Kirsten’s Vancouver American Idols Live Tour Re-cap

By On 07/09/2009 · 174 Comments · In Uncategorized

Photos after the recap…   Check out Kristen’s photobucket: HERE.

***

Disclaimer: Yes, I’m biased. No, I’m not a reporter. No, I know almost nothing about music. Yes, I’m long-winded.

It’s the first time that American Idol Tour has decided to visit Vancouver (AFAIK), and Vancouver decided to rain on their parade. Oh well, at least they got the taste of the real Vancouver. Some people come here when we have lovely weather and then move here thinking it will be nice like that all the time. No, it rains and rains and rains and rains and then rains some more. Buy Gortex. Although, it has been gorgeous for the last 2 months, before the Idols came to town. I blame 19E for the rain.

I have seen the AI tour twice before, both times in Tacoma. I must say that it’s a relief that they came here. Boarder line-ups are a pain, it’s a long drive, it can be hard to find an American gas station that doesn’t require that you to give them your zip code (we have postal codes and entering 90210 doesn’t work. I tried it) and the Tacoma Dome is a little dumpy. Whiny, aren’t I? This time they came to GM Place, nicknamed, The Garage. It’s your typical sports arena that was designed to host the Vancouver NHL and NBA teams, but there was some consideration given to acoustics. The venue will also be used during the Winter Olympics next February for the Men’s Hockey events. I think AI is going to get creamed in the Canadian ratings when Olympic hockey is on. AI should continue to be fine in the States (woman’s ice skating finals are on the weekend).

The first thing that I noticed entering the venue was that there were a lot more men than I remember seeing at AI concerts in the past. I reason that it’s because this is the first AI concert in Vancouver and the men have yet to learn. LOL. That said, the men seemed to have a great time, so perhaps they will come back. Still, the VAST majority of the audience was female.

I took a peek to see what kind of swag they were selling and it seemed like mostly the normal stuff. You could get everything from key chains to fridge magnets to mugs to programs to posters to Teddy-Bears to a variety of T-shirts. As usual, the only Idol picture centric t-shirts were a group one, one featuring the winner (white with green lettering) and one featuring the runner-up (black with white neon eyes that seem to follow you as you walk by). The weirdest t-shirt was a black t-shirt with the words “I [Skull-and-Cross-Bones] American Idol”. I must admit to being puzzled with this one. Has American Idol finally decided to tap into a new market? The market of all those people who are forced to come to the concert by their friends, spouses and children? The people who dislike AI with the heat of of a thousand suns? Does it mean “I Hate AI”? Or “I Poison American Idols”? Or “I Wish I was Dead When I Watch American Idol”? Or is it code-word for “I Know 19E Are Pirates”? Now I’m starting to wish I had purchased one.

The only thing I bought was some Dibbs because by this time, the rain had stopped and it was muggy. Plus, Richard Rushfield made me crave them by tweeting about them last night. Then, I went down and found my seat. Row 5, sandwiched in between a slightly stern Adam loving couple on my right and a hilarious Kris/Matt loving couple on my left. Thank goodness for the hilarious couple because cracking jokes about how the crew members perched in the light rigging 4 stories above the stage survived without a pee break for 3.5 hours and how the show was being delayed because Kris was pitching a fit about green M&Ms backstage were the only thing that kept me sane through the barrage of repeat music videos. People gripe about Pop radio playing the same ten songs all day. At least it’s ten songs. We were subjected to the same 4 videos over and over and over again. It was like being trapped on a plane on the tarmac and having to listen to the safety lecture on repeat for 12 hours. I know that 19M wants to pimp their clients, but Daughtry, Cook and Carrie all have other videos. Couldn’t they at least show some of the other ones? When they finally showed some cheesy informercial about the Disney AI experience, the entire crowd almost started cheering. Honestly, if I have to listen to the same video played three times in a row, I will start to hate it, so mix it up 19M!!!!!! Where is that damn skull-and-cross-bone t-shirt?

Finally, the concert started and the stadium erupted. People jumped to their feet and started applauding wildly just for some kind of red lines on the screen. Michael appeared on the stage and we didn’t care, we treated him like Adam. Lots of cheering. Lots of noise. And Michael was off singing his first song. On the show, I thought that Michael was kind of ham-fisted. He clumped around the stage and there wasn’t much colour to his singing. But I was really impressed with his cover of ‘I’m in Love with a Girl’ . It had a lot of energy, it sounded good and he seemed to move around a lot better. Perhaps I was just high on Dibbs. But the rest of the crowd must have been too, because he maintained his intro excitement. “Closer” was pretty well done, but the crowd calmed down a bit. In any event, a great set from somebody I had my doubts about. He gets to keep his tour spot.

Then Megan came out. Man, is that one hot looking woman. Her legs are simply stunning. They go on for miles. And the dress was very flattering on her. Okay, enough of me being Paula, now I must be Kara/Simon. “The Thing Is” the girl cannot sing. I’m sorry, but it was like somebody let the air out of balloon. The crowd collapsed into their seats. Even some people in my section which was a hopping section where people were standing and dancing and waving glow sticks for the entire concert (I love being at the front. The enthusiastic fans always manage to get some tickets up there and they infect the entire area with their excitement and it makes the concert so much more fun. And that’s what this cheese fest should be. Fun. Sure, you get sore feet and you need to eat Dibbs to keep up your energy level, but it’s still fun). Megan sang two songs I love. “Put Your Records On’  and ‘Tears Dry on Their Own’ , but the problem is that she doesn’t have enough soul to sing those songs. Mr. Rogers has more soul than Megan. I still maintain that she should have selected “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie. The song is popular and simple and Megan sounds like Fergie to me. I think she could have handled that. These two songs in her set just don’t work for her. She has become better about moving around the stage (and doesn’t do the Toddler-Pee-Dance as much anymore) so she is improving. Her vocals just suck. Sorry, Megan. But you are smokin’ hot, so you could still have a career as a recording artist.

Now that the crowd was deflated, it was Scott’s job to pump us up again. Seemed like a tall task for him. During the show, he turned everything into an 80s AC Ballad and made me think of the “Great American Hero”. Here, he was still singing AC tunes, but they sounded current and had some zip. Scott rose up from the center of the stage, the audience was ready to hear something good, and Scott delivered. People in my section were back up on their feet and dancing to “Bend and Break”. Then, Scott told some jokes before returning to the piano for “A Thousand Miles”. I wasn’t totally blown away by this song, but it was certainly a much improved Scott.

Scott sank back into the floor, and Lil’ Took the stage. Lil’ started out strong on the television show, but seemed to lose her way. I think she got confused by the judges and headed off onto the wrong path. The more they tried to guide her back to the path, the more she veered further off the path (granted, the judges’ version of guiding is like trying to find an address while having a wonky GPS system, your mother-in-law in the back-seat shouting instructions at you and your 3 year old trying to read a paper map and they’re all providing conflicting information while a monkey jumps on your head and the car is on fire). Lil’ just became too karaoke on the show. But, again, she’s better in concert than she was the show. I thought ‘Be Without You’  was a little muddled, but “No One” worked quite well. “Single Ladies” was by far, her stand-out performance. She was all over the stage and very energetic. The crowd was having a lot of fun with it. I think the biggest improvement, though, was that it looked like she was having fun too. By the end of her Idol run, she looked miserable which makes it hard for the audience to enjoy it. She’s back to loving being on stage. Maybe it’s the lack of those whacky judges.

Another contestant doing better without the judges is Anoop. He looked practically tortured by the end of his AI run and with good reason. In some ways, he may have even been relieved to get the boot. But, now he’s back and that works out well for all of us. Anoop changed the entire tone of the concert. Before, everybody was having fun, but I think that Anoop is the first person who knocked people’s socks off and who was bit of a pre-existing crowd favourite. I’ll admit it that I didn’t really “get” Anoop on the show. I did not see his audition (I skip the auditions), so my first real introduction was that dirge he sang during Final 1 Group night. Then, his “My Perogative” during the wildcard seemed a little frantic to me and “Beat It” was a disaster. I missed country week, so I didn’t see his recovery and by the time we hit Motown, he was looking beat-down by all the Ryan/judge antics. But, now that I’ve seen him in concert, I’ve seen the light. Anoop came floating up from the stage singing “Always On My Mind” and the crowd reached a new level of frenzy. He was fantastic. Smooth vocals. Honest emoting. Excellent phrasing. “Mad” didn’t do much for me, but “My Perogative” blew me away. Now we had a concert!

So, how do we follow up Anoop’s great set? they bring out Matt to tear up the stage. Who is this guy? Where did he come from? Well, I think I saw a kernel of this guy when he was on the show. The guy who was gutted by his disastrous “Viva La Vida” and never regained his confidence. The guy who turned every song into singing-trick-goulash. The guy who was a ball of nerves. That guy was gone, replaced with the guy I think AI wanted Matt to be. Matt was here. Matt was there. Matt was everywhere. He was singing. He was dancing. He was playing the crap out of the piano. People around me spent a lot of the intermission talking about his performance of ‘Hard to Handle’ . Heck, people were still talking about it after the concert. That was an amazing performance. “Georgia” was heartfelt and wonderful. “You Found Me” seemed a letdown from the other two. It was still good, but it just did not have the power of the other two performances. Perhaps it is the hats. They contain Matt Kryptonite. Or Perhaps Kara is right and “The Fray” is not for him. In any event, the first song of the set was enough to wipe out the last song from the audience’s collective memory.

And then, there was a truly bizarre medley of varying quality. It started with Megan and the audience once again, collapsed into their seats. You could almost hear them say “Wait, I thought we’d already survived her set. How can you inflict her on us again?” It’s like when you bike up a hill and you get to the top and you think you are done, but you see that the top of the hill was just hiding an even bigger, steeper hill. The crowd was ready to bolt. Then, poor Lil’ had to duet with Megan and it was horrid. Poor Lil’. Makes the “Renegade” duet seem like a prize. I don’t know what they sang and I don’t think the poor song needs to be outed with its name either. Poor song was helpless. It deserves its anonymity. Once again, Scott popped his head up from his rabbit hole to save the day after Megan ruined it. This time, he brought Matt with him to do a rockin’ piano duel with ‘Tell Her About It’ . The audience was up on it’s feet having fun in no time. The horrible Lil/Megan duet quickly faded from our memory. Or brain protects us that way from trauma. Thanks, brain! Sarver came out to sing some Elvis (hey, I thought Adam was Elvis) by himself. Why did nobody duet with him? There were six people. I don’t get it. Anyway, Anoop came out like James Bond to set up the final song in the group number and we were soon back on our way to watch 19M’s latest videos on repeat.

Allison suddenly took the stage without much fanfare. First, we were watching some plant win the Disney American Idol contest (if he makes it to the Final 36/24/32/37/Whatever next season, I’m throwing something at the TV) and the next minute Allison was on stage. How come Michael got a crowd rev-ing intro? No problem, Allison doesn’t need an audience warm up. She can warm up the crowd all on her own. She was out there with guitar singing “So What” and crowd was rev’ed in no time. During her set, I noticed that there weren’t a lot of Idols this year that could play instruments. Sure, there was the piano playing trio and Allison can kind of play the guitar, but I remember finding out during previous tours that there were lots of Idols that played instruments. Kind of odd in a year when instrument playing is allowed, if you ask me. There won’t be an Idol band this year. Anyway, back to Allison. The wind machine was all kinds of nuts during this section. Made it hard to take pictures because her hair was everywhere. She did a good job of “So What” and I bet that Jive is thinking of molding her in line with her labelmate P!nk. I love P!nk so I think that’s a good idea. Then, Allison tackled “Cry Baby”. I don’t mean to criticize her, but I think she was a bit too much all over the stage on that one. I still think her singout on the show was her best version. That’s a song that doesn’t require a lot of bounding about. Just stand basically in one spot and pour your sole into it. “Barracuda” was a lot of fun and her interactions with the guitar player was very authentic. I’d also like to note that it’s great to see the same tour band back year after year. Unless I’m mistaken, Dave is still at the keyboards and leading the band. I remember the guitar player, other keyboardist and drummer (Aaron?) from S5/S6 as well. I think it’s the same bass player too. I like that continuity. I’m sure they help out the Idols a lot too with their AI tour experience.

Then, Danny came out. There has been a lot of talk about people planning to take bathroom breaks during his set. And people hating him. And him being the villain and all. But I saw none of that in Vancouver. The crowd seemed to be thrilled he was there. The little kids in front of me even did his heart thing with their fingers. Danny started out with “PYT” and the crowd was singing along and dancing and having fun. Then, he did “Maria, Maria” which wasn’t quite as successful, but still kept the energy level fairly high. He got it back to previous levels when he sang a very convincing version of Rascall Flatts’ ‘What Hurts the Most’ . In fact, I think he sings it better than them. He did a very short speech (and got a group “Awe”) and then was into his last number. The audience seemed inspired. It was a very successful set. And I didn’t know that Gokey had guns. The lighting was very harsh on him, though, It was like an alien spaceship was about to land on top of him or kidnap him or something.

And what do you know, an alien did land. His name was Adam and I knew it would be loud (every time his photo had appeared on the screen in between repeats of the “All-American Girl” video, a loud cheer would go up. I’m pretty sure that the cheering was not just because we weren’t having to watch “No Surprise” again). Anyway, an ear-splitting roar occurred and everybody seemed to be on their feet. And a cow three rows up started waving around her cheap-@ss sign so I didn’t see much of Adam unless he was on the other side of the stage. Look lady, if he doesn’t acknowledge your ugly sign the first 15 times you waved it as high as you could, perhaps he is ignoring you. I wish I would have saved some Dibbs so I could have lobbed them at the back of her head. I don’t even like Adam so I can imagine how livid his actual fans were. So, I hate “Whole Lotta Love”. I hated it when Zepplin originally sang it. I hated it when Daughtry sang it on tour. I hated when Adam sang it on the show. So, odds were slim I was going to like it this time either. And, “No Surprise” (no 19M, that is not your cue to play that video AGAIN), I didn’t. Yes, he did the thing with the mic stand and I almost burst out laughing. It looked so rehearsed. I remember laughing during Ace’s heartbeat thing during the S5 concert and if fan looks could kill (I’d be dead), so I made sure I did not this time. Then he sang “Mad World” and won me over. I love that. The ethereal quality of his voice during this song is captivating. Plus, when he isn’t concentrating on “The Adam Show” I find that he comes across as much more genuine. He followed it up with “Starlight” and was on a roll. I really enjoyed that as well. Now it was time for Allison to come out and sing “Slow Ride” (the only song I really enjoyed from stupid Hard Rock week) and they did a fantastic job. It was slightly marred by an underwear incident. I say marred, because Allison and Adam had a great vibe going on there and the audience attention was ripped away by the distraction of a rude concert goer. So, the audience ended up being amused rather than focusing on the performers. Way to go rude concert goer. Finally, Adam ended his set with the Bowie Medley. Somebody let Mayor McCheese out of his cell and he programmed some truly cheestastic imagery for the screen during the first song of the medley. Then, they wrestled McCheese away from the backscreen program and I could focus on the rest of Adam’s performance. It was fine. I don’t really like the rock wail (I know others do and the concert isn’t all about me), but I much preferred “Mad World” and “Starlight”. I think he should bump the Medley to the middle and move “Starlight” to the end.

Then, my favourite, Kris, came out and the audience exploded again. Yes, the clap-o-meter would indicate that Adam got more applause, but the crowd loved Kris too. When the opening of “Heartless” started, there was a collective “All-right!” from the audience. I love his rendition of that song. I always liked Kris, but that song made me want him to win. Before, I just thought it would be nice if he did. That said, I was a tad disappointed. Kris still conveyed the complicated emotions in this song, but he sounded a little hoarse tonight. Kris’s vocals during this song are usually so pure. Perhaps he had been cheering all night for the other contestants because that’s why I was hoarse by that point in the concert. Or maybe all the rain gave him a cold. He had a big drink of water before he started “Ain’t No Sunshine” and that helped a lot. “NoBo” is NoBo. My section mostly remained standing, but “NoBo” deflated the crowd a little. “Ain’t No Sunshine” was gorgeous (he really knows how to milk that song for crowd response) and “Bright Lights” was brilliant. He was all over the place. Strong voice. Mad piano skills. Rippin’ guitar. The kid can rock. Everybody around who’d sat down surged back to their feet for the guitar portion. Kris had revived the crowd from their recent bout of “NoBo” poisoning (perhaps that is what the skull-and-cross-bones shirt is warning us about. It’s the “NoBo Shirt”). Finally, with everybody on their feet, Kris closed with “Hey, Jude” which had people waving their cellphones and doing the “Na-na-na-na-nas”. I really enjoyed it. Great way to finish off a set.

Finally, after all that, “Don’t Stop Believing”, cheers for the band and “Seacrest Out”.

Summary: Best AI concert that I’ve been to.

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  • will

    What, no “Top 10″ format for your review of the Top 10? Just wanted to get that in, haven’t had time to read it yet, but it looks juicy! (How am I supposed to get any work done today?)

  • relyec

    I guess the lesson learned here is not to get to your seat too early or have to put up with the stupid video replays!! thnx 4 the heads up!!!

  • Squirrely

    (How am I supposed to get any work done today?)

    I KNOW!

  • Renina

    Someone put together a really cute picture video of the idols in Vancouver…

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWt4UGgYeq0&feature=channel_page

    Matt is so awesome!!

  • CindyM

    Nice recap Kirsten. I was a wee bit afraid of what you would say about Adam, but loved hearing your impressions. I agree about the bra incident, while it may have been funny, it had to take the attention off of what Adam and Allison were trying to convey. I’m an Adam fan all the way, never really warmed to Kris, but after reading yours and others impressions of his performance, I am really looking forward to hearing his set. The common thread seems to be that he is awesome during his set, but No Boundaries brings it down. I don’t know how to redeem that song, but I hope Kris finds a way or it’s going to be a long 49? shows left.

    Only 11 more days for me to wait!

  • nad

    I’m so happy Anoop is getting GREAT reviews…I knoew that Kradison would shine but its nice to hear that Matt and Anoop are gettin some love!!

  • colette

    Very nice, Kirsten, really got a great sense of the show.

    And yes, the Tacoma Dome is a total dump. No need to beat around the bush.

    The sound there is also often terrible, as many have commented on. How was it at the newer place in Vancouver? Idol actually travels with its own sound guys, like all big rock tours do, but there’s only so much you can engineer in a concrete monstrosity.

    Sorry to hear about Kris’s vocal strain. This is something I worry about with everyone, except maybe Adam (who has a lot of vocal training and experience, obviously).

    I remember reading that LaKisha got so hoarse she stopped talking on days they had to perform. Kat McPhee had serious problems that kept her out of some shows, and I’m sure that lots of other touring Idols have had vocal issues.

    I hope these kids are getting good advice about how to take care of their throats, and that they are taking that advice. I worry most for Allison, who has such a wonderful vocal instrument but really works it hard. Janis Joplin, like many singers who really push their voices, developed vocal nodes which had to be surgically removed. I’d hate to see these kids go through that…(just the Mom is me)

  • Michelle

    Kirsten, I heart your recap :) I am totally buying one of those skull and crossbones shirt when I go. Pics are great!

  • Mom in the Suburbs

    Thanks Kirsten! You are always a very amusing writer. I really appreciate that even though you have your fave, you give a great review of the rest, too.

  • ross

    In that set of Kris’s, NB sticks out like American cheese in a gourmet meal. Kara should be made to go on tour and sing it every night.

  • flicker

    LOL, Kirsten, you never disappoint! I love your review.

    Glad Matt is getting some good notice, and it’s great to know people were talking about him after the show. His potential on Idol was never fully realized, which was too bad.

    But these kids don’t just spring fully formed from the forehead of Zeus. Almost all of them are neophytes,and Idol doesn’t give them a lot of time to grow, even though it’s an amazing crash course in performing. I’m glad to see that many of them are still improving. Matt is my fave, but I like several of them a lot.

  • colette

    haha ross — you are so right!

    one thing I’ve always wondered — how much of that thing did she actually write herself? it’s credited to several people, right?

    when it was introduced on air, she looked almost sheepish about it. and her fellow judges did her a great favor by not even getting into what’s wrong with that song (like, everything).

    but Kris always says in interviews that Kara really helped him figure out the song in the studio, and that she’s really great to work with musically. So why is she capable of turning out such pop-dreck? or is it (mostly) not her fault?

  • Sunshinegirl

    Woah! Adam looks like a total whore up in that top photo of this thread!

  • dhunken

    Disclaimer: Yes, I’m biased. No, I’m not a reporter. No, I know almost nothing about music. Yes, I’m long-winded.

    Having read you “review” of the show I was pleased that you started it out with the disclaimer. I had to read it again after I read this part.

    So, I hate ‘Whole Lotta Love’ . I hated it when Zepplin originally sang it. I hated it when Daughtry sang it on tour. I hated when Adam sang it on the show. So, odds were slim I was going to like it this time either. And, ‘No Surprise’  (no 19M, that is not your cue to play that video AGAIN), I didn’t. Yes, he did the thing with the mic stand and I almost burst out laughing. It looked so rehearsed. I remember laughing during Ace’s heartbeat thing during the S5 concert and if fan looks could kill (I’d be dead)

    I was crazed when I read that you hated Zepplin version of Whole lotto love and became content on knowing that you did state

    No, I know almost nothing about music

    Thank you for the review. Like reading what people think regardless if I agree or not. Brave too. You deserve big props.

  • babybelle32

    Great re-cap, I laughed through the whole thing. You’re a great writer, I actually felt like I was there experiencing the concert.

    I also agree with your take that the concert is supposed to be chessy fun. Nobody is going to judge these kids futures based on what they sing or do at this concert, it’s just a fun wrap-up of the season. There’s really no reason to come down on any of them, or act like there’s still a competition. It seems that most of the people who have gone to these concerts have kept everything in perspective, know who these contestants are, and don’t act like they are going to see Madonna or Justin Timberlake, or that they are at some culture rally.

    ETA: Based on the videos that I’ve seen, one way that they can salvage NB is to silence the ban. Kris has connected better with the song when he’s just been backed by a piano or his guitar.

  • SarahP

    The audience was up on it’s feet having fun in no time. The horrible Lil/Megan duet quickly faded from our memory. Or brain protects us that way from trauma. Thanks, brain!

    man, i was laughing soooo hard at this one my tummy is aching :lol_tb:

    love ur recap and u shud definitely have a Top10 follow up review!!!

    :thumbup_tb:

  • will

    Woah! Adam looks like a total whore up in that top photo of this thread!

    No, it looks like he’s thinking “I wonder if I can fit you in the pocket of this hideous jeans-jacket and take you home?”

  • TWI

    Another great re-cap! Thanks Kirsten!

    Loved your description of Lil’s journey -so very apt!

    The more they tried to guide her back to the path, the more she veered further off the path (granted, the judges’ version of guiding is like trying to find an address while having a wonky GPS system, your mother-in-law in the back-seat shouting instructions at you and your 3 year old trying to read a paper map and they’re all providing conflicting information while a monkey jumps on your head and the car is on fire). Lil’ just became too karaoke on the show. But, again, she’s better in concert than she was the show.

    – I was so sorry she didn’t live up to her potential on the TV show, but glad she’s doing well in the concert.

  • xdahlia

    There was no good reason to torture Anoop on the show. Poor guy, he was nervous as heck after the first week.

    I love his set list!!!!

    And Kris’ Hey Jude.

  • Qcloud9

    Anoop set was awesome and he blew me away with “Beggin”, which was the best 3 minutes of the entire night for me.

  • AC

    Thanks for the great recap! but I guess I’m the only one who’s excited to hear No Boundaries live. haha.. *hides*

  • jack5791

    Unnecessarily hard on Megan, but I did enjoy reading the recap =)

  • ozarka

    Oh, Anoop, that plaid tie clashes with the pinstripe shirt. And those glasses make you look like Urkel. LOL.

  • Qcloud9

    Kris deserves major praise for turning “No Boundaries” into something I can actually bear to listen to now.

  • Yss

    Anoop set was awesome and he blew me away with ‘Beggin’ , which was the best 3 minutes of the entire night for me.

    I agree, he’s definitely the Star in that performance.

    Bright Lights’  was brilliant. He was all over the place. Strong voice. Mad piano skills. Rippin’ guitar. The kid can rock.

    I agree with you 100%, I love that performance!

    Great recap Kristen, very informative and hilarious, just like you :D

  • dflowers

    Great review. I am so bummed, :down_tb: I was hoping to go out to LA to see the show but looks like that is not gonna happen. So I have to live vicariously through those who got to go and write about it. Thanks for the pictures and all the videos. I think I’ll go buy a pair of shoes….

  • canuck

    Thanks so much for doing this. I can’t get into Twitter Cast so I appreciate your thoroughness.

    Found it cool they brought Idol to Vancouver this year. They didn’t even do this for the Canadian Idol tour last year.

    Sounds like it was a great show and the Idols are adjusting accordingly. Thank God Danny is cutting his speeches down! I’m a big Danny fan but it’s really his singing that I like so much about him.

    Side note: GM place is a terrible place for a concert. It was built to accommodate mega-crowds(60,000?). Have been but will never go to a concert there again.

  • unique28v

    Nice review. Its sounds like you enjoyed the concert. And thanks for being honest about your bias. Everyone has them, but most people try to hide them under some sort of “expert” title. lol

  • colette

    Anoop has a really fine voice, and certainly a lot of appeal. I just wonder if he has the stamina and, well, total addictiveness for show biz. I mean, it takes so much commitment, putting up with crap, repetition, etc. You gotta want to get out there and perform more than ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD, to relaly make it, and if you’re a brainier sort with a lot of other burning interests it can be difficult to devote yourself to being a full-time performer.

  • nad

    Anoop has a really fine voice, and certainly a lot of appeal. I just wonder if he has the stamina and, well, total addictiveness for show biz. I mean, it takes so much commitment, putting up with crap, repetition, etc. You gotta want to get out there and perform more than ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD, to relaly make it, and if you’re a brainier sort with a lot of other burning interests it can be difficult to devote yourself to being a full-time performer

    I hear what you are saying and I think the good thing with this competition is it showed him that this is what he really wants to do and he will give 110% to make sure that he can have a career in this. Most of the contestants minus Adam didnt really have a clue the enormity of American Idol and what it takes for the music biz. Anoop has been getting great reviews and seems to be geting better with each show…to be honest I’m really hoping that Anoop and Matt both get signed because they have been really underrated.

  • Mary102

    The weirdest t-shirt was a black t-shirt with the words ‘I [Skull-and-Cross-Bones] American Idol’ . I must admit to being puzzled with this one. Has American Idol finally decided to tap into a new market? The market of all those people who are forced to come to the concert by their friends, spouses and children? The people who dislike AI with the heat of of a thousand suns? Does it mean ‘I Hate AI’ ? Or ‘I Poison American Idols’ ? Or ‘I Wish I was Dead When I Watch American Idol’ ? Or is it code-word for ‘I Know 19E Are Pirates’ ? Now I’m starting to wish I had purchased one.

    :lol_tb: I haven’t even gotten through the whole review yet, but this had me cracking up! I’m at work and I have to be more subtle about these kinds of things!

  • jersey

    Thanks Kirsten! Great job as usual and I love your candor and humor!

  • Q3

    I find it interesting (and better) that Adam change his song sequence. In Portand it was WLL, Starlight, MW, SR, Bowie. In Vancouver it was WLL, MW, Starlight, SR, Bowie.

  • will

    Top 10 Funniest Lines from Kirsten’s Recap:

    10. “Michael appeared on the stage and we didn’t care, we treated him like Adam.”

    9. “Mr. Rogers has more soul than Megan.”

    8. “During the show, [Scott] turned everything into an 80s AC Ballad and made me think of the ‘Great American Hero’.”

    7. “. . .(granted, the judges’ version of guiding is like trying to find an address while having a wonky GPS system, your mother-in-law in the back-seat shouting instructions at you and your 3 year old trying to read a paper map and they’re all providing conflicting information while a monkey jumps on your head and the car is on fire).”

    6. “Perhaps it is the hats. They contain Matt Kryptonite.”

    5. “It started with Megan and the audience once again, collapsed into their seats. You could almost hear them say ‘Wait, I thought we’d already survived her set. How can you inflict her on us again?’”

    4. “The horrible Lil/Megan duet quickly faded from our memory. Or brain protects us that way from trauma. Thanks, brain!”

    3. ‘It was like an alien spaceship was about to land on top of [Danny] or kidnap him or something.”

    2. “And what do you know, an alien did land.”

    1. “Kris had revived the crowd from their recent bout of ‘NoBo’ poisoning (perhaps that is what the skull-and-cross-bones shirt is warning us about. It’s the ‘NoBo Shirt’).”

  • Michelle

    Thanks for the great recap! but I guess I’m the only one who’s excited to hear No Boundaries live. haha.. *hides*

    If Kris looks like he did in the pic up there tagged as NoBo then I think I can get excited too :D

  • Mary102

    I find it interesting (and better) that Adam change his song sequence. In Portand it was WLL, Starlight, MW, SR, Bowie. In Vancouver it was WLL, MW, Starlight, SR, Bowie.

    I didn’t know he actually changed the set order! I knew his set would change up (more so than the others) from night to night, but I didn’t expect that much. Hmm.

    Yeah, Starlight in the middle works well. Then again, a transition from WLL > Starlight > MW seems like a more gradual transition from super-charged to very subdued (SL is kind of in-between, as a mid-tempo song).

  • suebrody

    Nice review, Kirsten, and I, too, am impressed that you didn’t let your biases (and most of us have them) take over the synopsis. I have no idea how I am going to review the Boston show, with so many talented writers before me. That and trying not to go ballistic over Adam (this bra thing has got to stop, however; could they put up a sign stating NO BRA THROWING ALLOWED; ALL VIOLATORS ARE SUBJECT TO DISMISSAL AND A $500 FINE?).

  • Mtlfan

    Great review, thanks Kirsten. personnally i find them all good (Megan also but she has to use her strenghts to be good which she doesn’t always do).
    Kudos to Kris to make NB something more enjoyable and i guess it should be high on its list of ‘what do get rid of after the tour’. Don’t strain your voice on it kid! ..and minimal talk until the next concert…

  • lizland

    Thanks for such a great review and for covering all the Idols with such an even (and funny) hand. I’m not an Idol tour goer, but enjoy reading non fangirly but still fan focused reviews.

    From your photos it almost looks like Adam borrowed Lil’s shirt/vest.

  • DEfan

    Another terrific re-cap! Thank you, Kirsten! Both you and Anastasia are great reads….thorough, descriptive and best of all, effin’ HILARIOUS!! MJ, you got yourself (and all of us) some great peeps to write about these concerts. Kudos to you for putting this all together in one place for us to enjoy.

  • ravengirl

    Oh my God, Kirsten. I had to stop reading for awhile because I was laughing so hard, and that would simply not look right in a “serious” place of business (where I am, once again, trying to look like I am working hard). That bit about the skull and crossbones Idol shirt … LOL!!!

    I must admit to being puzzled with this one. Has American Idol finally decided to tap into a new market? The market of all those people who are forced to come to the concert by their friends, spouses and children? The people who dislike AI with the heat of of a thousand suns? Does it mean ‘I Hate AI’ ? Or ‘I Poison American Idols’ ? Or ‘I Wish I was Dead When I Watch American Idol’ ? Or is it code-word for ‘I Know 19E Are Pirates’ ? Now I’m starting to wish I had purchased one.

    (BTW, I really do work hard — my hours have increased a lot here since I still have to get work done AND read Adam info.)

  • Qcloud9

    (How am I supposed to get any work done today?)

    …there goes the rest of the summer! LOL

  • carolinacharms

    Nice review.

  • poporange

    Good recap Kristen–of course i have to say that some sort of canadian code….;)
    Next time bring some skittles just in case thier very good projectiles.

  • Truthiness

    I think my favourite part of this was that an admittedly biased towards Kris, doesn’t like Adam person, said that NoBo actually does deflate the audience. And no, it still isn’t Kris’s fault and no, you don’t have an agenda for saying it wasn’t as popular as the other numbers Kris did. And yes, Kris and Allison worry me about their voices and taking care of them. Maybe Adam can share his ThroatCoat tea with them?

    And I think Bright Lights is definitely my favourite Kris performance, as well. And frankly? Not feeling his Heartless as much as well, because I think it’s kind of bandzilled like it was with the studio version. Boo.

    And good to hear that the place was a lovefest for everyone. Why not after all? Oh and I really like those skulls shirts. They would be the only ones I would consider buying. I think the Kris tshirt looks cheap and that Adam one, weird.

  • Renina

    “to be honest I’m really hoping that Anoop and Matt both get signed because they have been really underrated.”

    I agree completely with this. The show for both Matt and Anoop was difficult because I believe that they both had a hard time trying to sell themselves to the judges: Matt with his soul/Rock, and anoop with his contemporary R&B. By the end of the show they both had left behind rocky paths and a long road ahead.

    But this tour is really showcasing them to the best of their abilities. Even before the tour, I was majorly impressed with Matt’s press performances, and the way his personality came out during interviews and showed him to be a “mischievous charmer and dueling piano player” LOL. Both Anoop and Matt have been getting steadily good reviews both from critics and fans, and from what I have read, Matt has even been gaining new support and more fans.

    This tour is a time for them to connect more with their fans, and continue to show that they have it in them. Allison, Adam, and Kris have their deals, but for those in positions like Matt, Anoop, Danny, and Megan this may be their last shot to make their case to record execs…

  • evanjane

    Great review, Kirsten. I’ve only been to one Idol show due to my love for David Cook. Last year was a good concert, but I didn’t walk out of the place blown away nor did my family. It was good.

    So, with all your idol experience, if you say this show is the best,

    I’m glad I decided to go again. I, too, am sold on Adam by his performances of Mad World and the vid I saw of Starlight. I finally heard his vocals on Starlight that I felt had been missing on AI, taking on more than just the high range or falsetto. As far as the David Bowie medley, I would have preferred changes, ziggy stardust, suffragette city … not a fan of fame, let’s dance. I am a big Zepplin fan, but WLL isn’t a top fav of mine either. The Immigrant Song, Misty Moutain Hop, Black Dog, Houses of the Holy — the thing for me with Zepplin, it’s not just about the vocals, it’s about JIMMY PAGE.

    Kris, of course, is my favorite. He made me like SWHFTM, no small feat. He, also, got me to appreciate a Kayne West song. And like Randy, I like it better than the Fray’s version and Kayne’s version. I’m also a big MB20 fan and I can’t wait to see Kris rock out with his guitar at the end of Bright Lights. I loved Kris’s vocals on the show; I know he’ll blow me away live. Although, NB is far from a favorite song, my daughter and I will probably sing along to it — definite earworm after you hear it a few times. (not that that’s a good thing) LOL

    When I read on your review that Kris sounded hoarse, I thought the same thing after watching a video of Bright Lights from the Portland concert. I was wondering if he had a cold, wearing the hat to keep warm.

    Today, I was listening to MB20s Bright Lights in my travels just to compare. I was wondering if Kris’s “baby, baby” seemed a bit weak, but after listening to Rob Thomas, it was comparable vocal-wise. Both guys have distinct vocals and I think Kris shines on the song.

    I’m looking forward to Allison, Adam and above all Kris. Thanks for sharing.

  • Kirsten

    Thanks for the nice review comments!

    And yes, the Tacoma Dome is a total dump. No need to beat around the bush.

    The sound there is also often terrible, as many have commented on. How was it at the newer place in Vancouver?

    I found the sound much better at GM Place (Vancouver). The poor Tacoma Dome is such an echo chamber. Even before the concert starts, you can hear it when something even slightly heavy gets dropped (like a chair), so they don’t have much of a chance of dealing with it during the concert. I will admit though that the echo chamber quality with the metal stands does give the audience the opportunity to create a nice rolling thunder effect by stomping which is one plus for the Tacoma Dome (if you are going for maximum cheese during the concert).

    They must have some sound-dampening technology in GM Place which would make sense because it is a newer venue. It’s still a sports arena, though.

    Side note: GM place is a terrible place for a concert. It was built to accommodate mega-crowds(60,000?). Have been but will never go to a concert there again.

    Are you sure that you aren’t thinking of BC Place Stadium across the street from GM Place? It was built in the early 80s and looks like a Marshmallow in Bondage. It seats just under 60K and it has extremely bad acoustics (so, of course, that’s where the opening ceremonies will be for the Olympics. They are still trying to figure out how they will light the torch in an enclosed space and neither burn up the plastic roof nor kill everybody with carbon monoxide poisoning. Details. Details). GM Place has a maximum capacity of about 19K with 14K for concerts. It’s still not Massey Hall or the Sydney Opera House, but it’s WAY better than BC Place.

  • Q3

    Truthiness: And I think Bright Lights is definitely my favourite Kris performance, as well. And frankly? Not feeling his Heartless as much as well, because I think it’s kind of bandzilled like it was with the studio version. Boo.

    I agree with both points — I love Bright Lights and the Vancouver performance was the best yet — much better than Portland. And I just can’t connect with this version of Heartless like I did his live AI version, I thought that I had heard it too many times but you’re right — Bandzilla strikes again.

    Although, NB is far from a favorite song, my daughter and I will probably sing along to it ‘” definite earworm after you hear it a few times. (not that that’s a good thing) LOL

    Isn’t “earworm” a kind of disease? LOL!

  • wand3rful

    perhaps that is what the skull-and-cross-bones shirt is warning us about. It’s the ‘NoBo Shirt’ ).

    haha, you rock.

    hmmm…..im so torn. your recap makes me want to see megan (if only for her looks), skip scott, but then return for annop and matt….grrrr….not sure i can last 3hrs…..(sad admission: i once fell asleep during a muse concert! LOL and im only 30)

  • Kirsten

    Great review, Kirsten. I’ve only been to one Idol show due to my love for David Cook. Last year was a good concert, but I didn’t walk out of the place blown away nor did my family. It was good.

    I didn’t get a chance to see last year’s concert (it was the same day as a family function that couldn’t be moved). So, I cannot compare it to that that one. I hope I don’t set expectations too high. I remember everybody telling me that “Dirty Dancing” was so great, but when I finally rented it, it didn’t seem all that fantastic (hard to compete with the hype). LOL.

    Megan also but she has to use her strenghts to be good which she doesn’t always do

    I saw wanted to like her last night, but those are just the wrong songs for her. She has a wonderful tone and quirky phrasing that would work on just the right songs (a few vocal lessons would help her support her notes a little better when upping the intensity). You cannot just sing songs you like. You have to sing songs you can sing.

    BTW I’m envious of the jazz festival you guys have going on right now.

  • isisdagmar

    Thanks for the review! It was great to hear from both you and Anastasia.

  • revcat

    Very well written! Kirsten, you are not a professional reporter? You definitely should be! Kudos! :thumbup_tb:

  • ross

    Anoop has a really fine voice, and certainly a lot of appeal. I just wonder if he has the stamina and, well, total addictiveness for show biz. I mean, it takes so much commitment, putting up with crap, repetition, etc. You gotta want to get out there and perform more than ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD, to relaly make it, and if you’re a brainier sort with a lot of other burning interests it can be difficult to devote yourself to being a full-time performer.

    collette, I know exactly what you’re saying. I’ve thought a lot of the same things, and it’s no insult to Anoop. Recently I read that AI helped him decide that this is what he wants to do with is life, and I thought: “Don’t do it!”
    It has nothing to do with talent.

  • BootStar

    I love you, Kirsten. That is all.

  • Anya

    Thank you for the wonderful review and the fact that it was long-winded. I enjoyed every word.

    Aw, I feel a special keenship with someone who hates WLL because it always reminds me of being sick on a rollercoaster in Myrtle Beach. Trivia time….in April 2007, Hard Rock Park (now Freestyle Music Park) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, announced it had secured an agreement with the band to create “Led Zeppelin – The Ride”, a roller coaster built by Bolliger & Mabillard, synchronised to the music of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love”. The coaster stands 155 feet (47 m) tall, features six inversions, and spirals over a lagoon. The ride officially opened with the park on May 9, 2008. In February 2009, the park was sold to new owners FPI MB Entertainment, who plan to reopen by Memorial Day 2009. On May 4, 2009, the ride was renamed “The Time Machine,” with hit songs from five decades replacing Led Zeppelin.

    And they said on Idol that it was hard to obtain rights to a LZ song…what about Shrek the Third and One Tree Hill in addition to the rollercoaster.

  • carolinacharms

    Kris looks soo good in that top photo.

  • Mary102

    Hilarious review! I loved it, even if you didn’t share in the unadulterated infatuation with His Royal Fierceness :-)

    Some points seem to keep creeping up from all the reviews, which makes me think the idols should maybe take note and change it up accordingly. What especially comes to mind:

    * Matt ending with The Fray – everyone has seemed to complain about this – saying it starts so well, and that he then kind of loses it with the last song. Maybe he should change the order of his set.

    * Danny having the two Rascal Flatts songs – again a lot of comments about how the last song kind of deflates the energy from his set.

    Also, good to hear that Scott did so well, especially at getting the audience pumped up (I too was never impressed with Megan’s vocals – but agree that she IS beautiful). He was one of the ones I was most worried about, but it sounds like he’s holding his own.

    Also, your review makes me think that the order of the performers may actually be quite good (so maybe us voters had it (mostly) right after all!) By that I mean, it sounds like a good transition between higher energy sets and lower energy sets.

  • Danica_K

    Thanks for the review, Kristen! Sounds like it was a great concert.

    What I really like about this group is that they are all so different, from personalities to musical styles. I think it makes a really interesting mix, and would dare say that from the 7th place finisher on up they’re all pretty damn good at what they do.

  • Anastasia72071

    Side note: GM place is a terrible place for a concert. It was built to accommodate mega-crowds(60,000?). Have been but will never go to a concert there again.

    Kirsten
    Are you sure that you aren’t thinking of BC Place Stadium across the street from GM Place? It was built in the early 80s and looks like a Marshmallow in Bondage. It seats just under 60K and it has extremely bad acoustics

    I was going to say this (LOL @ marshmallow in bondage! So true). There’s no way 60K would fit in GM Place unless they were stacked 3 deep on the chairs.

    Also, re: the acoustics in GM Place – Really good. I read online (‘cuz you know everything you read on the internet is true!) that it has the acoustic design of a concert hall. I could believe this.

  • Eileen99

    It’s hard to tell in the vids, but the concert Heartless is nothing like the iTunes version, or really much like the AI version. I prefer the concert version out of all 3 – it’s got a definite rock beat/edge to it whereas the iTunes is overproduced to the point of sappiness. – I didn’t feel like the band overpowered Heartless in the concert. JMO.

  • Danica_K

    Oh, Anoop, that plaid tie clashes with the pinstripe shirt. And those glasses make you look like Urkel. LOL.

    This made me laugh! I see what you mean, but I ADORE this look on him, and the glasses are fly. Really, he rocks the RnB Nerd chic so well and it really suits him.

    (Full disclosure: I myself have several pair of nerd glasses so the fact that I dig them isn’t really surprising. :) )

    It isn’t surprising that Allison, Kris and Adam are all getting great reviews, but I am beyond happy that Anoop seems to be getting lots of positive buzz. His voice is amazing. Have to admit that I love his take on Mad.

    It’s also great to hear that Matt has come into his own away from the pressure cooker that is Idol.

  • GlamGirlLee

    Thanks for the recap, Kirsten. Great writeup! It keeps me grounded to hear non-Adam fan perspectives. I don’t want to fall into the trap of believing the world revolves around my own personal idol. :-)

  • GeminiDolly

    Thanks for the recap. I have a question on Adam’s set. Do you remember which song the crowd seems to respond to the most? the least?

    Also, with Kris, is NB really that bad? Also, same with Adam-which song does the crowd respond to the most?

    On Allison, does her guitar playing seem like a toy or does she seem comfortable with it?

    Thanks.

  • deez

    It’s hard to tell in the vids, but the concert Heartless is nothing like the iTunes version, or really much like the AI version. I prefer the concert version out of all 3 – it’s got a definite rock beat/edge to it whereas the iTunes is overproduced to the point of sappiness. – I didn’t feel like the band overpowered Heartless in the concert. JMO.

    You are absolutely right. I downloaded the studio version and was extremely disappointed. The version Kris does on stage is WAY better. There’s a lot of talk about how much some of these guys have improved since the show…I think that even though Kris won, he can be added to that group as well.

    I’ve got really high hopes now for the impending Kradison albums!

    (How come when I use the quote button, mine are never indented like everyone elses? What am I doing wrong here?)

  • Anastasia72071

    Brilliant, Kirsten. There are SO many lines in your recap that made me want to LOL (which would attract too much unwanted attention here @ the office), that it is pointless for me to list them all (but special mention to the skull-&-crossbones t-shirt bit!). Might as well just quote the whole thing – which I won’t, because I don’t want to be sent to Banned Camp by mj.

    I think my snark-meter was set to “mild” last night; I’m usually much more cynical and opinionated. I think the fact that I had nothing to compare the experience to was a big factor. While reading your recap I found myself nodding and thinking “Yep!” a lot. You mentioned a few things that I forgot about (the rain bit – YES!), and number of comments were, for me (for you), the BFFs of many of mine.

    IMO, if our two recaps went through some sort of transmogrifying amalgamation (somewhat yin & yang, but somehow still able to coexist harmoniously – kind of like Kradam), the result would be as fully-fleshed out a review as anyone is going to get. For the Vancouver show at least.

  • Renina

    Matt and Danny FTW!!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMGcOyhm4dk
    :clap_tb:

  • Eileen99

    I think also re: Heartless iTunes version – I heard Kris being interviewed and his implication was that he didn’t have total control over the iTunes arrangements; in fact I’ve heard him say that about ANS and Falling Slowly. It could be the big, bad monstrous machine that is 19E puts out the iTunes versions in the most watered-down, mainstream way they can to appeal to the broadest, most dumbed down audience they can. This rocked out version of Heartless in concert strikes me more as the way Kris would record it himself.

    Someone asked about NB in concert – I can only speak for Tacoma, but it wasn’t THAT bad – I was surprised that of all Kris’s tunes, that was the one peeps were singing along to. I turned to my son and asked “are people really singing along to this?” and he said yes. For those that follow AI too closely and inappropriately (like me), we all know the backstory of this tune, and that it’s something Kris would NEVER write or record if he didn’t have a gun to his head, so that makes it a little uncomfortable to listen to and watch him perform. The masses probably liked it, though. I mean, it wasn’t out of tune or horrible, just not his style.

  • Anastasia72071

    deez
    (How come when I use the quote button, mine are never indented like everyone elses? What am I doing wrong here?)

    You have to click ‘B-Quote’ again after you’ve inserted the bit you want to quote to insert the “close quote” code. Either that, or cut & paste the quote into the reply box, then highlight only that portion with your cursor and click ‘B-Quote.’

  • kris4music

    Two thumbs up review. I felt like that I was in the concert, sitting next to you, and feeling comfortable there. I beg you to write more reviews please.

    I like all idol contestants and Kris Allen has been my fave IDOL. It appears Kris is growing, changing, and improving during the tour. After the tour, Kris would be perfectly ready for his debut album’ ¦.I can hardly wait.

  • dusty

    Enjoyable recap, Kirsten! Thanks for all the details from a hard core AI fan POV. :) I like reading the fan recaps much more than the concert reviewers. From the curious skull and crossbones tshirt to the irritating videos, you made us feel like we were sitting right next to you.

    “Buy Gortex”

    “granted, the judges’ version of guiding is like trying to find an address while having a wonky GPS system, your mother-in-law in the back-seat shouting instructions at you and your 3 year old trying to read a paper map and they’re all providing conflicting information while a monkey jumps on your head and the car is on fire”

    “It was like an alien spaceship was about to land on top of him”

    “‘NoBo’  is NoBo”

    “Kris had revived the crowd from their recent bout of ‘NoBo’  poisoning”

    Love it!

  • Q3

    Matt and Danny FTW!!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMGcOyhm4dk

    I agree WTF?

  • sma11ie

    Thanks for the well-written recap, Kirsten. Don’t think I’ll make it to a show this year (I love Matt and really like about half the rest, but still not enough to justify going), so I appreciate the detail you put in.

    Sounds like a well structured show– great decision to have #8-10 (the weakest performers) do only two songs each, 7-5 do three, and 1-4 do four to five. Seems to me this year’s finishing sequence worked pretty well for that. It wouldn’t have worked as much last year, with the MJ “shock booted” at 8th place, and Syesha, who had arguably one of the least fanatic fanbase at 3rd. Hmm… maybe the judges save did something right (shock!)?

  • Michelle

    to be honest I’m really hoping that Anoop and Matt both get signed because they have been really underrated.

    Me too. I think it was the pressures and constraints of the tv show that didn’t let them shine like they could. I’m glad to hear they are letting loose and performing well for the tour. Hope they are well into the groove by the LA show, you never know who is in the audience, maybe future opportunity knocking!

  • Kirsten

    IMO, if our two recaps went through some sort of transmogrifying amalgamation (somewhat yin & yang, but somehow still able to coexist harmoniously – kind of like Kradam), the result would be as fully-fleshed out a review as anyone is going to get. For the Vancouver show at least.

    Yes, I think they compliment each other nicely and together they give a truer picture of the concert than either one does on their own. They are also kind of fun to write.

    I have a question on Adam’s set. Do you remember which song the crowd seems to respond to the most? the least?

    I think that is really hard to say because the dynamics of the concert change. The biggest noise seems to come from WLL, but I noticed that just about everybody’s first number got the most noise (except for Lil’. I think her final number got the most noise). So, was it because it was his best song or was it because it was first? I would definitely say it got the most cheers when he started and when he finished the song. But, and I’m biased, I think “Mad World” got the best response. The audience erupted every time he nailed any especially difficult note and you could tell that the audience was really focused. Though it could be because they heard it on TV and were excited about that, but I don’t think that was everything (because other Idols had big successes with Non-Idol songs too, so I think that people just liked the MW performance on it’s own). I think the Bowey medley is a bit too busy to be as successful as it might have been if he’d stuck to one song. Slow Ride did very well, except for the idiot in the audience ruining the mood. Starlight was also very good (I liked it second best). Really, he had no bad numbers in his set (I just don’t like WLL, but it’s obvious that I was in the very tiny minority last night). For crowd noise, I would rate it WLL, MW, SR, Starlight, Bowey Medley. For audience getting into it, I would say MW, WLL, SR, Starlight, Bowey Medley.

    Also, with Kris, is NB really that bad? Also, same with Adam-which song does the crowd respond to the most?

    He does a good job of singing it, but the song itself just goes nowhere. It’s not like people hated it, it just seems to break the momentum. It doesn’t kill the momentum, it just kind of maims it. Kris got the biggest crowd noise from “Heartless” and the best audience participation from “Hey Jude”. But “Bright Lights”, IMO, made the biggest impression on the crowd. He was on fire for that number and the crowd just got drawn into it and back up onto their feet. Noise: “Heartless”, “Hey, Jude”, “Bright Lights”, “NoBo”, “Ain’t No Sunshine”. Getting into the song: “Bright Lights”, “Hey, Jude”, “Heartless”, “Ain’t No Sunshine”, “NoBo”.

    On Allison, does her guitar playing seem like a toy or does she seem comfortable with it?

    It’s kind of in between. It seemed obvious that guitar is not yet an extension of her, but it’s not a toy either. It’s a bit of a prop, but she really does get into it.

  • canuck

    Kirsten,

    Yup, I was thinking of BC Place where I went to a god awful concert where I couldn’t hear or see anything.

    GM place would be a good place for concerts.

  • Anastasia72071

    GeminiDolly
    Thanks for the recap. I have a question on Adam’s set. Do you remember which song the crowd seems to respond to the most? the least?
    Also, with Kris, is NB really that bad? Also, same with Adam-which song does the crowd respond to the most?
    On Allison, does her guitar playing seem like a toy or does she seem comfortable with it?

    Re: Adam’s set – IMO the crowd responded loudest to “Mad World” – after the lights went down, at the first few notes of the piano intro the crowd went wild. My brain took a brief trip to Planet Fierce during Adam’s set; other than the screams for WLL and MW, *my* world became Adam’s voice and I cannot actually recall hearing anything else. Someone could have smacked me upside the head and I may not have noticed. I have a headache right now – maybe somebody did smack me!

    Re: NB – I didn’t think it was “bad” (and I kind of like the damn song now, after repeated listenings), it’s just that it’s obviously not the style/type of song that Kris would poke a stick at, let alone purposely choose to sing. Over and over and over. Kirsten’s assessment that NB ‘maims’ the momentum rather than killing it, is right on. By contrast, “Bright Lights,” “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Hey Jude” are right up his alley, and I thought they were awesome (BL being the highlight for me).

    Re: Allison – Maybe I’ve been drinking too much Kradison Kool-Aid, but I thought she seemed comfortable with it. Granted, I was paying much more attention to her voice (and her flying hair) than the guitar. The visual of tiny adorable Allison with the white guitar totally worked for me. As she matures as an artist/singer/musician (whatever you want to call her – not gonna get into that debate again), IMO she will be a force to be reckoned with.

  • jpfan

    Wonderful recap. You really made me laugh at the Ace comment during Adam’s set. Ace was the only performer S5 who made me wish I could fall through a hole in the floor and escape. So cheesy. That said, I’m thinking of buying tickets.

    I’m not a fan of either Adam or Kris but I do like the kind of vibe that Anoop, Matt, Danny and even Sarver are bringing to show. And I’m interested to hear what Allison and Adam sound like live. Hopefully, Adam keeps the shtick to a minimum and no objects are thrown.

    I threw Kris a few votes during the finale but since then I’ve been bored stiff by him. So I tend to skip his videos, etc. You got me a little interested in him. However, if I do decide to leave the concert early, I’m not a bitter Adam fan. Just a New Yorker trying to make a train.

  • Margaux

    Between Kirsten and Anastasia, I think I can quit reading tour reviews for the duration.

    My questions:
    Did Adam get a new arrangement for WLL or did they recycle Chris’s from season 5?

    Doesn’t Sarver’s “Suspicious Minds” seem pretty random in the middle of a Four Seasons/B.Joel/Jersey-Long Island boys medley?

    I have a choice between two tickets for my show — one is second row risers, closest section to the left end of the stage. The second is 14th row floor, the aisle of the center section. The first is obviously closer, but would I miss something?

    Or should I switch off during various parts of the show?

  • Anastasia72071

    BTW Kirsten – Were you taking notes during the show, or is your recap based solely on recall? You’re awesome regardless, but if you pulled all of that out of your head after the fact with no notes, you are officially my Hero.

    …granted, the judges’ version of guiding is like trying to find an address while having a wonky GPS system, your mother-in-law in the back-seat shouting instructions at you and your 3 year old trying to read a paper map and they’re all providing conflicting information while a monkey jumps on your head and the car is on fire…

    THIS and the bit about the skull-&-crossbones t-shirt are my extra-specially squishy favourite parts of your recap. You effing ROCK.

  • Anastasia72071

    jpfan
    I threw Kris a few votes during the finale but since then I’ve been bored stiff by him.

    He’s definitely *not* boring when you see him live. I have come to kind of adore him a little bit since the show ended (admittedly, prompted by his interactions with Adam during interviews etc.) so I’ve formed a more complete picture of his personality than I saw during AI. Last night, even when he was sitting at the piano, the combination of his voice, personality and energy made him seem much larger, physically, than he actually is. His whole demeanor was awesome.

  • Kirsten

    Did Adam get a new arrangement for WLL or did they recycle Chris’s from season 5?

    Totally new arrangement. Obviously, it’s the same song so it has the same notes, but the tone is completely different. I recall Chris’s version being done with a post-grunge twist, whereas Adam takes his version in a different direction.

    Doesn’t Sarver’s ‘Suspicious Minds’  seem pretty random in the middle of a Four Seasons/B.Joel/Jersey-Long Island boys medley?

    The entire medley seemed disjointed to me. I was a very bizarre thing and I was puzzled as to what kind of theme they were going for. He did a good job with the song, I just kept waiting for a duet that never game.

    I have a choice between two tickets for my show ‘” one is second row risers, closest section to the left end of the stage. The second is 14th row floor, the aisle of the center section. The first is obviously closer, but would I miss something?

    The problem with the floor can be that somebody tall (or with a stupid sign) can block your view. You’ll be able to see the Idols straight on, though and I find the floor more exciting, but the first few rows near the stage have a lot of energy too. The Idols move around a lot, so you don’t have to be front and center (and if you are short, you’ll probably see more from that second row seat).

    Or should I switch off during various parts of the show?

    Sure, if you’ve got both the tickets. I wouldn’t switch too much though, because it might annoy the other people in the row.

    BTW Kirsten – Were you taking notes during the show, or is your recap based solely on recall?

    No notes. I just cannot multi-task like that. Note taking chills my cheesy vibe. Plus, my area was standing and dancing the entire show.

    THIS and the bit about the skull-&-crossbones t-shirt are my extra-specially squishy favourite parts of your recap.

    Thanks. I loved reading your recap too.

  • deez

    You have to click ‘B-Quote’ again after you’ve inserted the bit you want to quote to insert the ‘close quote’  code. Either that, or cut & paste the quote into the reply box, then highlight only that portion with your cursor and click ‘B-Quote.’

    Thanks Anastasia!

  • Valentin432

    I really enjoyed the recap and loved the humour.
    Above all I liked the fact that you really try to give each idol a fair and honest critic, finding flaws in your favorites and qualities in those that you were more reluctant to see.
    I confess that I am a little tired of reading only positive reviews, I like to hear some Simon Cowell type of criticism.

  • lizardino

    Kirsten — from one long-winded recapper to another, thanks for the great review! It was great to hear your perspective.

    My only regret from the Tacoma concert (and yes, the place is a grunge palace) was being at a venue with such bad sound. It is obvious from the videos that the sound was MUCH better in Vancouver (and since I am a musician and know quite a bit about music, it really annoyed me). If I could afford it (and maybe I really should buy that lottery ticket…), I would go to at least one more concert at a venue that was built with the occasional concert in mind. I actually couldn’t critique some of the performers adequately on their vocal performances because I wasn’t sure whether they sounded off because of the sound system or because they were just–off.

    Thanks again!

  • adamland

    Anya Jul 9th, 2009 at 4:29 pm

    And they said on Idol that it was hard to obtain rights to a LZ song’ ¦what about Shrek the Third and One Tree Hill in addition to the rollercoaster.

    You have to obtain permission if you want to perform one of their songs on a television program especially one where they also do studio versions and video versions of the songs that are sold. Led Zepplin had been asked before for AI and had said NO.

  • adamland

    Anastasia72071 Jul 9th, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    jpfan
    I threw Kris a few votes during the finale but since then I’ve been bored stiff by him.

    He’s definitely *not* boring when you see him live. I have come to kind of adore him a little bit since the show ended (admittedly, prompted by his interactions with Adam during interviews etc.) so I’ve formed a more complete picture of his personality than I saw during AI. Last night, even when he was sitting at the piano, the combination of his voice, personality and energy made him seem much larger, physically, than he actually is. His whole demeanor was awesome.

    I am going to see them next Thursday in L.A. I have grown to like Kris the person but so far “Bright Lights” is only 1 of 2 songs that he performs that I can listen to and being a matchbox 20/Rob Thomas fan that is a huge thing for me to say. If he makes an album similar to this I will buy it. The other one is “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Take Kristen’s dislike of “Whole Lotta Love” and magnify it tenfold for me when it comes to “Heartless.”

  • SpleegsKeegs02

    I’m sorry but I didn’t like this review, and mainly because I am a huge Megan fan and you didn’t give her enough credit. Although I havent gone yet, I’ve seen videos and I think she sounded great and better than ever actually. Plus, her songs are not dancing around type of songs so it makes sense that people were just sitting down and enjoying it. Thats what the seats are for. I dont believe you tried to like her, I think you chose not to. Sorry but many people have said she was great and I dont think you were being fair at all. Actually, you were being rude. Poor Lil? You are very VERY biased even if you put a disclaimer. Its not fair. Don’t quit your day job, kid.

  • colette

    Ross –

    I don’t know if I’d discourage Anoop or anybody from going for it in show biz, but I just sense an ambivalence there. I mean, I don’t have a clue what the guy is really like, and we project onto these kids outrageously.

    But I’ve worked very close to the business, my brother is a jazz musician (who works but it’s always a struggle), and I just know it’s not all wine, roses and fans screaming for you!

    Taylor and David Cook seem totally suited to the rigors of the road, and Kelly also seems to embrace it. But for many people (like me!) it would be grueling, I’d tire of doing the same set every night, and being that public a person sounds hellish to me. You gotta accept TMZ getting in your face (if you make it), and grubbing around for any jobs you can get, if you don’t.

    Adam is obviously a happy road rat, and despite being so introverted I get the feeling Kris will be fine with it too (if he can spend some time with his adorable wife now and then!). But Anoop…..I dunno……

    Please no one take this the wrong way, but I can imagine Anoop as a first-rate lawyer who does gigs on the weekend…….

  • irene9055

    what time should i get there if i want to see them get off the bus for autographs? the show is at 7.

  • GlamGirlLee

    Kirsten, you should get commision for increased skull-&-crossbones t-shirt sales. I want to buy one, too.

  • Michelle

    Irene, from my experience the past couple of years you wanna catch them just as their buses arrive at the venue, sometime between noon and 2pm. They get a little free time then before lunch, meet and greets, press, hair and makeup, etc. and that’s when they’ll likely come hang out with fans. Not sure if this group has settled into a routine for that yet. It can also be a little wonky on days after they’ve had time off. Lol I sound like a creeper, but it’s worked for me!

    If you mean after the show, then just follow the screaming mob behind the venue ;)

  • haruhi

    Yay! Now I’ve seen a pic with Adam looking at Kris, and not the other way around. And I enjoyed your recap, Kirsten. So amusing. So real.

    I am with you in the minority who doesn’t like WLL. I’ve never heard of it until Adam sang it; and the same goes true with ROF. But I liked Ring of Fire. WLL? Not at all. And what do I know about music? Well, let’s just say I don’t have an ipod, never had an mp3 player, cd player or walkman.

  • Renina

    Matt Hard to Handle: I didn’t see any Matt vids from the Canada show, but this one from Tacoma is really good quality…

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9H6Fh8v4gY&eurl=http

    Matt once again ROCKS!!

  • Q3

    Did Adam get a new arrangement for WLL or did they recycle Chris’s from season 5?

    Totally new arrangement. Obviously, it’s the same song so it has the same notes, but the tone is completely different. I recall Chris’s version being done with a post-grunge twist, whereas Adam takes his version in a different direction.

    Adam did the vocal arrangement for his version of WLL and it is def not the same as Daughtry’s but the band is really very true to the original Led Zep arrangement on both versions. Daughtry also skips the break section completely.

    I just relistened to Daughtry’s AI Tour version and it just reminded me how well Adam does this song. And Adam has a much better video intro than Kris.

    IHere’s Daughtry’s bland version of WLL. Note: If you watch this, I recommend you skip the first 2 minute AI intro:

    Chris Daughtry – “Whole Lotta Love” with FULL INTRO

    And here is Adam’s version (ever with the dreary acoustics at the T-Dome):

    Adam Lambert WLL Tacoma

    And for anyone who wants the real thing, here is Led Zeppelin.

    Led Zeppelin-Whole Lotta Love(Video)

    My vote, Plant is best but Adam is close behind and Daughtry should never have even sung this song.

  • Maryma

    Kirsten, you (along with Anastasia) should go on the road and do reviews of every concert or reality show. You both are very witty but yet still good-hearted in your reviews. It’s a gift!

  • jpfan

    Well, I was there and Daughtry did a pretty great job on it. He has a real arena rock voice and you just knew that of all the idols that season, he would be huge. He also has lots of rocker charisma and managed to do a great job on the song w/o crotch grabs, props, costumes, shtick, etc. I think Daughtry sounds great in the video you posted.

  • GeminiDolly

    LOL Allison

    Allison4Realzzz: Bras and thongs on stage in Canada while singing slow ride with Adam XD is def gana be smthn I’ll always remember from the A.I tour.. haha

  • madefourbabies

    Here’s Daughtry’s bland version of WLL. Note: If you watch this, I recommend you skip the first 2 minute AI intro:

    “Bland” is the perfect word to describe it! Daughtry’s performance of WLL is nowhere near as good as Adam’s. This might be why during an interview, Daughtry said that he didn’t prefer Adam for the AI win because Adam’s just not his style. When I heard this statement, I couldn’t help but laugh. It soooo wreaked of jealousy. ;p

  • jpfan

    Saying he’s jealous is pretty laughable at this point in time. Maybe when Adam sells 5 million albums Chris might get jealous.

    They’re just into different styles of rock. I don’t think jealousy enters into it at all although Adam is probably envious of Daughtry’s sales. Who wouldn’t be?

    Daughtry had three huge Top 40 hits and had his album in the top 10 for six months straight. He had the biggest album of the Billboard year. Let’s see Adam achieve half as much with his first album.

  • Eileen99

    I agree, jpfan. Chris has had tremendous success, seems to be really grounded with a happy family life. Just because you prefer a different style of music doesn’t mean it’s motivated by jealousy.

    And sorry, Spleegs, I think Kirsten’s assessment of Megan was more accurate than not. I truly felt like she was the weakest performer in Tacoma, but if you’re already fan of hers then probably you wouldn’t be disappointed. If you’re not a fan, though, she didn’t really do anything to change your mind whereas I came away from the concert with newly discovered respect for quite a few performers who hadn’t impressed me too much on the show (Michael, Matt, Danny).

    To each their own.

  • Mary102

    ‘to be honest I’m really hoping that Anoop and Matt both get signed because they have been really underrated.’ 

    I still don’t know about Matt – I feel, especially evident with his selection of The Fray song and its lukewarm reception, that he still doesn’t know what style suits him best. Maybe he will be able to turn out some really good original work, and he just had trouble finding his way in the idol-verse because he was forced to pick other people’s music, idk. But that’s just my impression of him.

    Regarding people’s voices – I hope they do ok too. I think (pray!) Adam’s is the most safe, but I was worried throughout the competition for Allison (her belting style can potentially be very dangerous if you sing too much), and Danny had often strained his voice on the show (I had a sense he hadn’t had much formal training, just a natural gift). Kris always seemed fine, but singing almost every day for a five song set can be really grueling.

    It is obvious from the videos that the sound was MUCH better in Vancouver (and since I am a musician and know quite a bit about music, it really annoyed me).

    THIS! I’m a musician too, and I’m very sensitive to sound systems in venues. If it’s wonk, I will be really PO’ed at my venue!

    My vote, Plant is best but Adam is close behind and Daughtry should never have even sung this song.

    LOL! The original is great for the gritty sexiness. Just today I played Adam’s track for a hard-core LZ fan who couldn’t believe it got performed on idol. When Adam hits the big note toward the end on “love” he said “Not bad. Impressive.” Stamp of approval :-) I loved Daughtry during S5, but seriously could not remember him ever performing that song!

  • CindyM

    I loved Daughtry during S5, but seriously could not remember him ever performing that song!

    If you didn’t go to the Season 5 concert, you never saw it. He never performed it on the show. This season is the first time a LZ performance was approved for the televised show. Personally, after watching that video, I didn’t find Daughtry’s version that memorable. I’m sure live, my impression might be different.

    Daughtry did a pretty great job on it. He has a real arena rock voice and you just knew that of all the idols that season, he would be huge. He also has lots of rocker charisma and managed to do a great job on the song w/o crotch grabs, props, costumes, shtick, etc

    I don’t get the Daughtry is an authentic rocker. Daughtry always seemed like he was trying too hard for the gritty rocker vibe. I just didn’t get it. Loved his voice, but didn’t buy the attitude. His music since Idol seems more nicklebackish, which I don’t consider real rock, more rock-lite. Especially the No Surprise single.

    I love Adam, but I don’t get the gritty authentic rocker from him either, which IMO he’s not trying to be. I get the glam rock vibe more from him in his performances and for that vibe, I think he pulls it off.

    Most of these idol contestants have some sort of “schtick” when performing, if you want to call it that. I think for some of them, it’s who they are, but can seem like an act when I’m feeling cynical. For example, Danny’s “schtick” is the “inspirational balladeer with the sad backstory”, Kris’s is the “sweet humble musician/songwriter (even though he’s not singing any original songs, just like the rest of them), Adam’s (as we’ve covered ad nauseum) is the “theatrical, flamboyant glamboy.

    When I’m in a cynical mood, I consider them fake personas, “schticks”. When I think about it more closely, I remember Kris’s hometown visits and the way his family and friends have described his personality growing up and how he seems in interviews now and how he seems to really be that person. I think about how Adam from the time he was a little one loved to sing and dance and dressup and never shied away from revealing those aspects of his personality in the background videos on AI or pretend he didn’t care about the outfits and the lighting and all the other aspects of his performances. I think about how Danny’s life experiences had to have completely tilted his world on its axis and how it really is inspirational that he is trying to fulfill his dream of singing and go on with his life. He may not go about it in the most articulate or graceful way, but I admire him for doing it.

    To be honest, the only one I don’t get a “schtick” vibe about is Allison. It may be because she’s still too young and still has that youthful goofiness and that overshadows any attempts at schtick. Or maybe the lack of “schtick” is her “schtick”. I’m getting a headache, so I think I’ll stop now. :sealed_tb:

  • Q3

    LOL! The original is great for the gritty sexiness. Just today I played Adam’s track for a hard-core LZ fan who couldn’t believe it got performed on idol. When Adam hits the big note toward the end on ‘love’  he said ‘Not bad. Impressive.’  Stamp of approval :-) I loved Daughtry during S5, but seriously could not remember him ever performing that song!

    Daughtry only performed it on the AI Tour, not on the show. The first time Led Zeppelin approved use of the song was for Adam to do WLL this year.

    Regarding Whole Lotta Love, I wrote “Daughtry should never have even sung this song”.

    Daughtry has been successful and that’s great. But just because Daughtry has sold some albums, doesn’t mean that I need to re-evaluate what I like.

    In my opinion Daughtry’s passionless, GP version of WLL does not capture the essense of the original. He changed the song into a generic Rock & Roll song.

    The song is about sex and the section beginning at 1:24 (and lasting until 3:02) when the song dissolves to a free jazz-like break involving a theremin solo and the moans of Robert Plant (sometimes called the “orgasm section”) is critical to the overall artistry of the song. Adam actually did a pretty good version of this section in the first 3 concerts.

    Led Zeppelin has sold 115 million certified units in the US and 200 worldwide. Daughtry is at just over 5 million. When Daughtry has sold 200 million units, I might change my mind. In the meantime, I will continue to argee with the people who created WLL and are Adam fans — Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones. My only hope is that Adam’s performance reached John Bonham who I am certain is still playing the drums — but now in Rock Heaven.

  • madefourbabies

    Daughtry may already be established as an artist and have accomplishments to be proud of, but that doesn’t make him immune to the feeling of jealousy. It’s only natural for people, no matter the profession, to feel some sort of jealousy when they think that the “new star” may end up shining brighter than they do. It wasn’t just Daughtry’s statement in the interview; it was also his body language. It came across to me as jealousy, but that’s JMO. :)

  • Susan M.

    Kirsten, sorry, I’ve been lurking all day ‘“ too swamped to respond, but LOVED your recap. You’re hilarious and a big STANDING “O” for both you and Anastasia!! Now I’m feeling pressured. I want to go to the concert to just enjoy, but I admire your dedication to relate every detail.

    Thanks again, for your astute, hysterical, beyond fun assessments.

    KRADISON FTW!! (Sorry, couldn’t resist …) I’m so there a week from tomorrow (squeeee!!)

  • http://twitter.com/cara_lee pj

    First off… very entertaining recap, Kirsten. Thanks. I also enjoyed your responses to the questions. I want to go this year, but to get good seats I’m going to have to wait until the last minute.

    I am all wtf about how one of the funniest recaps ever became a fanwar between Adam fans and Daughtry, though. Gah. I know they sang the same song, but please. Apples and oranges. Isn’t the concert supposed to be cheesy fun? I hate the my idol is better than your idol crap.

  • Kris

    Yeah, I’m not getting why Chris would be jealous of Adam. All Adam is at this point is a contestant on a singing competition that came in second. He hasn’t even released an album at this point. Who knows how well his album will even do. He could completely bomb. All Adam has at this point is hype with nothing to back it up. Just because Chris didn’t prefer or like Adam doesn’t mean that he is jealous of him.

  • CindyM

    Yeah, I dont’ think Daughtry is jealous of Adam. I don’t think their musical styles would mesh at all. I also don’t think they would have personally anything in common, except prolly the love of music and performing.

    And you’re right, none of the current Idols are anything right now. All of them are hype. Except their concert performances might count for something. But, they all have to prove themselves with album sales, especially the winner his burden is the most heavy.

  • Mtlfan

    yeah I don’t think either that Daughty is jealous of Adam. He just likes Kris voice and singing like many people. And beside Kris was his man before rock week, before WLL

  • https://twitter.com/pmhowden undercooked

    yeah I don’t think either that Daughty is jealous of Adam. He just likes Kris voice and singing like many people. And beside Kris was his man before rock week, before WLL

    I’m no fan of Daughtry, so I not that bothered about what he says. But for the record, IMHO, Adam sings WWL much better than Daughtry.

  • cookcricket

    Kirsten, thank you for your awesome review. When I read the disclaimer a head of time stating that you were long-winded, I thought yeah, more funny from Kirsten and you did not disappoint. LOL. will summed up so much of it in his top ten on the first page.

    As a Kris fan, I appreciate that while you’re biased you are also so very fair to everyone! (Poor Megan). Honestly, I wish every recap read just like yours. Thank you for sharing this!!! :)

  • GeminiDolly

    WLL
    Adam>Daughtry

    Not. even. close.

    But right now, Daughtry has the career, Adam doesnt. Soon we will see if Adam lives up to his hype, or becomes one of the biggest flops ever to grace AI.

  • CindyM

    Adam doesnt. Soon we will see if Adam lives up to his hype, or becomes one of the biggest flops ever to grace AI.

    Wouldn’t that be Taylor or one of the other less than successful winners of the contest?? They actually won, great success should be pretty much what is expected of them. Adam didn’t win. Yeah, he has alot of hype, but he starts out with the pretty well-known handicap that AI voters didn’t want him for the win. So even if Adam fails, he wouldn’t be the biggest flop ever on American Idol. I think the winners of American Idol have to always be considered the zenith of flop if they don’t achieve success. :rolleyes_wp:

  • Susan M.

    @Kris, that would kind of make sense if the “hype” came out of the clear blue sky. Of course, it had nothing to do with talent, hard work, charisma, ability, stage presence and sheer guts. I’m inclined to say even if his freshman effort sucks ass, there are still so many producers and writers bowled over by his complete package that they’d still work with him and he’d get a second (or possibly a third) chance. But I seriously doubt it will be necessary. Adam could sing the ABC song on stage right now and tear it to shreds.

    A musical-theater prodigy who, despite seeming like a fish out of water on the G-rated “Idol” stage, transformed the show in his image, barreling out of the show the biggest phenomenon “Idol” has seen in years

    – A little quote by Richard Rushfield.

    There are many, many, many more by seasoned, jaded, astute music critics that have spent the better part of the last several months attempting to deconstruct Adam Lambert and the ensuing phenomenon. Most have decided to go along for the ride. Climb on. Or not. But I intend to go on that ride every chance I get.

    jpfan: By the logic that no one qualifies as a legitimate talent until they’ve achieved a certain level of sales is flawed. This will always make chronology the defining statistic. By your contention, Daughtry will never be “legitimately good” because Elton John will have sold more records. Daughtry will never know how he compares to Elton unless we wait oh, close to 40 years. Well, that’s obviously ridiculous. Anyone who listens to Chris and loves his music and his talent qualifies him as a deserving artist and he does not need to outsell Carrie or Kelly or Elton or Michael Jackson to be rated as such, especially by his fans.

  • Mary102

    If you didn’t go to the Season 5 concert, you never saw it. He never performed it on the show. This season is the first time a LZ performance was approved for the televised show. Personally, after watching that video, I didn’t find Daughtry’s version that memorable. I’m sure live, my impression might be different.

    Just to clarify: I was a HUGE Daughtry fan his year, so I know his songs very well from that season, and know he didn’t sing WLL on the show. I also went to the S5 tour, and that’s where I don’t remember him actually performing WLL. That, I guess, is what makes it worse :-)

    Adam, otoh, had me obsessed with that song for weeks after performing it on the show (and even turned me into a Led Zep fan!)

  • ross

    Daughtry’s a Kris fan. He was on twitter saying great stuff about him weeks before he won. If Chris says Adam’s not his style, I wouldn’t be inclined to read more into it. It’s just a matter of personal taste.

    colette: Please no one take this the wrong way, but I can imagine Anoop as a first-rate lawyer who does gigs on the weekend’ ¦’ ¦.

    I think the same thing. Entertainment lawyer. Or maybe an agent. I’ve also been somewhat close to the entertainment business at times, and I just think he seems to lack the compulsion. To be liked, perform, be a star, whatever. I guess I’m saying he seems too well-adjusted. Which isn’t a bad thing.

  • CindyM

    That, I guess, is what makes it worse :-)

    Adam, otoh, had me obsessed with that song for weeks after performing it on the show (and even turned me into a Led Zep fan!)

    Oh, I understand that. I was indifferent to Led Zep growing up, but Adam’s WLL made me investigate a little bit more into the Led Zep catalog and I’m intrigued. I will say this, AI this season nudged me to listen to some groups/performers that I hadn’t listened to before.

  • colette

    Daughtry and Kris have said they bonded in part because they’re both married, dedicated family guys, and want to keep it that way. Kris said Daughtry shared a lot with him about keeping things in balance. That doesn’t negate that Chris might love the music of the other Kris!

    meanwhile, a friend who went backstage at one of the concerts told me NO WAY is Pocket Idol anything like 5’7″. She’s 5’2″, and said he didn’t appear to be any taller than she is!

    That might be an exaggeration. But he always looks short to me. Or should I say compact? Enormously cute, whatever….. :grin1_ee:

  • jpfan

    I never said anything about talent. I just responded to a poster who said Daughtry was obviously jealous of Adam. If Daughtry’s not into Adam’s music I doubt it’s because of jealousy. Because Daughtry is a huge AI success story and Adam’s future is undetermined.

    People can differ in their opinions on which version they like. Obviously Daughtry prefers Kris laid back style to Adam. But reading jealousy into that seems a huge stretch to me.

    Anyway, thanks again for an amusing recap. And that Matt/Danny video clip was cute.

  • Eileen99
  • AC

    Daughtry said that he didn’t prefer Adam for the AI win because Adam’s just not his style. When I heard this statement, I couldn’t help but laugh. It soooo wreaked of jealousy. ;p

    Can I just say that I’ve never heard of this unless you’re talking about Chris saying that he was rooting for Kris? To my knowledge, he never said that he did not prefer Adam, and even if he did it’s ridiculous to assume that it’s because he’s jealous. Also, if twitter is to count for anything, he’s following adam too and told people to follow him.

    by the way, did the disney commercial feature the current crop of idols?

  • ross

    Kris looks to be almost Seacrest’s height. Next to Adam (6′ 1″) I’d say Kris looks @ 5′ 6″ or 5′ 7″, Seacrest maybe 5′ 8″. But who knows? (And Adam’s got some heels on, there.)

    http://static.tvguide.com/MediaBin/Galleries/Shows/A_F/Ai_Ap/AmericanIdol/season8/american-idol621.jpg

    Daughtry: This is the TMZ video. He doesn’t say Adam’s not his type, though the header says that.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEymuKIWk6Q

  • revcat

    My vote, Plant is best but Adam is close behind and Daughtry should never have even sung this song

    My kids were into Led Zeppelin, but I wasn’t into music that much at the time, I mostly just yelled “Turn it down!” although I did like Stairway to Heaven. But I digress, I just went to YouTube and watched/listened to Plant. WOW! I miss those hairy days, if I am reincarnated I definitely want his hair! Anyway, it was like raw sex. Adam’s is like a combination of raw sex and Elvis camp. :smiley2_tb:

    Daughtry? I dunno, I couldn’t listen to the whole thing as it didn’t grab me.

    I’m an Adam fan so I meant no disrespect. Also, I know Daughtry has been very successful but his style isn’t my cuppa, again no disrespect intended!

  • isisdagmar

    To be honest, the only one I don’t get a ‘schtick’  vibe about is Allison. It may be because she’s still too young and still has that youthful goofiness and that overshadows any attempts at schtick. Or maybe the lack of ‘schtick’  is her ‘schtick’ . I’m getting a headache, so I think I’ll stop now

    During the show, a lot of people thought that Allison was possibly trying to hard to be the “rocker girl” so I guess that could qualify as a shtik.

    But with Adam, Allison, and Kris, I don’t get that “shtik” vibe (unless you don’t mean it negatively? I think of ‘shtik’ as a negative thing). Those are the only three people from whom I don’t get the sense that they are trying to be what they think they should be or want to be as singers.

    Those three just are what they are onstage and do the music that they are drawn to, and so it seems authentic coming from then.

  • Anastasia72071

    BTW Kirsten – Were you taking notes during the show, or is your recap based solely on recall?

    No notes. I just cannot multi-task like that. Note taking chills my cheesy vibe. Plus, my area was standing and dancing the entire show.

    Yes, I assumed you were on the floor with the “look lady, if he doesn’t acknowledge your ugly sign…” But wow, kudos. I could have come up with something without taking notes, but it would have required a lot more editing as random bits and pieces would pop into my head and would need to be inserted in the proper sequence.

    Maryma
    Kirsten, you (along with Anastasia) should go on the road and do reviews of every concert or reality show. You both are very witty but yet still good-hearted in your reviews. It’s a gift!

    I like it! My SnarkMonster would definitely come out of hiding, because I place most reality tv in the “OMG are you effin’ *kidding* me?!? STFU!” category. But hey, I could live out of a suitcase for a while if someone was paying me for it. I doubt I could watch the same concert more than a couple of times though – it would get boring pretty fast, and then I’d have to teach myself to play the guitar or something in my time off.

  • Grammie Kari

    Kirsten, what a delightful review. Thank you for your efforts! Really, no one should criticize what you have written because you are sharing YOUR opinions and responses to what you saw at the concert.

    I am curious to read what each person thought of Anoop’s performance and his voice. So far, things have been very positive for him.

  • callitags

    ross
    Kris looks to be almost Seacrest’s height. Next to Adam (6′ ² 1′ ³) I’d say Kris looks @ 5′ ² 6′ ³ or 5′ ² 7′ ³, Seacrest maybe 5′ ² 8′ ³. But who knows? (And Adam’s got some heels on, there.)

    http://static.tvguide.com/MediaBin/Galleries/Shows/A_F/Ai_Ap/AmericanIdol/season8/american-idol621.jpg

    Actually, I think Kris is the only one in that photo that doesn’t have a heel on his shoe. There’s definitely a small heel to Ryan’s dress shoes, and it looks like there may be a smallish heel on Danny’s shoes as well. Kris, of course, is wearing sneakers.

  • AdoK

    After watching LZ’s and Adam’s performances of WLL (I’m not going to even try to listen to Daughtry’s version), which was posted by Q3, I ‘ve enjoyed more Adam than Plant. For me Plant is singing it just too slowly and in not a sexy way at all (Page is doing a great job though). Adam on the other hand is so powerful and gives the song a really crazy speed.

    BTW it is my first post here, but I’m a longtime follower of threads. For me, it is the best site for AI lovers.
    Greetings from Poland.

  • Danica_K

    Comparing Daughtry and Adam is like comparing apples and oranges.

    I can see where Daughtry would prefer Kris over Adam just as personal taste in music. Doesn’t seem like a dis to Adam, just a preference as to style.

  • ross

    Actually, I think Kris is the only one in that photo that doesn’t have a heel on his shoe. There’s definitely a small heel to Ryan’s dress shoes, and it looks like there may be a smallish heel on Danny’s shoes as well. Kris, of course, is wearing sneakers.

    You’re right, callitags. Plus, Adam has big hair which makes him look a couple of inches taller than he already is.

    Kristen, your review was excellent and really entertaining. I have a question about standing/sitting. When the audience sits, is it in your opinion always a sign they aren’t into the music? For instance, I’ve been at concerts where people sit when a ballad follows a faster song, and it’s not a negative thing. So, just curious about this, in regard to this concert.

  • Kirsten

    Kris looks to be almost Seacrest’s height. Next to Adam (6′ ² 1′ ³) I’d say Kris looks @ 5′ ² 6′ ³ or 5′ ² 7′ ³, Seacrest maybe 5′ ² 8′ ³. But who knows? (And Adam’s got some heels on, there.)

    Seacrest claims to be 5’10″ (People). I’m pretty sure that I’m not buying that. Apparently, he wears lifts. Tom Cruise says he’s 5

    by the way, did the disney commercial feature the current crop of idols?

    The Disney American Idol Infomercial? Yes, it contains a bunch of this year’s Idols (in elimination order). It features the journey of one of the Disney contestants in the line-up, through the producer round, winning his semi-final and eventually, winning the final show of the day. Each Idol reads a bit of the script and then tosses it to the next one (e.g. something like that “Allison, remember how nerve-wracking it was getting ready to face the judges?”, “Right Matt, that was always tough. Meanwhile, back at DisneyWorld”). It all ends with Kris Allen congratulating the winner in person. I guess that’s one of the reasons he went down to DisneyWorld.

  • http://www.photographybytracyt.blogspot.com Adam_is_the_best

    Coming from someone who is not a Zepplin fan and someone who USE to love Chris Daughtry, I think Adams version is the best. I know , I know… Zepplin fans will crucify me for that but its just my opinion. I like the richness and depth to Adams voice way better than Plant or Daughtry. Plus… Daughtry’s attitude really gets on my nerves. He really seems to have a case of the ego monster.

  • Kirsten

    Kristen, your review was excellent and really entertaining. I have a question about standing/sitting. When the audience sits, is it in your opinion always a sign they aren’t into the music? For instance, I’ve been at concerts where people sit when a ballad follows a faster song, and it’s not a negative thing. So, just curious about this, in regard to this concert.

    I’m totally making a judgment call as to why they sit down. I did not interview anybody. When somebody flops back into their chair while muttering “I hate her”, I assume that they are sitting down because they don’t like the performance. When they kind of ease down into their chair, I assumed that it was more because they are sitting down to enjoy the performance. In the same way, when somebody vaults to their feet and starts waving their hands above their heads to the beat and wolf-whistling, I assume that they are more enthusiastic about the performance than when they kind of just stand up and try to look around the head of the big man standing in front of them (still wanting to see, but not as enthusiastic).

    I will say that there is still a level of excitement to all the standing. Adam sang two ballads in a row (“Mad World” and “Starlight”) and nobody in my section sat down. Me? I never sat down partly because the 6’4″ man diagonally between me and the stage never sat down either (you can see his head on the right side of the picture of Michael, Lil and Anoop doing the First Act closing medley and Scott/Matt piano dueling. He’s the reason I don’t have any pictures of the entire stage. LOL. I don’t mind. Dude was having fun and he can’t help his height) and partly because I love geeking-out to this cheesy show.

    Of course, as I was mostly just enjoying the show, I kind of ignored what the people in the rest of the stadium were doing unless there was a major movement that seemed almost to shift the air in the building. Mostly, I just sometimes noticed what my immediate neighbours were doing and they could have been an anomaly.

  • auntieaimee

    Speaking of shtick. I don’t think anybody could question Adam’s vocal ability. He is enormously gifted. In the RS interview he talked about(paraphrasing) “getting to play rock star” and he always talks about how much he enjoys his outfits and dressing up. Some folks may interpret that as inauthenticity. Now, considering the artisitic direction he wants to go in (ie. the theatrical, Katy Perry/ Lady Gaga vein), I don’t think it will make any difference, but if he wants to be taken seriously as a rocker someday, it might, I don’t know. I like Adam, but I have never found him to be sexy because it always seems (to me) that he is trying to hard.

  • Mary102

    Wouldn’t that be Taylor or one of the other less than successful winners of the contest?? They actually won, great success should be pretty much what is expected of them. Adam didn’t win. Yeah, he has alot of hype, but he starts out with the pretty well-known handicap that AI voters didn’t want him for the win. So even if Adam fails, he wouldn’t be the biggest flop ever on American Idol. I think the winners of American Idol have to always be considered the zenith of flop if they don’t achieve success.

    ITA. That’s one of the perks about not winning – the person who won was, for all intents and purposes, the “favorite” of the year – got the most votes, had the most fans, however you want to look at it. They were chosen by America – so by default have the highest expectations in terms of success.

    In that regard, I think Taylor was definitely the biggest flop. I could never understand the mad love for him his season – to me he was just goofy and not current. But he was HUGELY popular with the fans that year (never in the B3, lots of love from the crowd, etc.)

    Because Adam didn’t win, he always has that fallback against which to gauge his success. Despite all the hype and high expectations many have set for him, you have to keep in mind that he didn’t technically win. Kris did, so should technically have “more fans” (subject to interpretation, of course – oh, no – can of worms opening again!)

    I think Adams version is the best. I know , I know’ ¦ Zepplin fans will crucify me for that but its just my opinion

    Having listened to both versions back to back many times, I think Adam’s voice, at least on that recording, is better (especially on that long note after “woman” toward the end – Plant just kind of tears out with “love”, while Adam’s voice is beautifully controlled and soaring during that part).

    That’s not to take anything away from the genius that is Led Zep, though. After all, they came up with the music, performed it live, and imbued it all with emotion and energy that, though maybe not technically perfect, is still very arguably superior. But of course, everyone will have different tastes on the matter!

  • anemicandholding

    All Adam Lambert has to his credit right now is hype and the ability to get lots of media attention. He has alsolutely zero tangible accomplishments rights now. Zero. Zip. Nada. Didn’t win the competition, didn’t outsell the winner’s coronation single, didn’t top the previous winner’s BB records, didn’t make the show’s ratings or concert tales or audition numbers magically rise. What exactly is a multiplatinum, very successful recording artist to be jealous of?

    Oh, and since Daughtry was giving Kris props weeks before the finale and has continued to do so, why does it mean that he likes Adam more? News flash: not everyone worships at the shrine of Adam Lambert. There are people who actually prefer others.

  • Zombini

    Now, considering the artisitic direction he wants to go in (ie. the theatrical, Katy Perry/ Lady Gaga vein), I don’t think it will make any difference, but if he wants to be taken seriously as a rocker someday, it might, I don’t know.

    I would say that rock theatrical anyway. There is a rock attitude that other singers don’t have. Rockers don’t show much emotion, they move around in a rhythmic, showy way.
    Adam of course, pushes it further than most!

  • Renina

    “Those are the only three people from whom I don’t get the sense that they are trying to be what they think they should be or want to be as singers. ”

    Actually, Adam is the only one that I get this feeling from. Everything from him, from the way he speaks to the way he moves and dresses feels very much forced and put on. He has natural talent, however, everything from him just feeks IDK…Rehearsed. He is playing up the whole glam rock thing way too much. And one of the main reasons that I could never get into him is because, bar TOMT and the FIRST time he did Mad World, I rarely felt any real sincerity from him, and instead felt like he was acting and constantly putting on an act. Alliosn feels like a more authentic “rocker” I guess, because it feels real when she sings, it isn’t forced or contrived. As well as all of the rest. They sing what moves them and makes them happy for the most part.
    But this is just IMHO.

  • lavender1960

    Led Zep wasn’t going for pretty or technically perfect, rock isn’t supposed to be pretty or perfect, they were going for raw, babies, raw sex and energy. That is why many rock singers are not technically perfect, but they convey that raw emotion that gets you in the gut or the heart or somewhere else, bwah. Declarations that Adam is better than Robert Plant and Freddie Mercury are rather premature at this stage.

  • Squirrely

    Coming from someone who is not a Zepplin fan and someone who USE to love Chris Daughtry, I think Adams version is the best. I know , I know’ ¦ Zepplin fans will crucify me for that but its just my opinion. I like the richness and depth to Adams voice way better than Plant or Daughtry. Plus’ ¦ Daughtry’s attitude really gets on my nerves. He really seems to have a case of the ego monster.

    I am a Zepplin fan, listening to them right now as a matter of fact – and not WLL, it was never my favorite by them but Adam made me love it. His version of WLL is much better. And if people want to talk about dramatic, listen to Zepplin’s version it is waaaay over the top.

    As for Daughtry, I agree with you. I used to like him until his first album came out then he started turning me off with his attude, it’s like his whole persona changed. What I like about Adam, David A, David C and Kris Allen, is they still seem to be the same person they were when this whole thing started for them. The Adam now is the Adam from AI, the Adam from Zodiac, the Adam from the Cabaret Lounge (or whatever that club was) this is him take him or leave him – I am taking him.

  • deez

    meanwhile, a friend who went backstage at one of the concerts told me NO WAY is Pocket Idol anything like 5′ ²7′ ³. She’s 5′ ²2′ ³, and said he didn’t appear to be any taller than she is!

    That might be an exaggeration. But he always looks short to me. Or should I say compact? Enormously cute, whatever’ ¦..

    A girl who posts on IDF said she is 5’6″ and she and Kris were pretty much eye to eye…He says he’s 5’7″ so that’s prob about right. In most of the pics of him with female fans he looks a couple of inches taller so I doubt he’s 5’2″, LOL!!!
    Besides in pics, he looks about 5″ taller than Katy, so that would make her 4’9″???? I doubt it!!!

    Here’s an adorable pic of Kraty….she’s wearing 2″ heels:
    http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=594565&st=2900

  • Mtlfan

    Plus’ ¦ Daughtry’s attitude really gets on my nerves. He really seems to have a case of the ego monster.

    why are you saying that?

    LZ is my #1 rock band. I’ll always love Plant soulful gritty voice but as you said it’s a matter of opinion. Anyway Adam also absolutly ROCKS on this.

  • jumpstart

    I was a HUGE Daughtry fan his year, so I know his songs very well from that season, and know he didn’t sing WLL on the show. I also went to the S5 tour, and that’s where I don’t remember him actually performing WLL.

    Whew, I was actually beginning to worry a little. I went to the S5 concert in Nashville and I know for a fact that Chris did not sing Whole Lotta Love there. It’s one of my favorite songs of all time and there’s no way I would have missed it.

  • LVanna

    Squirrely, here you go:

    from Alisan:
    @adamlambert @ali22san @ohferras the end.
    about 18 hours ago from TwitterBerry

    from Adam:
    @ohferras @ali22san lets write another song together!
    about 18 hours ago from web

  • Trina

    Yeah, I’m not getting why Chris would be jealous of Adam. All Adam is at this point is a contestant on a singing competition that came in second.

    Because not only is Adam going to be bigger than Chris, hell he’s going to be bigger than Elvis so of course Chris is shaking in his boots :laugh_tb:

    As mentioned above Chris was obviously rooting for Kris for a while during AI, even before Adam performed WLL. Top 5 week Chris tweeted “Kris Allen is the SHIZNIT-O-BAM!!!”. So I highly doubt he preferred Kris because he was jealous Adam sang a song better than he did.

  • revcat

    I don’t understand the need to have so many characterizations, to me anything that has a rock beat is rock. Following the descriptions of some of the posters, Elvis wouldn’t be considered rock. For me anything that makes me want to wiggle my booty is rock. That being said, the bland stuff nowadays from most of the popular bands all sounds alike to me.

    Whether you like Adam or Led Zeppelin best doesn’t really matter to me, but one thing I really, really like is that you know who is singing from word one. And that in a nutshell is why I think Adam will be successful, he doesn’t sound like anyone else. Also, he doesn’t need to be loved by everyone, he just needs his current fans to put their money where their mouth is, buy his stuff when it comes out and spread the word.

    And yeah, I know Michael Jackson hadn’t had anything out there for a long time, but back in his hey day he really worked it out (as Randy likes to say) – I just watched a DVD of one of his concerts and the huge crowd was going totally nuts. I don’t think anybody is going to match the Stones, the Beatles, Elivis or MJ in my lifetime, but I can still enjoy some mad talented (I’m channeling Randy today) performers.

  • Mary102

    All Adam Lambert has to his credit right now is hype and the ability to get lots of media attention. He has alsolutely zero tangible accomplishments rights now.

    Well, everyone has their pov, but I’d have to disagree here. Adam HAS produced a ton, just on AI alone (not even counting his previous work in theater and in music performances). Every performance he’s given, the itunes tracks, is something he has produced, and it’s been on tv, in people’s houses, so that, what, 30 million a week have seen it. From that he’s gotten the attention (cover stories, inteviews, media attention, etc.) And his talent has definitely been on display – the singing, the performances, the charisma. He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t earned at least some of the rave reviews and attention based on the strength of his performances and abilties. Of course YMMV.

    Sure, there have been no album sales yet, solo concert sales, etc. But there are a lot of ways to measure success and “tangible accomplishments” in the meantime.

  • mandalay

    Just in case anyone wants to know the origins of WLL. Zepplin’s version was taken from an original song by Willie Dixon called You Need Love. Here are the lyrics.

    You Need Love

    by Willie Dixon
    recording of 19
    from Chess Box (MCA/Chess CHD3-80002), copyright notice

    You’ve got yearnin’ and I got burnin’
    Baby you look so sweet and cunning
    Baby way down inside, woman you need love
    Woman you need love, you’ve got to have some love
    I’m gonna give you some love, I know you need love
    You just gotta have love, you make me feel so good
    You make me feel all right, you’re so nice, you’re so nice

    You’re frettin’, and I’m petting
    A lot of good things you ain’t getting
    Baby, way down inside, you need love

    You need to be hugged and squeezed real tight,
    by the light of the moon on some summer night
    You need love and kissing too,
    all these things are good for you

    I ain’t foolin’ you need schoolin’
    Baby you know you need coolin’
    Baby, way down inside, woman you need love

    The story:

    The credits for Led Zeppelin II were the subject of some debate after the album’s release. The prelude to “Bring It On Home” is a cover of Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Bring It On Home” and drew comparisons with Willie Dixon’s “Bring It On Back”. “Whole Lotta Love” contains lyrics that are derivative of Dixon’s “You Need Love/Woman You Need Love”, though the riff from the song was an original Jimmy Page composition. In the 1970s, Arc Music, the publishing arm of Chess Records, brought a lawsuit against Led Zeppelin for copyright infringement over “Bring It On Home”; the case was settled out of court.[17] Dixon himself did not benefit until he sued Arc Music to recover his royalties and copyrights. Sixteen years later, Dixon filed suit against Led Zeppelin over “Whole Lotta Love” and an out-of-court settlement was reached. Later pressings of Led Zeppelin II credit Dixon.

    Couldn’t find a Willie Dixon recording, but here’s Muddy Waters. It’s the third song on disc 3.

    http://www.rhapsody.com/muddy-waters/the-chess-box

  • ptslittlecomment

    Logging in to give my two cents about the WLL debate. I have to give LZ the edge in performing the song the best. Of course they created the music and inhabited the lyrics. And they always knew how to sell a song. But IMHO, Adam certainly comes in second. Adam does a great job vocally (of course) and in channeling the song for the audience. You can’t not want to watch or listen to him. Daughtry suceeds in making WLL – well – bland (which is feat in itself). His voice sounded nice but he seemed to be going through the motions and not connecting with the lyrics or the audience. Was this later in the tour? Was he burnt out?

  • Squirrely

    LVanna – that has me really excited, I can’t wait to hear what they come up with.

    Whether you like Adam or Led Zeppelin best doesn’t really matter to me, but one thing I really, really like is that you know who is singing from word one.

    Exactly Revcat, Adam is a stand out and hopefully come this time next year he will still be a major stand out based on how successful his album is.

  • CindyM

    “But with Adam, Allison, and Kris, I don’t get that ‘shtik’  vibe (unless you don’t mean it negatively? I think of ‘shtik’ as a negative thing). Those are the only three people from whom I don’t get the sense that they are trying to be what they think they should be or want to be as singers. ”

    I was commenting based on an earlier post regarding Adam’s “schtick” and authenticity. I think my comment was more to say that any of the idols could be seen as having a “schtick” if looked at cynically. I’m with you, I don’t think it’s “schtick”, I think their personalities and experiences come out in their performances and what they express isn’t an act. I think the majority of the time, that’s just who they are as people and it manifests itself in their performances.

  • Mary102

    As for Daughtry, I agree with you. I used to like him until his first album came out then he started turning me off with his attude, it’s like his whole persona changed. What I like about Adam, David A, David C and Kris Allen, is they still seem to be the same person they were when this whole thing started for them. The Adam now is the Adam from AI, the Adam from Zodiac, the Adam from the Cabaret Lounge (or whatever that club was) this is him take him or leave him – I am taking him.

    I feel the same way. I loved Daughtry during S5, thought he was the best/deserved to win, etc. and eagerly bought the album, which had a lot of good music on it. Not quite as edgy as I would have liked (and a little too nickleback-ish, which is not my style) but still good, and he had already won me over from idol.

    However, he never came across as well in post-show interviews, and even as a huge fan I’ll admit it. He seemed slightly pissed over the loss, had a tendency to not smile much or laugh, put on an overly serious persona which, though may work well for his current image, is just not my thing.

    After watching the likes of Kris, Adam, Allison, and the Davids last year have such infectuously sweet, fun, goofy personalities, I much prefer this. IMO Daughtry strikes me as someone who takes himself too seriously. The others, otoh, don’t.

    Not to mention I had a bad run in trying to meet him after a show, before he became really famous :-) He wasn’t as nice to the fans who waited for hours after a show for him. Just kind of rubbed me the wrong way.

  • CindyM

    “Not to mention I had a bad run in trying to meet him after a show, before he became really famous :-) He wasn’t as nice to the fans who waited for hours after a show for him. Just kind of rubbed me the wrong way.”

    Actually had the same experience here in Alb NM right after the first CD came out. He was playing at the Launchpad, kind of a club venue, and his attitude was not great at all. He did an interview with the radio station here and didn’t come off well at all. I figured he was just out of sorts that day. I loved his singing on the show, just never really got into his personality, always felt that distance, I don’t know. That boy can saaaang though. I also liked the first CD, but thought it was different than my expectations, a little blander. I figured that AI had too heavy a hand and the 2nd would be a little rougher. I haven’t had the chance to listen to the new CD, but “No Surprise” sounds like Nicklebackish to me, not really what I was expecting.

  • colette

    Y’know, this is the limitation of fandom — some of these people are lovely and warm, others are shy or ijust introverted, and some are downright hostile and uncomfortable with fan love — including some of my favorite musicians ever, like Van Morrison. That’s why, at the end of the day, you gotta be there for the music. The offstage person is a whole ‘nother bag.

  • Tess

    I know that fans and fan love can become totally overwhelming (see Jackson, Michael) but I would think that if you are participating in a career that really depends on the support of fans for you to make a living that you have to go the extra mile to appear to like them, at least a bit. I really don’t care what a singer thinks of me as a fan behind closed doors, but when he/she is in a situation where he/she is “required” to have fan interaction they should be as charismatic and jovial and appreciative as they can be. If someone “chooses” to depend on fans they need to at least try to be somewhat civil with them during marketing and performance time.

    Nothing is a bigger turnoff for me than the singer who says or presents an attitude of “Man, I have to tolerate everyone of you damn fans but I want you to know I hate everything about you…Now go out and spend your money on a concert ticket and an album but leave me THE HELL ALONE.”

  • CindyM

    That’s why, at the end of the day, you gotta be there for the music. The offstage person is a whole ‘nother bag.

    ^^^^^^^^^
    I totally agree. The only problem I see with American Idol contestants is that the show is a personality contest. People vote on the music, but the personality really clinches the deal for ALOT of people. I think the “short-cut” you get with American Idol exposure sometimes requires that you remember that fact.

  • mar

    I like Adam, but I have never found him to be sexy because it always seems (to me) that he is trying to hard.

    Just to say, I do find him very sexy, but some moves or expressions do strike me as “trying too hard” or “rehearsed”. I can ovelook those because I’m already a huge fan, but I can understand that point of view.
    I guess it’s a conflict between his Freddie Mercury vein (more spontaneous-rock swagger) and his Madonna vein (rehearsed and choreographed).

    Or his citizen vein (bwahaha ;)

  • SarahP

    ‘Not to mention I had a bad run in trying to meet him after a show, before he became really famous :-) He wasn’t as nice to the fans who waited for hours after a show for him. Just kind of rubbed me the wrong way.’ 

    oh yeah? i liked CD on the show n i loved his first album. in fact i liked him even more after i heard “Home” and his tweets are always friendly and he says thank you to his fans all the time. i never got a conceited vibe from him but maybe thats cos i’ve never seen any of his interviews.

    anyway, back to topic. does anyone know where i can see the video of Dont Stop Believing from the Vancouver show? i love that cheesy song!

  • listen

    I flove Adam, but I also find some of his moves not too my liking… Not sure what it is exactly. I actually find some of what Adam does off-putting, which I am shocked to say, because I really, really like Adam.

    Some of Adam’s moves seem too rehearsed and cheesy to me, and I hate feeling that way….
    Maybe I have been comparing Adam’s dance moves to Michael Jackson’s and Adam comes up short. Obviously MJ was very rehearsed, but for some reason his dancing just comes across better, not as cheesy. Maybe it is because MJ was truly a dancer, while Adam doesn’t have the same skill level?

    All that aside, I will still go see Adam Lambert in a solo concert in a heart beat.

  • Mary102

    Nothing is a bigger turnoff for me than the singer who says or presents an attitude of ‘Man, I have to tolerate everyone of you damn fans but I want you to know I hate everything about you’ ¦Now go out and spend your money on a concert ticket and an album but leave me THE HELL ALONE.’ 

    ITA. The fans come with the territory. My thinking after the Daughtry run in was – hey, buddy – we voted our butts off for you on idol (I bought a freaking go phone for him I was so desperate to get him through!) And celebs of all varieties have to remember that the fans really are what make or break them.
    So you gotta kind of show them some love too.

    During the concert, he gave a shout out to the fans, but the reaction to them after the show was what made me think that you got to walk the walk if you’re gonna talk the talk.

  • Sassycatz

    In that regard, I think Taylor was definitely the biggest flop. I could never understand the mad love for him his season – to me he was just goofy and not current. But he was HUGELY popular with the fans that year (never in the B3, lots of love from the crowd, etc.)

    Now, granted this is when I viewed Idol as nothing more than a TV show and never expected to purchase any of the contestants’ work or follow them afterwards, but I’ve got to say Taylor was enormously entertaining for me. There was no artiface about him. He seemed to take great joy in performing and didn’t appear to be figuratively choreographed at all … let alone literally choreographed. I would get a big smile on my face watching him. So many of the Idols through the years, you can see the wheels turning in their heads as they try and put on a show…. “This is what a rocker should be like; this is what a diva is like; this is what a soul singer is like; etc.” It’s not organic to them. (Not all of them, of course, but many and that’s what the audience sees through.) Taylor, on the other hand, he was unapologetically goofy and joyful. He wasn’t trying to be anything he wasn’t.

    The icing on the cake was, Simon couldn’t stand Taylor. That was a real plus for me. Ha!

  • Squirrely

    Maybe I have been comparing Adam’s dance moves to Michael Jackson’s and Adam comes up short.

    Adam is definitely no MJ when it comes to dancing. Adam is used to the bump and grind from his Zodiac shows. I bet once he work with a few choreographers and a few back-up dancers for his solo tours he would be great.

  • listen

    Adam is definitely no MJ when it comes to dancing. Adam is used to the bump and grind from his Zodiac shows. I bet once he work with a few choreographers and a few back-up dancers for his solo tours he would be great.

    You know, I think you are correct. Maybe he throws in too much bump and grind for me…. Maybe when he has had a chance to watch his performances back he will decide to make some changes… Although judging from the comments here, most everyone likes the “b & g”
    Don’t get me wrong, I like the slinky-stuff, just in moderation…

    I wonder what straight guys think about those moves?

  • Squirrely

    Adam will have a lot to think about once his album drops and he goes solo – he will have to realize that his audience is no longer just women and gay men. Sexy is fantastic but I agree moderation is key if he wants to keep a diverse audience his voice will lure them in but some straight men may not want to see him perform live… of course I could be wrong…

  • Anastasia72071

    Tess
    Nothing is a bigger turnoff for me than the singer who says or presents an attitude of ‘Man, I have to tolerate everyone of you damn fans but I want you to know I hate everything about you’ ¦

    ITA as well. And I immediately thought of these lyrics (Ugly Kid Joe) :wink1_tb: :

    Some say I’ve got a bad attitude,
    but that don’t change the way I feel about you,
    and if you think this might be bringing me down,
    look again ’cause I ain’t wearing no frown!
    —
    You think it’s sad,
    well that’s too bad,
    ‘Cause I’m havin’
    A ball hatin’
    Every little thing about you!
    —
    And I, hate everything about you!
    …everything about you!

  • Anastasia72071

    listen
    …Maybe he throws in too much bump and grind for me’ ¦.
    Don’t get me wrong, I like the slinky-stuff, just in moderation’ ¦ I wonder what straight guys think about those moves?

    I have no idea what straight guys think about it, as I have not canvassed any (though I’m thinking that might be an interesting social experiment), and JMO of course, but I think what they SHOULD be is envious that he is capable of moving that way and eliciting such a strong response from so many women, LOL. Totally works for me – and I, for the most part, am looking at the technique aspect of the moves and how they mirror/channel/compliment the music & lyrics, rather than the sexual/sensual suggestion of said moves. Most straight guys (at least the ones around ME) couldn’t pull that stuff off to save their lives.

  • Mary102

    I flove Adam, but I also find some of his moves not too my liking’ ¦ Not sure what it is exactly. I actually find some of what Adam does off-putting, which I am shocked to say, because I really, really like Adam.

    Some of Adam’s moves seem too rehearsed and cheesy to me, and I hate feeling that way’ ¦.

    In all honesty, there are a lot of artists out there who make me feel the same way, especially those in music categorized as being a little more “out there” and OTT (and that’s a lot of them, since this IS music, which is often characterized by larger-than-life stage presences).

    MJ is a perfect example. Re-watching some of his stuff (brilliant though it is), some of it is (please don’t take this the wrong way) kind of laughably absurd too. The costumes, the outfits, the mannerisms, the OTT gestures and sexualization of things. Watching some of the vids definitely gave me this sense.

    But I agree with the comment about Adam appealing to more than just women and gays – that is really essential. With him it’s kind of a double-edged sword, because part of what I love about him is the OTT’ness, the fact that even if I don’t like it completely, I still respect the guttsiness and bravado with which he goes out there and does it. To take that away to sanitize it might take away that allure.

    But I do think that getting him in line with some top choreographers will really sharpen his moves. JT, Beyonce – all of them have that kind of talent helping them out. They can take what he has (which is a very maleable body) and put the right choreography on to it.

  • Danica_K

    ITA. The fans come with the territory. My thinking after the Daughtry run in was – hey, buddy – we voted our butts off for you on idol (I bought a freaking go phone for him I was so desperate to get him through!) And celebs of all varieties have to remember that the fans really are what make or break them.
    So you gotta kind of show them some love too.

    During the concert, he gave a shout out to the fans, but the reaction to them after the show was what made me think that you got to walk the walk if you’re gonna talk the talk.

    I have to say I disagree with this. The only thing my favorite artists owe me is to make great music. That’s it. They don’t owe me an autograph, personal photo, a personal shoutout from the stage, or anything other than making music I can groove to.

    If they’re happy to do that stuff? BONUS!

    I always try to keep in mind that while I’m sure they all appreciate fan support, some people (whether they’re stars or not) have different personal boundaries. Big groups of fans can be overwhelming. Perhaps there have been some really bad experiences with fans grabbing their junk or trying to stick their hands down the star’s pants (have personally witnessed this one and it was VERY uncool).

    From different things I’ve read around the web, posted by the fans themselves, it seems to me that some AI fans feel more entitled to a ‘piece’ of the artists because “we voted for hours for you, you owe us!” And having seen these guys on their TVs for a few moths the fans feel like they really know them. We don’t. We only know a small portion of them.

    So it would probably be good for them to be as friendly to the fans as they feel they can be, but the fans have to keep in mind that really they are owed nothing but the music. Everything else is gravy.

  • Squirrely

    I deleted this and added to the headline thread

  • debarella

    First of all, in case you read this Adam, I just love you, I adore you; your personality, your stage presence and of course your voice. I will be the first in line to buy ANY of your CDs. You are the only reason I am traveling to see my first AI ‘concert.’

    But I feel compelled to contribute to this thread. Maybe, I think it will help in some way for him to achieve the longevity he desires.

    Have to say there are some moves that just kill me. When I saw the Tacoma version of WLL I think I had a gasm. I esp liked the ‘come on give it to me’ move.

    On the AI show I really enjoyed Ring of Fire overall and I did not like the hand waving over the head too much but there was a very subtle hip and leg swish move that was so hot. I love to re-watch the making of the Mix it Ford video, when he dances, and smiles, and when he gives that sideways sexy look, I just swoon.

    I think that is why I am not liking the heavy eyeshadow so much. It detracts from the facial expressions that I fell in love with on the show. I know it’s stadium seating but I was hoping to catch one of those looks on the big screen. I do however like the guyliner and the rhinestones, those are very cool, he wore rstones when he sang with Kiss as well.

    I think with Adam, less would definitely be more. He has such magnetism that just that little shake of his shoulders sends shivers down my spine. But I know he likes to have that ‘shock effect.’ It’s a thin, wavy line but I am sure that he will work it out by the time he has his own concert. After all, this is still an AI showboat.

    I have watched most of the videos from the concerts and they seem kind of dark, making it difficult to actually see all his moves, the spotlight doesn’t always keep up, and the stage looks crowded. I hope it is just the video quality. But love the change from the tank top to the vest.

    And finally, he does not need to be MJ, he is a fiery hot star all on his own.

    I love Adam, but I also find some of his moves not too my liking’ ¦ Not sure what it is exactly. I actually find some of what Adam does off-putting, which I am shocked to say, because I really, really like Adam.

    Some of Adam’s moves seem too rehearsed … and I hate feeling that way’ ¦.

  • ShariG

    Kristin, I am sending you a huge hug (although I don’t have a clue what Dibbs are). You are funny and a really entertaining writer. Thank you so much for your recap. It was so nice to read a recap from someone who is not gaga over Adam. He is not my end-all be-all either and I also had to kind of laugh out loud at the over the top videos of Whole Lot of Love. I am a bit biased too and actually have a Whole Love of Love for Kris’s more heartfelt, genuine style. I can’t wait to see the concert in general and Kris in particular. I wonder why Danny and Kris aren’t singing Renegade on the tour? For all of the nasty comments it got the night of the show, it was really a good performance. It didn’t have the magic of the Adam/Allison combo, but it was good. I loved the harmonies and would have enjoyed it very much on the tour. Thanks again for a funny recap. You made me laugh several times and it is only 8 something in the morning in Chicagoland.

  • ShariG

    Oh, I forgot to say, thanks for the great photographs, too.

  • Agent_Betty

    Oh, Kirsten . . I LOVED your recap. It was hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud to your comments and your preceptions of AI trying to get at a different crowd with the merch. Specially, the 19E are pirates comment. LMAO!!!