Idol" "do-do-do-do-do-do-do" theme music. I half expected Ryan Seacrest to levitate from underneath the stage because it felt like you were actually at the Hollywood show. The acoustics were slightly off at the start, overwhelming some of the lyrics, but the kinks were quickly worked out The format was simple: During the first half of the show the Top 6 "Idols" performed in the order they finished in the competition, each singing two to three songs. So that's where we'll start.
• Michael Sarver: Quite the transformation from oil-rigger to performer, Sarver opened the show dressed in black pants and a white, jewel-studded jacket. He dedicated his set to his wife, asking the crowd, "Are you in love with somebody?" His mix of bluesy rock and pop country - especially on Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" - was a nice start.
• Megan Joy: She opened with a perfect song choice for that unique twist she puts on her music -Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On." She left the "Idol" competition early but definitely has been putting in rehearsal time. Dressed in a hot pink satin dress and way-high stilettos, Joy didn't shimmy in place as usual; she worked the entire stage.
• Scott MacIntyre: No surprise, he rose from underneath the stage playing the piano for all it was worth. His cover of Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles" was well-played and well-sung. And MacIntyre's a guy who doesn't shy from mentioning the tunnel vision that is a part of his life. "Remember when I auditioned and made it through?" he asked. "Ryan's high-five attempt was the high-five heard around the world!"
• Lil Rounds: The mother of three from Memphis took on two of pop music's biggest songs: Beyonce's "All the Single Ladies" and "No One" by Alicia Keys. Her energy was amazing as was her outfit - a black coat dress, beaucoup bling, jeweled stilettos and a black "catsuit" underneath. Lil proved that finishing sooner than later in the competition won't impact her career.
• Anoop Desai: I personally was hoping Anoop "Dawg" wouldn't wear another jacket (and I believe a tie) because I thought the often-seen outfit stiffened his performances on the show, but he did again last night, opting to add a pair of glasses as well. Also, I'm not sure his version of Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind" was - as Simon Cowell might say - his best performance, but this guy is so likeable. And he's a Tar Heel!
• Matt Giraud: He gets my award for most improved performer. And remember, Giraud was the contestant who got the judges' save this season, which kept him in the competition. He started out not wearing his trademark fedora, but donned the chapeau when he sat at the piano for gutsy, heartfelt performances of "Georgia" and The Fray's "You Found Me."
Before intermission the Top 6 did a medley of songs, including "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" (Joy and Rounds) and the dueling piano men MacIntyre and Giraud with the original "Piano Man" Billy Joel's rockin' "Tell Her About It."
It's a safe bet there are plenty of sore jaws this morning after the jaw-dropping set by 17-year-old rocker Allison Iraheta. It's scary that someone this young has such a mature stage presence. She just took over - from the get-go. Perfect opener? You bet. Pink's "I'm a Rock Star" They had the fans on her flaming-red hair and the leather-studded jacket and black pants were in keeping with her rocker-girl style. And it wouldn't be right if Iraheta didn't treat the crowd to her versions of classic rock standards - Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby" and Heart's "Barracuda."
It was ironic - and appropriate - that Danny Gokey opted to open his set with "PYT," the Michael Jackson song he performed during the competition. His much-maligned dance moves on the show have been replaced by twists and turns with the microphone - all in sync! Loved his haunting cover of Carlos Santana's "Maria Maria." Gokey asked the audience "Do we have any dreamers out there?" And he dedicated his final song, Rascal Flatts' "My Wish," to the Arco crowd.
I don't even know where to begin and end with second-place finisher Adam Lambert. He clearly was the performer this audience was clamoring for. And he delivered. Washed in shades of blue and silver (his signature colors) and wearing a leather "morning coat," Lambert made mincemeat of the microphone with Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." There was smoke and faux fire as he dominated the stage. He's made perfection out of his haunting reprise of "Mad World" by Tears for Fears, which he sang at least twice on the TV show.
The audience was on its feet for the Lambert/Iraheta duet of Foghat's "Slow Ride," which they also performed on "American Idol." With a bigger stage they played a cat-and-mouse game with the rock classic.
Season 8 winner Kris Allen wouldn't be Kris Allen if he employed the theatrics of Lambert, so it was only fitting that he demonstrated his amazing gift to sing and play both the guitar and the piano. He opened with his amazing cover of Kanye West's "Heartless," which got him rave reviews on the show. He also performed "Ain't No Sunshine." Looking back at when "Idol" fans first met Kris - in January - this young man has matured into a singer/songwriter that deserved the title.
His set closed with Allen leading the audience in a sing-a-long of "Hey Jude." You know the words!
All 10 "Idols" regrouped for the finale, which has now become the theme song for the Fox show "Glee" - Journey's "Don't Stop Believing." The Arco crowd, which probably could have stayed another three hours, was eventually bathed in a wash of bubbles floating from the rafters.
What always amazes when the "American Idol" tour hits Sacramento each summer is the diversity of audience. Grandparents, moms, dads, little kids, tweens, teens. Folks who love eyeliner and eye candy. They wear Vans and they drive vans. And everyone we talked to said they couldn't wait for Season 9.
The tour plays tonight in Oakland and Sunday in San Jose before heading to Southern California.
And just for entertainment purposes: this is both lulzy and unf at the same time. Thank you, Canada. It's Adam, benches.
Off to read fic post below me.
The monster machine that is the "American Idols Live! Tour 2009" roared into Arco Arena last night. And, for three hours, fans of the TV show and the Top 10 finalists were treated to a spectacle of lights, theatrics and amazing music.
(Maybe Beyonce stuck around after her show here Thursday. It would have been worth it!)
A member of arena security estimated the crowd at "near capacity - if not more." It was a packed audience, willing to spend close to $70 for the coveted floor level seats and filling the upper levels almost to the top. Sacramento was only the fourth stop on a tour that will criss-cross the country through Sept. 15.
So last night, fans were lucky to have the "Idols" psyched and well-rested.
Many waited in line to snap up T-shirts, programs and teddy bears. Susan Strongfellow ofSacramento was bound and determined to add a shirt to her collection. "I told my husband to sit down, I'm getting one!" she said in line. This was her first-ever "Idol" concert. Her favorite performer? "Definitely Adam Lambert."
It was a girls' night out for Susan Kanold and her daughter Anna, 12, who came from Lodi for the show - also their first. "Kris (Allen) is my favorite," said Anna. Her mom says Danny Gokey is her sentimental favorite.
The show opened with blazing lights and the all-too-familiar "American Idol" "do-do-do-do-do-do-do" theme music. I half expected Ryan Seacrest to levitate from underneath the stage because it felt like you were actually at the Hollywood show. The acoustics were slightly off at the start, overwhelming some of the lyrics, but the kinks were quickly worked out The format was simple: During the first half of the show the Top 6 "Idols" performed in the order they finished in the competition, each singing two to three songs. So that's where we'll start.
• Michael Sarver: Quite the transformation from oil-rigger to performer, Sarver opened the show dressed in black pants and a white, jewel-studded jacket. He dedicated his set to his wife, asking the crowd, "Are you in love with somebody?" His mix of bluesy rock and pop country - especially on Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" - was a nice start.
• Megan Joy: She opened with a perfect song choice for that unique twist she puts on her music -Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On." She left the "Idol" competition early but definitely has been putting in rehearsal time. Dressed in a hot pink satin dress and way-high stilettos, Joy didn't shimmy in place as usual; she worked the entire stage.
• Scott MacIntyre: No surprise, he rose from underneath the stage playing the piano for all it was worth. His cover of Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles" was well-played and well-sung. And MacIntyre's a guy who doesn't shy from mentioning the tunnel vision that is a part of his life. "Remember when I auditioned and made it through?" he asked. "Ryan's high-five attempt was the high-five heard around the world!"
• Lil Rounds: The mother of three from Memphis took on two of pop music's biggest songs: Beyonce's "All the Single Ladies" and "No One" by Alicia Keys. Her energy was amazing as was her outfit - a black coat dress, beaucoup bling, jeweled stilettos and a black "catsuit" underneath. Lil proved that finishing sooner than later in the competition won't impact her career.
• Anoop Desai: I personally was hoping Anoop "Dawg" wouldn't wear another jacket (and I believe a tie) because I thought the often-seen outfit stiffened his performances on the show, but he did again last night, opting to add a pair of glasses as well. Also, I'm not sure his version of Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind" was - as Simon Cowell might say - his best performance, but this guy is so likeable. And he's a Tar Heel!
• Matt Giraud: He gets my award for most improved performer. And remember, Giraud was the contestant who got the judges' save this season, which kept him in the competition. He started out not wearing his trademark fedora, but donned the chapeau when he sat at the piano for gutsy, heartfelt performances of "Georgia" and The Fray's "You Found Me."
Before intermission the Top 6 did a medley of songs, including "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" (Joy and Rounds) and the dueling piano men MacIntyre and Giraud with the original "Piano Man" Billy Joel's rockin' "Tell Her About It."
It's a safe bet there are plenty of sore jaws this morning after the jaw-dropping set by 17-year-old rocker Allison Iraheta. It's scary that someone this young has such a mature stage presence. She just took over - from the get-go. Perfect opener? You bet. Pink's "I'm a Rock Star" They had the fans on her flaming-red hair and the leather-studded jacket and black pants were in keeping with her rocker-girl style. And it wouldn't be right if Iraheta didn't treat the crowd to her versions of classic rock standards - Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby" and Heart's "Barracuda."
It was ironic - and appropriate - that Danny Gokey opted to open his set with "PYT," the Michael Jackson song he performed during the competition. His much-maligned dance moves on the show have been replaced by twists and turns with the microphone - all in sync! Loved his haunting cover of Carlos Santana's "Maria Maria." Gokey asked the audience "Do we have any dreamers out there?" And he dedicated his final song, Rascal Flatts' "My Wish," to the Arco crowd.
I don't even know where to begin and end with second-place finisher Adam Lambert. He clearly was the performer this audience was clamoring for. And he delivered. Washed in shades of blue and silver (his signature colors) and wearing a leather "morning coat," Lambert made mincemeat of the microphone with Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." There was smoke and faux fire as he dominated the stage. He's made perfection out of his haunting reprise of "Mad World" by Tears for Fears, which he sang at least twice on the TV show.
The audience was on its feet for the Lambert/Iraheta duet of Foghat's "Slow Ride," which they also performed on "American Idol." With a bigger stage they played a cat-and-mouse game with the rock classic.
Season 8 winner Kris Allen wouldn't be Kris Allen if he employed the theatrics of Lambert, so it was only fitting that he demonstrated his amazing gift to sing and play both the guitar and the piano. He opened with his amazing cover of Kanye West's "Heartless," which got him rave reviews on the show. He also performed "Ain't No Sunshine." Looking back at when "Idol" fans first met Kris - in January - this young man has matured into a singer/songwriter that deserved the title.
His set closed with Allen leading the audience in a sing-a-long of "Hey Jude." You know the words!
All 10 "Idols" regrouped for the finale, which has now become the theme song for the Fox show "Glee" - Journey's "Don't Stop Believing." The Arco crowd, which probably could have stayed another three hours, was eventually bathed in a wash of bubbles floating from the rafters.
What always amazes when the "American Idol" tour hits Sacramento each summer is the diversity of audience. Grandparents, moms, dads, little kids, tweens, teens. Folks who love eyeliner and eye candy. They wear Vans and they drive vans. And everyone we talked to said they couldn't wait for Season 9.
The tour plays tonight in Oakland and Sunday in San Jose before heading to Southern California.
And just for entertainment purposes: this is both lulzy and unf at the same time. Thank you, Canada. It's Adam, benches.
Click to viewOff to read fic post below me.