Brandon’s American Idol Tour 2009 Greensboro Re-cap

By On 08/03/2009 · 78 Comments · In Uncategorized

I have come to this show plenty excited after reading reviews of the concert and being an avid watcher of American Idol. Originally it wasn’t planned for me to come, but thankfully my mum had won tickets on a local radio station a few days beforehand. She planned on them being good seats so she went ahead and bought me a ticket fourth row from center stage. Unfortunately we’d be miles apart sitting in the stadium together. Anyways, it was still a wonderful experience. Onto the review.

First off just sitting there you could smell the excitement amongst my fellow fans. Surprisingly the biggest part of the crowd was middle aged women. I expected plenty of young teenage girls avidly holding signs supporting their favorite contestant, but I was already wrong. The rest of the show would turn out to be unpredictable as well.

First up was Sarver, who actually quite pleased me compared to what I heard from him on the show. I’m sure everyone whom might read this knows the song list like the back of their hand, so I won’t go into too many specifics there. He was for the most part in tune and seemed less nasally then I had seen on the show. He was a stage above kareoke for me. He was decent, not great though. Considering his “competition” however, I certainly believe he held his own. He seemed a bit nervous at first, which came out in his singing until the middle of his first song. I believe around there he found his groove.

Megan was both an upper and a downer for me. Her voice was beautiful and her song choices were much better than of that on the show. I’m not sure whether it was her or the echoe-y acoustics from where I was sitting but her “smokey vibrato” didn’t seem to come out much. What I heard was in my opinion a much more beautiful and pure voice that I think would have done miles for her on the show. She was entirely too barbied up for the occasion though, especially in the pink dress. She looked uncomfortable in the heels as well. I think the fact that she was practically walking on her toes limited her movement, which meant her stage presence as well. Her classic shimmy didn’t bother me as much as it seems to others, though.

Scott was much improved from the show as well. Rising dramatically from the floor playing piano like a pro. He sounds like they trained him on really singing from deep within rather than from the throat. His falsetto had also DRAMATICALLY improved as well. These improvements could be what he needs to actually do decent in the recording industry. I do firmly wish him the best on that note. Despite his blindness he did keep his eyes engaged with the crowd quite well. It’s almost a nice to be entranced listening to his beautiful music rather than the glow from Lambert’s eyes, so it’s a different way to enjoy it. Refreshing.

Lil’ would be up next. Another vast improvement over her American Idol show counterpart. Remembering from the show I could see they worked with her on improving her upper range, which came out in full force. The only bad thing I would have to say is that in one of her songs, she is completely outclassed by the person who originally sang it. It’s not so much Lil’s singing ability as it is her phrasing. On some of the faster passages she sounded a bit like she was slurring, which made it sound sloppy. Other than this she did quite well. She has a world full of potential, though it would have been nice to hear her explore slower songs.

Anoop, our hometown hero, would be up next. Trying to speak from an unbiased opinion, I’d say he did brilliantly. Barely off pitch in any parts, if at all. Singing was well supported along with good stage presence. He wasn’t the best of the show by any means, but certainly not the worst. He did have family and friends there supporting him, so perhaps that’s what pushed him over the edge compared to some of the other shows. He certainly warmed up the crowd with plenty of hip thrusts and plenty of money notes. He seemed to have become much more confident as well. Also, Anoop is a lot taller than I expected him to be.

Matt would then take the stage. Matt, whilst running into a few rough spots, has TREMENDOUS potential as a performer. His piano skills are tremendous, even whilst he’s standing up dancing and singing at the same time! Unfortunately for Matt, like in the show, he was either pretty much perfect or kind of sloppy. Thankfully more so the former. His falsetto, more often the not, kind of failed for him and he fell flat in a few spots. These were not enough to deter the crowd from going crazy for him, however. He seemed nervous like Michael at first, but found his groove nicely. Thankfully to offset his previous off falsetto notes, his last big riff was amazingly high (He hit at least an F5, if not a G5 perfectly, which is impressive for a guy of his vocal range) and extremely well executed.. almost on Lambert’s level of control. Good Job, Matt.

The group performances were a LOT better than I expected. Even Megan and Lil’ was pulled off to not be too awkward a combination. You can tell that this group has much more chemistry amongst each other than previous years had.

The intermission though kind of made me mad to be honest though. I got rather tired of having the Ford Fusion plugged down my throat for twenty minutes. Also the contest seems to be garbage, as I don’t believe anyone in the entire stadium actually won. Oh well. Time for Allison.

Truth be told I actually despised her first song. Not because of how she sang it, but because of the song itself. She did brilliantly on the rest of her set, though. Like they said on the show, such a big voice from a little girl seems almost impossible. She definitely gets an A for effort in trying to control the stage, but came off a bit as a novice during the process. It all seemed too random and careless to really get across to me. Another complaint was her wardrobe. If she wasn’t my age I would honestly feel like a dirty old man for how low cut her top was. Don’t get me wrong, she’s cute, but let’s just say I could now give unnecessary details about her chest. Purely judging on singing though, complete and utter champion compared to some of the others. The producers, though, get a bad card from me because they made her performance FAR FAR too loud with the music. I have been to many concerts and clubs but none of them actually made it sound like afterward I was listening to everything underwater. It got so bad that I think it actually affected my hearing to the point some things sounded pitchy later on.

Danny was actually the only disappointment to me, possibly due to Allison’s murdering of my ears. To be fair, his talking voice was very hoarse and practically broken, which might have affected his singing. His singing though, hoarseness or not, was annoyingly nasally at some points. Whenever he wasn’t belting and in the middle of he range this was apparently obvious. He also looks like he’s lost some weight, which earns him a few kudos points. He did command the stage well, no matter how.. different his dancing was. To those who think him to be insincere, I would care to argue. His singing and speech came off as very pure. He also interacted with the crowd the most. He would come to be forgotten, however, by his following act.

Adam would come to be completely different compared to the rest of the show. Truth be told, I don’t remember much of him because I felt entranced the entire time through his eyes and body language. His version of Starlight would come to be my favorite song through the performance. Whilst singing Mad World there was a point in which we locked eyes for a few seconds. He has perhaps the most piercing eyes of anyone I’ve ever seen. His vocals were, as you can imagine, spot on the entire time. His stage presence was superb as well. One thing I noticed was that he practically teased the crowd. Not through his overly sexual imagery, but how he was actually the one to least directly interact with the crowd. By the time he would make his way over to one part of the stage to hear the crowd roar, by the time they did he was already making his way over to tease the other half. The only thing that was annoying is how with both him and Kris, the two most loved performers of the night by the crowd, was that they barely got to speak at all compared to time given by Danny or Scott. Truly a masterclass performer. The middle aged women were absolutely melting over him. He made any tickets truly worth their money. His duet with Allison was good as well.

Kris would come to be decent, but not winner material. He was one of the most out of tune performers. Truth be told, his face looked like something was bothering him the entire time, which did not translate well to stage presence. He did pick up a bit towards the end, but overall disappointing. Also, I don’t believe Hey Jude suited him very well. Overall alright. I feel like he should have been in between Anoop and Matt, if this is how he really sounded in the American Idol arena.

The group songs at the end were good. The reunited dueling pianos were warmly welcomed by me and everyone else. This concert was a great experience, as you’ll almost never get such a variety going to any other concert. I enjoyed it a lot and I hope you enjoyed my review.

 
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  • tabitha

    thanks brandon for posting your review–you seem to know alot about music/singing–I appreciate your honest interpretation of your experience…

  • https://twitter.com/draddee Sunn

    Thank you Brandon, a lovely recap. So sorry about your hearing, I hope the damage isn’t permanent. :D

    Can you share with us a bit of your mother’s thoughts on the concert, if at all possible? I would love to hear some of her impressions a well.

    Thank you for taking the time to share with us, I appreciate it.

  • Ladyguard

    Great Interview Brandon…..

  • BeckyMD

    Whilst singing Mad World there was a point in which we locked eyes for a few seconds.

    Anything else is irrelevant.

  • luvadamlambert

    Thank you for the amazing recap and although I haven’t seen this show yet I totally understand your point. I am glad you had a wonderful experience. Unfortunately I think your comments on kris will spark contreversy. Personally I think he should have finished third or at best second. Thank you for your opinion and taking the time to write a re- cap

  • jesamel

    Great review, thanks. And lucky you, to have “locked eyes” with Adam, even for a couple of seconds!!

  • luvadamlambert

    Oh and I can that Adam really does have beautifulpiercing eyes just from some of his photos.

  • wiccagirl2009

    Brandon, thanks for posting your recap. Nice to know you enjoyed the concert. Love reading it. :-)

  • BestAI

    Brandon, I assume by your name you are a guy. Thank you for the recap. I am always interested to hear from a guy’s perspective. I have learned that many guys do like Adam because I think they have more of a critical ear as far as music. They don’t even mention the makeup and his sexuality, and don’t swoon over his looks. For guys it is all about the music, and I have heard from several that they say talent (vocals) like Adam’s does not come around very often.

    I enjoyed your recap. How great that you had such a good seat.

  • GlamGirlLee

    Thank you Brandon for a great recap. I am always amazed and impressed that a young person like yourself (judging from your comment about Allison being your age) is able to describe their experiences as accurately and so spot-on like you did. I really enjoyed reading your recap, and again, it brought back memories of my own short ~18 minutes of Adam world experience. Glad you had a fantastic time.

  • JOJOSIE

    Nice to see someone who appears to be fairly young write a re-cap and especially when you seem to have lots of knowledge (and opinions) about music. As an Adam fan I was happy with your take on his performance. I wish I was going to a concert but will miss the one in Kansas City by one day when I’m going there for a meeting and Iowa,where I live, seems to not be on the Idol tour radar. Glad you had a good time.

  • isitoveryet

    Many thanks. It also sounds like you are around Allison’s age… which also makes this review interesting.

    Again thanks a bunch.

  • SallyintheValley

    Whilst singing Mad World there was a point in which we locked eyes for a few seconds.

    What I would give for such a moment! ahhhhhh

  • Squirrely

    BeckyMD
    Aug 3rd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
    Whilst singing Mad World there was a point in which we locked eyes for a few seconds.

    Anything else is irrelevant.

    LOL – so very true. Great re-cap Brandon, thank your mom big time for getting you a great seat.

  • weareallinnocent

    Well done, Brandon! Thank you for sharing your experience and reactions. We appreciate them (and you!)

  • kellyo

    Thank you Brandon for the wonderful recap. Like many have voiced, it’s nice to hear from a male!

    I am one of those middle aged women (I’m 46….I guess that’s middle aged but I feel 19 when I think about Adam! My four kids think I’m absolutely nuts…as does my hubby!)

    Anyway, cannot wait to see them here in Grand Rapids on September 6th. Our hometown boy, Matt, is coming home, and my sisters and I are hoping to lock eyes with Adam too….then we’ll kidnap him and take him home! Oh wait…that was my dream last night.

    Thanks so much again.

  • SarahP

    If she wasn’t my age I would honestly feel like a dirty old man for how low cut her top was. Don’t get me wrong, she’s cute, but let’s just say I could now give unnecessary details about her chest

    I love allison but this was really funny! though i bet there are tons of teenage girls who wear more revealing clothes than poor allison…she is after all “17″ years of age and will become a major in another yr

  • http://idolstages.com Connie D.

    Brandon, thank you so much for this awesomely detailed candid recap!

    I truly hope the producers read your comments about Allison’s set. I love that precious girl.

    Is your family originally from the US? I like the way you referred to your mother as “mum”.

  • dhunken

    Great detailed and informative recap. Thanks for taking the time to write it. Loved the Adam section. Sad about your interpretation of Kris’s set but glad you had a great time.

  • relyec

    Is 33 middle aged? Guess it is and I’ll be one of those screaming my head off for ADAM!!! Great review, liked your take on Allison.

  • Valentin432

    Another complaint was her wardrobe. If she wasn’t my age I would honestly feel like a dirty old man for how low cut her top was. Don’t get me wrong, she’s cute, but let’s just say I could now give unnecessary details about her chest

    Sincerely disagree with this, I have seen her dress countless times through videos and photos, nothing inappropriate at all IMHO. In my college, any girl would wear much more revealing clothes during spring and summer and high school was exactly the same.

    It’s strange that you would feel dirty about Allison clothes and nothing about Adam mic stands antics and sexy dancing, I think I would feel much more awkward about those.

  • ravengirl

    Brandon, loved your review and all the detail of the idol’s voices. It does sound like the South has been rather tough on some of them.
    And the locking eyes part with Adam. I’m not sure I would have been coherent enough afterward to write as concisely as you did!

  • HannaB4

    Thank you for your recap. Glad you had such a good experience. I already told my husband and son to take ear plugs & honestly I might have to do the same so I can still hear Adam! :)

  • Susan M.

    Brandon: Wow, that is a well-written, extremely insightful recap. You sound like you are very knowledgeable about music and vocals. I’d love to know more about your background.

    Great job and I really enjoyed reading it. (Man, wish I’d locked eyes with Adam …)

  • vanjess38

    Thanks for your recap. But can you or someone tell me what a WINNER MATERIAL is?

  • jms

    Thanks for the review Brandon. I quite enjoyed reading it. Although, I was sorry to hear that Kris was off last night. I hope I manage to get them on a night when they’re all at their best.

    If you don’t mind me asking, where are you from? Great Britain?

  • suebrody

    Brandon, such a nice review, and from a youngen. ;) (I am not saying how old I am, but probably around your ‘mum”’s age. My guess is that you have had some vocal training and it came across. I, too, am disappointed that you felt Kris had an off-night, but you didn’t diss him, you just noted it, and that seemed fair to me (tho I also wonder what a *winner* would sound like). I can’t wait to ‘lock” eyes with Adam, but probably won’t happen, as I’m in the 12th row, floor. ;)

    Anyway, thanks again for writing.

  • Maria22

    Thank you for the nice review! I really enjoyed getting to hear about the concert from a “young man’s with musical knowledge point of view” – much appreciated!

  • Adamme

    vanjess38
    Aug 3rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
    Thanks for your recap. But can you or someone tell me what a WINNER MATERIAL is?

    My take on Winner material, it is subjective ‘“ since I’m no music critic. Even if a music critic said one idol has winner material, fans of the other idols would argue anyway.. so yes.. winner material is subjective.

    For Brandon ‘“ obviously Anoop has Winner material

    For Kris fans ‘“ Kris has Winner material

    For Allison & Matt fans ‘“ They’re the one that has Winner material..

    For me and Adam fans ‘“ Adam has Winner material

    So there you go..

  • dietcoke

    Another complaint was her wardrobe. If she wasn’t my age I would honestly feel like a dirty old man for how low cut her top was. Don’t get me wrong, she’s cute, but let’s just say I could now give unnecessary details about her chest

    I kinda agree with Brandon on this one. I am no young man or dirty old man, I am a thirty something women who loves sexy clothing and have no problem with young girls wearing sexy outfits. For some reasons, I was thinking her top was a little low and when she was “bouncing” all over the stage, I just couldn’t help but noticing her chest.

    Sincerely disagree with this, I have seen her dress countless times through videos and photos, nothing inappropriate at all IMHO.

    And I think that’s why I felt a little weird about her outfit on stage. I have never seen her sexy like that. She has a nice curvy body though. We are being reminded time after time that Alli is a very young girl despite her powerful voice and talent. But really, it’s no biggie, just minor observation and opinion.

    Brandon, thanks for the recap.

  • Gerien

    I’m sorry to hear Kris didn’t live up to your lofty expectations. Pretty intrigued by your out of tune comments though. The number of times I have heard him out of tune I can pretty much count on one hand. Maybe you can share which of his songs were out of tune and which part of it?

  • alison8701

    Thanks for the recap. I actually had the same question as Connie though.

    “Is your family originally from the US? I like the way you referred to your mother as ‘mum’ .”

    You sounded a bit british to me.

    that being said, NOOOOOOOOOOP!

  • 10DogMom

    Kellyo – My hub and I will be there in Grand Rapids, too! I just checked back – had floor seats, but got some in 121 row C, so trying to sell the floors now (didn’t want to stand the WHOLE time, but we shall see if this makes a diff). We live south of K’zoo, so wonder if we’ll be in a caravan of folks on the way up that night!

  • Q3

    Brandon, really nice review!

    Also, I agree with you about Allison’s first outfit.

    I didn’t like it or her Slow Ride outfits because they seemed to be kind of contrived and dated to me. Except for the great pants she wears for Slow Ride.

    I think Allison, Danny and Anoop seemed to have suffered at the hands of some “well-meaning” stylists.

  • lambrina

    Thank you for this review! So happy to read the part about Adam, and God how I wish I could have been the one he looked at for a second :) He’s truly amazing!

  • HoldMe

    A LOVER of adams hating on Danny-So worn out YAWN

    Next plz

  • alison8701

    I think Allison, Danny and Anoop seemed to have suffered at the hands of some ‘well-meaning’  stylists.

    Anoop, I’m pretty sure, unfortunately, picks out his own clothes. They had some outfits picked for him and he wasn’t feeling them.. so…

    Anoop is fond of layers. Lots and lots of layers. He also wears like, the same 5 t-shirts off the stage. But i digress..

  • Valentin432

    And I think that’s why I felt a little weird about her outfit on stage. I have never seen her sexy like that. She has a nice curvy body though. We are being reminded time after time that Alli is a very young girl despite her powerful voice and talent. But really, it’s no biggie, just minor observation and opinion.

    I understand and respect where you and other are coming from, nonetheless it’s hard to believe that people who were defending Adam when he was accused to not be “family appropriate” are shocked to see a little too much cleavage in a 17 years old.

  • McD

    I’m sorry to hear Kris didn’t live up to your lofty expectations. Pretty intrigued by your out of tune comments though. The number of times I have heard him out of tune I can pretty much count on one hand. Maybe you can share which of his songs were out of tune and which part of it?

    I wonder if he and a few others were just having an off night as well since this is the first recap I’ve read that mentioned a few singers’ pitch problems. I don’t remember reading that Matt’s falsetto failed him or that he fell flat on other nights. I don’t remember reading that Danny sounded nasal either. Maybe I just didn’t pay close enough attention.

    Not saying that any of this is not true, just think it’s interesting that other recaps mention Kris’s voice sounding deeper/richer live vs. on the show and praise Matt for being vocally stronger than on the show since he seems much less nervous.

    There could’ve been problems at other concerts, but maybe the recappers didn’t think they were worth mentioning. Maybe most concert goers just don’t notice pitch problems as much or are more forgiving when it comes to a few bum notes since live singing is an imperfect art.

  • dietcoke

    I understand and respect where you and other are coming from, nonetheless it’s hard to believe that people who were defending Adam when he was accused to not be ‘family appropriate’  are shocked to see a little too much cleavage in a 17 years old.

    No, I didn’t think there was anything wrong with Alli’s outfit and I wasn’t shocked to see the cleavage. I just “noticed” the cleavage and it was family friendly. For the record, I’ve never defended Adam on the mic humping thing. I like to call his performance “adult” entertainment.

  • Adamme

    HoldMe
    Aug 3rd, 2009 at 3:32 pm
    A LOVER of adams hating on Danny-So worn out YAWN

    Next plz

    Really now? A teenage boy gave his opinion – and he became A lover of Adam?

    Great re-cap Brandon! Thank you, hope you won’t get discourage by some the comments.

  • kellyo

    10DogMom, how did you get 121 seats, row C? Did you get them from one of mj’s links or from Van Andel itself. I thought I’d call that week to see if they release more tickets. We are on the floor too and in row T so I’m hoping to find something closer like you! I am so excited!!!! (more than my kids!)

    I just read all the comments about singers being off, pitch problems, etc. Brandon did a great job of HIS opinion so why do folks have to be so critical? And I must say, I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, even when trying in church so I wouldn’t know if they are off or not. I’m just so excited to see them! This will be our fourth AI concert. We saw Daughtery first and he rocked Van Andel. The applause for him was absolutely insane and he was amazing! Can’t even remember who came after him. The next one we saw was with Jordin and Blake. Horrible concert…we saw it in Chicago and my sisters and I were kicking ourselves for wasting so much money for family tickets with our kids.

    Saw David and David last year in row 10 on the side and oh my goodness, amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are seeing David Cook in September when he comes to one of the county fairgrounds and David A. is coming to a local club this month as well.

    But this one will be THE one….Adam, Matt, Kris, Anoop….it’s like winning the jackpot!

  • agathe.hb

    great recap, I really enjoyed it. You sound so mature for 17 :)
    thanks :)

  • Gerien

    I wonder if he and a few others were just having an off night as well since this is the first recap I’ve read that mentioned a few singers’ pitch problems. I don’t remember reading that Matt’s falsetto failed him or that he fell flat on other nights. I don’t remember reading that Danny sounded nasal either. Maybe I just didn’t pay close enough attention.

    Not saying that any of this is not true, just think it’s interesting that other recaps mention Kris’s voice sounding deeper/richer live vs. on the show and praise Matt for being vocally stronger than on the show since he seems much less nervous.

    There could’ve been problems at other concerts, but maybe the recappers didn’t think they were worth mentioning. Maybe most concert goers just don’t notice pitch problems as much or are more forgiving when it comes to a few bum notes since live singing is an imperfect art.

    Yes precisely, of the 20 or so concerts prior to this, there have been many times when people have said they found Kris’s set too underwhelming, mellow and even boring but none have mentioned any pitch or tone problems. I would expect any of these to be present at the beginning concerts and would have ironed them out after singing and practicing almost every night for the past month. Even Kris has said in interviews that after the first week, it is less become less worrying about the performance and more about entertaining the crowd. So yeah, the part about being one of the most out of tune of all leaves me scratching my head. Then again, Kris, Matt and Danny might have not been feeling too well like Adam which led them to performing below par. Wonder if there is a flu bug or something in the group.

    All these is just speculation. I’m hoping videos come out soon so I can hear it for myself.

  • Truthiness

    There could’ve been problems at other concerts, but maybe the recappers didn’t think they were worth mentioning. Maybe most concert goers just don’t notice pitch problems as much or are more forgiving when it comes to a few bum notes since live singing is an imperfect art.

    Indeed, if he can spot and tell the difference between and F5 and G5, he might be looking at the show differently than others might. Heck, most people don’t know what an F5 or G5 are.

    Anyhew, thanks for the recap and I love reading views of people of differing ages and genders, so thanks to adding to that.

    Odd that Kris and Matt were off in your experience. They both seem pretty good when I do watch them in YouTubes, though I haven’t watched all of their sets from Greensboro and being in person, the sound is very different.

    Glad to hear you enjoyed Adam and yeah, his Starlight is one of my faves of his. That and his Life on Mars part of his Bowie medley.

  • McD

    I just read all the comments about singers being off, pitch problems, etc. Brandon did a great job of HIS opinion so why do folks have to be so critical? And I must say, I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, even when trying in church so I wouldn’t know if they are off or not. I’m just so excited to see them!

    The comments weren’t meant to criticize Brandon. This is one of the first recaps to mention pitch problems which means that some performers could’ve had an off night, the performers may have been off pitch all along but some recappers didn’t mention them, Brandon has a better ear for that kind of thing (that’s a compliment, not an insult), or some combination of these things.

    The other poster just simply asked him to clarify which songs/parts had pitch problems out of curiosity. No one attacked him for his opinion or because he favored some performers over others.

  • nehope

    Brandon, nice recap. I was also at the Greensboro show – just a few rows back from you (A11, seats 13 and 14). I attended this concert with my sister who has never seen American Idol and is a die-hard country music fan. (Why she ended up going with me is another story). In addition I had just returned that day from Washington, DC where I attended Paul McCartney’s concert on Saturday night. I am not a huge fan of American Idol either and watched it for the first time this year – first out of boredom but then kept watching it because of Allison and Adam. I agree with most of your observations. What is interesting to me, though, was my sisters take on the performances:
    -She liked Lil
    -She thought Scott was better at singing and playing than Matt
    -Totally uninterested in Michael, Megan, Anoop or Danny
    -Loved Allison, kept asking “she’s only 17?” The last concert we attended together was Heart back in the 80s (at Greensboro) with front row seats because at the time I was writing a concert/music review column for a local paper.
    -Was completely blown away by Adam, said “this is what I expect/want from a concert.”
    Finally – Kris. I had originally intended to leave before Hey Jude – couldn’t take it less than 24 hours after seeing Macca do it live but promised to stay so she could hear Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing. Well, he comes up on his little lift, starts Heartless, and she leans over and says “I’m ready to go. This guy is NOT good.” We left and all the way to the car it’s “why did he win? That other guy is so much better and everybody there seemed to think so. How did he win?” I said “I don’t know. He’s a nice guy?”
    Anyway, sorry Kris fans. This was a reaction from someone who heard these ten people for the first time last night and doesn’t get it.

  • Gerien

    I just read all the comments about singers being off, pitch problems, etc. Brandon did a great job of HIS opinion so why do folks have to be so critical?

    Were you referring to me? Well pitch problems isn’t subjective, its either it’s off or not off, so it definitely isn’t any opinion. MI’m not saying that Kris wasn’t pitchy, but if he truly wasn’t which I hope to ascertain if there are videos, then it makes this review inaccurate, at least on the part of Kris.

    Finally – Kris. I had originally intended to leave before Hey Jude – couldn’t take it less than 24 hours after seeing Macca do it live but promised to stay so she could hear Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing. Well, he comes up on his little lift, starts Heartless, and she leans over and says ‘I’m ready to go. This guy is NOT good.’  We left and all the way to the car it’s ‘why did he win? That other guy is so much better and everybody there seemed to think so. How did he win?’  I said ‘I don’t know. He’s a nice guy?’ 
    Anyway, sorry Kris fans. This was a reaction from someone who heard these ten people for the first time last night and doesn’t get it.

    Oh well, seeing that Heartless was the song many people considered the song that won idol for Kris, it seems your sister has different opinions than them. Different strokes.

  • Truthiness

    Oh well, seeing that Heartless was the song many people considered the song that won idol for Kris, it seems your sister has different opinions than them. Different strokes.

    On the other hand, the version he sang on the show, and the version he sings on tour, are not the same. Maybe this person would, as I do, like the version on the show, not so much the tour version.

  • riaspark17

    I honestly believe Kris would be getting a much better reaction from people in general if he had not beaten Adam. Because Kris is great in his own right. But Adam just seems in a stratosphere all his own. Imo the show loses credibility with Kris’s win.

  • Gerien

    On the other hand, the version he sang on the show, and the version he sings on tour, are not the same. Maybe this person would, as I do, like the version on the show, not so much the tour version.

    Fair enough, but looking at the way he/she phrased it “Well, he comes up on his little lift, starts Heartless, and she leans over and says ‘I’m ready to go. This guy is NOT good.’  sounds to me like they left just after Kris started, and the acoustic part of heartless is the same for the show and tour version. I for one, am not a music connoisseur and need more than a few seconds to discern if a singer is good or not. Regardless, they missed one of the best, if not the best set of the night, IMO.

  • Gerien

    I honestly believe Kris would be getting a much better reaction from people in general if he had not beaten Adam. Because Kris is great in his own right. But Adam just seems in a stratosphere all his own. Imo the show loses credibility with Kris’s win.

    I don’t know what you are trying to say here, are you trying to say that Kris actually deserves more reception (not that I think is bad anyway) based on his talent but people are denying him that because they are bitter(lack of a better word). mmkay so I should take these reviews with a grain of salt then? Shoudn’t a concert leave behind the competition mindset and support your idol for his own merit? You like the guy, you cheer for him. Not you like the guy, but because he beat my guy, I will not cheer or even boo him. The only people who seem unhappy that Kris has won are Adam fans. He doesn’t need them to support his career, he has his own fans for that. Well I don’t know, after reading what you said, I am even more convinced that Kris should have won now.

    MJ please delete my post if i am off topic. This is my last post on this.

  • jill16

    Thank you Brandon for the recap. Your Mom sounds terrific! I’m going to the Auburn Hills, MI concert and fear that I’ll be in a trance during Adams set like so many of you have stated. Lord help me!!

    My daughter is 11, and has always said Kris’ expressions while singing looks like he’s constipated. He does at times, look like he’s straining to sing.

  • riaspark17

    I guess what I’m saying is that in the real world, outside the bounds of a generally conservative voting contest, Adam seems like more of a winner, which then leaves people conflicted about the real winner, and yes, they probably don’t give Kris his fair due because of it. But fyi, this isn’t the only account I’ve heard of an Idol newbie concert attendee wondering how Kris won, not just over Adam, but over Gokey, Allison, Matt.

  • Kate8

    Kris is talented, but I thought he played it fairly safe through the competition and all his stuff sounded similiar except Heartless. I really agree with Brandon’s ranking of Kris.

  • richie10

    I guess what I’m saying is that in the real world, outside the bounds of a generally conservative voting contest, Adam seems like more of a winner, which then leaves people conflicted about the real winner, and yes, they probably don’t give Kris his fair due because of it. But fyi, this isn’t the only account I’ve heard of an Idol newbie concert attendee wondering how Kris won, not just over Adam, but over Gokey, Allison, Matt.

    I think you hit the nail on the head. AI does generally vote in winners from the conservative south, so within the confines of AI Kris looks like a winner. He fits the mold of the hometown boy who makes his dream come true. But in the real world he looks very small and insignificant coming after Adam on the stage.

  • Lulu2

    Nice recap, Brandon! I was down front in Ontario, CA, and I thought Adam looked at me for awhile as well. Maybe he has a talent for it, like one of those pictures where the eyes follow you around….

  • riaspark17

    I think you hit the nail on the head. AI does generally vote in winners from the conservative south, so within the confines of AI Kris looks like a winner. He fits the mold of the hometown boy who makes his dream come true. But in the real world he looks very small and insignificant coming after Adam on the stage.

    Thanks, you phrased it better than me.

  • http://www.f3properties.com Animated

    Thank you Brandon . Your recap is very interesting . I gather you are about Allison’s age. I hope the kids in my family who are your age is as articulate as you are. Great recap.

    You pointed out some thought provoking insights ‘“ seems like the show should not be American Idol. But American Idol’s Idol. Like there is a certain definition as to who should be called American Idol. But let us not go into that as it will open a whole lot of heated discussion. Not for this thread.

    Let me just say again ‘“ amazing recap Brandon. Your Mom must be proud to read this

  • Vada

    Strange, but those TV clips from fox8 in Greensboro, don’t show massive pitch problems.

    By the way, they are in mj’s first post in the ‘news’ thread for today.

  • CindyM

    Nice recap Brandon.

  • vanjess38

    Adamme, Thank you very much for what you said. But I don’t think I will ever Adam or any of these guys is not a WINNER MATERIAL. I still don’t get what that means. They all wanted an opportunity upon which they can build their careers, coming into this competition and it is one person who could win. It could be any of the 10 you know
    Any way I’ve watched Kris’ set for the Greeensboro concert and even in the videos that normally worse than the live performances, his voice was very strong and he sounded very good. There is nothing like off tune there, at least from what I heard watching the videos so I’m a little bit surprised. Of all the recaps that I’ve read here, I’ve not seen any one of them mention that Kris wasn’t good. Infact, even most of Adams fans who recapped were impressed and suprised. What I know a few gave concern about was him coming after Adam and felt he even held his own. We must note that Kris and Adam are going to have their solo concerts so comparisons at this point doesn’t make sense. Adam has said often that Kris is very talented, and a lot of people see that too and not only the two of them but most of the ten. Let’s respect them.

  • ateal69

    I have also heard people that don’t watch Idol comment on how Kris won. I am also kinda wondering myself what happened, since Adam seems to be getting a bigger reception everywhere they go except for Arkansas. Just sayin…

  • Studio57

    I certainly don’t want to upset Kris fans, but I just have to say that I think Kris would be getting a MUCH better reception, like Allison and Matt have been getting, if he didn’t have to follow Adam. I am NOT saying Adam is better, because music is subjective, but the energy he gives the show should be the finale. I won’t be going to the show for a couple of more weeks, so I don’t want to speak out of turn, but it certainly seems that way from all the recaps and critic reviews I have read.

  • tripp_ncwy

    In truth none of the recaps or critics comments really matter in the end. No matter how 19 Ent., any of the Simon’s or the media tries to spin it. Kris will always come out on top. He will always be mentioned alongside all of the other AI winners of the past seasons. I am sure both Kris & Adam will be invited back to perform during season 9 but only Kris will perform at the finale to hand over ‘his’  crown to the next winner. This is coming from someone who really likes Adam and his great performance style but I also like Kris & Matt. I am on the fence about Allison because I think she still has a lot of growing to do. It’s true that performing after Adam may be a letdown for some in the audience. If you really think about it, Kris knows it too. He has even commented on it. Give the guy some credit, he did not back down from the challenge he accepted it. How would Danny have fared going after Adam or any of the remaining idols. Danny thought if Kris had gone out in the top 3, he would have won. It is what it is. That’s just the way the countdown system works on tour, #1 goes last.

  • Maria22

    I have a feeling that people who are musically inclined and or have more training than the average public and or have perfect pitch probably view these performances from a different perspective and probably notice ‘problems’ that the rest of us don’t pick up on (and therefore they don’t affect our enjoyment of the performances- so in some ways ‘(musical) ignorance is bliss’ – for me anyway….

  • Jasper

    Shouldn’t a concert leave behind the competition mindset and support your idol for his own merit? You like the guy, you cheer for him. Not you like the guy, but because he beat my guy, I will not cheer or even boo him.

    Oh, if only that were the case! Unfortunately, we all have our favorites and when we feel our favorite was robbed it’s only natural to feel some sort of resentment towards the person we feel robbed them.

    I sometimes wonder too if Kris had been better off taking second place because it is really unfair to him to be on the receiving end of such animosity through no fault of his own. If he wasn’t polarizing on the show, he certainly has become polarizing now after having won.

    The only people who seem unhappy that Kris has won are Adam fans.

    Not all Adam fans are unhappy with Kris’s win. I certainly am not. I loved them both all season. I was actually an Adam fan first and then Kris grew on me to the point where I couldn’t choose between them in the end.

    But for every Adam fan who is okay with Kris winning, there is a small population that are still, for lack of a better word, bitter over Adam’s loss.

    I went to the concert in Glendale and this one sweet-looking little tween girl was talking to her friends about Adam. She actually said that Kris chose the wrong path and he’d better watch out! — don’t really know if that was a viable threat or not but it kind of made me laugh in shock and surprise. I was aghast at the venom spewing from her mouth!! :shock_tb:

  • Truthiness

    Not all Adam fans are unhappy with Kris’s win. I certainly am not. I loved them both all season. I was actually an Adam fan first and then Kris grew on me to the point where I couldn’t choose between them in the end.

    And there are Kris fans who remain bitter about Adam during the show and afterwards, here and elsewhere. It’s all very lame to me. But I don’t assign this person’s accounting about Kris to being a bitter Adam fan. I might not agree with them, but people have given recaps about Adam I disagree with. Oh well. It’s their opinion and experience and I thank them for sharing it with us.

  • Jhoy2theworld

    I’m an Adam fan too and I was devastated when Adam didn’t win, but after seeing the friendship that grew between Adam and Kris, I’m fine with it. I just love seeing the respect and support they have for each other. And I hope Kradam will have success in their musical careers!!!

  • Grammie Kari

    Trying to speak from an unbiased opinion, I’d say he did brilliantly. Barely off pitch in any parts, if at all.

    This sounds so good to read! Anoop was feeling the love, huh? Good for him!

    I am so happy I have no need to comment back and forth about Adam and Kris. If I get the opportunity to attend the concert, I’ll be cheering for both of them.

    Thank you for a terrific recap, Brandon.

  • Gerien

    Oh I really don’t mean all Adam fans are bitter, at least not here, where we are able to express opinion about our favorites and others in a respectful manner. But if you think about it, most reviews here and elsewhere recently have been pretty positive for Kris, and not the level of disparity that some of us would like to believe. Of course, it’s always easy to cling on to the negative and use that as a basis of argument Well the ones that goes Kris who?, I don’t know, it might be fun for the Adam fans to read but it’s hard to take it seriously really. The comments sections are usually the most fun part to read though, good for an half hour of popcorn and coke if you have some free time. But all these “false negativity”, if any, can only be good for Kris’s career as he will be more successful than likely projected. Can’t really ask for more really…most Kris fans are just chilling out and enjoying the concert and waiting for his fall album to drop

    Anyhoo, I do love Adam actually. He is my favorite after Kris and Allison and had fun reading it. I usually am in lurk mode but the reason I am even posting in this thread is I’m not so much defending Kris but more if he was really out of tone, as the writer mentioned.

    It’s funny how every thread, even about the more trivial details, can evolve into a Kris vs Adam discussion.

  • Truthiness

    It’s funny how every thread, even about the more trivial details, can evolve into a Kris vs Adam discussion.

    Well it certainly doesn’t help when people who criticize one, assign a motive of liking the other to it strictly as the basis for that. Not that I’m saying that is what you did. Of course it’s easy to make that assumption, given that as you say, other people on other sites might being doing that, and yes, I would argue it happens here as well. AI is a competition, so people naturally act that way during the show, and for some, even after, unfortunately. But I just say let’s not assign motives to this recapper and assume that their saying XX about Kris is dependent solely on their fanship (again, this is in general, not to you).

    It might be a part of it, sure, that’s human nature and no one is really objective. People can try and be all they want, but I would argue that’s not really possible. But I don’t know this recappers mind and motives, so I’m just going to read it and assign it validity based on what my own value judgements. Which I think is what anyone does at a review and/or recap.

    most Kris fans are just chilling out and enjoying the concert and waiting for his fall album to drop

    And most Adam fans just want him to enjoy him in the concerts, worry about his voice, worry about his safety and worry and hope that he does well with his album. Some excitable fans on websites aren’t the majority of any fanbase, thank goodness.

  • Janie

    Thanks for your recap, Brandon, and I appreciate the fact that your Idol concert experience is just that: YOURS and you’re entitled to your own opinion … it’s a good life lesson! Your mom was so cool to give you that great seat!

    middle aged women were absolutely melting over him

    We probably ALL look middle-aged to you at 17! I think women of all ages – and some men, too! – are melting over Adam. Can’t wait for his cd :)

    .

  • ShariG

    Sorry you didn’t hear Kris the way that others did in Greensboro. Maybe it was your seats or preconceived favorites. This middle aged fan melts over Kris Allen. I am neither conservative nor from the south and Kris Allen is my American Idol this year and extremely deserving of the honor.

  • ShariG

    vanjess38, winner material is Kris Allen. He won! He didn’t do it himself. Arkansas didn’t do it themselves. He won because he had more fans who voted more often from all across the country. Guess that’s winner material.

  • ShariG

    “A LOVER of adams hating on Danny-So worn out YAWN

    Next plz”

    A LOVER of adams hating on Kris – So worn out YAWN Next plz.

    I haven’t heard any other reviewer of Kris in Greensboro who thinks he was off key or had a bad night. I guess we hear what we expect to hear, or maybe we report what we would like to believe we heard to justify our own preferences.

  • Brandon S.

    I just read some of the responses for the first time. It seems there is a few questions as to my motivations in saying what I did.

    One- Please remember what I said about Allison’s music being too loud. It DID affect my hearing. So please take that into account.

    Two- Danny was nasally. Not for his entire set, but when he sings runs (listen to the first part of Jesus Take the Wheel on youtube and compare his live version to his studio version) like that it’s kind of breathy and nasally and it bugs me. It might sound fine to others. Even the judges said at some points his singing sounded unsupported.

    Three- Kris does get out of tune (at least he did at the show) whenever he switches notes quickly or sings low and sometimes it falls flat. I think what all of you are listening for whenever I say “out of tune” is someone who practically sounds out of key it sounds so bad. That’s not what I meant. With Kris is was about 10-15 cents at most. Noticeable at some points, but not ear splitting. His “money notes” are much better. Also, Heartless was his best performance, technically speaking.

    Thanks to those who appreciated my review.

  • Brandon S.

    Sorry you didn’t hear Kris the way that others did in Greensboro. Maybe it was your seats or preconceived favorites. This middle aged fan melts over Kris Allen. I am neither conservative nor from the south and Kris Allen is my American Idol this year and extremely deserving of the honor.

    I enjoyed his performance. I was judging his ability as an actual singer. I have almost 8 years experience with vocal, saxophone and ear training. One thing about Kris Allen is that he almost never uses vibrato. Vibrato is a technique that singers and saxophonists use for two reason. The first being that it makes them think they sound more professional, which works for some and doesn’t for others.

    The second reason is much more relevant to this review. It makes it harder to distinguish between something being in and out of tune. Without it, Kris, on a TECHNICAL perspective, is much easier to critique when it comes to his singing.