The Season 9 Top 10 perform tonight at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville CT.   Middlebury, CT. homie, Katie Stevens tweets, “Just hot a bunch of texts from my friends saying they’re here!! Can’t wait to see them in the audience! I love my friends!”

The boys played a prank on Aaron Kelly earlier today. You can check out the planning and deployment of  Operation scare Air-Bear HERE, HERE and HERE.

After the jump, check out the live blog, and later I’ll post any You Tube videos that I find. If you want to write a re-cap, send it to mjsbigblog at gmail dot com.

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Reviews: Norwich Bulletin,

Live Blog after the JUMP…

Video after the JUMP…

Video Sources: Jennifer,

Michael Lynche – My Love

Casey James – Don’t

Crystal Bowersox – Piece of My Heart

Lee DeWyze – Beautiful Day

Lee DeWyze – Rocket Man (clip)

Lee DeWyze – Hallelujah

Lee DeWyze – Treat Her Like a Lady

Lee DeWyze – Use Somebody

 
  • itsalleternal

    Looks like this will be another show dominated by Katie fans.

  • AIaddict

    If anyone is interested in a FREE ticket to the AI concert in Tampa on 8/4 I have one. Only string is I would want you to use the ticket and not try to sell it. I cleared posting this with mj earlier. thanks.

  • whatever4444

    MJ these two twitter users are going to the concert @chenolicious @megdoe. In case you want to add them to the feed.

  • aprilfoolish

    Hi mj!! Thank you for live blog!

  • Dlynne

    The prank on Aaron was too cute. I hope he has a chance to get back at them at some point. :)

  • AIaddict

    How’s the crowd tonight did they say?

  • aprilfoolish

    I was wondering that too

  • aprilfoolish

    Ok they tweeted it’s pretty full. Anyone know how big it is? Someone said something about Katie trying to get upper level to stand, so that’s pretty full. ;))

  • iluvai

    I think Aaron looks really great in his outfit. Very smart looking! (as my grandma would say)

  • Jehan Julio

    i did a little research, it has 12,000 seats.

  • songsungblue

    I keep reading IBoatedhere as ImBloatedhere and giggling. Heh.

  • jennyl

    IBoatedhere description of the concert goers is very funny.

  • aprilfoolish

    That’s pretty big! I wish Andrew would twitvid the crowd like they did that one time!

  • aprilfoolish

    I hope for “Jo’s” sake she’s not, lol

  • AIaddict

    Funny that boated is trying to figure out Jo. well we know she has to be there for Crystal or Lee now.

  • aprilfoolish

    I wish Lee and Crystal would have done their duet on tour, it was special.

  • AIaddict

    Maybe they did not want to have to look at each other awkwardly night after night to recreate the magic of their FS duet.

  • aprilfoolish

    In all the finale songs I’ve seen videotaped, it seems like when Lee comes back on, you hear cheers, and then they sing one line together. Sigh, not enuff! I loved F S

  • Mariam94

    Entertaining tweets tonight. Like how she’s trying to figure out who Jo likes. LOL.

  • AIaddict

    LOL! calm down mzJames.

  • songsungblue

    I can see being invested in your pony, but why is it so important who else is invested to?

  • aprilfoolish

    Pony? Do you mean favorite idol? If you do, then of course we want them to have many fans. And i want them all to do well, they’ve worked so hard

  • aprilfoolish

    Hope there’s some videos of this concert!

  • Mariam94

    All this Lee love makes me happy. I can’t help it :)

    Are the security guards not letting fans meet the Idol?! That’s the impression I’m getting from these tweets.

  • glamertitis

    “iboatedhere” is angsty and funny – I imagine her parents do not tweet lol ;)

  • erizin

    Sounds like it was pretty full and the concert was fun:) Glad for the idols. I am also liking the Lee love.

  • Dlynne

    I LOVE the Lee love! But I also really love hearing that the fans loved the concert no matter who they went to see.

  • jennyl

    IBoatedhere is absolutely hilarious. Glad the twitters enjoyed their concert. I’m also loving the Lee love.

  • jack5791

    Just got back from the show tonight! Arena holds about 10,000 people from what I hear, and I think it was probably 85-90% full. Tons of Katie support, and rightfully so. She was incredible. It was a really good crowd tonight… very lively. Lots of love for Katie, Crystal, and Lee!

  • glamertitis

    jack5791 – we’ll look forward to hearing more from you when you get a chance :)

  • jack5791

    Haha, I’m going to maybe write a recap after Sunday. It will be my third Idol tour this year (you’d think Season 9 was my favorite!) It’s a great show though :)

  • mozart4898

    The twitter live blogs just keep reinforcing why I’ve said that Lee won. Over and over it’s nothing but how much these tweens want to jump Lee’s bones. Totally makes me sick that AI has pretty much become “which 20-something guy do the tweens want to fantasize over sleeping with” rather than who is the best singer. I know there’s people who disagree and actually like Lee for his singing, but I’m telling you, the majority of his fans only like him because they have X-rated fantasies that involve him. I’m almost sorry for those who like him because of his performances (because to be honest Lee does have a valid musical style, and at times sounds halfway decent although nowhere near the level of a couple of the others in the top 10). I still haven’t listened to a single recording from the tour cause I’m still trying to avoid doing so before I hear them myself live (in late July), but I have this feeling that there’s a big time Lee curve going on and that he’s probably only middle of the pack actually for the top 10. I’m fully expecting that Crystal, Casey, Mike, and Aaron at least are all outperforming him – possibly even Siobhan and maybe even Tim. It really just all makes me sick – then again, what can you do? When some of the top names in pop music today are Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, the Jonas Brothers, and Justin Bieber, what do you really expect? I guess fans (and the performers themselves) of the likes of Casey and Crystal should be glad they even made it to the top 12 as opposed to some 17 year old boy with pretty hair.

    ETA – A couple glasses of wine pretty much remove my filter…so take that for what you will…

  • karenc

    I have some pictures from tonight at http://yfrog.com/0eb9qjx. I do have video, mainly of Casey and Lee. And most of the pictures are too.

    I had a good time. I liked Siobahn’s set for the most part, though that scream at the end of Paint it Black almost killed me. Liked Spiderwebs and the Muse song she did.

    I was very impressed by Casey. He really is an excellent guitar player also, and I really liked his set.

    Lee was my favorite and I thought he did terrific too.

    I’ll write a more detailed recap probably tomorrow and will post when my videos are up.

  • springboard

    The twitter live blogs just keep reinforcing why I’ve said that Lee won. Over and over it’s nothing but how much these tweens want to jump Lee’s bones.

    There are other reasons why people like Lee, and mostly that they enjoy his music, and enjoy playing it more than others music. It’s all very well to be the best singer but you also need to be someone people want to listen to, rather than know with their brain that you are good.
    I am myself far from being a teenager and do not fancy Lee one bit, but play Lee’s songs over and over, and do not play Crystal’s music. So, if there was only one album coming out of this season, I would want it to be Lee’s, even if Crystal is a better singer.
    Of course, overall, it’s down to how many feel like I do, and how many feel like you do, but the opinion that Crystal is good but not exciting is quite common as far as I know, and a likely factor in her not winning.

  • crankypanky

    I’m not sure what to make of this review…

    http://www.didibenamifansite.com/2010/07/tour-review-american-idol-live%E2%80%A6concert-or-commercial-mohegan-sun-uncasville-ct/

    aside from calling the idols “karaoke caliber singers” the writer seem to direct her frustration on the producers, live nation and sponsors more than the top 10 but still… calling the show a “joke” is pretty harsh!

  • sallysimmons

    I’m fully expecting that Crystal, Casey, Mike, and Aaron at least are all outperforming him – possibly even Siobhan and maybe even Tim.

    Then I suspect that’s exactly what you’ll find when you go to the show. We tend to see what we’re looking for in my experience.

    I think it’s a stretch to imagine raw sex appeal is the reason Lee won AI ;-) All the way through the season, Casey was the ‘hot’ one and Lee was the schlubby paint salesman. Now all of a sudden he’s a drop-dead gorgeous guy with the power to make women lose their minds and hearing?

    Yes, some of Lee’s female fans find him attractive (I don’t particularly) but that’s the case with most pop singers. If a guy gets up on stage and sings, some portion of the women in the audience will want to jump his bones. Even if he looks like Mick Jagger!

  • Eriko

    I’m not sure what to make of this review

    This was not a review of the performances, since it didn´t include anything about about them. Felt more like a short report how Ford and AI machine exploit the audience to promote themselves, and as such, has no business disguising it self as a review. IMO, the author falls into the same trap as he´s criticizing Ford for, using the performers for his own agenda

  • JudyL

    crankypanky:
    07/14/2010 at 5:47 am

    I’m not sure what to make of this review…

    What a worthless piece of crap review. It’s like a movie reviewer saying I only went cause my friend paid my way and the theater was only half full and the popcorn and drinks were overpriced and they showed way too many previews and Rex Reed hated this movie but then forgetting to mention the cast or the plot.

  • Jehan Julio

    There are other reasons why people like Lee, and mostly that they enjoy his music, and enjoy playing it more than others music.

    agree with you springboard

    I’m not a teenager and i’m male. I really like crystal vocals, but i enjoy so much hear lee singing than her. Its your opinion mozart4898, i know, ok.

    Another great review for the Idols!

    http://www.norwichbulletin.com/entertainment/x41633826/DeWyze-and-Idols-give-Mohegan-Sun-crowd-what-it-wants

  • cristististi

    Here go my two cents: There’s going to be a million reasons why people vote for whoever. But I don’t believe Lee’s core base voted for him because of his looks. Now the extra millions of people, I’m not so sure lol. Look at a guy like Tim, he more accurately fits the role of bad singer with great genetics that made it farther than he should have. Even Casey, his core fans voted for his raw talent but of course there’s the (overused) cougar comments and all that jazz. My point being, you’re always going to have the core fans that see the talent and may appreciate the visual. Then, you have (as mentioned) the younger crowd that will vote based on the pretty. But I don’t think that should take away from any AI winner’s victory. Lee has a lot to learn, but he at least has the foundation to enjoy mild success.

    I always approached the show as ‘Which album would I want to buy?” not “Who’s the best singer?” because that’s so subjective. And on a last thought, Lee looks nothing like what the tweens and teeny boppers are into nowadays (Twilight comes to mind. GAG.). But I’m only 20 so what do I know :)

  • M E

    But I don’t believe Lee’s core base voted for him because of his looks.

    I agree, cristististi. Lee’s voice fits a style that’s very contemporary and he transcends the superficial tween appeal – in a way, a la Kris. While he isn’t nearly as charming as Kris, Lee seems to be as humble and gracious IMO.

    I’m about to enter my 6th decade and am a huge fan of the likes of David Gray, Ray LaMontagne (who are touring together this summer), Kings of Leon and Counting Crows. I see Lee’s voice as fitting in that realm (we have the evidence in the case of Kings of Leon). My teen years preceded video killing the radio star :-), so voice is the number one factor for me. Projected personality second. Looks third.

    BTW – I won MJ’s tix giveaway for Albany this Saturday. Can’t wait!!!

  • JasonMacDougal

    mozart4898, I don’t think the live blog tweets should be anything you should use to support an already pointless “Who should’ve won” argument. Especially tonight since there were I believe less than ten live blog tweeters at a venue 85%-90% full. Stop Posting Under the Influence! (PUI :P)

    As for the concert tonight, even though there weren’t many tweeters and mostly guy-lovers on the live blog, I still can’t wait for the concert to hit Sacramento! Then I can finally see Siobhan!!! <3

  • Nina1

    Then, you have (as mentioned) the younger crowd that will vote based on the pretty.

    Nothing will ever convince me Lee is the pretty. If ever there was an average looking guy women started finding attractive when he entered a singing competition Lee is it. I will bet he is tremendously amused by all the hoopla. Loving it, but amused.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Reminder:

    Let’s keep this thread focused on the tour, and last night’s show, please.

  • JudyL

    mj, I apologize if I was wrong with my post but the reason for my comments about Lee’s looks is because so many of last night’s cover-it-live tweets were focused on Lee’s sexiness. I thought it was okay to comment on these tweets.

  • http://none SueSt

    The twitter live blogs just keep reinforcing why I’ve said that Lee won. Over and over it’s nothing but how much these tweens want to jump Lee’s bones.

    Sorry to disagree; I’m not a tween, I just love his music.

  • http://none SueSt

    While he isn’t nearly as charming as Kris, Lee seems to be as humble and gracious IMO.

    IA! :-)

  • wjmtv

    Lee seems to be getting good reactions from the audience at the concerts, including this one. So I’m going to take that as an encouraging sign.

    The further we get from the finale (and all the Simon & Co. machinations), the safer I think it is to believe that “WYSIWYG” from Lee, and what I’m seeing is a hard-working, talented singer & musician who loves being on a stage and it comes through in his performances. I’ll be buying his album.

    On a completely different note, “Operation Scare Air-Bear” was funny. Best part was Casey’s laugh (of course). Followed closely by his devil horns. LOL.

  • cristististi

    On topic, it sucks the contestants could’t sign stuff after the show last night. Hopefully whoever decides that sort of stuff sets aside at least half an hour when possible. It’s only fair considering the outrageous ticket prices.

  • wjmtv

    Yes, I don’t understand why some venues won’t let them come out. It makes no sense. A huge part of Idol’s charm is the accessibility of the performers–you know there was more than one heartbroken 8-year-old last night who just didn’t understand. And after what Lee said at his last Twitter party, at least one heartbroken performer.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Reminder:

    I continue TO DELETE posts that have NOTHING TO DO WITH THE TOUR.

  • J9BT

    Yes, I don’t understand why some venues won’t let them come out. It makes no sense. A huge part of Idol’s charm is the accessibility of the performers–you know there was more than one heartbroken 8-year-old last night who just didn’t understand.

    Was there an official source who stated they weren’t allowed to come out. Or just the tweet from the live blog?

    I noticed in Bridgeport the same IDOL handler was with S9 as with S8 (and S7 I think). However, at Bridgeport in the afternoon, Katie’s parents called her to come out, which she did (along with several others) and then said she didn’t know she was allowed to come out. I wonder if they just aren’t being directed properly? Why would a venue say you can’t see the IDOLs?

  • AIaddict

    Lee, andrew and Tim all three tweeted last night that security would not allow them to go out and meet the fans.

    Lee is getting lots of love on tour and I am so glad. Here’s hoping all that love translates in sales of his new cd. I am far from being a teen or even 20 something and I love his music. I just know what kind of voice I love to listen to and Lee fits right in.

    FREE ticket to the Tampa show is still on the table for any of you FL fans that want to go. One ticket seems to be hard to give away since most people want to go with someone, I know, but it’s freeeee!

  • cristististi

    I’ve read tweets from a few of the idols saying they weren’t allowed to come out last night. Here’s Crystal’s response to a fan that wanted her autograph:

    @NicoleGannon419 they told us there’s nowhere to do it so we can’t…. :(

    I find it extremely hard to believe they couldn’t set up some rinky dinky barriers somewhere. The majority of the idols will never have this opportunity again to meet their fans. It sucks, but hopefully this doesn’t become a trend.

  • Jehan Julio

    Lee DeWyze – Use Somebody > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WljZabluzgY
    Lee DeWyze – Beautiful Day > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NJ_VnMFyzM
    Lee DeWyze – Hallelujah > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUNCFTvVEa4
    Lee DeWyze – Rocket Man (clip) > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGXsIl9d5m0
    Lee DeWyze – Treat Her Like A Lady (clip) > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnfbKRiAV2Y

  • AIaddict

    Jehan Julio thanks for the links!

  • glamertitis

    Yes, thank you for the videos of Lee. I just watched Use Somebody so far – I loved his energy and stage presence in this vid. And him walking out of the light at the beginning was cool too. Personally, I think Lee is very cute and sexy in his own unique way tonight and I really enjoyed this video – he is getting playful, yes? Wouldn’t it be fabulous if he put the guitar down for one song? And I am happy to know the girls are turned on by him and his music enough to tweet about it! ;)

  • Jehan Julio

    we can see that he always changes the melodies! this is amazing, never the same version!

  • glamertitis

    I’m sure glad Crystal got rid of that ugly dress thing she used to wear(like in the header picture)… that was not a flattering look.

  • AIaddict

    I agree, it would be great for him to put down the guitar for one song. He is getting more playful on stage and connecting with the crowd more.

    Great to see he has lots of younger fans and guy fans too, Jehan. I’ve noticed a few guys at the concerts getting into Lee’s music. that’s always good to see. For me it’s about his music but he’s a cutie too with those pretty eyes and nice hair. He really loves his fans. Three more weeks til I see him live! My daughter wants to see Tim. They will all be fun to see.

  • MaryS-NJ

    Yes, I don’t understand why some venues won’t let them come out.

    I think Mohegan Sun may be funny about fans lingering in parkings and such before and after concerts. I seem to recall hearing about a Jimmy Buffett concert there and the venue wouldn’t allow tailgating (which is apparently a big part the Jimmy Buffett experience) and that may have had something to do with a previous crowd control problem at another concert or event.

  • crankypanky

    On topic :-)

    okay everyone, here’s something to smile about from the Mohegan sun concert… backstage interviews from a radio station there.

    http://www.didibenamifansite.com/2010/07/q105fm-american-idol-mohegan-videos/

    a short interview with some idols including Katie Stevens, Crystal Bowersox, Casey James, Tim Urban and Didi Benami- from Mohegan Sun staff:

    http://www.didibenamifansite.com/2010/07/713-american-idol-live-tour-2010-at-mohegan-sun-arena-backstage-video/

  • karenc

    I was at the show last night. I did see what I believe to be the buses in one of the parking lots. There were three silver busses and one that was tan and brown, and had a brown trailer in back of it. There were no barriers or anything around them, and the parking lot was large and kind of far away from the buidings, it was outside one the parking garages. I did go over there after the show and there were maybe about 10 fans waiting. I saw some guys putting some stuff on the bus. I was in my car. I was getting too tired to wait so I left, then got the tweets that there weren’t any signings anyway when I got home.

    I did hear that there was a pre show meet and greet, and that there was some kind of post show party back stage. I think it might have been for Katie because I saw some people lining up and some had jackets from her high school. I did ask a couple of people from security if the idols were going to meet with fans, and they said no and acted like they had never heard of anyone doing that.

    This is the first time I had tried to go to the buses, so I’m not sure what normal. But isn’t there usually some barriers when they do come out? It doesn’t seem to me the buses were in a good location since they were just in the middle of a parking lot in an isolated part. There was no fence or barricades where the buses were. Also, maybe even if they did have the ability to set something up, we were supposed to have rain and thunderstorms last night, so maybe they didn’t want to risk it.

  • springboard

    Thanks for the video, MJ. Really enjoyable performances, and it’s nice to have Lee’s full set.