American Idols Live 2010 – Chicago IL

It seems like the tweeters tonight have a really good attitude! It must be a very big night for Lee. :)

I’m really, really happy for Lee tonight.

This is a big night for Lee and I am so excited for him. I understand the house is packed so that is fantastic. Tweeters, thank you for bringing your insights to us out here in computer land. Hope a lot of videos get posted.

Lee just tweeted “My kind of town, you guys are awesome. I love you, I love this city, I love music. Thank you :)”

I’m so happy for him, too!

Nice crowd in that picture!

sooo excited and happy for Lee! full house too..yay! cant wait for videos and photos!!!

That first tweet – “almost a packed house” – a really good crowd and really responsive!

I looked up some figures – according to Idolstages the concert configuration at the United Centre is over 20,000 but they’ve probably configured it smaller than that again. It’ll still be interesting to see the final count – for comparison last years figures were 12526 and the record for Chicago was 13,390 in 2006 (both at the other venue, the Allstate arena)

A great hometown reception for Lee! And also for Crystal whose second home is Chicago and who also auditioned here!

Love the active tweeters! Energy must be getting revved up I hope. I’m excited for Lee!

You think it was sold out? I know a lot of fans were coming from all over according to those I follow on Twitter. I know that’s only a drop in the bucket, but he did have 40,000 at his homecoming. I’m stoked for him!

Someone had said getting tickets was hard. I think when you perform to an enthusiastic crowd, it makes you more revved.

I am so happy for Lee! I hope we get some great videos, too!

Siobhan once said her costume is very fragile. By the end of the tour it probably will be held together with spiderwebs! It’s an awesome outfit.

LDA is getting great pictures.

Siobhan once said her costume is very fragile. By the end of the tour it probably will be held together with spiderwebs! It’s an awesome outfit.

I remember that, too. She said it was vintage and that the woman who is in charge of their tour clothes has to make repairs on it constantly.

Mike looks enormous in that picture. Holy Smokes!

Go Lee! This is where it all began for you just over a year ago. Full circle baby! Soak it in, this is your night!

Mike is big! Love him for all the LNS’s this summer. I would love to be there when Lee walks onto the stage. They are gonna go nuts!!

ditto that, suziq!

Sooooo happy there is very close to a full house for Chicago, Lee’s hometown! :)

I can’t wait to see videos from tonight’s show. Nice twit pics though. I’m happy for Lee too!

My friend just phoned me from the concert…all I could hear was lots of SCREAMING!! and some Beautiful Day then Rocket Man. It sounds wild down there. With the tweets and really good pics tonight, this has been fun! Glad that you are all here…I’m so sad the tour is drawing to a close. I hope there is a late night sandwich tonight…like a beef sandwich or Chicago style dog!

Happy Lee got a big turn out for his hometown show!! Dang wish I was there!!

suziq thanks for the report!

Maybe he’s not crying because after seeing 40k fans at his top 3 homecoming show that the reception he’s getting tonight is not so shocking but still really exciting and special.

Glad to hear Lee got a big turnout for his hometown show

Someone tweeted he has thank you printed on his hands

Tweeters???? Where did you go??? You’ve left us hanging lol!

Twitter:
#fanofleeforlife
putting the thank you on your hands tonight is priceless! :)

I heard that Siobhan kicked everyone’s ass tonight.

tiny snippet of Hallelujah- http://www.twitvid.com/TNLAJ

not much..i know. haha i love how he write little msgs for the fans on his hands

Lee DeWyze is a class act. Love your music man. . . .can’t wait for the videos of tonight and the new CD. . . everyone buy it ok??????

and another snippet- Use Somebody: http://www.twitvid.com/B5CXB

I wonder who does his “hand” writing. I saw the I love St. Louis ones..on both hands…so he couldn’t do it on his right hand? So who do ya think! I wonder if the thank you is thank on one hand and you on the other? Pictures should come soon enough.

Thank you Amanda for the snippet of Hallelujah. . . you are a doll that will hold me over until the videos come.

Yeah, Lee sounded good on those songs (and I didn’t hear the screamers). Now…are we all “virtually” running over to the barricades to get our pictures and autographs?! That’s our next move, right!

It’s funny…for almost every concert the tweeters have disappeared during Lee’s set. Some of them pick back up after they get to the barricades, though.

I don’t think I could tweet while he was singing.

Congratulations Lee!

yes, we are at the barricades now suziq! It is almost impossible to tweet when Lee is singing for sure.

I heard he had I love Chicago on the other hand. And he managed to not burst into a giant teardrop after Use Somebody lol

Go Lee! Very happy for him. Sounds like an awesome concert:) Nabs, thanks for the videos!

Well, he kept to his set list. I don’t think Crystal will change hers tomorrow either. Not sure, but I don’t think they’ll let her.

Love the tweets. Yay. Way to go Lee. Thanks for the vids Nabs.

A dear friend phoned me during Lee’s set too. Crowd was so loud but could hear his voice well. Videos should be fantastic. I’m very happy for Lee, a great full circle moment for him before embarking on the next step of his career.

aprilfoolish, I heard that Crystal got permission to sing her original composition “Holy Toledo” tomorrow when they play in her hometown of Toledo.

aprilfoolish:
08/28/2010 at 11:45 pm
Well, he kept to his set list. I don’t think Crystal will change hers tomorrow either. Not sure, but I don’t think they’ll let her.

Well the word just before the tour was that she would be doing an original song in Toledo. Not saying they didn’t change their minds on that but I don’t know why they would have. Except of course, because of who we’re talking about here, lol.

Was looking forward to an original but not sad he didn’t do one. I’m sure that there is plenty of opportunity to hear those when he goes on a solo tour. Yay. Can’t wait.

Well, I think the vibe was good it seemed for everyone, hope they get a good review. And it will be cool if Crystal gets to do Holy Toledo. One question about the albums idol’s put out, do they release a single before the album?or is it at same time?

I only followed David Cook and his single came out before the album.

Hi Aprilfoolish I asked the same question a while back and was told for a non pop album the single generally, but not always, comes out 6-8 weeks before the album eg last year the tour ended mid September, Kris’ single came out ~21 September and his album in November, about the same time as Lee’s. They’ve already done the photoshoot for Lee so (depending on other factors unknown to us) it’s likely Lee’s single will come out in September sometime.

With pop albums the single is released closer to the album

I’m eagerly a-waiting!

I’m eagerly a-waiting!

Me, too!

It looks like the buses have left the venue and are on their way to their next stop. Lee just tweeted that spent what little time he had with his family before they left.

thnx lmkhemari!

Oh so cool, I hope his single comes out soon and gets lots of air time

Honey, I’m home.

It was epic. Ep. Ic. I’m going to write my review for mj now before I forget anything, so I’ll just say it took me 2.5 hrs to drive 62 miles in Chicago freeway traffic, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

(Lee had I [heart] Chicago on his left hand. I couldn’t see his right.)

That was exhausting! What a great night. I’m glad Lee was able to spend some time with his family. I hope he can have a few days with his family after tour just to unwind and re-energize to finish the album. The tweeters and “comment-ers” were just great tonight.

Awesome, can’t wait for your recap. His other hand said thank you, we were told.

And Lee’s good-bye from that “other” hometown concert (I was there…and will never forget it)…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVPqVxRrCjE&feature=related. Good night all.

wjmtv, very eagerly awaiting your recap. :) So so happy you had an epic time. I’m really happy now. LOL.

yeh that 1st hometown concert was a-mazing…and i got that from only watching YT videos. so being there wouldve been..!
looking forward to your recap, wjmtv.

I have pictures and a partial video of Straight Up, and full version of Better Days I’ll upload soon.

Here’s a review.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=404337

here’s about a minute of Hallelujah: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEJGgd86rmM

the crowd looks awesome waving their lights

Lee’s hometown show was tonight? Nothing about that was mentioned on the news. Maybe because there was a Bears game going on and they’re more important.

The vid is awesome. Thanks nabs. Great crowd.

I was at the show and it was a very good concert. All of the Idols sounded much better than they did during the show. I especially enjoyed Tim, Siobhan, Casey and Lee. Crystal has an incredible voice, but she still has a lot to learn about working a large stage. I really believe she is meant for smaller venues. Casey and Lee have the most star quality potential. Didi and Andrew have much to learn. Tim should have some career in entertainment somewhere because of the likability factor. Katie has a great voice, but tries too hard. Aaron is very entertaining and may have a great future as he matures. Siobhan is still finding herself, but the girl has energy and could be a great front woman. Big Mike is not my cuppa but he can sing well.

It was a good crowd, but far from capacity. The floor was mostly full, the first tiered seats had quite a few empties as did the second tier. The third tier was largely empty with just a few people up there. I would estimate the crowd to be around 10k, which is a nice size crowd and would have been near capacity at Allstate Arena where they should have had the show. The crowd, especially on the floor was enthusiastic. All ages represented with quite a few teens and tweens. What seemed to be missing was a large number of 20 somethings I’ve seen at other Idol concerts.

According to the review, the show wasn’t sold out. I thought that since Lee’s homecoming had so many people, that this should would surely sell!

Here’s another review. Seems unduly harsh on the favorite son. http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/conner/2650222,american-idol-concert-review-082910.article

That review was really harsh. It at least recognized a few good points about Crystal and Casey, but it was like the reviewer had bought a bag of nails and was trying to nail the coffin shut for the future of American Idol. Well, just an opinion, and all I hope is that these idols at least get a chance to get the proper promotion when they do their own material. They at least deserve a listen to, and by the public, so they can make up their own minds!!

The tour is over in 2 days, who cares what the critics say at this point? I know I don’t. You either like this crew of kids or you don’t, you either plan on buying Lee’s Crystal’s or Casey’s music, or you don’t. No critic is going to make up anybody’s mind about that at this point.

That said, this critic was clearly a biased Casey fan.

Sp34567, maybe you weren’t watching the right channel?

According to the review, the show wasn’t sold out. I thought that since Lee’s homecoming had so many people, that this should would surely sell!

I thought Lee went to some venue where there were already a race and lots of people or something, for his homecoming? In any case it does really matter aal that much the venue was almost full tonight, I am sure Lee had a great night.

I don’t really care about what the critics say either. I know what I like to listen to and what I don’t. Wonder what is the intention of the author when he wrote this article. To tear people’s hopes and career down? Or is this justisfied as merely an opinion. Well, my opinion is this guy is a first class ass.

jennyl, you’re not alone in that opinion. LOL

You know what they say, those who can; do, those who can’t; become critics. ;)

LVD, At his homecoming concert in May, Lee played at Arlington Race Track to a crowd of 41,000 people.

That’s certainly a bigger crowd then any of the other Idols this year have played to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjtkzL3tnek – tim urban better days

The crowd that was there were all there for Lee, 30,000 tickets went in 12 minutes, from what I hear. The concert was at 7ish and races had been already over.

I think Lee would have had a better turn-out at the Allstate Arena which is close to his hometown. The United Center is a long way from the NW suburbs and parents may have hesitated to let their teens drive there and it is too far for a drop-off. Chicago traffic is a nightmare -I live about 16 miles away and it took me 1:40 min to get there and even longer to get home due to night lane closures but I’m not complaining – I GOT TO SEE LEE!!! Sure wish they would have let him sing an extra song or two for his Hometown show.

Crystal has an incredible voice, but she still has a lot to learn about working a large stage. I really believe she is meant for smaller venues. Casey and Lee have the most star quality potential

Why do you single Crystal out regarding to learn how to work a large stage? I think all of 10 of them would benefit from growing, but among the top 3, Casey simply doesn´t work the stage, but it´s ok because of the type of performances he does. If anything, I think Crystal does a better job than Lee, as seem most media reviewers I´ve read (I’ve read all of them) But I agree, Crystal will blossom in a more intimate setting.
I don´t know how you define “star quality” potential. Yes, I can see Casey having that “something”, but Lee? It´s not his stage presents, not his interviews or skills in communicating, not his super confidence, not guitar solo´s or jamming. Saying I love you and you are amazing at every chance, is nice as far as it goes. He has a nice “boy next store” look about him, but star quality? Not saying it won´t come at a later date, but I haven´t seen or read anything indicating to that affect, more to the contrary. So, please explain.

Just want to add. None of them are going to affect the career of each other. They all belong in different genre´s. So my intention is not to make it look like they´re in any kind of competition with each other. I hope they all progress and harvest as they deserve in their music career.

That Sun-Times review was harsh — and just brutal to Lee. Sounds like the crowd loved it, though, which is the more important reaction, really.

I’m not that surprised it wasn’t sold out — the UC is huge. I don’t know how they configured it for the concert, but for hockey and basketball games I think it seats more than 22K. But it sounds like it was a good-sized crowd, anyway.

That review won’t load for me, but from the sounds of it, YIKES.

The tour is over in 2 days, who cares what the critics say at this point? I know I don’t. You either like this crew of kids or you don’t, you either plan on buying Lee’s Crystal’s or Casey’s music, or you don’t. No critic is going to make up anybody’s mind about that at this point.

That said, this critic was clearly a biased Casey fan.

I don´t think the critic was biased at all. He clearly thought Crystal and Casey were above the rest, but still not great. But unlike many of the negative reviews, this critic seems to have taken his job somewhat seriously and this is how he honestly experienced and felt about the concert. Lee has surely gotten a lot of beatings from many of the past critics. That on top of the controversy over his win, makes me feel for him. I´m not sure how thick skinned Lee is, but it most bother him to some degree. Imo, the only thing that can safe him and let him have the last word, is shutting them up with a good CD. Hopefully that will happen

I think enough time has gone by to prove that Lee’s allegedly impressive homecoming numbers, supposedly proof of his star quality, have proved absolutely nothing about his so-called popularity with the public. The tickets were free and the venue was there for another purpose. It’s pretty silly that the concert is still pointed to as proof of his marketability and selling ability when not a single person forked over any money to see him play. I guess the Idol brass bought it, because they booked a bigger venue for him, and had been pimping him as the second coming for weeks even though he can’t sing in tune to save his life and has since pretty much destroyed the show’s credibility and has dragged down the two most recent winners with him as far as the media goes.

His radio play has been horrible, despite being handed a more commercially viable song as a coronation single than any past winner ever has in the past. His sales have been bad. And he is unable to sell out his hometown crowd. The homecoming concert was proof of absolutely nothing.

Wow, what a great video of Use Somebody, I can feel some of the emotion of the night right there. It must have been incredible in person.

It doesn’t really matter what harsh critics and negative opinions there are out there because the people who are fans of Lee will continue to support him, nothing is going to sway their minds at this point. As far as the general public, Lee will have to keep working hard and put out good music, just like any other artist must do.

Eh, your point is Crystal and Casey deserve the win and sold more records than Lee?

The tickets were free and the venue was there for another purpose. It’s pretty silly that the concert is still pointed to as proof of his marketability and selling ability when not a single person forked over any money to see him play.

Um, aren’t all the Idol homecoming concerts free? So I don’t really get how that is a good argument.

Well, I don’t know what these reviewers witnessed, but last night’s show at the United Center was fantastic. It may not have been on par with the season eight or season five Chicago shows, but it was still a throughly entertaining show nonetheless.

The criticism for Lee in the Sun-Times article is very unjust. He put on a very high-quality set, full of grit, soul, and passion, and was truly electrifying to watch live. He was in tune the entire time, and showed a stage presence unlike anything he’d ever shown on “Idol” and, in my view, was a very deserving winner. The reviewer seems to have forgotten that the crowd went absolutely nuts as the lights went down after Crystal’s last song, and the deafening roar continued throughout much of Lee’s set. I’ve been to the Idol concerts for seasons 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8–and I’ve never heard the crowd respond to anyone the way they did to Lee. Not Chris Daughtry, not Adam Lambert, not David Cook, not David Archuleta, not Danny Gokey, not Kris Allen–even though each of those guys all got massive (and well-deserved) receptions from the Chicago audiences. I’m very proud of Lee–a nice, humble, down-to-earth local guy who has an amazing talent and is inspiring people to do what they love to do.

Crystal was also incredible–she brought lots of soul to the stage and also would have been a very deserving winner. Casey is a ridiculously amazing guitarist, and his vocals matched his guitar playing. He doesn’t have a whole lot of stage presence yet, but just give him time. Big Mike and Aaron Kelly both impressed me. Aaron, in particular, showed the makings of a young country star. He was very engaging and very fun to watch. Siobhan’s set was a bit manic for me, but there’s no denying she’s got major pipes. She’s just not my cup of tea. Tim Urban was also a pleasant surprise–he sounded really good and is a pretty good entertainer, too. Katie Stevens had probably the first “wow” moment of the evening with her rendition of “Fighter.” I regret to say that I missed both Andrew and Didi perform–I’m glad there are some Andrew videos so I can see what I missed.

All in all, it was a highly enjoyable experience. Sure, none of them are completely polished, but there are several diamonds in the rough. People seem to forget that these are all still amateur singers and performers. Nearly all Idol finalists become better vocalists and entertainers after the show and tour end. Give the season nine finalists some time to grow. I have a feeling they’re going to surprise some people.

nvm

@wjmtv (Lee had I [heart] Chicago on his left hand. I couldn’t see his right.)

he had thank you written on his right hand :]

I went to the Arlington Concert and paid for my ticket…and I am sure a few thousand did, as well. If you wanted to get there and be assured a decent seat, you paid the regular prices for the day at the races. Lots and lots of people were there before 4:30 or 5 pm, when the free ticket holders could come in…and those people paid for their tickets. We were there by 11:30 am! It was a Lee crowd for sure, not a race crowd (obvious by the t-shirts, signs, happy camaraderie, etc.). I think most real race fans avoided Arlington that day. It was such a happy afternoon long before Lee showed up. It was a very accessible venue for everyone in Mt Prospect, Arlington Heights and Chicago. Getting to the United Center is another matter. I agree that had he played in a suburban venue, it would probably have sold out. If I had to pick either of the concerts, though, it would be the Arlington concert. The emotions were running so high, and I thought he sang so beautifully just standing at his mic with his guitar…no frills.. and so heartfelt.

Thanks suziq for clearing that up about the Arlington concert.

And from what I’ve heard from a few people now the United Center isn’t necessarily in a good part of town so some people may not have wanted to venture out there last night.

But the people who did make it there last night (including some die hard Lee fans from all across the country), all seem to agree it was a fantastic concert and a memorable night for all the Idols, but especially for Lee.

Siobhan Magnus Spiderwebs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D9lv5ZVACI

Lots and lots of people were there before 4:30 or 5 pm, when the free ticket holders could come in…and those people paid for their tickets.

Perhaps, but admission to the concert did not cost anything, just like it doesn’t cost anything for any of the hometown concerts. 40,000 people did not pay to see Lee pay, and it’s useless to brag about ticket sellouts in X amount of minutes when it didn’t cost anything to get them. Yet Lee’s homecoming concert is continually asserted as proof of Lee’s superior selling ability and marketability, not just to other contestants, but to other Idols. I have been told that Lee’s supposedly huge teenage fanbase is going to be utilized to get them to make other Idol alumni like Daughtry palatable to that demographic. But there’s not much proof other than the attendance to a free concert that whatever happened that day has any relationship to his status in the real world.

Chicago concert:
One critic didn’t like Lee’s performance.
Ten-thousand people DID!

The future:
One critic wont buy his CD.
Ten-thousand people WILL!

Woah, all this over one review? There have been not-so-great asessments of ALL the Idols throughout this tour; does that mean that we should consider them unworthy of their achieving a spot on the summer tour, or deem one better than another if one reviewer says it’s so? different strokes for different folks. All this proves is that the reviewer’s tastes didn’t match the decision of the Idol voters, nothing more. It won’t determine any of these peoples’ futures or even change their fans minds. I wish these types of things didn’t always result in petty pissing contests.

Indigo15 – I love your recap. You are absolutely right about the crowd going nuts for Lee. I was one of them and was so happy I was there to cheer on Lee along with the 1000′s of other fans. I can’t believe the reviewer called the concert a “lifeless dud”. Nothing about Lee’s set could be called that. He was energized and passionate and the crowd loved him. I LOVED the way he sang every song! The reviewer said Treat Her Like a Lady “was plodding, personality-free hollering?” Is that a joke? That was my fav song, everyone was dancing and Lee was so raw and intense. Even if the reviewer didn’t appreciate Lee’s performance, you’d think the local papers could at least be neutral and not headline the review with such a negative statement.
The fact that the criticism was so over the top just proves that the guy was biased against Lee and wouldn’t have said anything positive no matter what Lee did.

Eh, your point is Crystal and Casey deserve the win and sold more records than Lee.

I dont think it really matters who won the tv show at this stage, in a few days the idols will be out on their own, each of the top 3 have a recording contract. Besides no one has even sold any of their records after Idols yet. The Idols competition is over they will now have to start winning people over in the real world. That is really their biggest and toughest challenge. They are all signed in different genres so it is not like they will be competing against each other.

The homecoming figures doesn’t mean much they are a little bit disproportionate. If I remember correctly Crystal played in front of 25 ooo people at one of her showings during her hometown visit, and Casey played for something like 35 000 people at the Wildflower festival. These are not bad numbers compared to Lee, considering the fact that their hometowns are much smaller. But for some reason you dont often hear people bringing up their numbers.

This is just one of many reviews I thought it was a bit harsh, but it will not have any effect on Lee’s future success.
The main thing that would determine success is winning over non Idol fans in the long run.

Yeah, I know we shouldn’t take one critic’s review as gospel, but goshgollygeewhiz, I think if you are reviewing an idol concert, which, as has been ponted out, is many of these kids first touring experience, then the reviewer should have included audience reaction in his article a little more emphatically. To the reader of his review, one might think the concert goers alternated between snoozing and holding their ears. As we have heard from many, this is so not true!

Lol, I just noticed the video of Lee entitled “use me”.

You know, once again I read that review and it seems to me like just that – a review. As I’ve said several times, reviewers don’t make their money by giving blanket compliments. Yes, it’s kind of shocking to see a review that harsh given by a home-town newspaper, but in a way, it’s also nice that the reviewer didn’t just turn cheerleader if he didn’t feel that way about Lee. And he actually included more of the audience reaction and response in his review than many other reviews have.

As a few others have said, there will be negative reviews for performers. They need to learn to either overcome them, or ignore them. Otherwise maybe they should be looking for a different line of work.

I don’t think anybody has said that Lee had a problem with the review. I don’t even know if he read it.

All that’s been said is that the writer was unusually harsh and unfair to not just Lee, but to most of the other Idols as well. Some of us fans had a problem with the review. Last time I checked, there was nothing wrong with saying that.

Yes, I can see Casey having that “something”, but Lee? It´s not his stage presents, not his interviews or skills in communicating, not his super confidence, not guitar solo´s or jamming. Saying I love you and you are amazing at every chance, is nice as far as it goes. He has a nice “boy next store” look about him, but star quality? Not saying it won´t come at a later date, but I haven´t seen or read anything indicating to that affect, more to the contrary.

ITA. There is just something about Lee that does not strike me! :) I do wish the best for him and the others though.

The homecoming figures doesn’t mean much they are a little bit disproportionate. If I remember correctly Crystal played in front of 25 ooo people at one of her showings during her hometown visit, and Casey played for something like 35 000 people at the Wildflower festival. These are not bad numbers compared to Lee, considering the fact that their hometowns are much smaller. But for some reason you dont often hear people bringing up their numbers.

Exactly. If apples are compared to apples and not oranges, the % ratio might be more in line! Chicago is a BIG city. One would expect more numbers in such a situation. But really, who cares? Why are we back to the idol contest in numbers? None of this makes a bit of difference at this stage of the game. And I surely don’t see how any of the top 10 will be competing as they are all so musically different.

I didn’t find this review offensive and felt like it was called as it was seen. It is just the opinion of one person and that is all it is. At least there was no “colorful” language wherein the writer said Lee had NO TALENT. :)

At his homecoming concert in May, Lee played at Arlington Race Track to a crowd of 41,000 people
That’s certainly a bigger crowd then any of the other Idols this year have played to.

Which pretty says people will go see Lee, but not so much the other nine

That on top of the controversy over his win,

Lee had a controversy over his win? What controversy?

For some reason, when one’s favorite doesn’t win AI, the jealousy is so intense for some people that they must slam the other contestants. Who cares… I suppose reviewers are “entitled” to slam their non favorites too. Like it makes us like our favorite less when they do that… LOL

Which pretty says people will go see Lee, but not so much the other nine

Wow. That seems like a strong statement to which I must disagree. I am not getting into the pissing contest here but time will tell who will go see who. I wish the best for all 10 of them.

JW:
08/29/2010 at 5:40 pm
Which pretty says people will go see Lee, but not so much the other nine

Wow. That seems like a strong statement to which I must disagree. I am not getting into the pissing contest here but time will tell who will go see who. I wish the best for all 10 of them.

Not meant to be a pissing match. Just my opinion. Lee drew the 41,000 to the event, the others played where they were part of a much larger event already in progress… just an observation. I wish the best for all of the contestants too

Lee drew the 41,000 to the

Who cares? What does it matter at this point? 35,000 for the third place winner is not a bad draw either and in a much smaller city. But all of that doesn’t mean a thing now. All ten are off to square one and just beginning.

AWESOME videos! I am so glad Lee had a terrific homecoming show and got to spend a little time with family and friends.

The review does not change my mind about supporting Lee but you would think the hometown paper would find something positive to say about the home town idol. Oh well, to each his own.

Not that it matters anymore but I did not think Casey or Crystal had any where near the amount of fans that Lee did for his top 3 homecoming. All that is in the past anyway. No matter where these kids finished in the competition, 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 10th they still have to prove themselves post idol. I’m looking forward to not only what the future holds for Lee but a few of the others as well.

The biggest downside for going on American Idol is to forever be viewed as a contestant in a competition. It just changes from who got more votes during the show to who is selling more albums, filling more seats, getting more publicity, etc. Unfortunately, this is also what makes it harder for them to achieve credibility beyond the Idol universe. Crystal is running as fast as she can to Michael Franti’s festival in SF after the tour–that’s about as anti-Idol as you can get. Hopefully all of them can do similar things to “re-brand” themselves.

hometown paper

Remember the review from Houston paper? I am not convinced these critics are fanatics like we are. :)

Not that it matters anymore but I did not think Casey or Crystal had any where near the amount of fans that Lee did

I don’t think any one is arguing or really even cares whether Lee had the most or not on homecoming. He should have had the highest numbers being at the race track and ongoing event (as others had) and it being such a large city. If Crystal had 25,000 that is a pretty big hit for a smaller town too. I bet you wouldn’t find much difference in % comparing all things equally. I am glad all three had a good turnout for what it is worth now! I am looking forward to see who has what turn out when it really counts now! My money is on CASEY.

is to forever be viewed as a contestant in a competition. It just changes from who got more votes during the show to who is selling more albums, filling more seats,

Sigh. This is true. But the bottom line is ALL are in a far better situation than probably could ever have been dreamed and without AI, CASEY would be playing the Keys, Lee would be selling paint (or whatever he was doing..I read the paint thing was over played), and Crystal playing in coffee houses. With that being said, do y’all think any of them would want to shed the AI label and go back? :)

fanatics like we are

Correction: generalized there. Corrected to fanatic like me.

Great videos thanks to those that made them!! Seems the crowd was enjoying the concert, wish I could of been there!!

Lee’s hometown concert was not at an ongoing event, from what others have said the races ended hours (4 hours? anyone recall?) before Lee’s set started.

I’m sure they are all very happy to be where they are and will be happy to come on the show in the years to come as Idol alumni. I just doubt they relish the fanwars that are conducted on their behalf.

With that being said, do y’all think any of them would want to shed the AI label and go back?

Hell to the no! insert smiley face here.

Lee’s hometown concert was not at an ongoing event, from what others have said the races ended hours (4 hours? anyone recall?) before Lee’s set started.

Ongoing may not have been the proper term. I will rephrase to say final event ending the day much like the festival for Casey.

come on the show in the years to come as Idol alumni. I just doubt they relish the fanwars that are conducted on their behalf.

Yep. And I am sure they will always be thankful for the opportunity AI so provided.

I just doubt they relish the fanwars that are conducted on their behalf.

Agree.

Oh forgot about the reviewer from suntimes. I don’t read much of those just like the movice critics, I usually like the opposite of what they like!

This is my first year following an idol tour, and I guess I’m just disappointed by the overall negativity of the critic reviews. Sure, I don’t expect everyone to like it but I was hoping good reviews would help bump up ticket sales. Evidently that didn’t happen, and I shouldn’t be surprised that my musical/entertainment tastes don’t match a 50-year old white man’s. Silly me.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chicago Sun Times critic is playing the whole “negative publicity is still publicity” card. He knows there will be thousands of Chicagoans who are going to absolutely HATE his review, which will put his name on the lips of thousands of Chicagoans, right? By the next time he writes a review, people will remember him.

ONG, Lee was behond amazing!!! Best yet and getting better if that is possible. All of them are getting better really and I am so happy for them to have their biggest crowd to date, I do think it makes a big difference in their performances.
Again Lees fans came through for him, 41,000 at the hometown visit and now this..yeah!
Oh, there was some speculation on how many for Crystals and Caseys home towns, 5000 for Crystal and 4000 for Casey…I know it doesn’t matter now, but just to clarify…just read it on the press articles on the day after the hometowns.
Good luck idols!

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chicago Sun Times critic is playing the whole “negative publicity is still publicity” card. He knows there will be thousands of Chicagoans who are going to absolutely HATE his review, which will put his name on the lips of thousands of Chicagoans, right? By the next time he writes a review, people will remember him.

I wouldn’t be surprised either. It will probably give him more hits on the website. too.

YT channel, leedewyzefan214′s videos are awesome!! includes the banter in between songs and views of the crowd! Lee was amazing :)The passion in Use Somebody was incredible. Only a couple more shows now..wow. wish the best for all the idols!

EDIT: another awesome YT channel: nascarprincess8 (http://www.youtube.com/user/nascarprincess8#p/u/2/zYDZlcbHrZg)
-close to the stage, high quality, banter etc

“Oh, there was some speculation on how many for Crystals and Caseys home towns, 5000 for Crystal and 4000 for Casey…I know it doesn’t matter now, but just to clarify…just read it on the press articles on the day after the hometowns.”

Actually Crystal had 5,000 at one place, and 4,000 at a fairgrounds. Casey had 4,000 but he was plagued by inclement weather that I think made one scheduled stop be cancelled. The main thing hometown visits do is treat the top three to a taste of fan support that they are insulated from for the most part while competing. So we are treated to an emotional reunion as they come to realize a taste of what being a star might be like.

The sad thing is that when I google American idol homecoming etc I get “American Idol homecoming is a lifeless dud”. Review this might be, but saying things like “witless expression”, “personality-free”, and “utter emasculation of the song” seems like he took it too far. One man’s opinion, I know, but it didn’t seem warranted to be so negative.

Actually Crystal had 5,000 at one place, and 4,000 at a fairgrounds. Casey had 4,000 but he was plagued by inclement weather that I think made one scheduled stop be cancelled. The main thing hometown visits do is treat the top three to a taste of fan support that they are insulated from for the most part while competing. So we are treated to an emotional reunion as they come to realize a taste of what being a star might be like.

The inclement weather with respect to CASEY was at the Stockyards and it did hamper attendance due to thunder, lightening and rain. (note, the event was not cancelled) 4K is a respectable number due to the conditions. I believe he had around 4K as well when he went to the stadium in Cool, a very small town. Therefore, 4K was an incredible showing.

However, the Wildwood Festival, a totally different venue concert began at 9:30 in the evening, and that is where the thousands and thousands came to hear CASEY. Therein is where the 35K number originated and I get this information directly from folks in Texas who were in attendance.

I am pleased, but surprised, that the Chicago writer gave kudos to CASEY.

Thanks Nabs for the direction to YT channel, leedewyzefan214’s videos – the audio was so good. Lee seems to have been changing up so many of the songs, he’s starting to live up to his reputation as never singing anything the same way twice!

Wonder how many of these we’ll get to hear again once the tour is over? I’d like to hear him start on his own songs, but RCA seem to have clamped down on him singing his pre-idol work, I hope that changes and fast! And, of course, the new songs are coming.

The tour is almost over, I wish them all well for the future.

haha no problemo lmkhemari. lols im back with another YT channel reccomendation- nascarprincess8. (http://www.youtube.com/user/nascarprincess8#p/u/0/yzeQTmOyq-g) She did an awesome job in Newark and a great job in Chicago too. You can actually see Lee’s face in these, as well as banter, high quality etc. Enjoy!

My friend and I went to the Chicago concert, had great seats, tenth row. Lee was absolutely stunning live – he sounded even better than he did on the show. Crystal and Casey were entertaining as well. The rest of the group was almost painful to listen to, in my opinion.

The right guy won the competition. Out of all of them, he has the most star power. Crystal is fantastic, but I agree with the poster who said she’d be better in smaller venues. She gets a bit lost on the big stage.

Whats with the Sun-Times review? Yes, most of the show was awful, but Lee was the saving grace.