Idol Headlines for 07/07/09

Commenting on LA Times article…Well I must say after watching all of Kris Allen’s videos he doesn’t strike me as a rock star. He is a good musician but too mellow and underwhelming for me (I only liked his Heartless performance) hehe look at my user tag.

Good grief I feel sorry for the Minnesota Lynx fans having to listen to Casey Carlsen sing the NA. yikes

Daughtry’s “Leave This Town” album preview:

http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/daughtry__chris/2446201/album.jhtml

Kris Allan not at all the rock vibe more of the Don Mcclean”Bye Bye American Pie” and maybe a little Storyhill….

StoryHill- For you Gingerly –I think this is folk?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDqf-m2R0R0

Hi lu…momo Oh I guess my name means I like orange pop ..

rockvixen:
Well I guess I didn’t enjoy Adam’s most performances as well!
Besides Mad World which is the only one I like, the others made my ears bleed.
So, it’s pointless to argue who’s better because they have totally different styles and attract different listeners.

I wonder if MJ will turn into a Tupac phenomenon where he is still coming out with “new” stuff years and years after he died. It’s so crazy that some people still think the guy is alive. I remember Dave Chapelle doing an absolutely hilarious skit about it

Wrote this song in ’94

Thanks for the Daughtry VH1 link, yeahyeahsure.

I think Rock is a pretty broad genre, but I don’t see Kris as a super hard rocker (the type that gets played on active rock radio). However I do think he could make a believable soft rock record. I thought Bright Lights was the best song of his set from what I heard in the videos, and he could definitely go in that direction.

I’d buy it anyways, lol.

When I hit the link for the article “‘American Idol’ finalists get ready to hit the road” at Mercury News.com, I’m getting a warning about the site’s security certificate, whatever that is.

This year’s winner, however, oddly came to the stage facing a bundle of questions — namely, could his soft-spoken, low-key style stand up as the headline act of an arena show?

The word “oddly” just jumped out at me. Has any other AI winner faced this kind of situation before? No.

Kris is the first low-key winner in AI history. To compound that, there is no question that in many ways he has been overshadowed by Adam.

The only season that was similar is AI5. But even in AI5 when two great singers were #3 (Melinda) and #4 (Daughtry), the press didn’t question whether Taylor could put on a great arena show. And there were few questions about Daughtry overshadowing Taylor in the AI concert.

EDIT by Q3: Sorry — should be #3 (Elliott)!! Duh!

I really have to give Kris and Adam a ton of credit for remaining real friends, supporting each other’s talent, and standing up to any attempts by the media and passionate fans to compare and contrast them.

The whole bromance Kradam story may sometimes seem a bit tiresome but it’s a hellava lot better than the other possible storyline. And no one needs a repeat of Clay v. Rueben.

Elliott was 3rd place Taylor’s year Q3.

desiiire….good point however I wasn’t comparing. So why are you arguing? It’s my opinion about Kris.

Madonna ‘in talks to perform on X Factor’

Why does the phrase “when Hell freezes over” come to mind when I read that headline? If you read the article, it appears an offer has been extended, but that’s as far as it goes. Dream on, Simon.

When I hit the link for the article ”American Idol’ finalists get ready to hit the road’  at Mercury News.com, I’m getting a warning about the site’s security certificate, whatever that is.

I don’t get it when I go to that article. It could be as simple as a conflict between the date/time on your computer and the Website’s security certificate. I wouldn’t worry about it unless you get it on a lot of sites. Then I’d start with checking your computer’s date.

Elliott was 3rd place Taylor’s year Q3.

Oh duh!! I am still asleep. (It’s cause Melinda and Elliott are two of my favs.)

In any case, my big point was that Kris is in a odd position — and I think he’s handling it with class.

Today, the new Hannah Montana 3 CD was released on iTunes. I went over there thinking I would be able to download Miley’s “I Wanna Know You” duet with David Archuleta. But, alas, that duet is not available for purchase by itself. You would have to buy the entire album just to get it. All of the other 21 songs (and videos) on that album can be downloaded singly, just not that duet with David. Geeez!! Those money mongering Disney people must know what a really big draw David is to sink this low. Sorry, but I am not falling for it.

ozarka, That sucks, cause I Wanna Know You is catchy as hell. Did you check Amazon’s mp3 site?

rockvixen:
“Mellow and underwhelming” is Kris’ style of music and I enjoy it. I’m there’ll be a lot of people also love it. But maybe these people won’t be Adam fans.

ozarka, That sucks, cause I Wanna Know You is catchy as hell. Did you check Amazon’s mp3 site?

Amazon doesn’t have their duet. They have only Miley’s solo version.

I don’t think there was anything about Kris’s “Bright Lights” performance that I would call mellow. It was a pop-rock performance. He was rocking it out at the piano, and then jumped up at the end to jam on the electric guitar with the band. I don’t know how that is not rock. And “Heartless” was definitely a rock performance, IMO.

I think Kris is definitely in the rock genere, not hard rock, but rock. It’s got a soulful, singer-songwriter vibe to it, but it’s still within my definition of rock.

Most Idol contestants are not rockstars as the show has historically skewed towards pop and some country, and only recently have we had some decent forays into the rock genre. David Cook and Daughtry are the only two that have qualified by my definition and that in the Nickelback corporate grunge mode. Allison may be next to join the club – we’ll see what Jive does with her voice.

I will say as I noted yesterday, that the fact Kris was able to create an intimate club type atmosphere in a large venue is in fact a very high compliment – very few artists can do that. You can go large in the smallest of venues but making it intimate in a large venue is its own gift.

One line of the LA Times’ review really hit home to me as absolute truth, from my point of view ofcourse.

but his ability to fly past what seem impossibly high expectations continues to amaze

It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how high my expectations are for him – whether on AI, in interviews or on Sunday’s concert – he never fails surpass them. That man is yet to disappoint me in the slightest, he’s so divinely talented. More power to him.

As much as I respect everyone’s opinion here, I must say some of you are very bent on pulling down these idols with your mean comments when they are not your favourites. I personally, am proud of these 10 idols because what they did on stage last sunday is very difficult to do, and I know most of us cannot even match up to half of it. And if I remember well, the tour producer did say in his interview that they are trying to bring out what kind of artist each of the contestants represent., which I personally think they did achieve.Kris, Adam and Allison are about to have a wonderful career and it did show in their performances in Portland. Please lets try and post our opinions without comparing them esp. Kris and Adam. Kris, to me is going to have a concert with a Paul Mcartney, Elton John feel which a lot of poeple love. Adam is also going to have a rockish Led Zeppelin concert which a lot of people love too, and mind you, they are going to be seperate, unlike what we see now. So, I think to hell with all these bringing down of the idols , and how A over shadowed B, and how A is fat, and all that.Please they deserve some respect for what they’ve achieve so far.

I think Adam’s super over-the-top rock perfs, Kris have to deliver some Rocky perfs to continue the heat of the audience. That’s why he did the heartless in a definitely rock version with the electric guitar riffs kicked in during the final two chorus. That’s great version which can definitely get people crazy. I like it even more than the aucostic one on the show cuz’ it’s the full version and the arrangement is fully developed.

A little Archie-Allison conversation via Twitter:

David: @Allison4Realzzz Woot woot for first show!!! Congrats!!

Allison: @DavidArchie thnks mannn ahhhhh XD

Hehehe… how cute are they!

IMHO, Kris’s big problem in concert is that he has to follow the crowd pleasing rockin’ Heartless with the anemic buzz-kill that is No Boundaries. The fact that he manages to recover momentum with Bright Lights and Hey Jude is a testament to his skill, but he shouldn’t have to work overtime to compensate for that awful song.

I totally agree NB is really the worst song ever. Even ANS, which is amazing, can’t bring the momentum completely back after that horrible song.

‘Mellow and underwhelming’  is Kris’ style of music and I enjoy it. I’m there’ll be a lot of people also love it. But maybe these people won’t be Adam fans.

And some of us are. Adam, Allison, Kris are my favs from this season, in that order. I believe a ton of folks feel the same way. I enjoy and appreciate many types of music and artistry, but I lean more toward rock and alternative if forced to identify preferences.

My reading of reviews and comments is that folks are reviewing the individual sets and this concert as a whole, and it seems a commonly held view that Kris following Adam is not the perfect scenario, particularly for Kris. Everything’s debatable, but this seems to be a broadly held and credible position to me. But Kris’ ability to roll with it and transform the setting to his style speaks volumes and confirms that his is a formidable talent.

Me? I much prefer Adam’s and Allison’s concert style and energy in most instances. And while I appreciate Kris’ talent and style, and I know I will enjoy his set in a few weeks, he still suffers from my inevitable comparison to last year’s winner, David Cook. Kris has always felt a little “Cook lite” to me and I tend to prefer the full bodied flavor of a darker, richer brew.

Comparisons are inevitable in the context of AI. It is what it is.

Ok, I came up with an “Eureka” type moment (or maybe not – LOL) thinking about how to make a good bridge from Adam’s to Kris’ set while also limiting the momentum killer that is No Boundaries.

My idea — have Adam & Kris duet on No Boundaries as the bridge between the two sets — then allow Kris an additional solo song. (that would give Adam 4 solos and 2 duets, Kris 5 solos & a duet for those of you counting).

I know some on this board think Adam & Kris shouldn’t duet at all since their voices/styles are so different — but this would only be for tour — it wouldn’t end up on anyone’s album or as a single. It would be a good transition from Adam’s higher energy set to Kris’ mellower one. And it shouldn’t hurt Adam in terms of fan reaction (hey – more stage time, yippee!) while taking some of the burden of performing the lousy song off Kris. And it would give people more KRADAM moments.

They would have to stage it so Kris still gets his big entrance — maybe Adam could sing the first couple lines or verse before Kris’ entrance?

I don’t know. Maybe this idea is dumb. But I thought it could work (another possibility would be for them to duet on something other than NB as the lead in to Kris’ set — but that would still stick Kris with having to perform NB by himself).

Thoughts?

girlygirl:
That is a horrible idea. Both Adam and Kris sucks on NB. It will be the most horrible perf ever in the world if they duet the song…
Kris is being so nice by not even complaining about having to do that song on tour. He is willing to sarcifice himself. He really has a big heart.

Comparisons are inevitable in the context of AI. It is what it is.

That is very true – it is, after all, a competition to start with… and the competition seems to still linger for a loooong time… There’s a reason I didn’t get as invested in anyone this year – angst over David Cook is plenty, thanks

I’m actually a fan of Adam and Kris (and Allison, and I have a soft spot for Anoop). Kris sorta snuck up on me as the season progressed, it was actually oddly enough his To Feel My Love that got me (it still lives on my iPod).

I do think it sucks for Kris that he has to stick that craptastic No Boundaries in his set and take momentum away from his really fantastic Heartless. And I can’t think of where he can stick the darn song in his set list to make it any better!

Out of the nest: Adam Lambert, Kris Allen soar in American Idol top ten tour, Portland
http://www.examiner.com/x-15367-Boston-Reality-TV-Examiner~y2009m7d7-Out-of-the-nest-Adam-Lambert-Kris-Allen-soar-in-American-Idol-top-ten-tour-Portland

Don’t know this guy but I liked what he had to say about Adam.

http://justjaredjr.buzznet.com/2009/07/07/nathaniel-flatt-talks-adam-lambert/

On what he thinks about American Idol runner up Adam Lambert: ‘I know him, actually. He’s like the most freaking talented singer I’ve ever met in my entire life. I saw something today that Gene Simmons said it was the biggest mistake he could ever make and I feel like that is just an old-school mentality. He’s operating on the assumption that people aren’t gonna respect that or relate to it in Milwaukee. I think Adam is such an unbelievable talent that that’s not really why you’re buying his record; it’s because of his complete authenticity.’ 

I really liked the new arrangement of Heartless and ANS for the tour for Kris – I think it was a really smart move. Though a lot of those songs are so famous from him for being very minimal with the arrangement, he was able to find a good balance between keeping the intimacy (storytelling nature of Heartless, for instance) with a bigger arrangement and vocals to fill the venue. And Bright Lights also sounded really strong from him.

I agree that the one bad spot is really NB, which just isn’t a good song, and it sucks for Kris to have to sing it. But it was smart of him to put it early in his set to get it out of the way

And I for one can’t get sick of Kradam I just love their infectious happiness and support for each other! I would hate it if it turned out they didn’t get along. Give me the love anyday!

I wish Kradam could sing ToML instead. I still don’t understand why NB is on the Idol album for both Kris *and* Adam. If you were going to have two songs for both of them, then put MW and, say, BoW on for Adam, and then put Heartless and Falling Slowly or Ain’t No Sunshine for Kris. Of course, they have to put craptastic NB on there for Kris, but why for Adam, too? Boggles the mind. And to be honest, tho it pains me to say this, there should only be two songs for Kris, NB and Heartless, and one for Adam, MW (man, am I sick of that song, sigh). I wonder how well the album will sell?

As for the concert, I also do not think it makes sense for Kradam to sing NB. How about We Are The Champions? They seem to have buried NB as well as they could for Kris (b/c to begin with it would be a buzz kill, but he is required to sing it, damn you, Kara). I think it would be awesome for Kradam to do a duet as a segueway into Kris’s set (did the David’s have one last year?), but I can’t think of one that work for them. Even on DSB, it doesn’t quite work for one to sing, and then another, b/c Kris’s voice isn’t suited as well to that song as Adam’s, IMO…plus the Na Na Na part bugs me.

This is why I don’t run a tour.

Thoughts?

Yeah, there aren’t too many ways around this. You have Adam ending big (as he would want to, to end his set), and Kris coming in more subdued (his style).

Someone mentioned putting part of the group medley in between Adam and Kris (instead of all at the end of the first half).

In general, I think they do a pretty good job with the segue. It is what it is – you don’t really want to compromise Adam or Kris’s style, and they do a good job of avoiding that. Making Heartless bigger helps too.

I do think it sucks for Kris that he has to stick that craptastic No Boundaries in his set and take momentum away from his really fantastic Heartless. And I can’t think of where he can stick the darn song in his set list to make it any better!

He could sing it after the concert. On the bus. That would make it better. LOL.

Just say “No” to NoBo. Come on Jive, tell 19E to stuff it and that your new recording artist is not going to sing that song in 50 cities. You didn’t sign Jordin early enough to do that her year, but you can save Kris. Those are all professional musicians. They can learn a new song in one day.

How did past winners handle sucktastic coronation songs in their set without killing momentum like this? I’m thinking Inside Your Heaven and This is My Now.

I wrote this in yesterday’s headlines thread about how DC handled Magic Rainbows:

Regarding DC and TOML, I think he ramped up the speed on the Idol tour and did what he could to make it somewhat less ballady, in order to get through it as quickly as possible, and so as not to bring down the energy of his set. IIRC, he originally had ABMB on his set, but replaced it with Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing because he didn’t think it fit with the vibe of his other songs. We probably lost ABMB (sob) because TOML was already so pop, he felt he needed to do another rock song? Now, if only DC had worked out the EEB version of ABMB (the one they did in Manila), they could’ve kept it in the set, because that was rocked up, heh. Anyways, my point is, DC was very concerned about keeping up the energy of the audience when choosing his songs, and Kris might do better by just ditching the guitar, speeding up No Boundaries, and do one of those reach out to the audience things. That always works to get the kiddies screaming their heads off.

I’m in the minority, but I honestly don’t think No Boundaries is that bad a pop song. Kris should seriously up the tempo and make it a more fun, interactive performance by working the stage and engaging the audience, rather than try to make it heartfelt by doing it with the acoustic guitar.

Michael Jackson….

I am totally amazed and a little aghast that they closed the damn freeway in Los Angeles for the Michael Jackson funeral prosession. I don’t know why but it is leaving a pretty bad taste in my mouth, even though I liked Michael as an artist, I don’t think a city should have to close up for him….YMMV.

Just say ‘No’  to NoBo. Come on Jive, tell 19E to stuff it and that your new recording artist is not going to sing that song in 50 cities. You didn’t sign Jordin early enough to do that her year, but you can save Kris. Those are all professional musicians. They can learn a new song in one day.

Yeah, this seems to be the same story every year: the worst part of David Cook’s set last year, imo, was TOML, which was still better as a song than NB, but it made me think Archie almost got a better deal for getting out of singing that song.

Makes me think of the (numerous) jokes after the finale (Joel McHale from The Soup made one, iirc) about how the winner of AI is…

Adam Lambert! (for not having to sing the “hurricane” song :wink_wp: )

Don’t know this guy but I liked what he had to say about Adam.

Hee! I didn’t either so I googled him. I doesn’t even have his own wiki page yet and most of the links for him are to that article.

He’s a member of the new boy band VFactory. The other members are Jared Murillo (feature dancer for Disney’s High School Musical), Wesley Quinn (back up dancer for Disney’s Ashley Tisdale), Asher Book (part of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and lead in new new version of “Fame”), Nicky T (member of the Quest Crew dance crew, winner of Randy’s “America’s Best Dance Crew Season 3). Nathaniel Flatt is an actor in musical plays including the Broadway version of Disney’s Alladin.

Lot’s of dancers and Disney veterans in that crew. I’m surprsied the group isn’t a Disney creation (it’s a Warner one). I’m not sure that we can call Nate a musical oracle just yet. Maybe he’s just another “coat-tail surfer”

Oh please, NB is the worst coronation by a million miles. TOML and This is My Now is way better, although they sucks also.
And there’s basically no tune in NB, there’s no way to make it more “fun”.

And there’s basically no tune in NB, there’s no way to make it more ‘fun’ .

I said Kris could make his performance more fun and interactive. If you can’t improve the song, improve the visual- distract the audience a little and do some hand shaking or something.

If you can’t improve the song, improve the visual- distract the audience a little and do some hand shaking or something.

Top 10 things Kris Can Do to Distract the Audience During NoBo:

10) Set the curtains on fire

9) Have one of the roadies sit in the front row of the concert. Then, once the song starts, have building security drag him kicking and screaming from the venue.

Lob water balloons at the audience.

7) Periodically point to random locations and ask “Hey, is that Michael Jackson?”

6) Turn NoBo into a salsa song. Pick random girl from the audience with whom to dance.

5) Have baby pictures flash up on the screen. Just random baby pictures. Have people guess who they are. Don’t provide the answers.

4) Have the pop-tart mascots come on stage and use those cannons to fire t-shirts into the audience.

3) Invent the NoBo dance and teach the audience how to do it. Think of a cross between the Macarena and the Chicken Dance if the chicken was in a hurricane.

2) Fall off the stage. That will get people excited and they will applaud you like a sports hero who got flattened by the opposition, attended to by medics and then gets up to play again. That’s the only way you’ll get people to cheer for that song.

1) Ask Adam to streak during the performance.

My reading of reviews and comments is that folks are reviewing the individual sets and this concert as a whole, and it seems a commonly held view that Kris following Adam is not the perfect scenario, particularly for Kris.

Well, picture the AI7 tour if it had gone down like this:

Runner-up David Cook tore the roof off of the arena and and brought the house down with his blistering performance of “Billie Jean”…. Then the stadium went dark until a single spotlight illuminated American Idol winner Jason Castro seated on a chair in the front-center of the stage, strumming his acoustic guitar and delivering his folksy take on Iz’s remake of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”….

It would have been ridiculous. Just as it would have been ridiculous if Castro had beaten Cook. Just as it’s utterly ridicuous that Kris beat Adam.

Last year, you could make a reasoned argument on either side which David was “better”. One popular consensus was that Archie won the finale, but Cook won the season overall (their WNTS scores support this view).

But, this year, how many Kris fans can even honestly say, taking into account Kris’s performances and Adam’s performances, that Kris honestly deserved the title? Seriously, try to say it with a straight face!

And this wasn’t a repeat of S5 where the best contestant didn’t win, because that year the best contestant went out fourth. What happened this season would have been equivalent to Daughtry actualy making the finale and then losing to Taylor.

And what transpired this year wasn’t just a case of the less-talented person winning. Because the disparity in talent is so great that it basically renders the title of “American Idol” itself, and even the competition itself, meaningless.

I take my share of shots at Adam. Mostly, it’s not personal toward him– it’s just the deification of him by his fans and the media nauseates me. When I hit him about the drug issue– yeah, well, that time it was personal about him.

But, the one thing nobody can deny is that Adam has the quality they call “IT”. Kris… not so much.

So how can the Idol tour people fix it so Adam doesn’t make Kris look very, very small by comparison night after night, and prevent reviewer after reviewer from noting this? I don’t know– maybe they could ask Adam if he could try to intentionally suck a little bit?

There are a ton of Kradam fans. I’m one. No reason that someone can’t like both mellow and power/alt rock. But most people seem to agree that Adam is more suited to “big stage” arena concert performances.

girlygirl: Ok, I came up with an ‘Eureka’  type moment (or maybe not – LOL) thinking about how to make a good bridge from Adam’s to Kris’ set while also limiting the momentum killer that is No Boundaries.

My idea ‘” have Adam & Kris duet on No Boundaries as the bridge between the two sets ‘” then allow Kris an additional solo song. (that would give Adam 4 solos and 2 duets, Kris 5 solos & a duet for those of you counting).

I agree that they should put something between Adam and Kris and I think the lack of a Kradam moment is a big miss. I can’t even imaging an arrangement of NoBo that would work for Adam and Kris. No Kris won, and he “gets” to perform the winner’s song in concert.

I doubt that they will make a change at this point but I would have been great. Some kind of anthem duet would be great — I’ll go with suebrody on the Queen “We Are the Champions” suggestion. Adam starts with the vocal intro:

I’ve paid my dues –
Time after time –
I’ve done my sentence
But committed no crime –
And bad mistakes
I’ve made a few
I’ve had my share of sand kicked in my face –
But I’ve come through

Then Adam introduces Kris as the American Idol Winner while he rises onto the stage with the band playing load (cheers) then both of them sing

We are the champions – my friends
And we’ll keep on fighting – till the end –
We are the champions –
We are the champions
No time for losers
‘Cause we are the champions – of the world – and so on

Fireworks video, strobe lights. The audience would go nuts and Kris would have had a proper introduction.

IMO they should let use plan this show!!

lol @ Kirsten!

Just an aside… so I’m listening to the Daughtry stream linked above while I post away. Somewhere in there the stream stopped playing music. I didn’t notice. Is that a bad sigh? LOL.

Seriously, it sounds like an amped up version of his first album so far. I’m sure his fans will love it. He’s not my thing, but I wish him all the success in the world.

But, this year, how many Kris fans can even honestly say with a straight face that, taking into account Kris’s performances and Adam’s performances, that Kris honestly deserved the title?

I don’t think I’m a Kris fan. Nobody grabbed me like that this year, though Alison comes the closest. That said, I thought Kris deserved to win as much as Adam. He was consistently good all season, and I think he benefited from being on a run towards the end as opposed to Adam, who peaked earlier. So no, I don’t think his win is a travesty.

Last year, you could make a reasoned argument on either side which David was ‘better’ . One popular consensus was that Archie won the finale, but Cook won the season overall (their WNTS scores supports this view).

Adam and Kris’s WNTS scores are pretty dang close to each other, and in that Camp Should Have Been experiment they’re running, Adam still doesn’t win (doesn’t even make finale), while Kris might just pull it off yet again. If you’re going to use WNTS as a valid scale to base arguments on which contestant did “better”, Kris had an excellent season and it is not at all ridiculous that Kris won over Adam.

Kris may have not been hyped up in a way that only the media circle-jerking could achieve, but people who were actually paying attention to the performances on the show realized that Kris was the dark horse who could very well win.

Now we’re on the tour, Adam and Kris just have different styles that play differently in a stadium setting. Adam doesn’t need to play down his act, and Kris should have to ramp up his either. They just need to do them, and have fun with it. I think they both bring something unique and compelling to the tour.

Kirsten, LMAO. Such good suggestions! I think NB is pathetic, and I also think there is no way to change it up. Simon called Kara on it after Adam sang it on the performance show and she couldn’t really defend it (she sort of laughed instead; ha ha). Then after Kris finished singing it, she explained why he had trouble with it (too high a key, etc. WTF?). I have heard both studio versions and it still sucks. YMMV, tho for most people it doesn’t.

While I also think Adam should have won, he didn’t, Kris won, he’s a strong singer and musician, and we can enjoy the concert and their performances and can then look eagerly to one or both of their album releases and tours. The Adam Lambert Experience (my name for it ) should be a force of nature. Now if DANNY had won…no, I am not going there.

vanjess38 “I personally, am proud of these 10 idols because what they did on stage last sunday is very difficult to do, and I know most of us cannot even match up to half of it. ”

Seriously, how many posters on any blog had to go on a stage at age 16-20 and perform and be held to standards that also apply to accomplished artists? If 19 was serious about growing talent (as opposed to just making money) they would invest in the tour, put more thought into it and make it more of a learning experience for the young aspiring artists. It’s the easiest to slap together mini concerts in the order of elimination. Adam should open the show and Kris should close it. And, Kris should ditch the guitar for NB and sing it like he did on the finale night. But, even as it is, after watching the vids, I would say that Kris was great, the 20 sec silence at the top of Heartless was brilliant, Bright Lights were rocking and the transition to Hey Jude was fun. I am not sure what people expected, another Adam Lambert show like it was on tv?

I’m in the minority, but I honestly don’t think No Boundaries is that bad a pop song. Kris should seriously up the tempo and make it a more fun, interactive performance by working the stage and engaging the audience, rather than try to make it heartfelt by doing it with the acoustic guitar.

i haven’t watched every moment of his set, but does Kris ever venture out from behind the guitar and piano to get more up close and personal with the audience? I agree that this would be a perfect opportunity for him to do so. One critic complained that the stage setup this year already puts something of a barrier between the performers and audience, so I think it’s a mistake for Kris to stay anchored to one spot. And the screams if he were to venture out to the edge and sides of the stage would drown out the song, so it’s win-win.

My idea ‘” have Adam & Kris duet on No Boundaries as the bridge between the two sets ‘”

WORST. IDEA. EVER! It’s bad enough that poor Kris got saddled with that piece of crap song. Now you want to burden Adam with it too? To quote Whitney Houston “Oh he!! to the NAW!”

I thought Kris deserved to win as much as Adam. He was consistently good all season, and I think he benefited from being on a run towards the end as opposed to Adam, who peaked earlier. So no, I don’t think his win is a travesty.

Kris wasn’t my favorite either, but I liked him, and I completely agree with the above. But noctem likes to make strong statements, heh. And it’s good to have strong opinions. But it’s just an opinion. I’m sure many Kris fans will honestly say they think he deserved it. I mean, did the die-hards vote for him like crazy thinking that he didn’t deserve to win? Hell, I’m not a Kris fan (liking someone doesn’t make me a fan, IMO), and I thought he deserved it. Kris had a lot of momentum going into the finale after Heartless. And then neither dude did amazing on top 2 night, except, IMO Ain’t No Sunshine. But if Adam won, I’d say he deserved it too.

But, this year, how many Kris fans can even honestly say, taking into account Kris’s performances and Adam’s performances, that Kris honestly deserved the title? Seriously, try to say it with a straight face!

Raises hand. I would venture to guess that many, many, many Kris fans believe quite sincerely and passionately that he deserved to win. And yes, we do so with a straight face. And the fact that he did so without any pimping is, IMO, a testament to how much his performances resonated with and endeared him to the many, passionate AI voters.

i haven’t watched every moment of his set, but does Kris ever venture out from behind the guitar and piano to get more up close and personal with the audience?

Yes, he does in Hey Jude. He goes all around the edge of the stage pointing the mic at the audience, engaging them in the singing of the “na na na nanananas.”

My idea ‘” have Adam & Kris duet on No Boundaries as the bridge between the two sets ‘” then allow Kris an additional solo song. (that would give Adam 4 solos and 2 duets, Kris 5 solos & a duet for those of you counting).

Girlygirl, I love the idea, but it needs to be the Adam version which is far less anemic than Kris’ pop-y version. I think it would save Kris the trouble of killing his set midway through and get the whole damn coronation song out of the way while allowing both guys to share the burden equally.

It could work, but I’m guessing such a radical change in the program is not in the cards. And it would probably piss of those misguided few who actually LIKE Kris’ NB version. That boggles my mind.

noctem seizure
But, the one thing nobody can deny is that Adam has the quality they call ‘IT’ . Kris’ ¦ not so much.

For me it’s the exact opposite…..I think Kris has that natural “it” factor that can draw people in while Adam, although an amazing performer, has to work to show you what he’s got. Maybe it’s all in how you view what “it” is.

No Boundaries isn’t worst than the other coronation songs (imo is actually better than some of them). All the other 7 idols had to deal it, so has Kris. If he has more problems singing it and making anything out of it, that’s his fault, not the song’s fault and it just shows his limitations. Maybe as the tour goes he’ll find ways to make it better, but yes, he’ll have to sing it every night on tour, there’s no escaping it.
Kris is the worst singer out of the 8 idols, and while the others had the vocals to at least impress even with a mediocre song, Kris is not one who can do that as easily.

Blech, can’t we just dump No Boundaries altogether? Or does Kara still need the royalties to pay off the wedding?

oh and I think that Do I Make You Proud was way worse than No Boundaries….Inside Your Heaven wasn’t a prize either

Today, the new Hannah Montana 3 CD was released on iTunes. I went over there thinking I would be able to download Miley’s ‘I Wanna Know You’  duet with David Archuleta. But, alas, that duet is not available for purchase by itself. You would have to buy the entire album just to get it. All of the other 21 songs (and videos) on that album can be downloaded singly, just not that duet with David. Geeez!! Those money mongering Disney people must know what a really big draw David is to sink this low. Sorry, but I am not falling for it.

Making duets — or other interesting stuff like cross-genre songs — as “album only” purchases is a standard part of the business plan these days.

Have to say that I can’t really blame them for doing this, even though it’s made me grind my teeth on occasion. You have to make money some way or there’ll be no motivation for companies to back more musicians and no way for musicians to make a living.

As an ancient person, I probably don’t resent album buys as much as the younger generation, though. I always thought that albums were where you saw the performers’ artistic vision fully and I’ve always liked coming to enjoy songs that weren’t the ones that appealed to me at first — often the stuff I’ve come to later has been more complex or subtle and hence couldn’t get on the radio. But with the industrially-churned=out music you get today, this argument doesn’t hold for many performers any more, I guess. Certainly not in pop, anyway.

Kris just does fine on NB (actually i like very much the studio version)….

Kirsten, you’re too funny with the Top 10 things Kris Can Do to Distract the Audience During NoBo!!

Lucy- That and it’s freakin’ Hannah Montana…

But with the industrially-churned=out music you get today, this argument doesn’t hold for many performers any more, I guess. Certainly not in pop, anyway.

I used to buy albums, but it would often turn out the only good songs were the singles, and the rest were crappy filler. So being able to cherrypick singles via iTunes was more the response to an existing problem (people feeling they were ripped off buying entire albums) I think. And in return the industry seems to have responded by not really trying to make good entire albums anymore since they figure less people want to buy them, and focussing on the singles. It’s a vicious cycle.

Lucy- That and it’s freakin’ Hannah Montana’ ¦

There you go. I do think it’s kind of funny that hideous Hannah is trying to latch on to Archie to get some sales, however! Maybe she’s losing her juggernaut status (or else this is just one more thing that fuels the juggernaut, I suppose)… If I ruled the world, he would have *all* the sales and she would have … so few.

Bummer that you have to take HM to get DA, though.

Adam and Kris’s WNTS scores are pretty dang close to each other, and in that Camp Should Have Been experiment they’re running, Adam still doesn’t win (doesn’t even make finale), while Kris might just pull it off yet again.

Going to be honest here, and maybe just me, but that site and all their totally subjective analysis doesn’t work for me as a justification for how Kris won. I know I see it used for that, especially on TWoP (they seem VERY attached to it, like mentioned every day, attached), but for me, Kris won by getting the most votes. That’s all the justificaton I personally need. One presumes it was from the majority of the viewing audience, though given the structure of the voting, that doesn’t necessarily follow. But it doesn’t matter, he did and he had enough talent to get to the finals, and win. So now he gets to sing NB for the rest of the tour. Ha ha [/Nelson Muntz laugh]

But in trying to mitigate that for the tour, maybe he should do a version closer to his studio one and rock it out it/speed it up a bit more. I think his acoustic versions of the song are the best the song is ever going to get, and I give mad props to Kris for doing that. Really, HUGE props. But maybe that just doesn’t work as well in the live arena area as much as another version of the song, would. I don’t think he will change his set, but maybe Kris could do that, a la David Cook’s speeding up Magic Rainbows. I would be interested to hear different versions Kris could come up with. He is, after all, known to have very good arrangement skills. That or Kirsten’s number one distraction technique. Either one.

He goes all around the edge of the stage pointing the mic at the audience, engaging them in the singing of the ‘na na na nanananas.’ 

Thanks washpd. Actually I HAD seen that, silly me.

Runner-up David Cook tore the roof off of the arena and and brought the house down with his blistering performance of ‘Billie Jean’ ’ ¦. Then the stadium went dark until a single spotlight illuminated American Idol winner Jason Castro seated on a chair in the front-center of the stage, strumming his acoustic guitar and delivering his folksy take on Iz’s remake of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ ’ ¦.

I was thinking about this the other night. Kris reminds me of Jason in terms of being low-key and I enjoyed Jason’s set immensely last year. But would I have enjoyed it as much if it came after Cook’s set? Probably not. It would have felt strange.

This year’s situation is confusing but that’s the way it is so I’ll deal with it.

I should say as a Jason fan that I prefer Jason to Kris. Kris doesn’t have the quirkiness that made Jason interesting but that is strictly my opinion.

Invent the NoBo dance and teach the audience how to do it. Think of a cross between the Macarena and the Chicken Dance if the chicken was in a hurricane.

kirsten, you made my day… :lol_tb:

I love Adam, and wasn’t a fan of Kris’s all year, but I’m perfectly fine with Kris, and I think his win was justified and legitimate. He is a great artist, very smart and strategic, and though he may lack Adam’s range and versatility, that doesn’t take away from his ability as a musician.

Imo Kris doesn’t quite have the “IT” factor Adam has, but then again I think Adam is one of the most dynamic and charismatic entertainers they’ve EVER had on the show, so it doesn’t take as much away from Kris, it’s just a difficult comparison for anyone to hold up to.

In the end, though, I think it just comes down to the fact that this is a live concert, a live performance, and that is where Adam really shines above most, if not all, of the others. It’s where he is most in his element, as it were. Kris, otoh, was never the most dynamic or magnetic stage performer. His voice is lovely, his arrangements were great, and his studio tracks were really well done, but he wasn’t going to “wow” you on stage every week. There was a reason Adam’s performance vids tended to outsell Kris’s on i-tunes.

It’s not to say either was better or worse than the other, just that Adam is definitely in his comfort zone on stage, and his style just lends itself to a more energetic, exciting dynamic for the audience.

Kind of like going to see a big blockbuster movie vs. a small art house movie — one is going to naturally leave you with a more visceral experience.

Kris doesn’t have the quirkiness that made Jason interesting but that is strictly my opinion.

I think Kris is the better singer (in terms of consistency, knowing how to use it, etc.), and possibly the better musician, since he had more success rearranging songs than Jason on Idol, but I prefer the unique tone of Jason’s voice to Kris’ voice. Jason, like Brooke, have really identifiable unique voices that I love. I think Kris consistently sounds good, and seems to be more versatile (Brooke and Jason were not known for their consistency or versatility) but his voice isn’t that unique to me.

I echo the praise for Kristin’s top 10 list, heh.

Everyone of the Idols on this tour has a task to perform and it is multi-fold. They want to share their own personal joy at having this opportunity, they want to perform well for the fans who have supported them, and they want to demonstrate what they are capable of doing for reviewers and critics, but most of all they are looking towards their own futures in the business.

Even though this is a multi-faceted concert we are “allowed” to critique the Idols based on their own mini-concerts. From the minute they walk out on the stage (or rise from the depths) they have to bring it all, and bring it all for each of the 50 performances. They aren’t allowed an off night, they can’t relax or fall back, they have to perform every concert like it was their first and last.

And each Idol should be judged on what they are bringing to the table…not in comparison or contrast with anyone else. Are they performing to the standard we as the audience expect…are they killing their songs and bringing us to our feet (mentally not necessarily physically) are they powering through their performances in their own individual and very different styles. That is how they should be judged…not one against another.

For the top four I look at each of them differently and I have to divorce myself from “personal” feelings toward the person…I have to see and hear what they are doing with their songs and their set. All of the top four did well, some more advanced than others. All four need to improve…none are perfect, yet. All four need to learn to judge and react to the audience and to tighten up. They still need to step up their game. This is going to be a great ride….

Bonnie Raitt is my favorite concert ever. And yes, she can rock it out with the best of them. But when she really has the audience in the palm of her hand is when she brings it way down and does “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” which is her biggest hit. And, yes, she follows her rockiest stuff with that ballad, and you can hear a pin drop, and nobody is bored or whining or shouting at her that she should never have followed rock with a ballad.

As a theater reviewer, I can tell you that a classic farce puts its most hilarious, over the top stuff in Act II and brings it back to earth in Act III. That’s how they structure plays to make them the most satisfying to the audience.

I see absolutely nothing wrong in following up the Adamstravaganza with a heartfelt set like Kris is doing, and I really, really resent people telling me I should think he doesn’t deserve the win or that he suffers coming after Adam. Just like on the finale, he has proven to my satisfaction that he is a very compelling performer whether he is performing before or after Adam.

If you sent me to a concert with Foghat and James Taylor on the bill, and James Taylor performed last, I would be trying my best to not lose my lunch during the execrable Foghat, waiting to get to James Taylor. And I would certainly not say that “Fire and Rain” suffered by comparison to “Slow Ride.” I mean, seriously? Hard rock shouty stuff is the only way to go, the only kind of music the AI Thought Police are going to let us consider “good” or vote for? Last time I looked, we each got to decide that for ourselves, and for my money, Kris Allen is a satisfying, emotionally moving way to finish up the solo part of the evening.

And if David Archuleta had won last year and followed Cook’s rousing “Billie Jean” with “Imagine,” I daresay a whole lot of people would’ve loved that “Imagine” and found it a fitting end to the contestants’ sets. Because that’s how AI concerts work. The winner goes last among the contestants. Since I went to the concert last year with my sister, a big Jason fan, I can also tell you that the only song out of Cook’s set she really liked was the stupid Magic Rainbow song, and she would’ve died and gone to heaven if Jason’s “Hallelujah” or “Over the Rainbow” had been the end of the evening. Because, you know, we each come to the concert with different tastes and likes and dislikes, and nothing we read on a blog is going to change that.

Oh, wait. I’m going to have to give up Bonnie Raitt after all these years and choose Foghat as my favorite music act ever, just because I was told I had to or give up any credibility. Oh, wait. I watch American Idol. I never had any credibility in the first place.

Kirsten, damn you! I’m at work and all of a sudden I am bursting into laughter reading your NoBo distracting list, thus blowing my cover of pretending to work while actually lurking here. :redface_wp:
You are so funny!
OK, back to, um, work. …

What smartcookie said.

“Imo Kris doesn’t quite have the ‘IT’  factor Adam has, but then again I think Adam is one of the most dynamic and charismatic entertainers they’ve EVER had on the show, so it doesn’t take as much away from Kris, it’s just a difficult comparison for anyone to hold up to. ”

“It” factor is like taste in music, diff for evreyone. Imo, Kris has a natural musician “It” that comes across on stage and in interviews. He can grab me with his music and that’s charisma. Adam’s “It” is manufactured by using certain vocal style, manner of speaking and clothes. However, I agree that the “in your face” pose is more noticeable in the world where new artists compete for space and attention.

ok i have to ask…imo stands for?

ok i have to ask’ ¦imo stands for?

In My Opinion

IMHO = In My Humble Opinion
IMVHO = In My Very Humble Opinion

haha

Oh, wait. I watch American Idol. I never had any credibility in the first place.

LOL, in the end, it really does come down to this for those of us invested enough to debate the minutiae of the Idols Live Tour

That is a horrible idea. Both Adam and Kris sucks on NB. It will be the most horrible perf ever in the world if they duet the song’ ¦
Kris is being so nice by not even complaining about having to do that song on tour. He is willing to sarcifice himself. He really has a big heart.

I think Kris is under contract to sing that song, so I’m not sure if it has anything to do with the size of his heart. Singing that song is part of the “prize” of winning so I wouldn’t say he is sacrificing much there. And as far as complaining, we don’t know that he isn’t. He could be complaining about it to the other idols on the bus..

I’m not opposed to Adam and Kris dueting on it and letting Kris pick another song to solo on. But I don’t think it could ever happen because NB is supposed to be Kris’s first single and it’s not a duet.

I don’t know if the idol tweets have been posted today, but they are on their way to Tacoma:

Matt: Just left on our first bus trip!! very exciting. Danny Anoop and I are sitting in the front chillin’. Tacoma, here we come.
37 minutes ago from web

Allison: On the rOad nooooowwww …wHOoooooooo
about 1 hour ago from TwitterFon

Anoop: bye, portland! i barely knew you…
about 2 hours ago from web

Kris: Now it kind of feels like we are really on tour. Bout to get on the bus…different city…..different venue…..amazing
about 3 hours ago from TwitterFon

smartcookie – :clap_tb:

Kris and Adam are both good in their own right. As all have said here, it’s a matter of preference. Both are deserving to be the top 2 as both are treated as winners. They both have the recording contracts, same exposure. So I don’t think the title even matters now. They are all doing a great job in promoting themselves.

Kris: Now it kind of feels like we are really on tour. Bout to get on the bus’ ¦different city’ ¦..different venue’ ¦..amazing
about 3 hours ago from TwitterFon

This excitement is going to turn into dread real fast, I’m afraid. Let’s see how they tweet along about Bus Trip #25.

Smartcookie: Thank you.

I am going to the concert tonight, and while Kris is my absolute fave, I have no problem cheering for Allison and Adam, both of whom I also like. See, I’m not a simpleton who is only capable of liking/loving one style of music. I can actually like all 3 and actually cheer for all 3 and actually feel satisfied after hearing all 3. I actually own the Scorpions, Def Leppard, AC/DC, Bonnie Raitt, Celine Dion, Linda Ronstadt, Michael Jackson, and the list goes on. Guess what? I like them ALL.

Oh, and one more thing. I also LOVE classical music. Go figure.

I forgot to add: I also LOVE classical music. Go figure.

I think Kris is the better singer (in terms of consistency, knowing how to use it, etc.), and possibly the better musician, since he had more success rearranging songs than Jason on Idol, but I prefer the unique tone of Jason’s voice to Kris’ voice. Jason, like Brooke, have really identifiable unique voices that I love. I think Kris consistently sounds good, and seems to be more versatile (Brooke and Jason were not known for their consistency or versatility) but his voice isn’t that unique to me.

I’d say Kris is a better musician than Jason right now. Jason doesn’t have the experience that Kris has. I agree that Jason and Brooke both have a unique tone to their voices and Kris doesn’t. In the personality department Kris comes up short against both Jason and Brooke.

O/T, but did anyone go last year toward the end of the Tour? Did the Idols still seem *into* it? Were their voices still strong? Did they still do meet and greets? I am not going to see it till August 18th, so I’m just curious…for some reason, tho, it leaves the area and then comes back to New England in September. I don’t know if I could wait that long…and is anyone going to the last night, in Manchester, NH? I am tempted to stay at my parents’ house and go to that one, if I can get a ticket (right now, no) b/c I bet it will be wild.

O/T, but did anyone go last year toward the end of the Tour? Did the Idols still seem *into* it? Were their voices still strong? Did they still do meet and greets? I am not going to see it till August 18th, so I’m just curious’ ¦for some reason, tho, it leaves the area and then comes back to New England in September. I don’t know if I could wait that long’ ¦and is anyone going to the last night, in Manchester, NH? I am tempted to stay at my parents’ house and go to that one, if I can get a ticket (right now, no) b/c I bet it will be wild.

Last year I went in mid-August, and they all seemed fine. Lots of energy, and a good show all around. It’s interesting, because, especially if you don’t follow everything online, you don’t really have anything to compare it to, so based on that they all put on a good show. I wouldn’t worry Not sure about the meet and greets, but I think that is more hit and miss based on luck, rather than at what point in the tour schedule it is.

Thanks for mentioning that WNTS was doing Camp Should-a-Been again. I love WNTS and find that particular exercise to be interesting. Of course, in real life, we are all capable of saying, well, so-and-so had a weak night, but I like that contestant or feel that s/he has earned some leeway. But it’s a fun exercise, I think.

I agree with Smartcookie!

My reading of reviews and comments is that folks are reviewing the individual sets and this concert as a whole, and it seems a commonly held view that Kris following Adam is not the perfect scenario, particularly for Kris. Everything’s debatable, but this seems to be a broadly held and credible position to me. But Kris’ ability to roll with it and transform the setting to his style speaks volumes and confirms that his is a formidable talent.

I must have not read many reviews, because I saw one that said Adam should have won (which I basically ignored because I think he was looking for hits), and one where the reviewer’s gut reaction to Portland’s response made him stop w/ commentary after NB. (He later edits this in his own comment section.) However, none of the ones I read said Adam should preform after Kris. In addition, I’ve ignored the comments mainly because I realize many are Adam fans who are saying this. So I guess broadly held and credible, even, are still up the air for me. There has only been one concert and this was in a state that geo-predictions showed to be mostly Adam fans. (I know DI isn’t the end all that be all w/ predictions, but it could very well give a general idea.) Finally, I didn’t realize that being out of your seats the entire time, and screaming throughout the set equals better.

Sorry for all of the qualifying statements, but the broadly held and creditable statement just doesn’t hold water for me, and I guess I had to explain why. (Give another side of the debate.;))

Kris tweets:

#Now it kind of feels like we are really on tour. Bout to get on the bus…different city…..different venue…..amazing#
about 3 hours ago from TwitterFon

Allison says:

#On the rOad nooooowwww …wHOoooooooo#
about 2 hours ago from TwitterFon

Matt tweets:

#Just left on our first bus trip!! very exciting. Danny Anoop and I are sitting in the front chillin’. Tacoma, here we come.#
about 2 hours ago from web

From Anoop:

#bye, portland! i barely knew you…#
about 3 hours ago from web

Michael chimes in:

#Well we are on the bus and off to Tacoma. See you all in a few.#
about 2 hours ago from TwitterFon

And lastly, Scott: (no tweet from Adam)

#On the bus ready to test out my bunk.lol#
about 2 hours ago from txt

I guess they’ll go directly to the arena rather than to a hotel? They have another show tomorrow in Vancouver, so they probably aren’t staying over in Tacoma anyway.

As for the Kris vs. Jason or Brooke thing, I think Kris has a much better personality than either Jason (who comes off sort of liike a sweet stoner whenever I see his interviews) or Brooke (again sweet, but boring). Kris is a lot funnier than either one IMO, and more articulate in his interviews than Jason. Of course, I haven’t seen Jason or Brooke interviewed much since AI7 show ended, so I don’t have a lot to work with in terms of comparing them…

This excitement is going to turn into dread real fast, I’m afraid. Let’s see how they tweet along about Bus Trip #25.

Definitely. All the more reason to enjoy it as much as possible while it remains a novelty, though, I guess.

And looking on the bright side, the tweets will be much more fun to read after they hate the bus, the trips, the tour, and each other, though! And when the summer gets hotter…etc.

Folks, like many others who’ve chomped on the bait, I have to reiterate the apples and pomegrenates (or whatever mismatched fruits) metaphor once again.

Adam is a big showman, writ large, with vocal olympics, dramatic lighting and costuming et al. that’s a tradition in pop music that goes way back, and encompasses artists as diverse as Freddy Mercury, Elvis and LIberace.

Kris is a singer-songwriter, a fine instrumentalist and a lovely, intimate singer. He does not sound anything like Jason Mraz to me. But he is definitely from another branch of pop music, that incorporates folk rock, soul and other elements.

If AI fans had wanted to hand Adam the crown, I believe they would have done so. But Kris’s win represents a number of trends IMHO. First, AI is no longer just a singing contest, now that those who play instruments are also eligible to compete. Second, the judge pimpage is now overkill, and there’s definitely backlash there. Third, Adam’s kind of music is loved by many, but it’s not exactly in vogue at the moment. Consider the ages of Queen, Madonna, Cher and other stars he admires and emulates. Fourth, the desire for melodic songs that say something, and a less bombastic, more thoughtful brand of pop than where rap and hip hop led is gaining strength, and Kris dovetails nicely with that. (And yes, I understand Adam is fine a balladeer too, but that’s not his main groove.)

As for the stadium venues, they are much more hospitable to Adam’s ouevre. But I think most concertgoers are sophisticated or eclectic enough to realize that, and to be looking for something else from Kris that he’ reportedly is providing.

I don’t know why it’s so hard to accept this, and I hope we all get over ourselves very soon….

I’m over myself! And looking forward to the concert tonight!

I’ve avoided voicing my opinion, but now that I’ve seen concert vids and read reviews, I’m going to state mvho. I’ve read noctem seizure and smartcookie with opposing views of how the top 2 talents size up. Both of you represent the two camps, and personally I see each point as far as taste in “ott” showy rock vs. the acoustic vibe. See, I love both types of music. I’ve gone to many concerts, on the one hand harder edge: Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails and on the other hand mellow: Coldplay, John Mayer and Paul McCartney. I also love U2, my fave band ever.

With that said, I mostly agree with noctem seizure on the confusion of how Kris won, not saying Kris isn’t talented because he really is. But in today’s economy I’m not going to buy every cd or put out $80-100 on every concert; I expect to be thoroughly entertained for that kind of money. Mellow artists (smartcookie, I’m sure Raitt was *excellent*) can put on a great show using just piano and guitar and a connection to the audience, not at all disagreeing. However, having seen the Kris vids vs. the Adam vids of the concert, seriously, there is not really a contest. Kris has a sweet tone in his voice and plays instruments exceedingly well (plus, he’s a nice guy) but he has almost no “star” quality–and I AM comparing him to others of his ilk, the John Mayer-type. I’m going to see Paul McCartney again in about a month, and peeps, Kris’s Hey Jude is nowhere near McCartney. I love Jason Mraz, but just don’t see that Kris is up to his level.

Adam’s performances are being described in these concert reviews exactly how I would expect based on the vids out. The guy can SING, and whether you like his or Kris’s style better, Adam’s vocal superiority in range, tonal purity and power cannot be denied. He is extraordinary. Further, his stage presence is both unique and mesmerizing to an overwhelming number of fans. People have compared him to many, but I’ll compare him to a couple more. His stage persona reminds me of Mick Jagger and Michael Hutchence, too. He has a universal sensuality like theirs. I’m not trying to deify him, noctem! However, I see all the potential in the universe for Adam to be iconic. I am not always a fan of his over-reliance on his upper-register (yeah, he’s not perfect!), and yes, he still needs to work out the last few quirks in his concert performance. Nonetheless, Adam is the star of this concert, hands down. He’s going to be one of the biggest stars that show has ever put out. No disrespect to the other guy, but season 8 is Adam Lambert’s season.

Colette

If AI fans had wanted to hand Adam the crown, I believe they would have done so.)

As it has been stated many times, no one from the west coast has ever won idol. The southern advantage (home town pride-stadium voting parties) is just the easy theory to discuss. There have been many more theories that have been hotly debated on this board.

I think we can all agree that both Adam and Kris are talented and Kris got the most votes and therefore won American Idol.

Adam’s kind of music is loved by many, but it’s not exactly in vogue at the moment. Consider the ages of Queen, Madonna, Cher and other stars he admires and emulates. …………….

I don’t know why it’s so hard to accept this, and I hope we all get over ourselves very soon’ ¦.

I admit I don’t know too much about Kris’s musical influences as I’m not a big fan of his performances. I do like him as a person however and he seems talented. Because I don’t know too much about Kris, I am not going to dismiss him as being relevant to the current scene. He very well could be.

Adam’s has many more influences then the ones you listed and is very into the music scene in Los Angeles. I think, as Randy Jackson said, Adam is current.

Again, I really do think it comes down to what style of music a person likes as both Adam and Kris are talented.

I don’t know why it’s so hard to accept this, and I hope we all get over ourselves very soon’ ¦.

Not…gonna…happen (poor MJ).

Great post Colette. I watched both Kris and Adam’s tour videos and found many reasons to love both fruits for all the reasons you enumerated.

I don’t think you can tell anything definitive from these Youtube videos…the audio is not great and the view is either to the side of the performer or from far away.

I am going to wait to see this concert in person next week before I decide who does or doesn’t have star quality.

And one last thing — I love Adam, but until he puts out his own music and proves he can sustain a career outside of Idol he can’t really be considered a star, let alone a superstar. He’s exciting, he can definitely sing — but he isn’t a star quite yet. Hopefully he will be able to prove he can live up to all this hype/exposure/fantard love once he gets away from the AI bubble…but right now I’m a little tired of him being anointed (by a small number of people) as some mix of Elvis/Michael Jackson/the Beatles. That’s not fair to Adam to put that type of expectations on him.

1) Ask Adam to streak during the performance.

Yep. Would be a crowd pleaser.

Adam’s ‘It’  is manufactured by using certain vocal style, manner of speaking and clothes.

Disagree. I don’t believe the IT factor can be manufactured or bottled. Adam was born with it. The boy has STAR written all over him.

From Kirsten:

Just say ‘No’  to NoBo.

That is, of course, the ultimate solution. Sma11ie, your idea of speeding it up and making more fun has merit, but the song is so damn wordy that a fast tempo is just going grind it into mush.

Also, I want to advocate that I, personally, don’t see any problem with Kris following Adam with Heartless. I don’t think Kris has a problem topping Adam. I think his biggest problem is internal to his set. I would love to see him 86 “NoBo”, move on to Big City and maybe add something intimate like Falling Slowly.

Isn’t the competition over? Just sayin.

The way the tour is arranged is the winner goes last. It doesn’t
matter about the strangness of the flow, this isn’t a real
concert, it’s another way for AI to suck you dry.

I doubt if Adam and Kris will ever be on the same stage
again unless it’s an AI thing.

Mom in the Suburbs

I very much agree with you here. I love Kris but he just does not hold my interest. He might surprise us with his album but he just sounds like so much that is out there already. I think people are ready for some excitement right now to get them through hard times. Adam delivers this in spades. I also want to add that people forget that besides Adam’s incredible vocal skill he is a singer/songwriter too. People need to give him credit for that also. I for one love alot of the stuff he co-wrote for CV with Monty Pittman. He is seriously the whole package. (haaeeey)

Oh, no, more fanwar. Must read when I get home and not while at work. Windows Communication Foundation does NOT mix with Kradam and sexy songs.

noctem seizure
But, the one thing nobody can deny is that Adam has the quality they call ‘IT’ . Kris’ ¦ not so much.

For me it’s the exact opposite’ ¦..I think Kris has that natural ‘it’  factor that can draw people in while Adam, although an amazing performer, has to work to show you what he’s got. Maybe it’s all in how you view what ‘it’  is.

I think having the IT factor has to do with an aura. So many people who have met or interviewed Adam said he had an aura about him. A producer who interviewed Adam before and after he auditioned, said he had that, and he hadn’t even heard him sing. Even Lara Spencer, who just met him on the night of the Young Hollywood Awards show said he had that aura. So it isn’t necessarily just what you see on the stage.

I’m just sayin’…… LOVE KRADISON! Getting SOOO excited for the concert tonight!!

aa618892 What you say about people looking for excitement to get them through these hard times–that’s quite an insightful analysis! That’s what I’ve been thinking too, and Adam’s exciting. He’s being compared to great artists, but I’m not afraid of that. New artists are always compared to those that came before.

Everyone who has met Adam said he has the ‘IT’ factor , so I believe it.

Whew! Since I’m quoted and elicited response, let me clarify.

First my comments, culling and summarizing, were offered in retort to the poster before me who basically told us to stop comparing. I tried to sum up what I was reading and seeing — to say that it didn’t read like prop ups based on put downs to me. Rather, it appeared to be credible opinions held by a number of people.

I offered my own preferences but offered no opinion about winning. Then, to illustrate that comparisons are inevitable, I shared my cross season comparison as well, one that I’ve thought throughout this season.

Never once did I tell anyone how to think. Nor did I intend to offer any comment on whether the winner was deserving. Simply put, he was not my choice, nor is he my favorite. But clearly he was someone’s choice or he wouldn’t have won.

people thought justin guarini and tamyra gray had the “it” factor in season 1 and look what happened to them. hehe.

Seriously, I do think there is something different about both Kris and Adam that has people drawn to them so you can say that they both have a different type of “it” factor and there are lots of people who might think neither do and only danny gokey does. It’s all a matter of perception.

Hi everyone!

After reading the reviews of the concert, I broke down and bought last-minute tickets to the Tacoma show tonight, and will be taking my 13-year-old son.

I have a couple stupid questions:

Can you bring a camera to the show? It’s not a tiny one that will fit in your pocket (it has it’s own carrying case, so would be somewhat obvious), so I’m not sure what I can get away with. Or are the rules venue-specific?

Also, about how long is the show? Just trying to coordinate rides back and forth…

I am STOKED!! :jittery_tb: :cool1_tb:

Fourth, the desire for melodic songs that say something, and a less bombastic, more thoughtful brand of pop than where rap and hip hop led is gaining strength, and Kris dovetails nicely with that.

There are melodies with today’s rap, hip-hop and pop? Because from what I see, it’s mostly auto-tuned and synthesized crap. Which is why I like Kris and Adam both, is that they can both actually ya know, sing. As for Adam’s relevance, he also like Katy Perry and Lady GaGa, who are also very popular as well, so not to say that Adam just likes people like Madonna, Cher and Freddie Mercury whose time has passed. And he talks and is very aware of trying to be relevant to today’s sound. Just like Kris has, so he won’t be sounding like his musical heroes of Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, who also haven’t had hits for years (before ya know, barring death for MJ).

With that said, looking forward, for different reasons and vibes, to Allison, Kris and Adam’s performances tonight. I look forward to each working out the kinks they had from their first show and seeing how much more polished they can get. Should be fun for them! and us. And as someone said, before they get all jaded, tired and bored with their sets. I will enjoy the evolution of my faves as performers from the show, to the tour and as the tour progresses.

I’m even interested to see if people like Megan, Anoop and Matt can improve and they were in no ways my favorites.

Today, the new Hannah Montana 3 CD was released on iTunes. I went over there thinking I would be able to download Miley’s ‘I Wanna Know You’  duet with David Archuleta. But, alas, that duet is not available for purchase by itself. You would have to buy the entire album just to get it. All of the other 21 songs (and videos) on that album can be downloaded singly, just not that duet with David. Geeez!! Those money mongering Disney people must know what a really big draw David is to sink this low. Sorry, but I am not falling for it.

That really stinks. I guess it is a really smart move, but I am not happy about it.

Can you bring a camera to the show? It’s not a tiny one that will fit in your pocket (it has it’s own carrying case, so would be somewhat obvious), so I’m not sure what I can get away with. Or are the rules venue-specific?

Also, about how long is the show? Just trying to coordinate rides back and forth’ ¦

Molls, I will be shocked if you don’t decide buying those tickets is one of the best things you’ve done! I bought a Portland concert ticket at the very last minute, and I am here to tell you, the concert was *amazing*. I don’t know who you’re a fan of, but the whole thing was great, truly EPIC. The crowd was on its feet for huge portions of the whole second half, with a few exceptions.

As to cameras, you should look at the venue’s website — it will say. I don’t know whether they are ai rules or venue rules, but the rules at Portland were, “no professional lenses and no video cameras.” I think any regular handheld camera is fine. At the Portland concert, tons of people openly had cameras like yours, no problem at all!

I believe we got out about 10:15 – 10:25, but I was in a daze so couldn’t tell you for sure. I know for sure it was over before 10:30. The concert actually started around 7:10, but that could vary. People were still finding seats, etc. There were long lines when I got there! I was surprised. But they moved quickly. If you bought yours to pick up at Will Call, be aware that at least in Portland, that was in a separate place, with no line. Then you took your ticket and got in line.:)

Can you bring a camera to the show? It’s not a tiny one that will fit in your pocket (it has it’s own carrying case, so would be somewhat obvious), so I’m not sure what I can get away with. Or are the rules venue-specific?

Rules are venue and/or act specific. The two times I went to the AI concert in Tacoma, they allowed cameras (but frowned on recording).

Also, about how long is the show? Just trying to coordinate rides back and forth’ ¦

The show is scheduled to end around 10 pm.

None of these “Idols” are ever gonna be even remotely as big as Michael Joseph Jackson.

None of these “Idols” are even 100000000 light years close to besting the ground-breaking fashion sense and stage presence of Michael Jackson.

None of these “Idols” will ever dance or move as well as Michael did.

None of these “Idols” will ever change the hearts and minds of so many people all over the globe. From Pretoria to Peoria, Tokyo to Timbuktu.

Seems to me that there are too many false idols out there these days–all mugging for the camera, desperately seeking their 15 minutes of fame.

Well, guess what? Not everyone deserves fame.

Michael, however, has earned his–for eternity.

I think Adam is amazing and I expect to always think that. Whatever anyone says will not sway me from my thinking that, just as whatever I say will not sway a Kris fan from his/her thinking. I like both a lot, love Kradam’s bromance, but just think Adam brings more to the table/stage, as Kris fans do. And that is why Adam will have his fans, Kris will have his fans, and many will spill over. And then there’s Allison, of course, and Matt, and that other person in the Top 5…

I agree: the competition is over! Long live S8!

And thank you, Mary 102. I just need to be less saturated (ha ha won’t happen) till the August 18th show. Okay, I just need to continue to be excited about it, and hope it is as awesome as it was on Sunday night. Someone tweeted that she wondered if the set list was going to be the same every night. I said it was, as far as I knew, and that she might not want to listen to each evening’s cell cast.

Awesome post, smartcookie. And this from someone who loves Adam but is rethinking going to see the Idols on tour after getting a glimpse of that outfit he’s performing in! Just ew! :tongue_rolleye_ee:

I’m somebody who’d much prefer an Adam concert with him in more typical street clothes, sans excessive hair dye and the black fingernails. I loved the Adam Lambert who auditioned for the show in San Francisco, but that’s just me. I don’t really care for all the older music he’s performing on tour either. Love that he’s doing a Muse song, but I would rather hear him sing the full version of their “Feeling Good” to “Whole Lotta Love” or that Bowie medley.

Adam is so incredibly gifted, I don’t think he needs the excessive makeup or costuming. I prefer my musicians more vulnerable and transparent. I have no doubt that Adam puts on a “really good show” but that’s not my primary interest in attending a concert.

But clearly among Adam fans, I’m in the minority.

Sorry, loved Michael Jackson’s music…LOVED IT. But all the hoopla today was just ridiculous IMO. He was a man (a troubled man from all accounts), not a deity. I’m not forecasting the future for ANY artist out there today, idol or not. I’m sure people who were Elvis fans said there would never be anybody as worldwide a star as he was, then came Michael Jackson. Talent knows no limits. Who knows? Our children may worship on the alter of some other fantastic artist.

None of these ‘Idols’  are ever gonna be even remotely as big as Michael Joseph Jackson.

None of these ‘Idols’  are even 100000000 light years close to besting the ground-breaking fashion sense and stage presence of Michael Jackson.

None of these ‘Idols’  will ever dance or move as well as Michael did.

None of these ‘Idols’  will ever change the hearts and minds of so many people all over the globe. From Pretoria to Peoria, Tokyo to Timbuktu.

Seems to me that there are too many false idols out there these days’“all mugging for the camera, desperately seeking their 15 minutes of fame.

Well, guess what? Not everyone deserves fame.

Michael, however, has earned his’“for eternity.

I wish Michael was still alive so we could all stop pretending that he has had any musical relevance whatsoever in the last ten to fifteen years and that he hadn’t become less of an icon than he had a punchline.

“but right now I’m a little tired of him (Adam) being anointed (by a small number of people) as some mix of Elvis/Michael Jackson/the Beatles.”

Similar stuff was being said about David Cook last year and prob about others but I didn’t watch before last year so don’t know.

I see the concert in 2 weeks in Phoenix, and I have so far successfully avoided the fanvids…but they’re callllllllllllllllllllllllling me. I want to experience the concert fresh, I know what songs are going to be sung, but I want the surprise of the performance. Can’t wait to see Adam live!

Everyone who has met Adam said he has the ‘IT’ factor , so I believe it. Agree. Star quality is separate from level of talent sometimes, I’ve noticed. Britney Spears is a star, and even when she was just starting, she had that “star” quality. Am I a Britney fan? NO. But I can separate my lack of interest in her music (mostly, hey, “Circus” is pretty catchy!) from what anyone can see is her star-power. I don’t have to have met Adam to see he has star-quality–and way more singing ability than someone like Britney. The combination of great ability plus that “it” factor is particularly rare; Adam has both. As for those saying he’s the next Michael Jackson or whatever legend, that’s just a simplistic comparison people always make to the newest young artist out.

I think people are ready for some excitement right now to get them through hard times. Adam delivers this in spades.

I don’t believe the IT factor can be manufactured or bottled. Adam was born with it. The boy has STAR written all over him.

aa618892 and LaurelG Yes! I couldn’t agree with you both more.

Adam is like fire but Kris like a warm blanket. At some point you need or want one or the other. If you are lucky, as in going to the AI concert, you can have both for a brief little happy hot while. :thumbup_tb:

Smartcookie…you said it perfectly!

DE GUSTIBUS NON DISPUTANDUM EST.

If you sent me to a concert with Foghat and James Taylor on the bill, and James Taylor performed last, I would be trying my best to not lose my lunch during the execrable Foghat, waiting to get to James Taylor.

I you are going to use James Taylor as the example for Kris, then I think you need to use Freddy Mercury or David Bowie for Adam.

Not that I think Adam = Freddy or Bowie

But Kris is not James Taylor, either

And if I saw Queen open for James Taylor, I would stay for James Taylor, but I would be on my feet cheering.

‘but right now I’m a little tired of him (Adam) being anointed (by a small number of people) as some mix of Elvis/Michael Jackson/the Beatles.’ 

Similar stuff was being said about David Cook last year and prob about others but I didn’t watch before last year so don’t know.

People, even some familiar posters at this blog, were saying that stuff about Taylor Hicks to the detriment of everyone else that season. Daughtry was just another Nickleback and we’re tired of that. Kellie Pickler was a joke, Elliott Yamin would never get a record deal and he shouldn’t quit his day job. Taylor, on the other hand, was on a league above all these posers and would end up going double platinum with his debut. And look how that ended up for everyone involved.

It’s just the nature of American Idol fandom. I think we’ll just have to see what happens on the music front, before we can make any grand predictions on success.

I wish Michael was still alive so we could all stop pretending that he has had any musical relevance whatsoever in the last ten to fifteen years and that he hadn’t become less of an icon than he had a punchline.

I just wish he was still alive. And he was and will always be a musical icon for many.

css and Kirsten:

Thanks so much for the quick info!!

I just checked the Tacoma Dome website, and it just said “No recording devices allowed”. My camera does have the option to record video, but I think I’ll chance it. I can really zoom in with this thing, and I would love to have some high-quality pics, instead of the generally pathetic camera on my phone!

css – My son and I are rabid Adam fans, but we also love Kris and Allison. I just couldn’t pass up the chance to see Adam on his first concert voyage, and I think it will be a cool memory for my son to have. I’m glad to hear the Portland concert was so great – now I’m just even more excited!!

I’ll post about it and let you guys know how it went!

Thanks again!!!

And if I saw Queen open for James Taylor, I would stay for James Taylor, but I would be on my feet cheering.

The James Taylor concert that I went to, everyone was seated and truly enjoying the music.

CindyM, I keep seeing your posts mentioning you will be going to the Glendale concert and that you are driving in from Albuquerque. Just wanted to say: Me, too!

I cannot wait as well, but I could also not wait to watch the Portland cellcast, and if I was going to be home tonight I would probably hang in for the Tacoma one. I am only human, though that Adam alien from the planet fierce is not!

In my 52 years of sanity (more or less), I have seen tons of concerts (my father managed Civic Auditorium and Convention Center here so I practically lived backstage) — I was at the Warped Tour just last week — but this is my first AI concert, the first concert in which I will travel hundreds of miles to attend, this first concert in which hundreds of bucks will have been spent to attend, the first concert in which I will don the glitter and wave the glowsticks, the first concert in which I feel as giddy and excited as a teenage fangirl (fun!). All because of Adam.

That, to me, is STAR power. :clap_tb:

I don’t really buy into the “it” factor. I think it’s silly.

BootStar, I agree. As those on Twitter know, I was/am a huge Emo!Adam fan. I am fine with the black fingernails, guy liner, and love the turquoise streaks, but my favorite Adam wardrobe is like what he wore for BTBW–that is, black jeans, black black t-shirt, black leather jacket. (And I actually, like you, thought he looked the cutest during his audition. Simply Dressed!Adam.) I am not a sparkles and spikes kind of person. In fact, I think I loved Adam best when he sang MW the 2nd time and wore the long coat. He looked haunting but not fierce, and this was exactly the opposite of how he looked in WLL. WLL is in my top 4 or 5 performances, but I couldn’t stand how he dressed for it.

Like he cares what I think.

aek, you apparently just don’t get “it.” heee!!

I just checked the Tacoma Dome website, and it just said ‘No recording devices allowed’ . My camera does have the option to record video, but I think I’ll chance it. I can really zoom in with this thing, and I would love to have some high-quality pics, instead of the generally pathetic camera on my phone!

I went to several concerts in Season 5. Technically none of the venues allowed recording devices, but didn’t have a problem with cameras. However, most digital cameras have the option of recording videos. Nobody ever said anything to me about bringing the camera in. I recorded video each time, and never had a problem.

I just checked the Tacoma Dome website, and it just said ‘No recording devices allowed’ . My camera does have the option to record video, but I think I’ll chance it. I can really zoom in with this thing, and I would love to have some high-quality pics, instead of the generally pathetic camera on my phone!

I think it will be fine. Most digital cameras can record video (as can most modern phones), so it would practically be a ban on cameras if they did not allow them. My camera can also record video and the security people didn’t care (I think they are more worried about you sneaking food in instead of paying the inflated prices). The security people do watch for people recording, though (but people do it anyway *cough*).

If you came in with a professional video camera and tried to tap into their sound-board, they would probably toss you out. Normal consumer grade cameras seem to be fine.

Have fun!

But, this year, how many Kris fans can even honestly say, taking into account Kris’s performances and Adam’s performances, that Kris honestly deserved the title? Seriously, try to say it with a straight face!

i can…with a very straight face. puhleez , not everyone is drinking the kool-aid. i like adam, but dont think he’s the second coming of Jesus/Elvis/the Pope LOL

aek, you apparently just don’t get ‘it.’  heee!!

:lol_wp:

Nah, I guess I don’t. I think people are just people, and I actually prefer to think of them that way. Sure lots of people have special qualities, but that’s not just confined to celebrities.

Beyond that, I believe there are lots of big celebrities that supposedly have the “it” factor, but if you really met them, you’d know lots of other people that are just as special. Or you might not find them special at all.

Basically, someone probably has the “it” factor to you if you are really into them, but if you’re really into the next guy, then he has “it.” Therefore, it really doesn’t mean that much, imo, of course.

For me it’s the exact opposite’ ¦..I think Kris has that natural ‘it’  factor that can draw people in while Adam, although an amazing performer, has to work to show you what he’s got. Maybe it’s all in how you view what ‘it’  is.

I don’t quite get that. Doesn’t it just make sense that whichever of these guys’ music you prefer, that’s the one who will draw you in immediately? I got hooked on Adam right away, and it took a few weeks for me to really like Kris. For people who prefer Kris, it’s probably the other way around. I don’t think that your being personally drawn more to one performer means that performer automatically has more “it” factor than the other.

I also don’t know what “work to show you what he’s got” means. Presumably Adam and Kris both work hard on their performances. They both had to perform for the audience to get their fans to become invested in them. But they both seem to be able to draw people in. If you mean that Adam’s singing and performance style are more unusual and potentially polarizing than Kris’s are, so it took some people longer to get comfortable with him, then I agree with you.

Also: I could be wrong, but I think that when people compare Adam to Freddy Mercury or Kris to James Taylor, they’re most trying to compare styles and vibes and appeal and music–they’re not literally saying that Adam and Kris are on those levels. I do think that Adam, Allison, and Kris (mostly the first two for me, but definitely Kris as well) are something special, and have the potential to make some truly great music, but we’re a long way from being able to know that for sure.

But, this year, how many Kris fans can even honestly say, taking into account Kris’s performances and Adam’s performances, that Kris honestly deserved the title? Seriously, try to say it with a straight face!

Er…I’m a huge, head-over-heels Adam fan, but I’m guessing that if you prefer Kris’s music and style, you’re probably going to think that he deserved to win. And even though I think Adam deserved it more, I thought that Kris was extremely talented and in that sense was a deserving winner.

I’m going to regret entering this “IT” factor debate, but it seems to me that Kris must have some. There must have been something that helped to catapult him from virtually no air time to a spot in the final-13 and to survive those early weeks. The stats for cannon fodder like him are pretty grim, so he must have had something that drew in enough people to survive. Sure, you can dismiss him as a pretty boy, but wouldn’t Luke Menard have made the finals last year if that’s all it took? Sure, there were some train wrecks during Semi-Final 2, but there were also some great performances.

When people like Kris, Jason, Bo and Kelly explode from obscurity to slip past their more heavily pimped co-contestants, I think there is something inherent that makes them stand out. It may not make them the “ITIEST” person in their season, but I do think they most have some “ITABILITY” for a signficant amount of people.

I think Adam clearly has an “IT” factor as well. He also seemed to generate a large fan base from his audition on-ward. I think that more than one person can have “IT” factor in a given season. Nor do I think that everybody will be able to see the “IT” factor in any given person. It isn’t a character flaw, it’s just that people are different.

I for one don’t care who won — as long as it was Kris, Adam or Alison, I’m thrilled. But as they all kick off there post Idol careers it’s a whole new game.

I believe that Kris is certainly not helped by directly following Adam’s set in this concert. And, performing NoBo sure doesn’t help because it is a lame song and doesn’t suit Kris’ voice at all. But those two things are really set by AI Tour traditions. Kris could do some things to make it a better show:

- Open with NoBo and get it out of the way. Make it more interesting and perform with some of the band upfront with him. Include instrumental features by bandmembers to break-up this crappy song and add some interest.

- Perform at least one song without an instrument.

- Don’t do the switch from piano to guitar on “Bright Lights”. Just play it on electric guitar. Have someone else play the piano for it.

- Add back-up singers to his fourth (set closing) number. I they won’t pay for some, get Anoop and Lil up there with him. Make it a bigger number.

- Change up Hey Jude and make it more current. I love Paul but it’s not like this song hasn’t be done in 1,000 different arrangements.

Kris certainly has ‘IT’ as well, he won so that says a lot. Now both of them need to harvest the “IT” and turn the “IT’ into a successful career. ….. One last time GO IT!

KRADISON HAS IT!!!!!

and kris is no where near Paul M’s talent level just as adam cannot compete w. bowie or muse……im just happy both, including the others have cool songs in their sets to makes things enjoyable and worth the ticket price …but as of now, they are ALL just AI contestants, and until their ablum(s) drop, to me, they are merely people from a singing competition with potential but nothing more

Going to be honest here, and maybe just me, but that site and all their totally subjective analysis doesn’t work for me as a justification for how Kris won. I know I see it used for that, especially on TWoP (they seem VERY attached to it, like mentioned every day, attached), but for me, Kris won by getting the most votes. That’s all the justificaton I personally need. One presumes it was from the majority of the viewing audience, though given the structure of the voting, that doesn’t necessarily follow. But it doesn’t matter, he did and he had enough talent to get to the finals, and win. So now he gets to sing NB for the rest of the tour. Ha ha [/Nelson Muntz laugh]

I agree as well. I know on TWOP they mention that Kris would win if it was one-vote, one-person, but I never understood how they deduced that. The only thing I could think of was that he was less-polarizing, but when it was discussed it was never really properly explained (to me, at least) how they concluded that. For all we know, Adam could have had 50 people voting like mad for him all season and they just couldn’t sustain it by the finale, but I think the AI voting system is hard to figure out. And I agree that it doesn’t matter — Kris won and there are no boundaries.

Adam’s has many more influences then the ones you listed and is very into the music scene in Los Angeles. I think, as Randy Jackson said, Adam is current.

Yeah, and I think Madonna and Queen are some of the ones he mentions since it is a reference point many people are aware of. He has mentioned Peaches, The Faint, Muse and IAMX as well, but those aren’t as recognizable to many people. He also mentions Katy Perry and Lady GaGa, who are current. That is not saying Adam is everyone’s cuppa or will be, but he does have influences that are current.

I wish Michael was still alive so we could all stop pretending that he has had any musical relevance whatsoever in the last ten to fifteen years and that he hadn’t become less of an icon than he had a punchline.

Oh snap.

I wish Michael was still alive so we could all stop pretending that he has had any musical relevance whatsoever in the last ten to fifteen years and that he hadn’t become less of an icon than he had a punchline.

This. My friend and I (who are close to the same age) were just commenting about the fact that we were both in our teens when Thriller was huge, yet neither of us understood the tremendous hoopla over his death now. We’re basically the “target demographic” for people that would be ultra-invested in him, and yet we’re both left with a big old, meh and WTF is the big deal. On a personal level, my heart goes out to his parents, siblings and kids. They must be in tremendous pain right now. But AFAIC, this near-deification and round-the-clock news coverage grew tiresome sometime last week and amped up in absurdity even more this week. I’ve zoomed past the first 10 minutes of the news the past few nights just to avoid the brain-cell destroying updates and tributes. It’s mind-boggling to me the amount of attention the media seems to think this event deserves. Really? I need to hear about which artists are attending his memorial on the national news BEFORE I hear about the fact that North Korea fired test missiles in the direction of Hawaii? Seriously?

but as of now, they are ALL just AI contestants, and until their ablum(s) drop, to me, they are merely people from a singing competition with potential but nothing more

I agree with that. They are now reality show stars, and in the fall they will try to make the transition into music biz stars.

Right now, Kradison all stand to get a shot to showcase their talent in the big time with full label backing. But no matter what, if idol history holds, Kris and Adam will have careers as working musicians for at least a few years because they have big fanbases. (I’m not sure of the size and intensity of Allison’s fanbase, so I didn’t include her.) What we will see over the next year to what degree they become famous working musicians IMO.

but as of now, they are ALL just AI contestants, and until their ablum(s) drop, to me, they are merely people from a singing competition with potential but nothing more

This reminds me of something David Cook said on the AI tour last year. USA Today followed the Idols around for one day during the tour and apparently Cook was seen walking around carrying some plaque that someone gave him commemorating the fact that some astronomist named some newly found star after him. Chikezie said something to him along the lines of, “I bet it’s only a theoretical star” to which Cook responded, “Yeah, just like me.”

E-Center in Utah is offering pre-show dinner buffet tickets..for the idol tour but you need your show ticket too.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1E0042DAA62E583F

You are purchasing the pre-show dinner. Event tickets are needed in addition to the dinner ticket. The buffet dinner is located in The Tavern on the 4th floor of the E Center. Dinner will begin at 6 PM and end at 8 PM on the night of the show. To see a menu, please visit: http://www.theecenter.com and click the catering link.

dinner ticket is 21.50

and it looks like they arent offering upper bowl tickets anymore either..

I’m fine with Kris winning. That’s not to say I’m happy about it. I’m about as happy as I was when Daughtry went out in fourth – which is not happy at all.

But it’s like Simon said on Ryan’s radio show – when you give viewers the vote you have to accept the consequences of that. That’s the way it works. He’s right.

There are melodies with today’s rap, hip-hop and pop? Because from what I see, it’s mostly auto-tuned and synthesized crap. Which is why I like Kris and Adam both, is that they can both actually ya know, sing.

I agree that I really hate the heavy use of synthesized vocals. But I don’t see anything wrong with minor adjustments.

Even though Kris and Adam really sign on Idol and in concert, their Idol iTunes recordings were at least “sweetened”, some of the song were significantly “adjusted”. The real problem for me is when vocals end up sounding completely synthetic. IMO the two new Jordin cuts sound too synthetic and generic.

Also, some artists cannot actual sing their songs in concert because they can’t replicate the vocals. For example, I love Muse but IMO they can’t do a great job on Starlight in concert because the vocal was so heavily adjusted on their recording. AutoTune mike technology is advancing rapidly so it’s just a matter of time before almost anything that is done by studio engineers/producers will be able to be replicated with a programmed mike. : (

Q3: And if I saw Queen open for James Taylor, I would stay for James Taylor, but I would be on my feet cheering.

cookcricket: The James Taylor concert that I went to, everyone was seated and truly enjoying the music.

Oh, I guess I wasn’t very clear. I was referring to the big deal that a few reviewers have made about how people were standing for Adam’s whole set and then were sitting down for most of Kris’ set. The videos show that this is the case but so what.

Also I can’t replace Adam with Foghat in my analogy.

So, my poorly stated point was simply — I love Queen and James Taylor, and if I was lucky enough to see them both in concert, I would be on my feet screaming during the Queen set. I would certainly stay to see James Taylor, but I would sit down and listen to the music. It’s just a different musical experience for me.

I wish Michael was still alive so we could all stop pretending that he has had any musical relevance whatsoever in the last ten to fifteen years and that he hadn’t become less of an icon than he had a punchline.

Wow.

Recordings area usually always better than ‘live’, however, not as much fun!Life is short, and I missed too much fun already, so I am driving a long way just to see Adam in person performing onstage. I love his singing. I also love Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta as well- so my CD collections will have variety from season 8.I saw some uyou tube videos from Portland, Adam is amazing. I prefer his understated sexy moves on Idol and his spontaneous little dance moves than the choreography I saw for the Bowie meloldy, but that is just me and I firmly believe Adam Lamvbert is the most entertaining performing artist and outstanding singer in decades, bar none. I love this kid.

Change up Hey Jude and make it more current. I love Paul but it’s not like this song hasn’t be done in 1,000 different arrangements.

I had the opposite reaction to Hey Jude. I hadn’t heard it in a long time, and it was nice to hear Kris’ always stellar phrasing make it fresh. OTOH, I didn’t even watch Adam’s video of WLL because I’m still sick to death of it from the 70s when it was played at every party. I did watch his Bowie medley, but, while I usually enjoy Adam, he’s just not David Bowie.

Just look at the arena during Hey Jude. People were lighting for Kris like thousands of stars. That really moved me, and that is definitely the star power.

Noctem– It’s safe to say that most artists would kill (themselves, even) to be this “irrlevant”–worldwide. LMAO.

Basically, someone probably has the ‘it’  factor to you if you are really into them, but if you’re really into the next guy, then he has ‘it.’ 

Well, I’m not much into Adam at all. But, I readily acknowledge his “it-factor”.

But, SPEAKING of “it”, you know who else has “it”? Alison Iraheta! And she has “it” in spades. I was just powerfully reminded of this fact by watching her tour performance videos.

It’s a crime that that little girl finished any lower than second. In fact, it wouldn’t have even been a crime if she’d have won the whole shebang.

I think, at least at this point in their nascent careers, she may work the stage better than Adam does. But, ditch the guitar on “So What”, though, chica. It doesn’t look good on ya….

I really have to give Kris and Adam a ton of credit for remaining real friends, supporting each other’s talent, and standing up to any attempts by the media and passionate fans to compare and contrast them.

Yes it’s admirable. It was the same way with Clay/Ruben and David/David. Always nice to see the lack of competition and the mutual respect.

But, this year, how many Kris fans can even honestly say, taking into account Kris’s performances and Adam’s performances, that Kris honestly deserved the title? Seriously, try to say it with a straight face!

I heartily disagree with this perspective. It’s even insulting to Kris and his fans. Even though many think that Adam should have won, many others were not in love with his style (his high voice, his screaming etc.). Many people do like quieter music. Personally I think Adam should have won, but it’s just an opinion. I respect Kris and his fans and do not think that his winning is undeserved.

Molls said, “css – My son and I are rabid Adam fans, but we also love Kris and Allison. I just couldn’t pass up the chance to see Adam on his first concert voyage, and I think it will be a cool memory for my son to have. I’m glad to hear the Portland concert was so great – now I’m just even more excited!!

I’ll post about it and let you guys know how it went!”

Oh, that is EXACTLY how I am. You will not be disappointed! I literally thought to myself about 20 seconds into Whole Lotta Love, okay, my ticket price is worth it JUST for those 20 seconds, lol.

I am so excited for you! I am still giddy from the experience, and I am not the type of person who gets giddy, lol. I posted about my experience in the huge Portland concert thread, but suffice it to say, Allison rocked the house down, everyone loved Kris and he sounded fantastic, and Adam ‘“ well, I don’t even have words. The entire place was on its feet during his whole set, mesmerized and/or dancing, including people all around me who were primarily Kris or Danny fans. It was like being transported to another world or something’ ¦

But, SPEAKING of ‘it’ , you know who else has ‘it’ ? Alison Iraheta! And she has ‘it’  in spades. I was just powerfully reminded of this fact by watching her tour performance videos. I think, at least at this point in their nascent careers, she may work the stage better than Adam does.

I wouldn’t go as far as that last sentence, but Allison is seriously unbelievable. I mean, I got chills just listening to a not-fantastic youtube rip of So What, and that’s not normally a chills-inducing song. Her power as a singer and performer would be astonishing in any age and (the old refrain again) in someone so young, it’s mindblowing.

My son and I are rabid Adam fans, but we also love Kris and Allison.

Me too! That seems to describe a lot of people here–intense fans of one of those three but fans of the other two as well.

While you all are debating the “it” factor, who has “it”, who doesn’t have “it”, I’m headed to the concert now to have me some “it”. I fully intend to enjoy “it” to the fullest.

I had the opposite reaction to Hey Jude. I hadn’t heard it in a long time, and it was nice to hear Kris’ always stellar phrasing make it fresh. OTOH, I didn’t even watch Adam’s video of WLL because I’m still sick to death of it from the 70s when it was played at every party. I did watch his Bowie medley, but, while I usually enjoy Adam, he’s just not David Bowie.

I was just putting forward some thoughts on how Kris could make his set more suited to an arena. IMO “Hey Jude” was too low key and they dropped the whole back half of the song. I think it would just be better with back-up vocal harmonies and if someone did the lead improvisations on the second half (perhaps Matt) — here’s The Beattle doing it in 1968. (There’s a bit of other stuff from the show before the song.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLVywY5EwoA&feature=related

Finally, I agree with you and commented on a different thread that I thought that Adam’s Bowie medly still needed work. But, IMO it will probably be great after a few more performances.

WLL and Starlight are really stellar performances. WLL is amazing, and the Starlight “combo” on MJ’s site is worth watching if you want to see a good Adam performance. If you don’t care about Adam, just skip them and don’t waste your time.

Isisdagmar said, “I wouldn’t go as far as that last sentence, but Allison is seriously unbelievable. I mean, I got chills just listening to a not-fantastic youtube rip of So What, and that’s not normally a chills-inducing song. Her power as a singer and performer would be astonishing in any age and (the old refrain again) in someone so young, it’s mindblowing.”

Allison’s set blew the socks off everyone in Portland. I knew she was good, but her voice was *incredible* and her stage presence *fantastic*. Everyone on the Floor, including my area in the very back, stood for the entire thing, and EVERYONE was dancing the whole time — young old, etc. And I know from conversations that “their” Idols were Kris, Danny and Adam. She is AMAZING live!

Here’s link to video interview Kris and Scott did with Richard Rushfield before tonight’s show…

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2009/07/video-preshow-chat-with-kris-allen-and-scott-macintyre-in-tacoma-wa.html

It’s a crime that that little girl finished any lower than second. In fact, it wouldn’t have even been a crime if she’d have won the whole shebang.

I have to disagree – she was too young to even be on the show – rarely does anything good become of kids in the entertainment business.

I was not going to get hooked for this season; however I watched it. I didn’t vote until the last few shows. I can honestly say this:

I liked Allison more than anyone else. I can really see her on radio (hear). I thought she had an incredible voice for someone that young and also was “rocking” it which I like, but her vocals were totally undervalued. I would have toned down her hair a bit and some of her outfits but heck, she’s 16….

I dislikedAdam’s style from the get-go. I hated the tongue flailing and the loud ear piercing scream and the “evil” looking (sneers) expressions. I liked only one of his performances (the Tears for Fears song). I’ll give him that. I saw “theatre, Vegas, Broadway musical and diva.” I thought he was too professional as far as experience goes, almost like a plant. He relied on lighting, outfits, dry ice, smoke, hair-dos and makeup and glitter. I’ve never seen any idol wear that much pancake makeup before in my entire life. Thank God I didn’t have HD. I don’t even want to talk about the pimping. After awhile all of his performances seemed the same to me and always ending with the tongue flailing & ear piercing song, no matter what genre, it was the same. He does know how to put on a show though & either he insisted on the extras, or the others never thought to ask for them but he got them. He must have spent quite a bit of this own money to supplement his clothing allowance. He looked like an “actor” playing a part rather than just a contestant, trying to do the best they can with the genre they were given. What’s wrong with getting on the stage and wearing jeans and a T-Shirt? Okay, maybe a little better than that – casual clothes. Was that a bird cage he wore on his shoulders at the finale?

Kris. I liked his mellow sound and the fact that he is actually a musician and plays a number of instruments and clearly is an accomplished musician. He showed a lot of different sides to him. He really won me 100% when he did “Heartless.” I love the underdog, the boy next door, the down to earth and uncontraversial type of person who doesn’t focus on what he’s wearing & the grand entrance, it’s just him at the piano or playing a guitar and interpreting the song in the genre they were doing. He creeped up on me.

I think that if Adam was not in the competition or disqualified as a contestant who was still under contract, that Allison might have gotten more face time and would have won this competition. However, I am happy that Kris won. I look forward to him showing what he really can do. He’s radio friendly. You can’t not like that guy.

Kris’ version of No Boundaries is much better than Adam’s. It’s not a great song. For all the talk about coronation songs, and mention of TOML, that song has really grown on me. I went to my dentist for a cleaning and TOML was playing in the background. I told my hygenist that Cook had a number of other good singles out, so why do they keep playing that one. She said “because it’s a great song.” I didn’t ask if she was a fan but she did have a little smile when she said it.

In any case, all of these contestants can sing. Adam is used to being in front of a large audience, but the rest of them don’t and it takes guts to get on there and sing. I hope each and everyone of them find some kind of success and their own little niche of the market, because it’s what they love to do and not too many people can say they are doing what they love.

Matt Sarver loves Adam Lambert – cute story

http://community.livejournal.com/ontd_ai/981389.html

I’ve been saying for a while that I think Allison will be the true breakout star from S8, and I still believe it. The girl most definitely has it, and she also has the luxury of working under significantly lower expectations than the winner or the runner-up. I think both Kris and Adam will have solid careers, but they will both be under a lot of scrutiny. With Adam in particular I suspect anything he does will fall shy of the bar his fans (and the media) have set for him. Only time will tell if the emperor wears any clothes, let alone bedazzled ones. I’m hopeful that Allison benefits from being slightly out of the winners spotlight in the same way Daughtry did. If Jive puts together a record that plays to her strengths, I think she could surprise a lot of folks with the numbers she puts up.

When is Adam and Kris hosting AT40 for Ryan?

The AT40 gig is supposed to be this coming weekend

I

dislikedAdam’s style from the get-go. I hated the tongue flailing and the loud ear piercing scream and the ‘evil’  looking (sneers) expressions. I liked only one of his performances (the Tears for Fears song). I’ll give him that. I saw ‘theatre, Vegas, Broadway musical and diva.’  I thought he was too professional as far as experience goes, almost like a plant. He relied on lighting, outfits, dry ice, smoke, hair-dos and makeup and glitter. I’ve never seen any idol wear that much pancake makeup before in my entire life. Thank God I didn’t have HD. I don’t even want to talk about the pimping. After awhile all of his performances seemed the same to me and always ending with the tongue flailing & ear piercing song, no matter what genre, it was the same. He does know how to put on a show though & either he insisted on the extras, or the others never thought to ask for them but he got them. He must have spent quite a bit of this own money to supplement his clothing allowance. He looked like an ‘actor’  playing a part rather than just a contestant, trying to do the best they can with the genre they were given. What’s wrong with getting on the stage and wearing jeans and a T-Shirt? Okay, maybe a little better than that – casual clothes. Was that a bird cage he wore on his shoulders at the finale?

I completely understand that Adam is not to some people’s taste. I am just ever so happy that the media and industry people (some who came looking to work with him) that are working with him disagree. Many people have been amazed by his vocal and performance abilities.

Also: I could be wrong, but I think that when people compare Adam to Freddy Mercury or Kris to James Taylor, they’re most trying to compare styles and vibes and appeal and music’“they’re not literally saying that Adam and Kris are on those levels. Agree. All this talk of suggesting a brand new artist is already a legend annoys people, understandably. The comparison is just about style or level of ability/potential. For those who scoff about the comparisons of Adam to Freddie Mercury, though, it must be a fairly accurate comparison. When Brian May and Queen refer to Adam as having “some instrument” with that voice and wishing to work with him, people must surely at least recognize that Adam is considered to have serious vocal prowess, whether you personally enjoy him or not. As for Kris, comparing him to James Taylor’s style seems perfectly right, but as JT is also recognized for song-writing, the rest remains to be seen.

Again not that it matters since it will get lost in all this.. But the Hannah Montana 3 sound track is out today with the ‘duet’ between David and Miley.

Interestingly enough.. its the ONLY track thats album only..lol

Thanks Girlygirl

I completely understand that Adam is not to some people’s taste. Yeah, and when he’s not to their taste, they really react strongly, :tongue2_tb:! I understand that visually he might be off-putting or not to some tastes, but why the inability to step back and recognize his talent, esp. with these concert vids out? The vocal alone in WLL is astonishing! :jittery_tb: I guess I’m extremely open-minded; last year I was a big Cook fan, but I always recognized Archie’s amazing voice. Facts are facts.

I have been away all day so missed most of the party but I did want to chime in that at least from the YouTubes Allison was amazing – my husband who never watched a day of Idol before Allison came along is sad that we will be out of town when the tour gets here because he wanted to see her. Hehe. I am really hoping she can have herself a great career.

“I completely understand that Adam is not to some people’s taste. I am just ever so happy that the media and industry people (some who came looking to work with him) that are working with him disagree. Many people have been amazed by his vocal and performance abilities.”

Amen to that. I look forward to the day that the group goes their separate ways. It would be interesting to see how they will grow as individual artists. The world outside AI is big and exciting. I say Good Luck to all of them.

I was just putting forward some thoughts on how Kris could make his set more suited to an arena. IMO ‘Hey Jude’  was too low key and they dropped the whole back half of the song.

And I was saying, I guess not very clearly, that it looked and sounded to me like it went over just fine in Portland. Kris used the whole stage, and got the audience singing and waving along. Kris’ performance was fantastic and the audience was right with him. IMHO, the only problem was that they brought the Bottom 9 out to sing backup towards the end, but just had them stand in a static line at the back of the stage, instead of having them spread out and work the stage along with Kris. That killed the momentum of the song. Hopefully the idols will figure that out and become more active during the song, the way last year’s crew changed up the choreography for Please Don’t Stop the Music, or TPTB will decide to let Kris finish the song on his own, and then take his bows. He doesn’t need any help with his songs.

Also, some artists cannot actual sing their songs in concert because they can’t replicate the vocals. For example, I love Muse but IMO they can’t do a great job on Starlight in concert because the vocal was so heavily adjusted on their recording. AutoTune mike technology is advancing rapidly so it’s just a matter of time before almost anything that is done by studio engineers/producers will be able to be replicated with a programmed mike.

I actually had never heard of Muse until my son and I caught them on Live From Abbey Road last season. They were awesome live, and we both became instant fans, downloading a couple of their albums.

I actually cited Muse as one of the groups that Adam’s voice reminded me of (along with Jeff Buckley’s) early in the season, and Adam does a very nice job of hitting all Matthew Bellamy’s notes (and adding to them!), but there is a rawness to Bellamy’s voice that you don’t get from the very polished Adam.

This, for me personally, is why I really don’t buy the “rock star” hype where Adam is concerned. He, unquestionably, has an amazing, well-honed, instrument and is incredibly talented, but his voice is actually too pristine for me to find it completely believable in a rock format. I guess I see him more as a great pop singer/artist, not that one is necessarily better than the other. I just prefer my rock stars a little more unrefined if that makes any sense.

For all of the WhatNottoSing fans at MJs, the final results for this year’s Camp Should-A-Been are up. Kris joins David Cook and Kelly Clarkson to become only the 3rd winner to successfully defend his title, beating Allison by half a point.

http://www.whatnottosing.com/library/camp/camp_shouldabeen_ai8.asp

I really feel for Kris having to sing No Boundaries to the Suckitude. We used to joke about Time of My Life last year, calling it the Magic Rainbow song, but the Magic Rainbow is like a Mozart sonata compared to No Boundaries to the Suckitude. I don’t think even the inestimable David Cook could make that sucker fly.

Fortunately, when the tour ends, Kris will be able to bid goodbye to No Boundaries to the Suckitude. Magic Rainbow went platinum, and is still getting airplay, so although Cook isn’t singing it on tour, he sometimes get requests for it. (He’s said, in fact, that he never intends to sing it again.) Since No Boundaries to the Suckitude isn’t selling as well, Kris will be liberated sooner. It would have been nice for his coronation single to sell better, but for every cloud there is a silver lining.

I’m not planning to go to the tour this year, because there are only three singers I really care about: Adam, Allison and Kris. I’m not willing to pay for a full price ticket to come late (I would rather have root canal than listen to Sarver and Megan Joy Whatever) and I would have to sit through four Gokey songs to hear Allison and Adam and Kris.

But in response to whoever upthread said that Adam fans wouldn’t enjoy Kris, or vice versa, I’m one of those who enjoys both. Started and ended as an Adam voter, but I’ve gotten over my disappointment with his loss. My taste for OTT Adam has not faded, but since he appears to be content with his second place finish, so am I. He’s getting what he wanted — a recording contract, a chance to have input in his album, and lots of fun outfits — and I’m looking forward to his album too.

Kris has made me fall for him. I always liked his singing, but I too thought he was too mellow to be a good AI champ. Yeah, Kris is low key, and modest almost to a fault, but he’s a very talented and creative artist who is going to get even better as he matures. And he appears to be a delightful person: comfortable in his own skin, open-minded, generous, slyly funny. So I am hoping he puts out a great record.

Allison is the icing on the cake. That girl has so much potential, I can’t wait to see what she does.

I am new here. It has been interesting reading every ones comments. It helped clear up what people ment when they say Adam is off-putting or polarizing. Because I never saw it. I have always liked him. Still do. I have always had more problems with Kris personality or IMO lack of it. I have the same problem with Kris, music. I try to see what others see in him and I just don’t. He seems like a nice kid but that is all I get from him. I have always loved them beautiful high notes Adam reaches. Love him with or without make-up. I also like his good manners.

I really like the Hannah Montana/David A. duet. Very cute.

All of this talk about Adam has me super excited to see him in August. He is so mesmerizing. Kris tried to work the stage, but he just doesn’t draw me in. I actually like him better when he does his Kris thing on the piano or guitar. That seems more authentic than the jumping around to me. Seeing Kris trying to engage the audience reminded me of Kris trying to dance during “Shake Your Booty Down to the Ground (kind of uncordinated).

Adam strikes me as genuine. Adam didn’t just glam it up for AI. That’s who he was when nobody knew him. There is just something about Adam, even in his audition tape it was like wow, who is this guy? Then he sang and the rest is history. Definitely visually engaging and I love his voice too.

Kris sounds great on the radio. He definitely will be successful with his cd in that regard. I also think Kris would be wonderful in a more intimate setting. Just sitting there relaxing and enjoying his vibe.

noctem: But, ditch the guitar on ‘So What’ , though, chica. It doesn’t look good on ya’ ¦.

NO! DON’T DO IT, GIRL! She looks fantastic with the guitar. And she should keep playing it so she gets more comfortable with it.

Eileen99: While you all are debating the ‘it’  factor, who has ‘it’ , who doesn’t have ‘it’ , I’m headed to the concert now to have me some ‘it’ . I fully intend to enjoy ‘it’  to the fullest.

ROFLMAO!!!!

isisdagmar: I mean, I got chills just listening to a not-fantastic youtube rip of So What

It’s amazing to me how her incredible power comes through even on a crappy Youtube video. I’m going to have a very hard time waiting another month and a half before I get to experience that power in person!

Matt Sarver loves Adam Lambert – cute story

http://community.livejournal.com/ontd_ai/981389.html

Well, I guess we can safely say Sarver does NOT have the “IT” factor.

Squirrely, his name is Michael, not Matt. :lol_wp:

I can’t see this reply box in the show thread, for some reason so I’m posting it here.

Allison just tweeted from backstage:

#ahhhhhhhhh. So damn exited…. Already heard the awesome crowd!!! #2 minutes ago from TwitterFon

Unfortunately, the audio on the cell cast over on rickey TV is way way WAY worse than it was for the Portland show. I had to leave that site…couldn’t take it. I’ll try back later when the Top 4 are scheduled to go on…hopefully it will have improved by then

ROFLMAO!!!!

isisdagmar: I mean, I got chills just listening to a not-fantastic youtube rip of So What

It’s amazing to me how her incredible power comes through even on a crappy Youtube video. I’m going to have a very hard time waiting another month and a half before I get to experience that power in person!

I know, i wasn’t expecting that. I’m trying to stay spoiler-free for when I see the show (I’m in LA, so I think I can hold out another week), but I had to watch a bit of Starlight and So What, and I got chills from both–which, as much as I love Allison and especially Adam, I was not anticipating from youtube rips from a stadium full of screaming fans. You know, someone suggested that for these guys’ album tours, they should have Allison tour as the opening act for Adam (since she will most likely be someone’s opening act, correct?). If I didn’t think that it might be better for them to do something less AI-focused, I would be so in favor of that. My brain would probably explode from the power and beauty of their voices and presences, but I’d be willing to hazard that.

“Sunday night at the American Idol summer tour kickoff at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, OR, Adam Lambert broke the show. And while the crowd was still in pieces, his friend Kris Allen came out and put it all back together again.”

http://www.examiner.com/x-15367-Boston-Reality-TV-Examiner~y2009m7d7-Out-of-the-nest-Adam-Lambert-Kris-Allen-soar-in-American-Idol-top-ten-tour-Portland

Late in the game here, but I have to say this reviewer was spot on with how I view Adam and Kris, performance and talent-wise — a perfect balance. The whole review was great and she put to paper what is the essence of Adam and Kris’s relationship as people and as performers. They complement each other and I for one am glad of that. All the reviews have been quite positive, with the exception of one– and that guy was blantantly cruel, not just to Kris, but to Megan, especially, calling her Call Girl Barbie. That was uncalled for and off the mark completely and disrespectful.

I’ll be going to the show with my nieces and daughter this year. They’re so beautiful, but so very quiet. I’m dying to see how they react during the show. ::grin:: Should be fun.

Well, Camp Should-Have-Been at WNTS is over. And, like he was in the actual TV show, Kris is the champion — although in this case, the points total for the finale night show ended in a dead heat between him and Allison.

—————————–

(below is part of this “recap” from the WNTS site)

Up in their Producers’ Box, the 19E guys were livid. We made them sit in the woods for two and a half weeks, swatting mosquitos the size of golf balls in 95 ° weather, just to watch a stinking tie?! Between two contestants not named Adam or Danny, no less? Balderdash! Several of the campers in the audience shouted back angrily at them, and some pushing and shoving broke out, and then our ever-vigilant Disciplinary Counselors, Viktor, Rocco, and Serge intervened, and last we looked Viktor had Simon Cowell in a headlock though he occasionally does that just to keep in shape.

After the melee, as the producers’ convoy was pulling away, Simon Fuller beckoned us over. “Capital idea!” he whispered to us. “A draw! Why hadn’t we thought of that before? Brilliant of you to think of it.” “But Mr. Fuller, sir, we didn’t plan on…” “We’ll have to put that into the script for Season Nine ‘“ maybe we’ll even make it a three-way bit!” “But sir, honestly,…” “I’ll have Ceci’s people get on that tomorrow. Well done as always, mates. See you back here next summer!” And with that, he motioned to his driver and they disappeared out the gates of camp.

Okay, campers, settle down. We didn’t spend two weeks in the woods swatting mosquitos just to watch a tie, either. So while we’re going to list Allen and Iraheta as co-winners this summer, we took a peek at the database to see who won on decimal points. And the answer is….

Kris Allen! In fact, he won by close to a half point after all the rounding errors were subtracted. The unassuming Allen thus becomes the third person to defend his real-life title at Camp Should-A-Been, and who would have predicted that six months ago? The conventional wisdom is that he will not sell nearly as many albums as some past winners. That might even be true, but personally, we’ve stopped betting against him.

——————————-

CathyMK:

IMHO, the only problem was that they brought the Bottom 9 out to sing backup towards the end, but just had them stand in a static line at the back of the stage, instead of having them spread out and work the stage along with Kris. That killed the momentum of the song. Hopefully the idols will figure that out and become more active during the song, the way last year’s crew changed up the choreography for Please Don’t Stop the Music, or TPTB will decide to let Kris finish the song on his own, and then take his bows. He doesn’t need any help with his songs.

YES!!! I agree with you 100%! I couldn’t figure out the problem with them all coming out, but this is it exactly. Thank you!

I also loved Kris’s enthusiasm when he was jumping around the stage!:)

Also, thank you evenjane for that review. Very nice.

I think Kris is definitely in the rock genere, not hard rock, but rock. It’s got a soulful, singer-songwriter vibe to it, but it’s still within my definition of rock.

I don’t think anyone from season eight had a hard rock vibe.

David: @Allison4Realzzz Woot woot for first show!!! Congrats!!

Allison: @DavidArchie thnks mannn ahhhhh XD

Oh, how cute. Can we make this happen? Young Allison would be safe with Archie, while Allison — despite her age — would spice little Archie up. And, they both have latin roots in common!

Oh please, NB is the worst coronation by a million miles. TOML and This is My Now is way better, although they sucks also.

Other than Cook’s growley, grown up, sexy interpretation, what sold ToML was the song’s backstory. Who could read Reggie Hamm’s inspiration for the song and not be moved?

I doubt if Adam and Kris will ever be on the same stage
again unless it’s an AI thing.

I agree with that. After this tour, I’m betting they will rarely cross paths. So, finally, they will be judged on their own terms.

‘but right now I’m a little tired of him (Adam) being anointed (by a small number of people) as some mix of Elvis/Michael Jackson/the Beatles.’ 

Similar stuff was being said about David Cook last year and prob about others but I didn’t watch before last year so don’t know.

I was (and am) a Cook fan and I don’t remember Cook ever being anointed the next Elvis/Jackson/The Beatles — or even Springsteen — and I was always glad about that. No one is the next –> name your favorite, former music icon. I want Cook, as I want anyone else, to be the next, best version of themselves.

This reminds me of something David Cook said on the AI tour last year. USA Today followed the Idols around for one day during the tour and apparently Cook was seen walking around carrying some plaque that someone gave him commemorating the fact that some astronomist named some newly found star after him. Chikezie said something to him along the lines of, ‘I bet it’s only a theoretical star’  to which Cook responded, ‘Yeah, just like me.’ 

Thank you for reminding me of that. It was one of my favorite come backs of last season or any season.

This, for me personally, is why I really don’t buy the ‘rock star’  hype where Adam is concerned. He, unquestionably, has an amazing, well-honed, instrument and is incredibly talented, but his voice is actually too pristine for me to find it completely believable in a rock format. I guess I see him more as a great pop singer/artist, not that one is necessarily better than the other. I just prefer my rock stars a little more unrefined if that makes any sense.

I agree. The spirit of rock is that it’s off the hook and not polished or refined. It’s sweaty and dirty and involves swinging from the rafters.

I was (and am) a Cook fan and I don’t remember Cook ever being anointed the next Elvis/Jackson/The Beatles ‘” or even Springsteen ‘” and I was always glad about that. No one is the next ‘“> name your favorite, former music icon. I want Cook, as I want anyone else, to be the next, best version of themselves.

I do. I was pretty uninvested last year, but I do remember those posts popping up a fair bit, like they normally do. Probably not as much as this year since 1) Adam can look like Elvis occasionally 2) the Elvis comparisons have been brought up by the media 3) Jackson died. But it happens all the time. By the way, I am not making the comparison myself as I think there are patterns you can find, but nobody can be the next [insert icon here] since cultural climate is key to creating that, while any sort of status has to have time before you can even ponder its weight. If you are going to be “an icon” then you are going to be yourself, not the next version of a previous icon as icons don’t work that way (and no, I am not trying to claim any sort of hyperbole in regards to Adam or anyone).

(On a different note, I remember wanting to declare Archuleta the next Scott Walker in return. Teen idol crooner type that will go dark and crazy, go recluse and use slabs of beef for percussive purposes. Hey, not likely, but I see it, man!)

This, for me personally, is why I really don’t buy the ‘rock star’  hype where Adam is concerned. He, unquestionably, has an amazing, well-honed, instrument and is incredibly talented, but his voice is actually too pristine for me to find it completely believable in a rock format. I guess I see him more as a great pop singer/artist, not that one is necessarily better than the other. I just prefer my rock stars a little more unrefined if that makes any sense.

I kind of see your point. But just curious, who are your rock stars??

A bit OT, but for those of you who took part in the new music discussions here last fall/winter, 2 of the bands that we talked about, Vampire Weekend and Ra Ra Riot, have come out with a collaboration album. (Or is it EP? It’s only 30 minutes long.) They’re calling themselves Discovery for the collaboration. It’s an electro-pop album, which I did not see coming! It’s on sale at Lala for $3.99 this week.

http://www.lala.com/#artist/Discovery

Sassycatz

Kris and Adam will likely cross paths fairly often in the future, since it’s pretty clear they will remain good friends. But aside from AI-related events, they may not ever sing together (publicly) after this tour.

I just hope the fan fights and all the comparisons die down once tour is over. I don’t think the two Davids get compared much anymore in terms of who’s selling how much or whose better, do they? There’s probably still some of that, but not nearly as much as right after AI7 ended.

I kind of see your point. But just curious, who are your rock stars??

As a kid, I loved the Beatles, Janis Joplin, the Rolling Stones, the Moody Blues, Yes, Jethro Tull, Procol Harum, Fleetwood Mac and Heart, although to be honest, I always gravitated more towards the folk rockers (CSN&Y, Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell). I did adore Elton John, but more when he was younger, during the Goodbye Yellowbrick Road era.

As for more contemporary “rock stars,” I think of Bruce Springsteen, U2, Radiohead, Muse. I consider these guys authentic rockers, and I listen to all of them, although they’re not necessarily my personal favorites, but my favorite artists would never be classified as “rock stars” because they don’t rock “hard enough” and aren’t “superstars.”

I’ve just never given a rat’s ass what the media tells me I’m supposed to be buying. If I love it, I buy it and listen to it. Music is one of the few things I still spend money on, and I buy what moves me, not what gets the most advertising space.