Long Island, NY AI Live! Show – Blank Slate’s Recap

By On 08/05/2008 · 52 Comments · In Uncategorized

Blank Slate brought a sign for David Cook–which he saw–and she met the Idols and their families by the buses after the show…

It was a sultry, summer night and the stars were shining over Long Island tonight. 10 stars. 10 American Idol stars. Each had a moment to glitter and sparkle, giving the audience one-on-one time and making lasting, lovely memories between the fans and the artist.

Traffic was rough on the way into Nassau Coliseum. I am relatively local, so I avoided the highway exit and came in through a far more quiet entrance. And voila. My instincts were working full speed ahead: I spied the buses, I parked my car in the same rows and lot as the buses, and hurried into the arena, No time for a bathroom stop. Chikezie was singing!

More re-cap after the JUMP…

I found my section and seat and settled in for a wonderful night of music. I am sorry that I missed the beginning of Chikezie’s set. His voice is lush and full. His personality is equally lush and full. I believe he has a fine recording career ahead of him. Keep that personality Just The Way it Is, Chikezie.

Rami was short and sweet. Literally and mentally. Her voice had a nice tone to it during LOVE WILL LEAD YOU BACK. I was impressed. Is she a showstopper? Not yet. But cute as a baby button.

Michael Johns took my breath away. His voice was almost as gorgeous as he is. I really enjoyed his songs and his style. He looks as if he was born to be on the stage.

Kristy Lee Cook is supermodel pretty. Life’s not fair. If you look like that do you have to be able to sing, too?! I love my country but I could have lived without the USA number. Feels manipulative and in these troubled political times, I know I can’t be the only person in the audience who gets ill thinking about the thousands of dead soldiers for no legitimate purpose. That’s not Kristy Lee’s fault, of course. She sang the song well and she absolutely knows how to work a stage.

Carly is a dynamo. Her voice was crystal clear, matched by the intense passion she brings to every note and step. She looked beautiful, so much better than her television look. I cannot believe how frumpy the American Idol people made her look for the show. What did she do to them to deserve such shoddy wardrobe choices? It was a joy to watch her own the stage and I wish she had a longer set.

Brooke: a sunshine and daydreams breath of fresh air. Love her soulful singer-songwriter vibe. Love her cascading, romantic hair. Love her cherubic persona. A natural and gifted talent. The audience can’t help but sing and smile along.

Group Song for AI Gives Back: they sound great together and I was feeling the love. I wish there were local charities collecting donations out in the hallways and rotunda of the arena. I would have given back to show MY appreciation and gratitude in my own small measure.

Intermission: found someone I knew and near that person a fantastic single seat open in the third row dead center (in front of the center front lip of the stage). My original seat was more than fine but I was SO disappointed with the people in that section. Close to the stage and they would NOT stand up. They yelled at the standers to sit down. The guards told me to sit down. I didn’t want to be in anyone’s way so I found myself sitting with a grudge, rather than start a confrontation. But oh those 3rd row center people. Now THEY knew how to party and dance and shout and wave and scream and feel the music!

Jason was soft and charming and adorable. He has a great voice. Let him work on his stage presence and he can be a star. I am still humming DAYDREAM as I type these words.

Syesha: A powerhouse voice that rang from corner to corner of the Coliseum. Her dress was a little too revealing for what I thought the AI “brand” promoted but… I guess it’s her role to be the glamour girl of the bunch. She really gave it all, especially during LISTEN. The crowd cheered her on as the song came to its climax and we were all on our feet, clapping. She can sing like the devil but there is an aloof karma about her that keeps me from falling in love with her as an artist.

David Archuleta was phenomenal. My heart beats for Mr. Cook but I have to say Sweet Archuleta totally pulled me in and made me putty in his hands. He mopped the floor with that angelic voice and sweet stage patter. He seems floored at the adulation. There was a lot of love on Long Island tonight for David A. And I was a new convert to the train.

And then came Cook. David Cook. The man and musician I adore. He came, he saw, he conquered. He is the American “Idol” for now but he is a star for life. His showmanship is mesmerizing. He rips into the song as if he wants to swallow each note and spit it out with all his heart and soul attached. He and his guitar are ONE. And that voice. It envelopes and embraces the audience and does not let go. You lose all sense of time and place and you just want that music to go on and on. When he did the filming the audience shtick with the house lights up, I held up my little silly sign for him to read:

I AM A “BLANK SLATE” FOR DAVID COOK

I felt the connection as he stopped to read the words, What a magical moment. He pointed and nodded his head in recognition. I jumped and screamed. Contact. Fan and man. Together for a moment in time and I’m thrilled to have had the chance to show Cook a little extra love from the audience.

FINALE: I’ve seen it so many times online that it was almost hard to believe the number was live and happening in real time, real life. Michael Johns and Jason have this new wacky sidestep dance move as they curl to the end of the stage. Knowing too much has its disadvantages, too, of course; when David Cook and Michael Johns did not do their little spotlight Mavid Dance at the right moment on the ramp side of the stage, my heart went “awwwww.” I felt as if something was missing, something I looked forward to the whole show. Why did they skip their dance tonight of all nights?!

The final wave good byes: Close enough to get a groovy wave from Jason and a total love wave and smile from Archuleta. The Idols faded into the dark, David Cook closes the show and slips down into the floor… and the music has stopped.

But it was great while it played.

Leaving the bathroom from the lower level concourse, I recognized Jeff Archuleta and wished him my best. He thanked me and seemed genuinely pleased by the appreciation for his son.

The Post-Show Idolizing at the Buses: Two hours of insanity but well worth the wait. The bathroom pit stop made me miss getting a front spot along the fence but I am not complaining. I was in the second row of people and it was a lovely place to meet and greet the Idols as they made their appearances. I shook hands with all of them and told them how nice to was to meet them. They all signed my David Cook sign. (I used the reverse side, of course.) They are all so handsome and pretty up close. Even their spouses or significant others or family members got in on the act! Fans were asking for THEIR signatures and photos as well. So sweet! Mama Castro is so lovable! Brooke’s husband is beyond lovely. I had the chance to talk to them while we waited for the Idols to make their way down the lines. The only disappointment was that both Chikeze and David Cook were no-shows at the buses after the show. I would have loved to thank them face-to-face but… let’s hope they both know how much they are loved. And how happy all the Idols made thousands on Long Island tonight.

Mama Castro, Brooke’s husband, and Kristy Lee’s fiance needed a ride to the Long Island Railroad. They asked me to help drive but then one woman took them all in her car. I hope they found the train on time.

As I left the arena, I literally drove out onto the road sandwiched between the two tour buses. Where were they headed? Let them sleep and rest. Tomorrow is another big, beautiful show. I went east on Old Country Road. The buses went west.

I waved good bye to All That and drove off into the starry, starry night, feeling free and easy and happy to have connected with this amazing American Idol season. It was a joy from the first note and while the music has ended , the memories will last a lifetime.

 
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  • gingerly

    Awesome recap. You put me right in that place and I almost had to plug my ears when Archie came on stage…

  • brie200

    Awesome recap…Some lucky fan got to drive Mama Castro, Sister Castro as well as Brooke’s hubby and KLC’s fiancee to the train. I think whoever it was posted a comment on Jason’s myspace earlier today. How funny.

  • kathrynTX

    AWWWWWWWWW what a LOVELY review, Blank Slate! Nicely written. And I like the nice comments for each Idol. How nice you got to meet most of them. And your sign for our David – fabulous inspiration! Mostly though, I am right there with you for David. David Cook. Love your description of his singing:

    He rips into the song as if he wants to swallow each note and spit it out with all his heart and soul attached. He and his guitar are ONE. And that voice. It envelopes and embraces the audience and does not let go. You lose all sense of time and place and you just want that music to go on and on.

    FANGIRL ALERT!!! And so I must listen to him sing every day, while I wait patiently for more of HIS music. I so want more of his writing. Although I’ve listened many many many times to Analog Heart and everything else I’ve got, there are quite a few songs that give me goosebumps still. He just rips me up, breaks my heart. Then, with that pessimistic optimism, puts me all back together again. Only to start over with the next song. I. Just. Love. Him.
    :wub_tb:

  • waffle

    Blank Slate, I loved your recap! Thanks for sharing that with us. Lucky you! :)

  • http://myspace.com/susanatfox sumidol

    lOVELY LOVELY RECAP – THANK YOU! I HAVE MISSED THESE AND TO HAVE SUCH A NICE ONE PUT UP – WELL – THANKS

  • EmmaJK

    Yay, a recap! And such a great one, too. How great that you had that little connection with the Cookie.

    And this:

    He rips into the song as if he wants to swallow each note and spit it out with all his heart and soul attached.

    Is one of the best descriptions of his singing I have ever seen. Wonderful!

    Thanks again!

  • Layla

    Lovely review. You are truly kind-hearted…not a note of bitchiness…quite refreshing as it was sincere.

    Thank you.

  • cookcricket

    Thank you for your lovely recap! I’m happy for your wonderful experience. Your description of DC in right on! Good for you! I hope you don’t mind if I share these words with some other DC fans…of course giving you complete credit.:)

  • elle

    You win You win!! This was such a sweet and lovely recap, you must be a sweet and lovely person. And a great writer. And this

    David Archuleta was phenomenal. My heart beats for Mr. Cook but I have to say Sweet Archuleta totally pulled me in and made me putty in his hands. He mopped the floor with that angelic voice and sweet stage patter. He seems floored at the adulation. There was a lot of love on Long Island tonight for David A. And I was a new convert to the train

    gave me chills! :wub_tb:

  • justincase

    My second post here. The first one was in response to someone’s recap (sorry I don’t remember the name) that made me laugh so much that i had to thank her. This time, your recap, Blank Slate, moved me to tears, smiles and back to tears. It was beautiful. From someone who will not be attending any concerts, thank you!

    Also taking this opportunity to thank you MJ for this wonderful site.

  • CRB

    That was a great review! Thanks for writing that.

  • AInoob

    What a fantastic experience for you, Blank Slate. And what a lovely recap, I love that you were able to find something positive to say about each performer. Thank you for sharing your experience with us, especially those of us that will not be attending the tour. Were you able to get any pictures of/with the Idols?

    As a New Yorker, I have to say I’m pleased (albeit somewhat surprised) that the Idol family members actually trusted strangers to take them to the RR station! We get such a bad rap sometimes ;) But I’m also surprised that transportation hadn’t been provided for them or arranged ahead of time.

  • abbysee

    Another great recap. Always pleased to see another Archie convert.

    A while back NY was voted the friendliest big city, or something like that. Fear city is really a thing of the past, we do stuff like that every day. Glad that Brooks, hubby KLC fiance, and Jason’s mama got to the station safely. That fan must have a great story, I hear Jason’s mama is all kindsa cool.

  • Ipurr4DC

    Wow, what a great recap. I loved reading it. You have a great writing style. Sorry there was no Mavid dance for you that night, but some creative peeple are making Mavid dance collection videos which are a lot of fun to see all at one time.

  • poporange

    deleted wrong section

  • http://randomlyyoursbouffe.blogspot.com/ Bouffe

    I really enjoyed reading your recap, BlankSlate. It put me right back where I was a little over a week ago. I love that you found something positive to say about everyone. They are all talented and while they can’t all be our personal cup of tea, I too enjoyed their set when it came. And Archie? Yeah, my heart belongs to Cook, but Archie is not only adorable but so talented… He won me over, too.

  • http://mjsbigblog.com lucyfan

    Thank you, BlankSlate! Great recap; beautifully articulate. What a great night – so happy for you. Took me instantly back to opening night in Glendale. I, too, enjoyed each individual set for what it was, but I have to say that Jason, Archie and Cook just stole my heart; they each bring something beautifully unique to the stage, and it’s a joy to watch them soak in all the love. These Season 7 boys are killin’ me! :)

  • BlankSlate

    You are all making me smile
    (not that I’ve stopped grinning since last night)

    Thank you so much for your kind words
    and sharing the show with me.
    Coming home and re-living it in words
    was like an encore performance.

    No camera with me last night.
    Words are all I have to remember that night.

    Thank you, MJ, for taking my words under your wing
    and posting them here for all your readers.
    It’s wonderful to celebrate these singers
    with kindred spirits!

    -Blank Slate, a nice New Yorker, yes, but who almost had Brooke’s husband in her car and don’t think I didn’t think about kidnapping him for a moment ;}

  • AInoob

    -Blank Slate, a nice New Yorker, yes, but who almost had Brookeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s husband in her car and donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think about kidnapping him for a moment ;}

    Having seen Brookie’s hubby, I can’t say I’d blame you, LOL

  • tinawina

    -Blank Slate, a nice New Yorker, yes, but who almost had Brookeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s husband in her car and donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t think about kidnapping him for a moment ;}

    Oh hell yeah! And Syesha’s fiance is a cutie too. Those are some lucky girls this season. :)

  • BlankSlate

    Kristy Lee’s fiancee was very cute as well
    And Mama Castro was adorable
    She was with Jason’s 13-yr old sister (Jackie)
    Rami had her boyfriend (people in front of me asked for HIS autograph!)
    It was crazy insane fun
    We all screamed hello to Carly’s husband (hard to miss; the tatoos give him away)
    Funny, too, how Jeff Archuleta has picked up his own fame and fans from this tour
    Syesha did not say much as she made her way down the line; I suspect she was preserving her voice for tonight’s 2nd Long Island show.
    When each Idol came out of the underground level and walked up to the waiting fans, the screams were a riot.
    It was a lot of fun playing Fangirly Girl.
    (Just big, sad waaahs to David Cook not making an appearance… Why do I have all the luck?! No Mavid Dance. No handshake. But I did have that moment of Cook Love during the show so…. Who am I to kvetch and whine?!)

  • Sarah

    Thank you for using your words to paint this beautiful picture of what clearly was a magical night, even without your hoped-for encounter with DC. Increases my already great anticipation for the show my daughter and I will see in a week and a day in Philadelphia.

  • BlankSlate

    It’s amazing how attached we become to these people.
    And they are people. Regular people. Like Us.
    People that went out on a limb, took a chance, and chased a dream,
    a dream that came true.
    It could have been you or me up there.
    (Well, it could have been you because I can’t sing.)
    Like MJ wrote last night in her NASHVILLE STAR recap, there is a world of difference between the AI/19 E production values and…everyone else.
    How they manage to draw us in season after season and turn singers into celebrities is a magical mystery.
    Case in point: was it normal for me to whoop and holler when David Archuleta held my hand as I told him how nice it was to meet him? In another lifetime, he’d be the kid bagging your groceries at the supermarket, wishing you a good day as you wheel your cart out of the store. But because of the showcase of the AI show, these contestants have become objects of adoration and scrutiny and attention and fascination. It’s just stunnning to think about.

    And gosh darn it… I wish it were ME. :devil_tb:

  • skylight1219

    Those of us who are Jason fans, think he’s already a star!

  • pdog716

    Blank Slate, As a frusrated amateur writer, I wanna tell you that you truly have a gift for painting pictures with your words. I’m an old dog, but a good dog, and I found my eyes moistening as you shared your intimate concert experience with us. You are a special person to have such a rosy outlook. Thank you for letting us in to your glorious evening. Be well.

  • kimconmom

    Skylight…so true, so true. I’ve never seen a performer “radiate” like he does. He has a way of captivating his audience with his style, voice, charm and good looks. Vocally, his voice is so pure. Can’t wait for his CD release!

  • http://mjsbigblog.com lucyfan

    But I did have that moment of Cook Love during the show

    Case in point: was it normal for me to whoop and holler when David Archuleta held my hand as I told him how nice it was to meet him?

    Are you kidding me? BlankSlate, you are one lucky girl!

    And gosh darn ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ I wish it were ME.

    You and me both! Stunning is right. I have never been so emotionally attached to a television show – ever. I just feel like I know these kids, and my day is not complete if I haven’t logged on to this site to see what they’re up to. Can’t thank you enough, MJ; don’t know how you do it all, but I’m so happy you do!

  • BlankSlate

    I don’t know how to tell you how much all of your kind compliments mean to me.

    It’s like David Cook catching his tears when he realizes everyone in the room is singing along to “his” song. He never thought something like that could happen to someone like him. That bond is a gift we give him.

    And that is what you have all given me today.

    You are “singing along” with what I wrote and letting me know it touched your heart. THAT means everything to me. That is a gift to me.

    I wasn’t sure if I should send my thoughts to MJ last night. A review is such an intimate experience, particularly since I am only a fan and not a professional music reviewer. What could my words mean to anyone else?

    It’s so nice to see they did mean something to someone. Right here.

    I am touched.

    Thank you, thank you, thank you one and all.

    Thank you for not making me feel like just another “face in the crowd” today. {}

    I hope David got the “Blank Slate” connection. :> :drunk_tb:

  • Barbariba

    Thank you so much for your wonderful recap. I felt as if I had been there too. Like almost everyone has said, you have a way with words that brings all kinds of emotions out. I loved your bright positive take on the Idols. Not a snarky word to be found. Once again, Thank You soooo much.

  • BlankSlate

    p.s. How do people use the “Quotes” here?
    There are so many people I want to thank but I do not know how to individually snip phrases from comments.

    I hope you will ALL accept this group hug from me to you.
    Your love made MY day.

  • http://mjsbigblog.com lucyfan

    BlankSlate, you’re killing me. Sniff, sniff.

    To use the quotes, go down to the bottom of the “reply” box and click on B-Quote, then use copy and paste to highlight and add a portion of a previous comment. That’s how I do it, anyway!

    Thank you again for your beautiful words.

  • http://mjsbigblog.com lucyfan

    Oops – BlankSlate, forgot to tell you to click on B-Quote AGAIN immediately after the quoted text, then begin your own comment down below.

  • seattle

    Thanks for the great recap, Blank Slate. It’s so nice to read a non-snarky review — very much a refreshing change of pace. I think we all (myself included) sometimes forget what a huge risk these young people have taken by appearing on American Idol. They have opened themselves to intense public scrutiny, criticism, and even ridicule. Yes, there is also the possibility of a huge career boost, but the only given for them is exposure — exposing all their gifts and their flaws. So I, for one, really appreciate it when these performers, who are all very talented in their own right, get a much deserved break from all the snarky comments. Having been to the tour once this year and seen videos from many others, I completely agree with you that all the idols are extremely good singers and earned their places in the Top 10. Most of them are also compelling performers. And they all deserve respect for all their hard work and talent, even if only a few of them manage to inspire true adulation in any of us individually (Archie and Brooke in my case, but with a real fondness for Carly and Cookie too).

  • BlankSlate

    Testing….

    Oops – BlankSlate, forgot to tell you to click on B-Quote AGAIN immediately after the quoted text, then begin your own comment down below.

  • http://mjsbigblog.com lucyfan

    Yay! It worked, BlankSlate. :clap_tb:

  • BlankSlate

    Eureka! Thanks, Lucy.

    And to all of you: I can be snarky when necessary. Today, however, was not the time or place.

    Today was a day to rejoice.

    I had the Time of My Life and why waste my life being mean when there is so little time to spread the joy? {}

    :happy_tb:

  • BlankSlate

    It is 6:18 here… If I weren’t already exhausted from last night’s extravaganza, I could easily be persuaded to drive back to the Coliseum to wait by the low rails to meet the Idol performers again…. David Cook has to come out tonight, doesn’t he? Won’t he? You know he will. Why? Because =I= will not be there.

    David Cook, please stop playing with my head! {}

  • Natasha

    Those of us who are Jason fans, think heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s already a star!

    Aww!! We do, don’t we.

  • JudyOhio

    Aww!! We do, donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t we.

    testing how to quote.

  • JudyOhio

    Cool, lol. I always wondered how to do that. Thanks lucyfan!

  • http://mjsbigblog.com lucyfan

    You are more than welcome, JudyOhio. Glad to help! :biggrin_wp:

  • http://mjsbigblog.com lucyfan

    I could easily be persuaded to drive back to the Coliseum to wait by the low rails to meet the Idol performers again

    Just do it, BlankSlate, just do it! You know he’s comin’ out tonight – you just know it!

  • abbysee

    And to all of you: I can be snarky when necessary. Today, however, was not the time or place.

    Today was a day to rejoice.

    That is why I loved your recap. Snark is fine, and dammit if I can snark with the best of them, but then when you think about how hard all of these guys and gals have worked for this opportunity, it’s great to know that all are appreciated on some level.

    Like folk don’t necessarily like Syesha, but almost everyone say she sings the hell out of Listen. Many are upset with MJ’s supposed egotism, but almost everyone talks about how he rocks out during his set. Carly was known as snarly to some, but everyone recognizes her voice, and Chickeze, he gets love with almost every review, both professional and fan. LIttle Rami, with the big voice is getting more comfortable onstage and people are noticing. I left out the other most popular, Brooke, the Davids, and Jason cause they get love all of the time. But all of them have something to offer.

  • abbysee

    Oh crap, I left out KLC, but like my mama says if you can’t say something nice, lol. See, snark. LOL!

  • kathrynTX

    Oh BlankSlate, go back go back! What if you miss your chance to shake his hand? Or say Hello? Or I LOVE YOU! heehee…

    I am going to 2 shows and I am torn about trying to meet them before the shows. Should I try before? I think so, I think AFTER is more crowded and harder to meet them. BUT my sis is going with me and I don’t know that she will be able to stand the Texas or KANSAS CITY, MO heat for hours! She has some health problems. Wah. Well gosh, I may have to go ALONE to meet Darling Cook. I hadn’t thought of that even! Once again, what a lovely recap, so sweet and yet so honest. I have gone insane over this season because of Cook. But after reading recaps on mjs, I am so looking forward to Archie, MJ, Brooke, Jason….yippee I can’t wait!

  • ShariG

    Love your recap, blankslate. It sounds like you had a wonderful time and your impressions of the concert were so vivid, I felt like I was there again. I loved this concert in Chicago and in Indianapolis and hope to see it in Kansas City in a few weeks. I love David Cook and although I enjoyed everyone of the Top 10, I would love a full two hours of DC, old songs, new songs, original work, covers of great songs that in a heartbeat become David Cook songs.

  • http://myspace.com/arcadata arca

    Hi Blankslate,
    Great recap, tnx! — you requested for a clip of David filming the audience– here’s the link — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl0hKVC_VfA

    I didn’t want to post in the thread where you placed the request since this clip is for Nassau day 1 and I think MJ’s pretty strict about posting at the right areas : ) Hope you find this post!

  • BlankSlate

    THANK YOU! It happened right after the 1:13 mark. The other person holding a much larger sign was to my right. You can see that first and see her holding it at the beginning. As he crosses the stage with his camera, he sees me and reads the sign and acknowledges it with his hand/point right after the 1:13 point in the clip. You made my day, Arca. I am smiling all over again. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME RE-LIVE that brief moment in Cook Heaven. :>

  • cookcricket

    BlankSlate, I caught a glimpse of your moment on the vid arca posted! What a wonderful memory for you!

  • vagabond

    Blank Slate I loved your recap – well done. Made me feel like I was right there in the audience with you. And what fun after the show out by the busses – meeting almost everyone, and chatting with Jason’s mom, sister, Brooke’s hubby – how cool was that??? I went pre-show in Detroit but the crowd was just too crazy afterward. I’ve regretted not staying though since everyone I was with earlier managed to meet all the idols again and get photos. Sigh…….

    It’s always fun to read the recaps and yours was awesome!

  • BlankSlate

    (Arca, can you please re-post the link to the clips from the Long Island 8/4 show? I thought I bookmarked the page but I can’t find the bookmark. And thank you so very, very much. Again.) :bye_tb:

  • Allison

    Lol at those significant others needing a ride to the train!