Q3′s American Idol Tour 2009 Little Rock Recap

Loved your recap of both nights. The Arkansas show really did belong to Kris and that is fitting. It is nice to know that Adam’s fans made him feel very welcome also. I can hardly wait until Hamilton Ontario, Canada. I am such an Adam fan and I love reading his fans reactions to his live performance. Thankyou very much.

great review–thanks for posting

Q3, what a wonderful time you had and I think my favorite recap so far. Makes me wish I had made the trek to Memphis too. I thought about it! Thanks again.

Wow Q3 what a recap. I felt like I was there. Giving us the flavor of each city and their ambiance, just really hit home the point on how each audience responded to the idols and made it more understandable. I’m glad you got to see your idol and bask in his beauty and glory and appreciate the others also. I look forward to this Saturday in Charlotte, where I get to do the same. Glad you got “woman” in Menphis.

Matt has me intrigued – I loved him on the show, love all the U-tubes, but he also just seems so engaging and funny in all his interviews. He seems like he’ll be a good host/singer, kind of like a Wayne Brady. I’m glad you liked him – wish I could see him perform live, too.
Kudos to Adam for doing the nod to Elvis in Memphis. All these Idols, especially Adam and Kris, seem to have great respect for the music icons that were before them. That’s one of my favorite parts about the Idol performers -they’re so humble. Hope they remain that way.

That was fun!! Thank you! Can I go with you to Adam’s first solo concert???!!! lol
Or if not that, will you be my new BFF?!

Thanks very much for the recap. I wonder why there seems to continually be sound mix problems on this tour, because there always seems to be Bandzilla at some point during the show — and it seems to vary from night to night on whose set in shows up in. Listening on the underwater cell casts, Adam never seems overpowered by the band, and Kris doesn’t usually get overpowered. But it seems like Allison and Danny end up shouting rather than singing in order to not get drowned out, and Megan almst always seems to get overpowered.

How difficult is it to fix the sound mix? Don’t they hear these problems during sound check? I like the band — they are very talented — but they shouldn’t be overpowering the Idols

Also wanted to add, Q3, that yours is a very well-written and interesting recap. You added some new stuff, I like your perspective.

What a treat, getting a comparison of the back to back concerts. (I considered Memphis, but couldn’t justify the timing….if they’d been two months apart like in ’07, I would have probably done it.) I doubt the emotional fervor of the crowd in LR will be repeated anywhere on the tour, but I remember Memphis from two years ago, and they weren’t as enthusiastic as LR that year, either. I think it’s what you said…Memphis is a music mecca, and it’s harder to impress her residents.

And if you don’t mind disclosing your broker info, I wish you would. I am put out with ticketmaster. I bought different seats when they opened up more the day of the show (and was able to sell my others), but they dribble drabbled them out during the day and floor seats didn’t come up until after I bought my new ones. Course, my pictures were probably better where I was, since I didn’t have folks in my way, but still….

Your now my re-cap Idol. Best one I’ve read so far. You and I probably are on the same page about the Idol talent. I’ve also been to Memphis and was re-living it in your words. I’m older now and will probably not get there again so I really enjoyed your take. You seem to have a nice spouse as I’m not sure mine would do all the things yours did, in fact I’m sure he wouldn’t. The tour isn’t coming anywhere near me so I hope when Adam tours he’ll come a little closer. I love the videos but I know from experience that they are no way as good as the live performances. It’s’ hard to imagine that Adam could be anymore impressive. I really want (need) to see him perform live.

It’s great to have your perspective from having been to 2 different concerts, back to back. It will be interesting to see how the different areas of the country have different responses to the show. It sounds like you had a great time at both shows, and I enjoyed your recap.

I still believe that getting his mole removed was the best thing for Matt’s self-confidence. He really retreated into himself after VFTW picked him and had that cruel caricature. I’m very happy for him to now be receiving such great reviews.

And, yes, I LOVED your 2-city recap! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. :clap_tb:

I really enjoyed your re-cap. I wondered how Adam really fared in Little Rock and Memphis. I’m glad Little Rock gave Kris such a resounding welcome and that they gave love to Adam as well.

18,000 people in Memphis!! That’s just huge! I just loved your musician’s perspective. I agree about the Bandzilla problem. It was present in Dallas as well, just not as pronounced from where I was as I was quite close to the mixing board. Glad you had such a great time. I would have loved to have been at the Memphis show.

Very cool re-cap, I really enjoyed this – thank you.

What a fine recap! Thank you! You didn’t mention “woman” versus “baby” and the effect on the crowd, but I understand there was a lot of appreciation for the choice. I knew Memphis would be a good one for Adam–How could it not? It’s all about the music! New York will be crazy too, but can’t make one of those. I don’t understand what Adam is in danger of being a caricature of.

Brilliant recap Q3, it is nice to hear a recap from someone who was also in a few bands and trained vocalist. Starlight live was breathtakingly beautiful and the videos only capture about half of Adam’s stage presence, power and vocals. i really enjoyed your perspective.

Thank you Q3-fun to read….but it made me so sad and homesick! LOL. I love and miss Memphis. (Went to school in Oxford so….) I agree about the backup singers-a couple of stiffs-although funny thing is someone on here got word to them that they should at least attempt to look like they are interested…lol.

Thanks for the terrific recap! I really enjoyed reading it. I also loved the fact that you were able to give us some inside info in regards to what the music pros thought.

I have a question for you. Did your husband note the differences in the two concerts? Also, in the end, was he glad he attended both? I always love hearing the perspective of the non-idol fan.

Good recap!

I’m interested in the characture issue. Something about fans going for Adam hair, or make-up or style elements has made me uneasy, and I’ve not been able to pinpoint it, because I certainly think people should dress as they see fit. But now I think maybe that’s it: a vague sense that he’s being distilled down to some superficial package that could become a characture. I feel the same when the interviews harp on the same elements over and over, and, frankly, I feel the same with Neil’s one time “glittery alien” comment taking on a life of it’s own in fan world. I’m not sure how to explain it, but all that stuff should be ephemeral and morph easily as the artist recreates himself, but fan and media appropiation can bog that down, calcify it even, and cause it to overshadow the real stuff. Branding is a tight-rope dance, isn’t it?

I’m interested in the characture issue. Something about fans going for Adam hair, or make-up or style elements has made me uneasy, and I’ve not been able to pinpoint it, because I certainly think people should dress as they see fit.

I think as long as he keeps mixing it up, like Madonna has, he should be fine.

So glad to hear that Matt seems to be catching the eye of some “music People” I’m so proud of him, and how well he is doing on this tour. from many accounts it seems to me like he is the standout from the first half of the show, which can really work to his advantage. I went into this tour fully expecting some to give Matt a hard time-and some have- but the large majority who expirences him live come back as fans or with at least a new appreciation for how good he is.

I hope to hear news of a signing after the 20th (and I feel like we will hear news for Matt) because I cannot wait to hear what his CD will sound like.

Thanks so much for the great review Q3!!

Q3. I have been eagerly waiting in anticipation for your recap all weekend. I knew by how you have written on MJ blog that your recap would be fair balanced and hugely entertaining and like Adam for you, you did not disappoint. I was sad to read that Allison set is drowned out by bandzilla but I have been assuming that for sometime now. In the beginning of the tour she was a highlight and considered one of the best of the night. Watching videos on youtube of the tours progression from city to city I was having the exact same feelings you did at the Memphis concert. I hope she gets that adjusted. Love your whole piece on Adam. I am even more intrigued by your assessment of him because you are a classically trained vocalist. I am not but have the same feelings you do but probably don’t know the technicality of how great he really is as a singer. Thank you for taking the time to write this recap and for being thorough. I am happy you had a great time. By the way what was you husbands take on the concert?

Thanks again.

Best review I’ve read from a fan. Great job.

Thanks for you review!
Once again I am so happy for Matt and what he’s done on this tour. I always believed in him so much during the show but the nerves and lack of self confidence destroyed him.
But now.. He’s a whole other persona and he is finally shining.
I bet he will get a record deal soon. Personally I can’t wait to see his career take off, I think that with the right material Matt might just surprise a whole lot of people.
Plus.. He is looking so HOT now, I really like him better without the fedoras.
With the mole removed, he looks very handsome and cool. The faux hawk haircut lis very edgy too. Me likey.
Good luck Matty G! I hope many people from the industry are taking notice of you

Love your recap…very detailed and vivid. It felt like I was there. I’m glad you had a great time.

Hi Q3! Which concert did you enjoy more?

Fabulous recap! Thanks so much for sharing. I love the way you compared and contrasted not just the two shows/audiences but the respective cities. You also made me want to go to Memphis for BBQ and some piano music.

I’m really looking forward to hearing Matt’s set after the way everyone has praised it. I am disappointed to hear that the band is drowning out a lot of them. I knew it was a bad sign when I saw a clip from tour rehearsals where Adam was asking for “a little less band” in the mix. If he felt they were overpowering his vocals, I figured the others were completely drowned out. With luck they’ll make some adjustments and dial it back again. Thanks again!

Q3 – I love your re-cap and what an impressive musical background you have. It’s nice to read a re-cap from someone that really know about the music, the vocals etc.. etc. to bring us to a better understanding of what they do.

I watched and heard them with my “untrained” knowledge of music, and it’s always love to hear from ones that knows about it because they’re one of them (artists) or used to be.

In AI site, there used to be a thread Adam Lambert from an Industry perspective and now he has his own website. He is from the entertainment industry as well so a lot of time we’re picking his brain about what are the entertainment and music industries perspective / opinions about Adam. It’s not fun for some because it’s too serious discussion for them. But I love the knowledge I can get. And just like all those music business people, at the very beginning he already mentioned that Adam really could be a star and we are witnessing a star in the making. So it’s good to hear that people that involve in the business industry in Memphis has the same opinion.

Anyway.. great review. Thanks

Bandzilla is killing Allison. Her performances. Her voice. Her musicality. This has been my impression since the start of the tour. It’s a real shame. Bands can be very hard headed – they are all half deaf, always. Somebody should control the situation. It has gotten ridiculous. One of the reasons the band loves Alli so much is because she doesn’t mute them; she is a gamer – to her own detriment, and to the unconscious delight of the band. A band whose age and experience easily doubles hers. A band whose artistry isn’t half.

A rock bands mindset: the louder the better. It’s killing her performances. It’s killing her voice. She is barely 17. Somebody TAKE CONTROL for God’s Sake!

Thank you Q3 ,this is one of the best recap I have read, if not the best.

I love how you put the concert in the context of where it was held- Memphis. The background about Memphis seem to make the whole experience more relevant to being a showcase of the talents of 10 new singers.

And the opinions and observations of others you have conversations with, provides additional insight on how other people perceive the chances of success for these 10 neophytes. This group of 10 , are carving their careers , not in isolation, but as part of the entire American Music legacy. And from a seemingly commercial show, an icon and a star may evolve.

Your article is very picturesque. I love how you ended it with a picture of Alexis Grace. That another Cinderella story can happen even if not exactly how it was planned to be at the start of her journey.

And that this might as well be what will happen to these 10 new singers. How their careers will turn out, may not exactly be how they pictured it at the beginning of Season 8. It’s probably like Christmas for all of them now ‘“ each day brings such joyful surprises.

Thank you very much .

Great review. Thanks!

Great informational recap Q3. Interesting to hear from a person with a musical background as well.

I think that seeing two shows back to back, in different cities is really a good way to experience the idol tour.

It’s going to be interesting to watch how the next year unfolds for Adam and Kris, for certain, but Allison, Danny, and Matt as they seem to be the ones making the most impact.

Great review!

Q3, great recap on so many levels. First, it stands alone as a great travel piece on Memphis, it makes me totally WANT to go there and although I’ve heard it was a cool city, it hasn’t been on my Top 10 list of places to visit. I may have to reassess that; it sounds fantastic.

I also loved your insight as both a classically trained vocalist and touring musician. You obviously know the dynamics of sound mixes, sound checks (why do they bother to show up early if they can’t get it right?) and the balance of band and vocalist. In my concerts I didn’t notice Allison being drowned out so much, but I may have just been lucky to get a decent mix or be in the right seats.

ITA about the background of Megan’s second song and believe I commented similarly (WTF?).

I completely relived the experience through your eyes and pretty much agree with your every point.

Thanks for writing it! (It’s also so cool to learn about everyone’s backgrounds!)

Beautifully written! I loved reading your review! It read like “Southern Living” does Idol! Kudos!

Great review! I loved your perspective. Oddly, I’m dying to go to Memphis now. lol. I lived in Nashville for awhile, but never made the side trip to Memphis and apparently I was missing out. It sounds a lot like New Orleans in terms of having great music/food everywhere!

I’d love to hear more about what your friends in the industry had to say about the concert. I hope they enjoyed it and didn’t think that Adam’s “elvis” was too caricature. (Ugh, I hate that look and you just supplied the reason why…) Did you ever manage to catch up with the kid from the UK and hear his opinion of the concert? So cute.

As far as bandzilla goes…I believe it’s the sound mixers and not the band that need to figure it out.

Re: Kris. I noticed during my concerts that people generally didn’t sing along with “I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier.” It’s an easy refrain, but people didn’t join in. They also didn’t join in during “Hey Jude” or get out their cell phones. I’m pretty positive that everyone in the arenas had cell phones, but very few pulled them out. It was mainly those that had glow sticks (yay for those!).

Q3, you are a wonderful storyteller and an excellent writer. I loved, not only your recap, but about Memphis the town, intermission, and a mini bio of yourself. I didn’t realize you were a classically trained vocalist. I think one can judge another singer more objectively when one is formally trained. I had years of formal training as a musician and also sang for many years too (never professionally) starting very young, but stopped before college. So, I listen for tone, pitchiness, phrasing, etc.

Q3, you should read the review and the comments from a Memphis writer critiquing Adam. His comments after his article @ 6:43 is more noteworthy than his article.

http://www.gomemphis.com/news/2009/jul/27/american-idols-live-concert-proves-viewers-votes-c/

He said Adam’s vocals were all over the place, screamy in WLL, pitchy, and just not a great vocal performance.

If you could comment on this as a comparison, that would be great.

Thank you for your recap, your personal introduction got me hooked: with your background in music and marketing I was really interested in your point of view.

I see your point about Starlight. The original artists always have all the merit of their creation, but it’s a delight to hear what a virtuoso can add to an already great song. (Adam’s Life on Mars sounds so “fleshed out” – for lack of a better expression)

And I agree about Matt, I loved him in auditions and then kept wondering what happened to him. Hope to hear more from him.

Thanks Q3 for the great review. I also attended the Memphis show( form New Orleans). I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time sunday am as the idols were leaving their hotel to tour Graceland. Michael and Matt were so gracious and warm with the small crowd that gathered and are truly friendly, warm guys. Kris and Danny also joined them to sign autographs and take pics with fans. Kris walked around the block with an escort to a coffee shop and survived fan girls’ screams. When Adam came out of the hotel, he was quickly escorted to the bus but smiled and waved and once he was on the bus Michael opened Adam’s window so fans could see him–I was in Awe at the look on Adam’s face as he looked out the opened window as fans ran over to the bus. . I felt as if I was looking at a HUGE Star that now needed this barrier from fans, one that had lost such freedoms as walking around the corner to the coffeeshop. While in awe, I also felt a little sad for him. He then whispered to a young lady that made him a scrapbook and then to a teenager saying “I like ur shirt” which sent the teenager into a screaming/ jumping fit. It was obvious that he was resting his voice.

I don’t think it is in dispute that Matt is by far the best pianist of Season 8. Scott is also a better piano player than Kris, although not nearly as good at playing and singing at the same time, IMO.

Kris isn’t trying to be a piano soloist. He is very good at backing his vocals with interesting, rather than flashy play. It is much more Rob Thomas than Elton John.

I also think it is not in dispute that Kris is the best guitar player of Season 8.

dsp, I don’t know which concert it was, but this girl commented on youtube that she saw Adam get on a bus and the bus started to leave. She kinda went nuts and started running after the bus screaming for Adam. I also read that when he was in San Francisco and went out with friends, he was mobbed and they had to get security for him. This just doesn’t happen in San Francisco.

He really is already a rock star. Isn’t that what the band called him in their livestream?

Thanks for all the great compliments!! I haven’t had so much fun going to concert since the world was young!

By the way what was you husbands take on the concert?

My husband is a lawyer/agent and a former A&R exec for a major record label. A&R execs, a vanishing breed in with digital distro and crumbling record sales, are the people responsible for finding talent, negotiating contracts and guiding the reording process. In other words, he’s jaded, coldly calculating about commercial appeal and doesn’t think highly of American Idol. He does, however, think Adam is really talented (YEAH!) and will be successful – he is not sold that he will be a megastar. He thinks Allison is great but does not approve of the apparent desire to make her Pink 2 — he thinks that they should be going more in the direction of Heart and Bonnie Tyler (Total Eclispe of the Heart). And he was pleasantly surprised by Matt, thinks he’ll get a recording contract. The rest didn’t impress him. He thinks Kris will do OK because he won Idol and fits well into a space that Jive/19R can understand – Joe King (The Fray) and Killers – what I call light alternative.

Hi Q3! Which concert did you enjoy more?

Memphis. The two shows were essentially identical, with minute differences. The Memphis audience is really critical and really smart about music. You can’t show up in Memphis a give 50% and have the audience love it. There are too many good musicians around. So, no one got a standing ovation for just being there.

In AI site, there used to be a thread Adam Lambert from an Industry perspective and now he has his own website. He is from the entertainment industry as well so a lot of time we’re picking his brain about what are the entertainment and music industries perspective / opinions about Adam. It’s not fun for some because it’s too serious discussion for them. But I love the knowledge I can get. And just like all those music business people, at the very beginning he already mentioned that Adam really could be a star and we are witnessing a star in the making. So it’s good to hear that people that involve in the business industry in Memphis has the same opinion.

I adore NYMichael and have a lot of fun reading his blog.

The folks who joined us in our suite in Memphis are from NY and LA, not Memphis. And they have been merciless about me being an Adam “fangirl”. nd I think the operative word is “could” be a star. There is very little emotion involved in the music industry anymore, too much money at stake. There was room for emotion and experimentation in the 70′s when I first got involved. I think that the success of BEP, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry really has helped Adam.

But all agree that he is a great entertainer, has great stage presence and could at least headline in Vegas or Broadway. That a long way from being an understudy and chorus boy in the Wicked touring company!

Oh my goodness. Q3 that was an awesome recap. I didn’t read any other responses. Just your recap. Loved it!!! I’m all tingly. Awesome.

“Bandzilla is killing Allison. Her performances. Her voice. Her musicality. This has been my impression since the start of the tour. It’s a real shame. Bands can be very hard headed – they are all half deaf, always. Somebody should control the situation. It has gotten ridiculous. One of the reasons the band loves Alli so much is because she doesn’t mute them; she is a gamer – to her own detriment, and to the unconscious delight of the band. A band whose age and experience easily doubles hers. A band whose artistry isn’t half.

A rock bands mindset: the louder the better. It’s killing her performances. It’s killing her voice. She is barely 17. Somebody TAKE CONTROL for God’s Sake!”

If I keep asking this question maybe someone can come up with an answer, please. It appears that starting with Ontario Cry Baby was cut by about 20-30 seconds, eliminating the Joplin-like ending, similar to the one on Allison’s studio cut. Does anyone know if Allison has been having vocal problems, and this was done to protect Allison’s voice, or was it a producer’s decision to “tighten the show”, or whatever?

I share the concern that we don’t want her to kill her voice.

Q3 best review I’ve read so far. Thank you! I like your perspective as a trained musician but what I like the most is that you take us with you on your journey. I feel like I were walking on Memphis street along with you, sitting at the same bar, observing and chatting with people, listening to the pianist singing ‘Gerogias on My Mind’, and being amazed and mesmerized by Adam’s starlight. Thanks again for the great journey your picturing in your review. It’s such a fun and beautiful night.

dsp – I am so jealous! Both of you getting to see Adam and living in New Orleans!

Great review! I loved your perspective. Oddly, I’m dying to go to Memphis now. lol. I lived in Nashville for awhile, but never made the side trip to Memphis and apparently I was missing out. It sounds a lot like New Orleans in terms of having great music/food everywhere!

The food isn’t nearly as good as New Orleans but the music is better! If you go, make time to go to the National Civil Rights Museum and Stax Records Museum. Then drive to New Orleans and get some great food! Or take one of the riverboats down the Mississippi.

I’d love to hear more about what your friends in the industry had to say about the concert. I hope they enjoyed it and didn’t think that Adam’s ‘elvis’  was too caricature. (Ugh, I hate that look and you just supplied the reason why’ ¦) Did you ever manage to catch up with the kid from the UK and hear his opinion of the concert? So cute.

I am not a fan of the Elvis hair, but he looked perfect in Memphis. And, no it didn’t look like a caricature to me.

Re: Kris. I noticed during my concerts that people generally didn’t sing along with ‘I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier.’  It’s an easy refrain, but people didn’t join in. They also didn’t join in during ‘Hey Jude’  or get out their cell phones. I’m pretty positive that everyone in the arenas had cell phones, but very few pulled them out. It was mainly those that had glow sticks (yay for those!).

Same thing in Memphis and to some extent in Little Rock. But Adam did get Kris to dance during DSB!! Yes!

Q3, you should read the review and the comments from a Memphis writer critiquing Adam. His comments after his article @ 6:43 is more noteworthy than his article. … He said Adam’s vocals were all over the place, screamy in WLL, pitchy, and just not a great vocal performance.

I just read this review and I guess we all are entitled to our own opinions. I just don’t agree with this one.

Fact: Adam wasn’t pitchy, he was perfectly on key the whole time – that is a technical evaluation. Also his articulation was incredible — even in an arena.

Opinion: It was an amazing vocal performance. The audience was impressed.

Opinon: WLL wasn’t screamy to me. Memphis WLL was more restained than Little Rock. Perhaps, the sheer power of the performance scared him?

He also makes a comment that Adam was too adult for kids. There was nothing all that adult about Adam’s performance in Memphis.

Adam has a very definite, theatrical style and some people see that as contrived. I see an artist who is somewhat insecure and therefore works to achieve perfection — with very small improvisational moments to keep himself from getting bored.

Q3–I noticed at the memphis show that Michael sang a third song Suspicious Minds an Elvis song—I don’t think this was included at other shows. Also Lil sang 4 songs in Memphis (don’t remember the name of the extra song). I was very surprised that Lil did not get a better audience reaction in her home town. Re Danny- i would not call myself a fan but I found his performance very enjoyable and he kept my attention the entire set.

Q3, I was also interested in your comment about Adam and the “caricature” comment. I am hoping that he is so in tune with the music industry and such a cameleon(sp?) that this would never happen. But please explain. I always find your comments so interesting and grounding in all the mj threads, along with Tess and Sunn. You always seem to put everything in perspective – I bet you are one smart cookie and very high powered in your work – I don’t think anything gets past you.

Q3, Thanks for your recap. You made me want to visit Memphis, and all the pre-and-post local color was great. It’s interesting that you’re saying Adam is “somewhat insecure” as an artist, when others see someone supremely confident. Hopefully it’s this 5% (or whatever percentage) that will help him to continue evolving, not only beyond the AI brand but also to claim a space for himself in the current rock/pop scene. Looking forward to experiencing all this in Newark (not looking forward to going to the Newark part, but we do what we have to).

Loved your recap!!! It really makes me want to go to Memphis…

Q3, Such a sophisticated review by a knowledgable person. Loved it. I agree with you that Adam is experiementing and trying not to get bored. Although I don’t have your expertise, I was intrigued by the article by San Diego opera singers who agree with you about his technical prowess. It was lovely to hear someone comment on his voice–it’s incredible that it is so well packaged! I am going to Pittsburgh with my daughter and Indy with a Glambert friend that I just met. Club seats in Pitt; 8th row floor center aisle in Indy (thanks to my new Glambert buddy). I’ve already asked to recap Pittsburgh, and now I think I may try Indy as well (it’s where I live). I know I won’t do as well as you have, and I’m afraid when I see him live the arena will hear a ripping noise as my last shred of dignity disappears. Thanks again.

Q3
Jul 27th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
The Memphis audience is really critical and really smart about music. You can’t show up in Memphis a give 50% and have the audience love it. There are too many good musicians around. So, no one got a standing ovation for just being there.

….but it’s an idol concert? personally, if i did got to one of these idol concerts i’d much rather be in an environment like little rock or salt lake than say memphis. the tour is an extension of a cheesy and glorified karaoke reality show. and save for megan’s second song and maybe danny’s preaching, it doesn’t sound like anybody’s completely bombing, so why not have a crazy energetic atmosphere for each one of these kids?…it’s an idol concert. most of them won’t ever do arenas again in their lives so why not? i think 98% of concert-goers know who they’re “screaming the loudest and standing up the longest for” /snark anyway so i don’t think people go in to these concerts with that critical of a mindset. they’re screaming for whoever their favorite was on the show.

plus….have i mentioned it’s an idol concert? lol. it ain’t the symphony man. kick back and revel in the cheesiness

your writing is impeccable. loved that alexis grace bit.

Q3′“I noticed at the memphis show that Michael sang a third song Suspicious Minds an Elvis song’”I don’t think this was included at other shows. Also Lil sang 4 songs in Memphis (don’t remember the name of the extra song).

Michael Sarver has done “Suspicious Minds” in the First Act Production Number since the first show. It was his best performance.

Lil’s set has also been the same since the beginning:

Be Without You/Just Fine, Mary J. Blige
No One, Alicia Keys
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), Beyonc

The second song was “Just Fine” but it was hard to hear the lyrics when she was singing. I wouldn’t have know what she was signing if I didn’t have the set lists.

I was very surprised that Lil did not get a better audience reaction in her home town.

The concert was in Memphis but the audience was from all over the place. This was the closest concert for most of Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and large parts of Alabama and Kentucky. We ran into people who came up from Houston which didn’t get a show this year, from Lexington, KT because the other close show, Columbus, OH is on a weeknight, and tourists from Germany, the UK and Japan who added the concert on to their Memphis vacation.

I also don’t think Lil, or the music she was singing, was very relevant to the almost entirely white, over 40 audience.

Re Danny- i would not call myself a fan but I found his performance very enjoyable and he kept my attention the entire set.

Yes, and so did many people at the show. I did not enjoy Danny’s set and thought it could be so much better with more integrated song selection, if he didn’t try to dance, if they didn’t bring up the standing mike with the floor lift, if he didn’t do “the speech”, and he kept his jacket on. But that is just my opinion.

It seems you had a true two-concert experience, from the all-in lovefest in Little Rock to the discriminating minds in Memphis. Thanks so much for sharing.

I appreciate that you included the comment about the potential for Adam to become a caricature. I relish and respect his voice, but I do think about the fact that there’s a fine line between personal style and parody. There’s someone like Kris on the one hand and Lady Gaga on the other, and anything in between can seem like trying too hard. I’m not accusing Adam of artifice: I think he enjoys the dress-up aspects of rock and roll, and more power to him. But I can see how it might come off as forced or fake, and I think it would be a shame if his style overpowered his substance.

I adore NYMichael and have a lot of fun reading his blog.

Q3 – Then you should visit us in his website and share your knowledge with us that would be great… the site is his name.

The folks who joined us in our suite in Memphis are from NY and LA, not Memphis. And they have been merciless about me being an Adam ‘fangirl’ . nd I think the operative word is ‘could’  be a star. There is very little emotion involved in the music industry anymore, too much money at stake.

You said there’s very little emotion involve in the music industry anymore and most Americans are still wondering why Simon so “cold” in givin his opinion, some even think he’s cruel. What’s so funny is they even said he doesn’t know what he’s saying. Too much money at stake – yes I agree … We don’t see it from their point of view as businessmen. When they put their money on someone they have to be sure it’s worth it. And when they signed someone to their record it’s not just one – two million of their money at stake, Simon told his brother that when he signed someone to his label he at lease has to put in 1 million poundsterling as a start. And he has to make sure this person worth that amount of money. Yeah.. I can understand the emotionless part of the industry .. if It’s me, I would be as jaded and calculated as your husband and others from the industry if it involves those kind of money.. business is business

would love to see you in his site.. it’s not as fun as in here :smile_wp:

Thanks for the fantastic review. It is the best I’ve read (and we’ve all read some very good ones). It was knowledgeable but not too intellectual. In fact, it was very lyrical, and having been to Memphis (but only briefly and only during the day), I could really see the sights and sounds, so thank you for that. I had a feeling that the Memphis show might be more tempered b/c of the audience (a city with such a rich musical heritage). I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the concert, however.

As far as Adam, I am a total fantard, but I have to admit that I do worry a bit about him becoming a bit of a caricature with his Elvis hair or his “larger than life” rock star persona, only b/c he ISN’T ONE YET. I think he will be, but I wonder if this will start to turn fangoers or the industry off. I’m just wondering…and I desperately hope that Matty G gets signed, stat. He is wildly talented, IMO, and from what I’ve heard and read he just gets stronger and stronger with every performance. He is a terrific musician, he’s very charismatic, and he deserves a break and not having to book his own gigs.

Q3, I love your recap. Your marketing background shines through loud and clear. I saw that someone else posted that they now wanted to visit Memphis due to your description and I agree. I also saw your post the other night during/after the AR concert talking about the SEC tailgate parties and BBQ. This made me want to be there as well. Great job!

The concert was in Memphis but the audience was from all over the place. This was the closest concert for most of Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and large parts of Alabama and Kentucky. We ran into people who came up from Houston which didn’t get a show this year, from Lexington, KT because the other close show, Columbus, OH is on a weeknight, and tourists from Germany, the UK and Japan who added the concert on to their Memphis vacation.

This statement seemed to contradict your talking about the Memphis crowd being hard to please. I’m guessing a lot of Adam fans traveled from different areas.

I also know you mentioned how you were touched emotionally at the AR concert the other night and I was hoping you would have expounded on that a bit more.

However, I realize this is your recap and I appreciate it just how it is, including the awesome title!!!

Well done!!!

Fact: Adam wasn’t pitchy, he was perfectly on key the whole time – that is a technical evaluation. Also his articulation was incredible ‘” even in an arena.

I so agree with you on this but from what I heard on Youtube it sounds like his voice was a little horse in spots. Did it sound like that live?

‘ ¦.but it’s an idol concert? personally, if i did got to one of these idol concerts i’d much rather be in an environment like little rock or salt lake than say memphis. the tour is an extension of a cheesy and glorified karaoke reality show. and save for megan’s second song, it doesn’t sound like anybody’s completely bombing, so why not have a crazy energetic atmosphere for each one of these kids?’ ¦it’s an idol concert. most of them won’t ever do arenas again in their lives so why not? i think 98% of concert-goers know who they’re screaming the loudest for and standing up the longest for anyways so i don’t think people go in to these concerts with that critical of a mindset. they’re screaming for whoever their favorite was on the show.

plus’ ¦.have i mentioned it’s an idol concert? lol. it ain’t the symphony man.

your writing is impeccable. loved that alexis grace bit.

I have grown to love “the cheesey show” over the past season. It amazes me what these “kids” have accomplished and how far they’ve come. I cheered for everyone except Megan. But in a few cases, like Michael, I did it because I think he’s a great guy, not for his performance.

People weren’t rude. No one left early. I didn’t hear any boos or other negative stuff. But I watched some of the people in audience not stand up or scream for anyone. Some people didn’t even clap most of the time. The concert was just as good as the one the night before, and from the tapes I’ve seen it was very similar to the other shows. But the audience response was different. Based on some comments I heard and overheard, I think some people did not think some of the performances were very good.

thanks Q3 your review was by far my favorite. I’m going to the washington d.c. Show which is aweekfrpm tommorow and I am so excited!

Stellar review, Q3.

You should get a stipend from the Mephis C of C. I now want to visit the city just to soak up some of that musical atmosphere you so eloquently described.

Glad to hear Adam was pitch perfect.

I’m not accusing Adam of artifice: I think he enjoys the dress-up aspects of rock and roll, and more power to him. But I can see how it might come off as forced or fake, and I think it would be a shame if his style overpowered his substance.

That would be awful. He is OTT so I can see where it might come off like that.
But I see him as a genuine free spirit. Hopefully people will recognize his substance. That voice was always first for me and the rest was just like whipped cream on top of a sundae.. Yum… lol…

“He thinks Kris will do OK because he won Idol and fits well into a space that Jive/19R can understand – Joe King (The Fray) and Killers – what I call light alternative.” — Q3

I appreciate The Fray and Killers, as well as, Rob Thomas and most of mainstream music. I loved angry Alanis Morrisette and the pure, lovely vocals of the Cranberries’ lead singer. I’m loving Safetysuit right now and Parachute, but I also love R.E.M. and Seether and Breaking Benjamin, as well as, classic rock. I’m looking forward to the new Evanescene (sic) with Carly. I loved their sound.

Is Kris light alternative? Personally, I think he’s far more versatile than that. But, again we soon shall see…

The first time I looked at an I-tunes’ listing of song genres, I was perplexed and overwhelmed by all the music categories. It was ridiculous. My son agreed. He also chooses to find his music “outside the box”, veering away from mainstream or generic music as he calls it. He’s 15. I don’t quite have that rebellious edge anymore. I hear something, I like it or I don’t. Right now he’s into blues — I can hear House of the Rising Sun playing. It’s a cover by some obscure blues singer/musician. Sounds good.

It is all about the money and hopefully these kids can stay true to themselves and make the music they want to make, maintaining their musical integrity. I could say Kris would easily walk away from 19R/Jive, if he wasn’t happy with the direction of things, but I don’t really know. Something is holding Kelly C. there (her label), no matter her protests.

I have never denied Adam’s vocal abilities over Kris’s nor has Kris. Which one will have more success? Who knows? I don’t even think an A/R Executive has that knowledge completely in the bag. We can only hope for the best for all of them.

Thanks for the recap!!

Awwww DAY-UM, Q3! Now I want to see this show! I went to 3 Idol shows last year and your recap of your 2 adventures made me relive it all. I had so much fun. I doubt I would’ve gone to 3 shows this year, but I would’ve liked to see Adam, Matt, and Kris. I really liked Matt on the show and I saw a couple performances after Idol ended. So nice to hear what you thought about him…just what I thought. And I WILL go see him and Adam if they tour solo.

I haven’t sought out concert videos like I did last year though…circumstances beyond my control have had me stuck at home, immobile, since May. Argh. I missed 3 other concerts I already had tix for, including Keith Urban. Rats. Fortunately, I did NOT miss my one DAVID COOK show in April…heh.

INNYWAY, so nice to read your recap. I felt like you & I would’ve had a great time if we’d gone together and I’d have a new friend! hee. Wasn’t it fun, going to the Idol shows? I’m glad you had a good trip. And thanks.

Thanks for the great recap, Q3.

Re: The Band

Reading your recap gave me a bit of deja vu. I had read a post at TWoP (I rarely read things there) that was probably linked on this site or Adam’s official site. The poster was vaguely recapping the first rehearsal at the Portland venue. I remembered this comment as I read your review:

There was a full band onstage. Drums, guitars, percussion, the whole works. In fact, one problem I noted throughout was that the band was too loud, you couldn’t hear them sing! And then Adam said as much near the end of his set – something to the effect of “Can we have less band?”

http://forums.televisionwithoutpity.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=3182890&view=findpost&p=11933452

As I have watched the youtube performances, I kept thinking about that remark – “Can we have less band?”. I think MJ is credited for coining the (hilarious and appropriate) term “Bandzilla”, and for the life of me I can’t understand how they can’t hear this problem. Why is “Son of Bandzilla” on tour with these kids? Why do they bother with a sound check every day? It’s frustrating just sitting at home listening to cellcasts and watching videos.

I think I’d be furious if I paid to hear the singers and all I could hear was band.

Sorry for the rant on your review thread, but since you brought it up and you obviously know what you are talking about I could not control myself any longer on this subject.

The Idols are HERE in MY hometown!!!!!!!!! I am so excited they got to experience the beach today. I spend every weekend there and the Tampa/St.Pete area really is a secret treasure. I big city with a small town feel in some ways as “everyone knows someone you know” lol. I wish I was scouring the beaches today looking for ADAM and Matty. I would have fainted. I CANT WAIT TILL TOMMOROW! I AM FINALIZING MY OUTFIT NOW!!!!!!!

Great recap, thank you so much!

In other words, he’s jaded, coldly calculating about commercial appeal and doesn’t think highly of American Idol. He does, however, think Adam is really talented (YEAH!) and will be successful

So happy to hear his opinion about Adam’s talent. I guess that’s why all the AI alumnus’re trying to distant themselves from the “Idol”.

Thanks Q3. I have to guiltily admit that I’ve been waiting for your recap since the tour started. I loved how you wore both your fangirl and music insider hats at the same time throughout your piece, and pointed out all the differences that venues/cities can make to the show. Plus, I can never get tired of seeing (or even hearing about) live performances over and over- that is the beauty of it.

I’m sure people were saying Adam was a caricature since AI Top 36 at least. So far, it hasn’t stopped him in the slightest, and my guess is that he will up the ante as much as he can, especially once he is (sort of) out from the Idol umbrella (or at least attempt to in a way no previous Idol contestant ever has). As long as he is not trying to be a copy of anyone else (and “elvis” hair does not count, it is just another look), he’ll be fine with that voice and those looks. Yes, he is not yet a real rock star (hello, that takes years), but he is well aware that his songs will need to be really good.

And finally, as you said, the music business is about trying to make money in this very tough environment, but there is always the search for the new thing, and right now, Adam is the new thing.

I agree with jtoms. Sometimes it’s just the crowd because for the concerts I went to, one crowd sucked, and the other was great. I think people feed off each other and the excitement in AR for their hometown guy led to excitement for all the others as well.

I enjoyed reading your review! I just wonder how weird it was for Alexis to be at the concert knowing that she was one spot away!

Wow. I went back to the Memphis review and it has exploded with comments. I like the comments from the people who were actually at the concert, although others also make some excellent points. I still think the reviewer was on crack but it has started a somewhat interesting discussion.

Great job, Q3. I love reading all these reviews but I especially love ones like yours that give us the flavor of the event and those things surrounding it, ie the hotel buzzing with Idol fans, the Georgia on My Mind playing at the bar, the look and actions of the fans at the concert.
I really liked how you related Adam to all the ominpresent Elvis (Elvi?) images. I do think they share that same sort of magic, talent, sex and barrier breaking style.
Thanks!

dsp – I was in Awe at the look on Adam’s face as he looked out the opened window as fans ran over to the bus

How’s the look in his face? Was he amaze? Couldn’t believe that they would ran over to the bus to him?

Yea his manager have to take care of him, as much as he wanted to be with his fans. Because Adam, Kris and Allison don’t get days off, they still have to work on their album on the day they don’t have concert. That’s why if he has a little free time, Adam prefers to stay in his hotel and resting. I’m pretty sure Kris and Allison do the same.

This statement seemed to contradict your talking about the Memphis crowd being hard to please. I’m guessing a lot of Adam fans traveled from different areas.

My guess is that most of the people at the concert were from the Memphis area. Since I was in a hotel, I got to meet a lot of the long-distance concert goers. But Memphis was the concert for Memphis and Nashville this year. So the audience came from a wide area, an area that has a rich music heritage and many talented musicians. I live in Mississippi in an area with great gospel music, folk-rock and country music. The blues and rock & roll came from the Mississippi delta but the musicians and fans headed up Rt. 61, The Blues Highway, to play and hear music in Memphis. North Alabama is home to the Muscle Shoas Studios where the Rolling Stones, Traffic, Lulu, Boz Scaggs, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sawyer Brown, Bob Seger, Glenn Frey, The Oak Ridge Boys, Delbert McClinton, Little Milton, Melissa Etheridge and many, many more recorded albums. And, Nashville IS Music City.

There were a lot of Adam fans at this concert and we met them from Memphis and from other places. There were also quite a number of Kris fans and Danny fans. I can’t give you any idea who had the most fans at this concert, but there were more Adam logoed fans. That could just mean that Adam fans were the proudest of their Adam love. I will say that we only saw a few Arkansas license plates in the parking lot and that surprised us since Arkansas is right across the river form Memphis.

I also know you mentioned how you were touched emotionally at the AR concert the other night and I was hoping you would have expounded on that a bit more.

I have like Kris since the first time I saw him on Idol. I am a huge Adam fan and really believe we should judge people by the content of thier character, not the “package” they come in. As the competition between Adam and Kris started to get a bit ugly, Kris bravely and unselfishly supported Adam, and stood next to him as a friend. For that bravery I will alway love Kris.

When Kris took the stage in LR, he was the same maybe too humble, slightly shy Kris but he was almost glowing with excitement of being home surrounded by people he loved. And people loved him back. It was really quite simply, there is no place like home. And Kris was relaxed and at home.

I so agree with you on this but from what I heard on Youtube it sounds like his voice was a little horse in spots. Did it sound like that live?

The YouTube videos are so different from live Adam.

With the schedule they have been on, some horseness is not that surprising. I only noticed it a little bit on Mad World, on one line in particurly about halfway through the song — and only in Memphis. Mostly he changed the arrangements of MW, Starlight, Bowie Medley and DSB and eliminated a few of the high notes. It improved Starlight and the Bowie Medley for me, but I think that the original arrangement of Let’s Dance had some totally unnecessary high notes on “Flower” and was too showy. I would be really happy if Adam stopped improvising in his upper register and loved the Memphis ending of Mad World.

WLL Memphis was also different but his voice didn’t sound horse. He just sang different notes in a few places.

BTW, the difference, IMO, between other “glam” rockers like Lady GaGa or Katy Perry (whatever you would call her) and Adam is that they sound pretty awful live…and he does not. I realize that Lady GaGa has classical vocal training, but I heard her sing on SYTYCD (and Idol, right?) and she sounded like crap. I have seen Katy Perry performances on a number of programs and she has ALWAYS been off-key. Adam rarely is, and it is great to see him explore his lower range during the Tour (at least from what I’ve gleaned from the youtube videos). It has been pointed out that he has been even more impressive when he can sing a song in its entirety, and I certainly found that to be the case with One (recorded) and FG (same). So with, say, WLL, he can go high and low and medium and showcase himself AS WELL AS the song. I would just hope that he not be perceived as OTT at the expense of his immense vocal prowess and mad performance skills.

I have the feeling Matty G will get signed by the end of the Tour Just a hunch.

Thanks again for your fantastic review.

Thanks Q3! I appreciate your answers.

And, Nashville IS Music City.

I agree with your there! My brother-in-law and his wife are located there. I believe you’re the type of person with whom I’d love to sit down and have a conversion. Most of the questions coming from me.

I have the feeling Matty G will get signed by the end of the Tour Just a hunch.

I have the same hunch. And, I hope we’re both right!

I hope everybody gets to see the same Matt who showed up in the Mid-South. 12 of his 3 songs were great. Although he should replace his last song “You Found Me” (The Fray).

Q3, amazing review! Very well written and gave some great points on each idol.

Any of the top 10 you see buying an album from and/or seeing them on solo tour?

Also, interesting to know that your husband is a part of that A&R business. Love to get insight from him on the concert and who he think s would be successful.

Any of the top 10 you see buying an album from and/or seeing them on solo tour?

I would buy a ticket for the Matt concert and the Premier Luxary Suite suite for the Adam Lambert concert.

I plan to buy Adam’s album in traditional physical media — even if it sucks; all the others I need to hear first but I really hope I want to buy Kris, Allison and Matt’s albums.

And I will watch Anoop with great interest because he really impressed me live.

Also, interesting to know that your husband is a part of that A&R business. Love to get insight from him on the concert and who he think s would be successful.

Formally, not currently. He does project development and client management work now. (He’s an agent). I answered this earlier, he is positive but cautious about Adam. Was impressed by Matt. Is an Allison fan but does like the “Pink” direction they seem to have in mind. And thinks Kris will do OK in what I call the “light alternative” space – like Joe King/The Fray.

jordison:If I keep asking this question maybe someone can come up with an answer, please. It appears that starting with Ontario Cry Baby was cut by about 20-30 seconds, eliminating the Joplin-like ending, similar to the one on Allison’s studio cut. Does anyone know if Allison has been having vocal problems, and this was done to protect Allison’s voice, or was it a producer’s decision to ‘tighten the show’ , or whatever?
I share the concern that we don’t want her to kill her voice

Well, I hoped someone else would respond before now. I think it apparent that Alli’s voice has been strained for much of the tour. Strain, and volume issues, no doubt caused her to cut the ending of “Cry Baby”. SHAMESHAME. Tightening the show was not a consideration. At time she has seemed to take more active control of the issues. Good.
I posted a few thoughts elsewhere that may interest you, but I’M LAZY, so they are copied as follows:
comment to me:”Perhaps it’s not entirely the band’s fault and she herself needs to make some adjustments to her performing style.”my response: Absolutely true. I do come down way hard on the band/mixers. Alli does need to adjust. BUT, she is ( you hate me saying this) so young and inexperienced, and early on in her maturity as an artist. She is a pleaser. Any singer of this age, prodigious talent, power and ability must have hands-on VOCAL supervision at all times. MY GOD! Her voice is a NATIONAL TREASURE. I’m not kidding! Alli is a firebrand, 200% energy at all time, and it is not in her head (16 yo personality – see vids) to ease off a bit, even for her on good. Hell, it’s not in her mind. SO, those who care should take care. Extra care. Her set is demanding, but when she is at top volume and needing to go a few decibels more in a note or two, she often actually blows out – painfully. I cringe. Her musicality suffers, and for much of the tour . The Band/mixer/supers/coaches MUST help out. That’s all I want. I’m sure we all do. Sure.

As a former (small time) rock lead singer, sub-guitar player, but otherwise very experienced singer and musician with near-perfect pitch(can’t hit that middle C for ya, but gimme a pitch & I’m on), and as one who is demanding of other performers, I listen with an overly critical, but educated ear. One thing that sets Alli apart from JJ, Etta, P!nk, B.Raitt, and so many is her extremely beautiful, musical rock-voice. From comments here, I know that many do not hear as much of this part of Alli as I do; but, it is remarkable, distinguishing her as a rocker. It hurts to see her performances lose so much of this aspect so unnecessarily.
Said before: AI Tour is a fantastic – the best- training ground for Alli and buds. Hopefully, we will see progress and profit on this front.

Q3, been waiting to read yours and have to say it was a very refreshing recap.

so Memphis is the birthplace of Elvis? sorry i’m a bit musical knowledge challenged!

and another question…since Memphis is the home of the blues..how was Matt received there?

Thanks for the best recap so far. I, too, enjoy Adam’s “Starlight” (from watching the videos).

I was feeling much regret for deciding not to travel from my non-concert town (Houston), but no… not if the band is too loud for Allison. I have now erased all thoughts of catching up with the tour in another city.

Formally, not currently. He does project development and client management work now. (He’s an agent). I answered this earlier, he is positive but cautious about Adam. Was impressed by Matt. Is an Allison fan but does like the ‘Pink’  direction they seem to have in mind. And thinks Kris will do OK in what I call the ‘light alternative’  space – like Joe King/The Fray.

thanks, did not see the first post, but thanks for answering

I really, really enjoyed your review Q3, thank you so much! Your perspective was refreshing and precise, fave review so far.

Q3, I agree with those who came before me, yours is a stellar review. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful recap. I knew your view of the concerts would be worth waiting for, and you proved me right.

Thank you again.

never mind, i did a wiki search on Elvis and got my answer

The Memphis audience is really critical and really smart about music. You can’t show up in Memphis a give 50% and have the audience love it. There are too many good musicians around. So, no one got a standing ovation for just being there.

I don’t think that’s a valid reason or an excuse for being a cold audience. As someone said above, it’s the American Idols tour. Half the fun is getting into the cheesiness and running with it for a great night. Why are they even there?
And if a “jaded entertainment” population, like Los Angeles can get into it, then so could Memphis! I noticed in one of the Bowie medley You Tube videos I watched today, almost the whole side section of the audience is just sitting there and watching, not even clapping, let alone dancing when Adam tells them to get up and dance. Weird!

What a smashing review, as I expected it to be. The way you described the city and it’s history and vibe, was excellent and really added to the flavour of your review of the show.

In other words, he’s jaded, coldly calculating about commercial appeal and doesn’t think highly of American Idol. He does, however, think Adam is really talented (YEAH!) and will be successful – he is not sold that he will be a megastar.

I agree with your husband, I think Adam is very talented and has a chance, only a chance mind you, to be a star, but megastar? eh. And I totally agree that Kris will be successful and you describe his niche and sound perfectly to me, lite alternative and as you say, Jive/19 has some really good success in this space, so this speaks well of Kris’s chances as well.

Sorry to hear that Allison was being drowned out by Bandzilla, that’s a real shame and disservice to her. I assume that it was both nights and not just a case of Memphis’s sound mix not being right for her. Well hopefully this can be resolved going forward, because that’s just not fair to her or the audience. Yeah, they might be marketing her as Pink meets Miley Cyrus, but I hope that despite that, that Allison will still have some good tracks on her record and I do still think she has a shot at doing well commerically.

Matt sounds like he continues to do well in his set (despite the Fray misstep) so good for him. And hopefully this will translate into a record contract he can do well with.

Oh and thanks as well for describing the touching and great experience Kris had at LR. I just love reading about how moved he seems to have been by the enthustiastic response of thousands of people to him. I mean of course the YouTubes show it, but it’s also nice to read it from someone who was there, about the atmosphere of it all. So happy for Kris.

Q3, I need to add that I’ve never been to Memphis, and have never really felt like I was missing an experience by missing on the city, your review has changed that. My next US visit will definitely include a stop in Memphis. How can I miss out on a town that has both Gumbo and electric guitars? I’ve seen New Orleans, so how can I possibly ignore Memphis?

You write beautifully, and with quiet passion about a city you so obviously love; The Memphis tourism board should consider hiring you.

Q3, loved your recap, smooth as butter. You captured the feeling and flavor of Memphis perfectly also. Thank you so much.

Q3 wrote:
He thinks Allison is great but does not approve of the apparent desire to make her Pink 2 ‘” he thinks that they should be going more in the direction of Heart and Bonnie Tyler (Total Eclispe of the Heart).

I completely agree with your husband about this. I was really hoping Allison would reprise “Alone” on tour, but she opted for “Barracuda”. Here’s Allison’s winning performance of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” from three years ago. Imagine what she could do with this kind of material now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcWX70wL0z0

Q3 -could you tell us a little bit more about Kris’ banter with the audience in LR and if you can remember what any of the other idols said? I have seen very few recaps – no real reviews – and only a small handful of videos from the LR concert. It’s probably the most “personalized” concert of the tour given that the entire state has a population less than the city of Los Angeles – and the LR concert was so packed/enthusiastic. I am always interested in how the Idols play to their hometown audiences – and how the other Idols support them in their hometowns.

Anything you can remember would be appreciated!

ppwars: Any singer of this age, prodigious talent, power and ability must have hands-on VOCAL supervision at all times. MY GOD! Her voice is a NATIONAL TREASURE. I’m not kidding! Alli is a firebrand, 200% energy at all time, and it is not in her head (16 yo personality – see vids) to ease off a bit, even for her on good. Hell, it’s not in her mind. SO, those who care should take care. Extra care. Her set is demanding, but when she is at top volume and needing to go a few decibels more in a note or two, she often actually blows out – painfully. I cringe. Her musicality suffers, and for much of the tour . The Band/mixer/supers/coaches MUST help out. That’s all I want. I’m sure we all do. Sure.

“One thing that sets Alli apart from JJ, Etta, P!nk, B.Raitt, and so many is her extremely beautiful, musical rock-voice. From comments here, I know that many do not hear as much of this part of Alli as I do; but, it is remarkable, distinguishing her as a rocker. It hurts to see her performances lose so much of this aspect so unnecessarily.”

Thank you ppwars for your response. I’m not a music professional, but I have been around long enough (I’m 64) to appreciate that someone with Alli’s beautiful rich voice comes around very rarely. It bothers me that Allison seems to be falling under the radar on this tour, but not as much as the fear that she may injure her voice. She needs to be protected and nurtured.

Q3

Perhaps, because it’s the 4th straight concert there are some vocal changes in Adam’s set, a pleasant one comes at the end of ‘Mad World’  when he replaces the last high note with a 4-note improvisation that is beautiful.

Mad World Memphis was just posted on youtube, and I agree with you Q3 about the descending run he ends with, though it’s not the first time he’s done it. He’s been ending Mad World that way for sometime now.

The vids also show that Memphis got a unique ending to Bowie, one which I personally love, and hope he keeps for a while.

Q3, there is such sophistication in the way you write. I hope this wonderful recap won’t discourage others to do theirs. Your love for the music experience comes shining through. Excellent.

I had to reread your recap. Oh, how I enjoyed your review of the Beale Street experience. Having been to Memphis three times, you made me wish I was there. No cars on Beale Street where the clubs are? It hasn’t changed, has it? I also appreciated your respect for the music icons.

It sounds like Adam is accomplishing the goal of getting his audiences more than a little bit interested. This will serve him well when he has a solo tour!

As we were walking back to our hotel, we spotted Alexis Grace cozily chatting with a handsome young man while taking a ride in one of the horsedrawn Cinderella carriages that stroll around downtown Memphis.

Q3, I was commenting yesterday (to Megan) about how I missed Alexis not being on the tour. What a perfect ending for me to read. Thank you so much!

I was very surprised that Lil did not get a better audience reaction in her home town.

The closest I have ever been to Memphis is Knoxville TN. Reading these posts it doesn’s seem to me that Memphis is an A.I.-type town. They appear to do their own “thing” with music and don’t seem to care about the music that we post about here even tho Sarver did an Elvis song.

Wonder what the ratio is of people in Memphis who even watch A.I.? :ponder_tb:

Q3, thank you for this very interesting review and answers to questions.

As for the comments about the danger of Adam becoming a caricature, I think that’s it’s part of his personality to always walk on the line between amazing/different and bad taste/caricature. As long as he doesn’t let the buzz around him get to his head, stays grounded and receptive to feedback and criticism, I think that he will be fine, and so far it’s been the case.

I like that he is changing his arrangements as the tour goes, and it may be to save his voice, but I think that it also that he thrives to improve on himself and this in my mind will be the key to his success.

Hi, Q3, your review is great – bet you had straight A’s in English! I love the info about the vocals, the industry, the audience, and the city … like someone else said, I always read your comments on MJs carefully. You have tons of BFFs on this blog – so I’ll get in line, too

I saw the tour in LA and am proud to say that that was a great audience for the Idols – plenty of love for all! Of course, the biggest reception was for Adam, but LA was great to everyone … it almost seemed like the kids weren’t quite expecting that and each seemed so excited and happy during their sets.

The thing that struck me about Allison was how young she is … that seems weird, since we all know she’s just 17, but she seems a young 17, full of fun and frenetic energy. She’s giving her all and I hope her voice isn’t suffering. It sure seems like someone in the know should step up and control the band. Can’t imagine why AI doesn’t give guidance on how to endure a long and grueling tour schedule as this is a new experience for most.

About Adam and the possiblity of him becoming a caricature, I think it might be that we’re inundated (thankfully!) with tons of videos of his set so there’s not much of the unexpected with still a long concert run to go through. He’s doing as much as he can to change things here and there but it’s not like during the season where we were treated to a different Adam each week. The same thing could be said about each person’s set, it’s just that Adam gets so much more attention. Hopefully each of them is MORE than what the tour sets show, and in Adam’s case we know that’s true because of his past performances.

The review from “gomemphis” is very strange, IMO. I can’t imagine why the author decided to change seats during Adam’s set (what is it, 20 minutes or so?), going from the floor to the upper deck (I forget where, exactly). How could he possibly be paying attention to Adam’s voice while climbing over screaming fans – and how rude! Thanks for your confirmation that Adam’s voice was as vocally spot on as always. His pitch, tone, and enunciation are perfection … and I agree with the person who said that even if he sang while standing absolutely still, people would continue to scream and cheer. To me it’s all about the vocals!

Thanks, Q3!

Formally, not currently. He does project development and client management work now. (He’s an agent). I answered this earlier, he is positive but cautious about Adam. Was impressed by Matt. Is an Allison fan but does like the ‘Pink’  direction they seem to have in mind. And thinks Kris will do OK in what I call the ‘light alternative’  space – like Joe King/The Fray.

I was curious why your husband was “positive but cautious about Adam”? I understand the “positive” part, but why “cautious”? And what made him feel uncertain whether he could be a megastar? Did he have any comments about his vocal abilities in particular?

Thanks for your thoughtful revew! I really enjoyed it.

Q3 wrote:
He thinks Allison is great but does not approve of the apparent desire to make her Pink 2 ‘” he thinks that they should be going more in the direction of Heart and Bonnie Tyler (Total Eclispe of the Heart).

I have been reading Claude Kelly’s tweets ever since he twittered about writing a song with Kris Allen. Claude is an absolute delight, with his tweets about striving for greatness. Claude was a co-writer on Kelly Clarkson’s My Life Would Suck Without You, among other huge hits, and he also happens to be a huge Whitney Houston fan.

Just yesterday, he was lamenting the fact that virtually no ballad can get radio play right now, and said that some of the greatest songs of all time are ballads. He then challenged music fans to get their ‘attention spans up’. Chris Daughtry tweeted back in total agreement.

IMO, this is why they are talking Allison/Pink instead of Allison/Bonnie Tyler. Pink moves units, and in the current radio climate, Bonnie Tyler probably would not.

Q3, thank you for your well written and informative review.

Webster, branding and image are even more necessary than talent for success these days.

Vada, I don’t think it is in dispute that Kris isn’t the best anything in Season 8 ‘ ¦’ ¦’ ¦’ ¦’ ¦.. apart from the best contestant from Arkansas in Season 8.

I have to agree with reviewer about Adam’s vocals in Memphis, whether he was paying attention or not. He was seriously showing signs of soreness at least. Check out the end of Let’s Dance. It’s painful to listen to. WLL was also all over the place even when he tried to improvise in his lower register. I hope he is not going to do his voice permanent damage by continuing to put such strain on it when his throat is clearly not 100%.

As for anyone expressing caution about Adam’s potential, I’d say just from my view in PR that there are two things that would hold him back from being what he could otherwise be. Firstly, having emerged from a talent show. Like it or not, the stigma is there and will always be there for these guys. If he’s lucky he will reach Leona Lewis-like status and sales. Secondly, his sexuality. Even in the most enlightened times and places you have to have a certain amount of convincingness in what you are singing and doing, and it will never sit the way it should unfortunately.

I wish Adam had been discovered in the conventional way. I wish that by not being in the public eye week in week out at the start of his career and thereby not being in a position where people were going to want to know each and every thing about him right now (and in these internet days, there is no hiding place), the issue of his sexuality hadn’t arisen until well into his career.
It does pain me to say this because I am a huge fan and think the guy is immensely and uniquely talented but I have to be honest.

Thanks Q3, anytime you make it back to Phoenix we will have to hang and spend hours rehashing everything AI. I’m glad that there are others who have this obsession.

I often wonder what it would be like to put myself back into AI and the idols without the Internet being my daily “fix”. Oftentimes I think it would be really nice to “not know so much” and to be able to just enjoy them from afar and sporadically. I’ve become so engrossed and “close” to them that I see only the minutia and sometimes overlook the big picture.

Janie alluded to this, above, when she said that we have become so inundated with Adam that we don’t see him as he is, but as we expect him to be. Whenever I begin to focus on the leather wearing, androgynous appearing, hip swiveling Adam of the tour I take some time out to go watch some old pre-idol videos where he is singing and not doing his OTT performing. Hopefully he can include the “old Adam” into his repertoire when the tour is over so that we can have and see a fully rounded Adam and not just the “package” he has delivered during the tour. I know that there is more to Adam then we are now seeing so I’m not afraid that he will become a “caricature”….

edit: Can’t follow my rules you’re in moderation now. Maybe you’ll eventually earn your way out.

Q3: Thank so so much for this lovely and evocative recap. Your husband’s and your friends’ thoughts on Adam are interesting and I would be curious to know more of them, but I’d also extremely curious to know your thoughts on Adam’s possible career, future prospects, etc., if you care to share them. Also, you seem very oriented towards detail, and I’d be fascinated to hear more about what emotions you felt were evoked during Adam’s set–particularly by Starlight as compared to Matthew Bellamy’s version (I love both–you’re so lucky to have seen Muse live!–but I agree that Adam’s version is even more stellar), Mad World, and the Bowie Medley. Really, I’m just interested in hearing anything you have to say about Adam–it’s great to hear knowledgeable people talk about what makes him special.

Secondly, his sexuality. Even in the most enlightened times and places you have to have a certain amount of convincingness in what you are singing and doing, and it will never sit the way it should unfortunately.

Maybe I’m missing something, but what does Adam’s being gay have to do with being “convincing” as a singer? Unless all of his songs are about how desperately he wants to sleep with women, I don’t see a problem in that area.

And Kris fans probably enjoyed him the best out of anyone in season 8, just as Adam fans did for Adam and Allison fans for Allison, etc.

Q3 this is one of the very best recaps I’ve read to date. Thanks! You make me want to go on vacation in Memphis. I’m a CA gal & have never had a desire to vacation in the south before. LOL

A&R execs, a vanishing breed in with digital distro and crumbling record sales, are the people responsible for finding talent, negotiating contracts and guiding the reording process.

This right here scares the cr@p out of me. I’m a marketing person (different industry) myself and am fearful of the thought of new and rich talent going to waste. It’s commercialization gone amok. I was just discussing with my DH last night about new artists and the the prevailing cookie cutter sound that seems to dominate popular music. As I see it, the music industry invests so much money that artist need to be successful out the gate & there is no time/money to identify/nurture the artist or their songwriting skills. So now we have a handful of songwriters writing a majority of popular music – thus you have music that all sounds alike. Hence situations like the Kelly issue. The industry needs to find a new business model to resolve the declining profits. I have a feeling this decade may become a little bit of a black hole in music history. A lot of change in industry structure, but little to reflect artistry.

I’m actually more fearful of this situation for Adam than I am about the caricature. The glitter only really came out since the finals. We saw very little of it during the press rounds, a little in the RS coverage and then the tour. Most of what we see is stage make up, not his every day look. The clean boy face will come back in Sept (probably Aug. at GMA concert). I truly hope Adam is strong enough to push through his own vibe. We need it.

I wish Adam had been discovered in the conventional way.

Don’t ALL AI contestants wish this? It’s just hard to get discovered and it often times has NOTHING to do with how good you actually are. Do you know how many demos, just demos, these record companies get? Even the small companies? Would Adam have been discovered the conventional way if he waited? Probably not. Sorry. LOTS of great, talented people on broadway and in LA period. AI is Adam’s chance. Hope he runs with it.

I don’t think it is in dispute that Kris isn’t the best anything in Season 8 ‘ ¦’ ¦’ ¦’ ¦’ ¦.. apart from the best contestant from Arkansas in Season 8.

Each to his own. And I do think that there is a HUGE dispute about a lot of this and rightly so. You can’t quantify something like that…sorry….too subjective.

I’m interested in the characture issue. Something about fans going for Adam hair, or make-up or style elements has made me uneasy, and I’ve not been able to pinpoint it, because I certainly think people should dress as they see fit. But now I think maybe that’s it: a vague sense that he’s being distilled down to some superficial package that could become a characture.

I think it’s way too early to worry about that. The Beatles were supposedly all about their mop top …. except they weren’t. They evolved, just as Madonna did, and Adam will evolve, too. He loves dress-up, and he isn’t going to dress-up the same way all the time. He doesn’t even now. And as time goes on, he’ll put on new stuff.

But now I think maybe that’s it: a vague sense that he’s being distilled down to some superficial package that could become a characture.

But it’s a realistic fear. I’m glad someone shows some sense to reality in regards to Adam Lambert.

I have to agree with reviewer about Adam’s vocals in Memphis, whether he was paying attention or not. He was seriously showing signs of soreness at least. Check out the end of Let’s Dance. It’s painful to listen to. WLL was also all over the place even when he tried to improvise in his lower register.

I agree Memphis wasn’t his best showing. He was on fire in AR, I think the four nights in a row took it’s toll and everyone giving a 110% in AR didn’t leave a lot to give for Memphis.

AI is Adam’s chance. Hope he runs with it.

Oh, I think it’s safe to say he is and will continue to do so. He’s seem very aware that he has to use his 15 minutes to good effect.

One thing that sets Alli apart from JJ, Etta, P!nk, B.Raitt, and so many is her extremely beautiful, musical rock-voice.

That’s it, all right. And she’s got the total musicality to go with it, even at her young age. She is just amazing. But I cringe when I think of her getting into nightly screaming contests with the over-exuberant band.

The danger in singing with a band when you do have a big, full, pretty voice and energy is that the band *loves* it so they tend to really start banging, and they risk loving your voice to death. Unfortunately, at her age and with her niceness, Allison’s going to risk this every time she performs, I’m afraid, because bands are going to get excited. She needs handlers on the spot stopping this, but I don’t know that they pay that much attention to what’s happening on this tour.

Wow. I think this is the most responses I’ve seen for a concert recap!!

It sounds like you enjoyed both concerts. Your recap was very vivid. I could see it in my mind as I read your recap. Thanks!!

I am a little troubled about the “caricature” issue that is floating around. And I just want to say that there have been many, many performers that have “used” a persona to get themselves noticed and have either run with it forever or have changed it up as time goes on. Notables: Elton John, Bette Midler, Alice Cooper, Kiss, ZZTop, Madonna.

In the end…talent will win out over costumes and eye shadow and snakes!

I think it’s way too early to worry about that. The Beatles were supposedly all about their mop top ‘ ¦. except they weren’t. They evolved, just as Madonna did, and Adam will evolve, too. He loves dress-up, and he isn’t going to dress-up the same way all the time. He doesn’t even now. And as time goes on, he’ll put on new stuff.

I find it interesting that Adam already has a “brand” when he hasn’t even recorded a CD yet. It normally takes years for artists to get a “brand” or concern themselves with being gimicky. At this point, I see it more as a positive because people are obviously remembering Adam. Being and dressing different is making him stand out, which is why he always got all of the buzz (mostly positive) in the first place.

How difficult is it to fix the sound mix?

Is this the same band from the show? If so, I remember sound mix problems then as well.

Tess that list can go on forever, every stand out artist has something about them that’s THEM, hair, voice, the way they dress and so on. Adam being recognized by his outer persona as well as his talent is not a bad thing.

FROM Q3 REVIEW…”One of our music pro friends express one concern about Adam, he needs to be careful that he doesn’t become a caricature.”

From day one that’s all I’ve ever seen him as. I won’t deny that he has a huge range and voice but every time I see him perform I laugh involuntarily. I cannot get past the artifice of it all. I loved him on “Tracks of my Tears” so genuine and real without the costume and shield that he puts up when he plays at being a rock-star.

edit:
Never mind, straying off topic, and I don’t want to create more work for MJ.

Is this the same band from the show? If so, I remember sound mix problems then as well.

No. It isn’t. And the band doesn’t actually do the sound mix. They have someone else that does that. The mix depends heavily on the venue (as some venues present great challenges). What sounds awful in one section, can be perfect in another area. I imagine they try to mix to get good sound to the greatest number of people.

I don’t know if ya’ll remember Adam’s Cryin’ on the show but on TV the backup singer was off and the sound mix was bad so that it sounded a bit like a couple cats fighting in a bag. (Why do I feel I need a Hush Cats macro here?) When I read a review of someone who attended the show, they said that it was hardly noticeable in the live studio and had to go to their DVR recording to see what people were talking about.

I find it interesting that Adam already has a ‘brand’  when he hasn’t even recorded a CD yet.

Wow. What is this brand of which you speak? Adam dresses different for the average AI contestant, but not in terms of people living in the big cities such as LA/NY or even Berkeley (not a big city…but whatever) for that matter.

In regards to the cariacature statement, while it is a valid concern, I don’t think he’ll become a cariacature. I think the real problem will be that he won’t go “far enough”, that the music produced will be too bland for what his fans think he is (cause apparently has already filled in the blanks regarding Adams meteoric rise to fame). American Idol produces pop stars, plain and simple. That will be Adam’s main problem, trying to beat the machine while being part of it.

I haven’t read the other comments yet but I totally agree with

One of our music pro friends express one concern about Adam, he needs to be careful that he doesn’t become a caricature.

It’s just my opinion and others may dis/agree but I think Adam has to be careful how he markets himself in the US. I think he’ll have no problems becoming successful in Europe just as he is because Europeans appear to be much more open to nonconformity (again, just my impression). But I think he could have image problems with the younger US male, music-buying demographic if he’s not careful. I don’t think he can be successful in the long run here in the US if he’s missing that key demographic.

Wow. What is this brand of which you speak? Adam dresses different for the average AI contestant, but not in terms of people living in the big cities such as LA/NY or even Berkeley (not a big city’ ¦but whatever) for that matter.

But not everyone lives in a big city so to them Adam’s style is different. I live in Boston and unless I go to certain areas, I don’t see people looking like Adam walking the street, but now when I do I associate the look to Adam (I know the look has been around waaaay before Adam). I’m sure people who live next door to emo/goth-ish, (or how ever you want to describe Adam’s look), types don’t see anything out of the ordinary but even still it was pretty wild to see it on an AI stage.

Wow. What is this brand of which you speak? Adam dresses different for the average AI contestant, but not in terms of people living in the big cities such as LA/NY or even Berkeley (not a big city’ ¦but whatever) for that matter.

In regards to the cariacature statement, while it is a valid concern, I don’t think he’ll become a cariacature. I think the real problem will be that he won’t go ‘far enough’ , that the music produced will be too bland for what his fans think he is (cause apparently has already filled in the blanks regarding Adams meteoric rise to fame). American Idol produces pop stars, plain and simple. That will be Adam’s main problem, trying to beat the machine while being part of it.

I lived in DC for 4 years, I know its not different in urban settings. lol A company has sold Adam Lambert pant belts, his hair (Elvis vs Emo), the glitter, etc. Grant it, I don’t think geling your hair back automatically signals Elvis but whatever. I’m talking about his image. LIttle kids are going to these AI concerts dressed as Adam. That is a “brand” that is obviously selling when shops are running out of black nail polish before concerts. You don’t see a lot more people buying plaid because Kris wears it during his set do you, or little girls dying their hair pink/red for Allison, etc. ? Thats what I”m talking about when I say “brand”.

The fact that people are so consumed with his image proves he has some sort of “brand”. It doesn’t matter if someone else wears it. The way he holds a mike, the way he wears a tank top, his jacket, his hair, the eyeshadow, the glitter, the black nailpolish, etc. I personally think its how he is. He’s been dying his hair black for years, etc. But some people see it as something he’s trying to sell rather than who he actually is. Anytime that type of debate comes up, you’ll talking about someone’s brand.

And you’re right. Adam isn’t different. For the AI show yes, but he’s not different at all in the bigger picture. Adam did not invent hair dye, guyliner, etc. He’s not the first or only gay entertainer/singer. Its all been done. But because he doesn’t act like Opie from the Andy Griffith Show, he’s been able to “brand” himself quicker and get away from the AI label, which to me isn’t a cariacature. If Adam had been discovered the “traditional” way, I’d bet anything the word cariacature wouldn’t be used to describe Adam at all.

Q3, as a southerner and a Matt G fan, I loved your recap. I can’t wait to see and hear Georgia in Georgia (although I am a TN transplant). For anyone who has spent time in a duelling piano bar, you know those folks are mad talented. It’s bittersweet to me that folks are “discovering” Matt while he’s on tour.
BTW, I’ve seen You Found Me live and by The Fray and it was pretty low energy as well. I am not sure if The Fray is a big arena type of band, but it is a touching song that must strike a personal cord with Matt if he continues to sing it.
I’m really excited to hear Starlight and All the Things I’ve Done on tour! Great pics by Kris and Adam! YAY for Friday!

It’s just my opinion and others may dis/agree but I think Adam has to be careful how he markets himself in the US. I think he’ll have no problems becoming successful in Europe just as he is because Europeans appear to be much more open to nonconformity (again, just my impression). But I think he could have image problems with the younger US male, music-buying demographic if he’s not careful. I don’t think he can be successful in the long run here in the US if he’s missing that key demographic.

I agree that Europe is more open to nonconformity. Thats why I hate the words mainstream and current that is frequently used in the U.S. So if you don’t “fit” into a box, you can’t be successful, or should have to change???? Thats burns me up!! lol Anyways, I think this will be an interesting thing to see in the long run, especially since its impossible to predict. For instance, lets one might think that African-Americans, particularly those in urban settings buy the most rap/hip hop music. However, many studies are showing that over half of rap albums are bought my suburbia white kids.

I guess what I mean about Adam, who was by far my favorite contestant in S8 (and Kris was RIGHT BEHIND him), is that he can sing songs with such range, but I what I hear constantly about Adam is his hair, his jacket, his belt, taking *off the jacket*, his gyrating, and so on. I think he’s sexy, but that is not why I want to see him in concert. Sure, his vocal prowess has been discussed, and his dancing is really fun, but is he showcasing his voice as well as his stage persona? Because I *really* do not want to see him as the next Lady GaGa. I have her album, it’s fun, and I know how big she is on the charts right now, but I cannot stand to see her live (same with Katy Perry). They are, IMO, nothing but glitz and glimmer (same with the Pussycat Dolls, and others). I hope that Adam’s album showcases all of his mad vocal skills and that his solo tour does as well.

Given that I think he is so talented, I am not exactly worried (like I should be worried ), but when someone can sing songs that are as haunting as Muse’s Starlight, Mad World, and ToMT, then I want to hear those as well as WLL and BTBW. (And for the record, I *hated* when he sang with KISS, tho I liked We Are the Champions with Brian May.) I realize this is a “give them what they want” performance, but I wonder what meaning true to yourself is. I know Kris is, but what about Adam?

And Bandzilla is ridiculous. They have had enough time to work this out!

Belle
Jul 28th, 2009 at 7:31 am

I have to agree with reviewer about Adam’s vocals in Memphis, whether he was paying attention or not. He was seriously showing signs of soreness at least. Check out the end of Let’s Dance. It’s painful to listen to. WLL was also all over the place even when he tried to improvise in his lower register.

Were you there in Memphis as well? Or are basing this on YouTubes?

Thank you Q3 for the re-cap – it compensates fully poor vids feeding after Memphis show.

ppwars:
“Bandzilla is killing Allison. Her performances. Her voice. Her musicality. This has been my impression since the start of the tour. It’s a real shame. Bands can be very hard headed – they are all half deaf, always. Somebody should control the situation. It has gotten ridiculous. One of the reasons the band loves Alli so much is because she doesn’t mute them; she is a gamer – to her own detriment, and to the unconscious delight of the band. A band whose age and experience easily doubles hers. A band whose artistry isn’t half.

A rock bands mindset: the louder the better. It’s killing her performances. It’s killing her voice. She is barely 17. Somebody TAKE CONTROL for God’s Sake!”

I agree that “bandzilla” should be tamed as soon as possible.

Adam = caricature? Caricature of what, of who? One cannot be a caricature of oneself. Oh wait, maybe he is a caricature of an alien who is going to conquer our planet by making some rock-pop-dance-electronic weapon. Sigourney Weaver prepare yourself!

Glad to hear that you enjoyed Matt so much. He seems to be consistently impressing people on this tour, which is great! I’m hopeful that he will be signed, too. Personally, I wish he would stick with the blue-eyed soul/jazzier kind of stuff, which really allows him to showcase his improvisational skills vocally and on the piano. He seems to be a great performer, and I think he can build a loyal following by touring. A lot.

Thanks for the lovely recap Q3, I enjoyed it very much. I, like many others are a little worried about Adam ´s future but I know that he is smart enough to handle his career well and I can ´t wait to see him singing his own songs everywhere, I think the fans like me are in for a fun (and hopefully long) ride.

I was on the 7th row at the Memphis concert. As an Adam fan I alerted everyone around me that I would be standing for Adam’s set. Next to me were approx 10 of Kris’ friends that said they grew up with him in Conway. Katy even joined them during kris set and it was fun to watch them going crazy during kris set. I was a bit disappointed though that not one of them stood during Adam’s set and they had to be the only ones on the floor that i could see not standing. I have to agree with the good comments re Matt—I hope he gets signed.

Great review. But i find it funny that someone comments they wish Adam was not discovered on AI. First off have you not read or heard his interviews? He has been trying to get discovered for years in LA. He needed to be on AI to get noticed. He got what he wanted. We all noticed him because of that voice and look. I think he is one of the most talented performers i have ever witnessed. He has the potential to be one of the Best or the Best of our life time. That is right , right up there with MJ, Elvis, ect. His vocal skills is better then any of those a head of him. He can sing anything. ANYTHING. And the sexy persona that he is doing for the tour is probably one of the many we will see of him in the future. He is a entertainer. He is smart, has surrounded himself with the right people now. And he knows what direction he wants to do and actually is not limiting himself just to one way. He is going to keep this exciting, showy and he can cause he has the vocals to back it up. Let him fly !!!!

I agree Memphis wasn’t his best showing. He was on fire in AR, I think the four nights in a row took it’s toll and everyone giving a 110% in AR didn’t leave a lot to give for Memphis.

I think it’s the constant talking in interviews that these kids have to do that is wreaking havoc with their voices. The most anyone sings is 6 songs, so if they can’t handle that, they will be in trouble when they do a solo tour.

Thanks for the review, seems like you tried to mix the “professionnal” point of view with your experience as a fangirl of a contestant, I enjoyed it.

About Lil, not surprised by the lack of enthusiasm for her, I think there are only 5 popular contestants with a hometown fanbase this year and she’s not one of them (unfortunatly for Allison, LA is not a hometown pride kind of city). I bet that Anoop, Matt and Danny are going to have big hometown visits

About Matt, he really seems to become more and more popular (at least in the small AI internet bubble), but there’s a reason why he finished fifth after being given 3 chances by the judges: he’s not very good at the style he wants to do.
He stated several times he wants to make a soul/rock record but his performances in that genre during the show were not good. His attempts at Coldplay, The Fray and Bryan Adams were largely panned by the judges and the audience. So while I believe he is a very good live performer (served by the fact he has probably the most experience after Adam), I am still not sure of his potential as a recording artist.

About Allison, it’s one of the very first time I hear she is being overpowered by the band (same for Kris), most reviews highlight that she has a powerfull voice that you can hear in the whole arena. Moreover, I think you need to make a distinction between the songs, from what I have seen and heard in the videos she has no problem being heard during “So What” and “Cry Baby”, it’s on “Barracuda” that sometimes she has to fight the band. Finaly, I am not sure yet why your husband thinks Jive is trying to market her as a new Pink. We haven’t heard any of her songs yet and I believe the marketing strategy still comes after the music (at least I hope so)?

About Adam, I am jaleous of anybody who gets to see him live, he has exceptional vocals and charisma.
I hope the music he produces will be good so I can buy it.

And in one interview, Adam said that tho he would do six nights a week of Wicked, they would stay in the same location. I think it’s the travel, as well as the interviews (oh, and the m&g’s), that are messing with their voices. The other thing may be that with the exception of Adam (I think; could be wrong), the Idols do not have formal musical training. Before, they sang one solo song (90 seconds), a Ford video, and a group number. Not too much for one week. This requires so much more vocal and physical stamina. Four concerts in a row is crazy enough, but then having to travel right after the show has *got* to be too much, tho they sounded like they had a lot of fun yesterday from their tweets. (I wonder if Adam and Kris were recording or just resting; Allison was on the jet skis, but they weren’t mentioned.)

One last thing: I do love how Adam mixes it up, but I have always been much more of a fan of Upright Brigade than the Zodiac Show, which is why I love some of the softer songs than the OTT ones, I suppose. I Just Love You and Come Home are by far my fave pre-Idol songs, tho I do like others like Crazy and Crawl Through Fire. I guess I will get them all and just enjoy the Adam experience.

Regarding my caricature comments, let me clarify: I see no problem with how Adam is portraying himself, either on stage or off (that’s not to say that I like all his performance choices 100% ) I do see a problem with the fact that the fanbase, and to a lesser extent, the media, focusses so much on specific aspects of his “look”.

But if we can get through Halloween without him becoming a costume, I’ll relax my concern.

“Vada: Just yesterday, he was lamenting the fact that virtually no ballad can get radio play right now, and said that some of the greatest songs of all time are ballads. He then challenged music fans to get their ‘attention spans up’. Chris Daughtry tweeted back in total agreement.”

I agree. Music is emotion. Ballads are a great vehicle for this. Although a lot of the “singers” popular right now would struggle with a ballad as they cannot sing!!!!! Ballads also challenge your writing ability/lyrics. And we have seen that this is a real problem. So I can see where ballads have been abandoned. They require true talent and artistry. You cannot hide behind the noise.

But if we can get through Halloween without him becoming a costume, I’ll relax my concern.

hmm it think there will be a few Lambert costumes this Halloween… but I think Michael Jackson costumes will be the majority.

Q3 great recap. I enjoyed yours as well as all the other devoted AI fans who have given recaps here. I was wondering, since your husband is a agent, did he try to sign Adam or Allison? Will he now try to sign Matt? Just curious.

Tara:“Although a lot of the ‘singers’  popular right now would struggle with a ballad as they cannot sing!!!!! Ballads also challenge your writing ability/lyrics.”

I agree. What do you mean by “the noise” ?

The definition of caricature is “exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics.” I guess we don’t know specifically what Q3′s industry friend was referring to but my read is that it’s something more than just Adam’s physical appearance.

The one concern for Adam that I had on the show was that so many of his songs had that signature rock wail that many of his detractors latched onto that as a means of defining him in a caricature type of way. I understand the reason for the wail. When you’re in a competition and people are voting on you every week, you try to distinguish yourself in some way. And those who truly understood vocal technique knew just how impressive those sounds were (NOT screaming). Sometimes they worked (WLL, BTBW) and sometimes in the context of a shortened, 90-minute version, there wasn’t enough lead in such that they seemed slightly jarring.

But now in the real world, in his upcoming album, I think it’s important to get enough of a mix so that Adam’s not showcasing his voice in every song. I trust that will be the case, because I think Adam’s a smart guy, but I can understand that some industry person might have a reservation or two simply because his/her limited exposure to Adam was the Adam from the show (I suspect he/she hasn’t been obsessively surfing the net for all things Adam).

It’s just hard to get discovered and it often times has NOTHING to do with how good you actually are. Do you know how many demos, just demos, these record companies get? Even the small companies? Would Adam have been discovered the conventional way if he waited? Probably not.

I will always believe that Adam needed to prove to the industry types that people would accept him, just the way he is. Yes, people are always pointing out that the AI audience is not the real world album-buying audience. But to some degree the AI audience with its more mainstream demographic was an even tougher nut to crack. If Adam could finish #2 in that population sample, it bodes well for the “acceptance” side of it in the outside AI-bubble world. He’s got the voice, the looks, the charisma, and the performance chops. Now all he needs are some killer songs.

“But if we can get through Halloween without him becoming a costume, I’ll relax my concern.”

I don’t think there’s a prayer of getting through Halloween without an Adam costume! But there are plenty of Harry Potter, Twilight, Michael Jackson, Madonna and etc etc etc costumes, too, and it doesn’t seem to be hurting their sales any.

I really think the only reason the caricature thing is looking like an issue is that, because of the nature of this tour, he’s performing in exactly the same outfit every night. I expect that in a tour of his own, he probably would change it up quite a bit more, dressing way down for some numbers and dressing differently on different nights. He’s certainly done that in his own earlier work as well as on the show.

And, sure, there are parts of the American music-buying public that won’t like an Adam album. But there are parts of the American music-buying public that don’t like Daughtry albums or Carrie albums and they’re doing just fine. And if Adam ends up selling more in Japan and Germany than he does in the U.S., I doubt he’ll mind very much. RCA might. But on the other hand they actually seem as if they might be prepared for this possibility, in his case.

Anyway, have you not noticed the amount of young, and I mean young, male fans Adam has. They think he is much cooler than just about any other previous Idol contestant let alone any other one this series.

I don’t see that many teenagers or 20-30 men into Adam, I have seen some pictures of boys dressing up like Adam (altough I am left wondering how much their mothers are responsible for that) but that’s pretty much all.
The AI crowd is predominantly female and is becomming older year after year, that’s something you can see during the tour (the video footage of the people waiting to see the idols before or after the show don’t lie), that’s a big reason why David Cook had to do that College tour to attract new type of fans.

Q3 – GREAT recap!! Way to capture it! Makes me want to tour Memphis too, only er, I’ve actually lived here for over 25 years. LOL It’s true what they say that you tend not to tour or appreciate your home town. I do agree with your New Orleans v. Memphis assessment. Glad you cleared that up! Only I’ve heard some AMAZING music in the wee a.m. hours on Bourbon Street too.

It is interesting to me how our reactions differ based on our experiences. You came from the sky high of Little Rock, so to you Memphis was tepid. I’d not been to Little Rock, so I thought Memphis gave a lot of love to everyone. But, you’re right, I’m viewing it from a musical/concert perspective, and so to me, Lil got love albeit not as much as a tried and true star would have received in the same forum. And, from an AI fan perspective (which I do not actually have, btw ) I can see how folks might feel she and others should get more appreciation, if only for the celebration of cheese. It’s an understandably mixed bag, it’s true. This is a live show, and priced like one, so folks are there to see if we’re actually watching the rise of new stars (or not.) And, the audience response may show that in the end. FWIW, I stood and cheered for Lil, because I thought she deserved it.

Ok, enough mindless musings on that point…

I COMPLETELY AGREE with this:

Adam has a very definite, theatrical style and some people see that as contrived. I see an artist who is somewhat insecure and therefore works to achieve perfection ‘” with very small improvisational moments to keep himself from getting bored.

AND this:

I did not enjoy Danny’s set and thought it could be so much better with more integrated song selection, if he didn’t try to dance, if they didn’t bring up the standing mike with the floor lift, if he didn’t do ‘the speech’ , and he kept his jacket on. But that is just my opinion.

He really was all over the place, and not in a good way. Maria, Maria was way out of place, even in his mish-mashed set. I knew what that was about, based on my internet wanderings, but I doubt anyone else did. I even overheard a couple say, wtf? What was that?

As to others’ views of Adam’s style and performances:

I cannot get past the artifice of it all. I loved him on ‘Tracks of my Tears’  so genuine and real without the costume and shield that he puts up when he plays at being a rock-star.

To me, if we’re viewing Adam as costumed and theatrical, then ToMT is no different, is it? It’s only a different costume and shield. I don’t view him that way, but if people do, then it seems possible to me that people simply like one of Adam’s costumes (and characters) better than one or more of his others.

As to the notion of caricature:

But if we can get through Halloween without him becoming a costume, I’ll relax my concern.

:lol_tb: Gotta give you that one, that’s funny! I hope we escape that too, although I’m sure some kids will make homemade get-ups, which I suppose is a little bit better, no?

Miscellaneous:

I think peeps see a little Pink in Allison because of the similarities in their respective raspy voices, and maybe the hair color lol. Similar rock styles too. I feel certain there won’t be a Pink2 though. Allison is too young for that lyrically, it seems to me. The bigger danger, imo, is if they take her closer to a Miley style. Blech!

(And, in my view, it’s not about ballads. Pink has some super ballads, imo.)

Sarver and Suspicious Minds. I totally noticed that too, and I thought it might be new for Memphis. Guess not. But he totally nailed it!

so Memphis is the birthplace of Elvis?

Um, no. We just claim him as ours. Sort of how the pilgrims claim to have discovered America. ;-P Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Thanks again, Q3.

I have to agree with reviewer about Adam’s vocals in Memphis, whether he was paying attention or not. He was seriously showing signs of soreness at least. Check out the end of Let’s Dance. It’s painful to listen to. WLL was also all over the place even when he tried to improvise in his lower register.

Adam lower register is cool and beautiful.. I don’t know what’s painful about it. Just because he doesn’t finished WLL or Let’s Dance with his falsetto or higher register doesn’t mean its painfull.. SLASH even told him not to use his higher register too much because his lower register is really cool. And MasterClass Lady said Adam need to use his lower register a lot because it’s so beautiful.

I love his ending Lets Dance with lower register.. I love his ending in WLL with no Glory notes. He can do much more and better improvisation with lower register than his glory notes. Just because Adam always makes it looks easy to use that higher notes doesn’t mean it’s easy and doesn’t mean his should use it all the time. We’ve been spoiled with his Glory notes, but the man need to taking care of his voice. Memphis was the 4th night in the row and he still has another 30 something concert to do. So I think it’s wise for him to use more of his lower register now. Not only it’s wise but also it’s so beautiful and actually really COOL.

I agree Memphis wasn’t his best showing. He was on fire in AR, I think the four nights in a row took it’s toll and everyone giving a 110% in AR didn’t leave a lot to give for Memphis.

Adam was actually a lot hotter and “slinkier” in Memphis vs. LR.

If you are judging by the YouTube videos which I just watched, the sound was nothing like that where I was. In “Life on Mars” when he sang “sailers” his voice filled the whole arena – on the video it sounds tinny and thin.

I hope some better videos that were not shot from the front section show up but if he had sounded like those two Bowie videos, I would have writen something quite different!

Sunn – regarding the Memphis Mad World – I just watched the YouTube video and you can’t hear the end on the video because the crowd is screaming. At the end of the song, as the lights were going down, he sang 5 notes and then did a very sly smile. It was beautiful. If we weren’t sitting directly in front of the the main bank of speakers with a great view of Adam, I would have missed it.

No. It isn’t. And the band doesn’t actually do the sound mix. They have someone else that does that. The mix depends heavily on the venue (as some venues present great challenges). What sounds awful in one section, can be perfect in another area. I imagine they try to mix to get good sound to the greatest number of people.

For a number of the singers – all but Anoop, Matt, Danny and Adam – they had the band really loud. I think it was a strategy to make the performances better/more powerful. IMO the band should have been even louder for Megan. (Sorry to be mean, but it’s true.) It was the same in LR and Memphis, so I don’t think it was an accident.

The Fedex Forum is a very large and unusually tall arena. It was specifically designed for the optimal basketball experience — there is a great view from every seat (except for the concert seats they put on the basketball floor). It has 3 tiers and two club suite levels. The crowd is really spread out – well actually spread almost straight up. The acoustics are really challenging and I think that they had some really sound issues.

I think it’s the constant talking in interviews that these kids have to do that is wreaking havoc with their voices. The most anyone sings is 6 songs, so if they can’t handle that, they will be in trouble when they do a solo tour.

I’m wondering if the schedule is as grueling, one show after another, when singers do solo tours, or are the shows spaced out more for resting the voice?

In the end’ ¦talent will win out over costumes and eye shadow and snakes!

I feel that way too. All the attention getting costuming and makeup won’t work if Adam didn’t have the mad talent. He was getting noticed from the beginning because of his vocals. I think several things will keep him in the game. Along with his vocals, he seems to be extremely knowledgeable about the music biz and what he is doing. Adam has personality plus. Who doesn’t like to hear him talk? He is charismatic. He seems to charm many of his interviewers, women and men.

I will have to listen to his Memphis vids again to see if I detect hoarseness. Unfotunately, Adam has the most challenging set so most at risk for hoarseness. I didn’t notice any pitchiness when I first listened.

How difficult is it to fix the sound mix?

Is this the same band from the show? If so, I remember sound mix problems then as well.

I found this twitter exchange between a fan and Dave (@kokoki), the keyboard player and musical director of the tour, regarding the overpowering band issue:

@kokoki FYI Reviews from the last few concerts say beware sound mix! Band drowning out most of the idols.

@irishamber i’ve heard that as well – the FOH or “front of house” engineer is also aware of that. some venues pose acoustic challanges…

@irishamber also, since some of these idols are not that familiar with singing in such a situation, sometimes their mic technique is off.

@irishamber it’s a combo of acoustics and performance that’s causing the imbalance. our FOH engineer is BADASS – we’re lucky to have him.

FWIW, I stood and cheered for Lil, because I thought she deserved it.

I did, too. But I felt lonely!

Um, no. We just claim him as ours. Sort of how the pilgrims claim to have discovered America. ;-P Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi.

I live in Tupelo – and yes, Elvis was born and lived in Tupelo until he was 14. If he hadn’t lived here, he never would have been exposed to the “Shake Rag” musicians and dance moves that he brought to white audiences.

Memphis also claims the “Memphis Blues” and “Rock & Roll” which also both came from Mississippi. But Memphis is the big city for the Delta and North Mississippi, so it’s all cool. Just as long as Memphis doesn’t try to claim William Faulkner, too!

“Adok: I agree. What do you mean by ‘the noise’  ?

a lot of what I hear I don’t classify as music so much as just noise.

Q3, I was awaiting your recap and you did not dissapoint BB
I felt as if I were right there with you, too bad I couldn’t

“LaurelG: Now all he needs are some killer songs.”

In my little ol opinion this is all Adam needs. He has the rest in spades. This is what makes or breaks all these kids coming off Idol.

On Idol they are singing known hits. Songs that have already made it, proven themselves as worthy in music and lyrics. They get off Idol and hurry up an album and the music/lyrics are lacking. The best voice in the world won’t make up for a song with little or no hook and crappy lyrics.

As someone already said, I will buy his album regardless because I want to support him. I think he deserves it. But I am hoping he gets some good songs and just soars. I wish the same thing for Kris and Matt. I would buy their CD’s too if they are good. Adam I will support no matter what. Just like I did Elliott.

Yes, my views on Memphis is totally based on youtube videos.

A tad late to the party, and not much more to add that hasn’t been said already except ‘thanks’  for a wonderfully written review.

And thanks to your Memphis travelogue I, too, am thinking about someday making a New Orleans – Memphis jaunt.

From day one that’s all I’ve ever seen him as. I won’t deny that he has a huge range and voice but every time I see him perform I laugh involuntarily. I cannot get past the artifice of it all. I loved him on ‘Tracks of my Tears’  so genuine and real without the costume and shield that he puts up when he plays at being a rock-star.

Sorry, but every time I read an opinion like this one, I have to force myself to remember that no singer appeals to everyone … I don’t see any difference between saying this and my opinion that I enjoy Kris better without his guitars/piano because he connects better with the audience without using the instruments as a shield – so should I say he’s playing at being John Mayer or a coffee house entertainer??! As far as caricature goes, I am a little tired of those plaid shirts and the humble pie, too! See what I mean? They both at this point are just what we see – BUT we know what Adam is capable of by viewing all of his pre-Idol youtube stuff. Brigadoon anyone?! OMG, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve heard in a long, long time, maybe ever.

I don’t feel Adam is artificial in any way … he’s just being himself, doing what he loves to do, and doing it with style coupled with a killer voice. Combine all that with his innate ability to totally changeup/sell a song and his fearlessness, and he’s a winner. He truly connects with audiences in any genre – and as far as someone above being worried about him singing love songs because of his sexuality, come on! Women are obsessed with him … and as he says, love is universal. Cannot wait for his album/solo tour!

Rock on, Q3!!

wow MJ, somehow the first concerts everyone was so civil and now the fanwars are starting. Is this typical when reviews start coming out?

For non-Adam fans, Tampa writers don’t like him either. I’m prepared for mud slinging tomorrow. Love or hate, people are talking though!

wow MJ, somehow the first concerts everyone was so civil and now the fanwars are starting. Is this typical when reviews start coming out?

For non-Adam fans, Tampa writers don’t like him either. I’m prepared for mud slinging tomorrow. Love or hate, people are talking though!

I really didn’t see much in the way of “fanwars” in the mid-South — in both Little Rock and Memphis everyone got along really well.

The Graceland thread got a little warry.. and I thought things seemed to be heating up again today. Maybe not

Memphis review. The title is a little misleading to the context of the article, but maybe it’s because this guy isn’t an AI follower and doesn’t know that some people think Adam screams, haha (I’m not one of them)

http://www.examiner.com/x-16175-Memphis-Pop-Culture-Examiner~y2009m7d28-American-Idol-2009-Tour-hits-Memphis–Adam-Lambert-wins-screaming-contest

The Graceland thread got a little warry.. and I thought things seemed to be heating up again today. Maybe not.

Indeed it did. But the concert wasn’t “warry”.

Memphis review. The title is a little misleading to the context of the article, but maybe it’s because this guy isn’t an AI follower and doesn’t know that some people think Adam screams, haha (I’m not one of them)

It’s a woman, and it sounds like she became an Adam fantard after seeing him for the first time. Wait till she meets him (if she ever does).

“I felt as if I was looking at a HUGE Star that now needed this barrier from fans, one that had lost such freedoms as walking around the corner to the coffeeshop. While in awe, I also felt a little sad for him.”

I have been thinking a lot about this lately. Of all the Idols, Adam may feel that he owes the most to the public who finally rewarded his talent after so many years of being passed over – and he obviously truly enjoys interaction with fans – but because of his meteoric rise to (in the Idol context) superstardom, he went straight from “oh, look, Adam Lambert” to “OMFG Adam Lambert!” with no transition. He now has to be protected from paparazzi and fans, so soon in his career. Yes, I am sad for him.

And he has (in his self-described way of wearing himself on his sleeve) stated more than once that he really wants to find true love – and how hard will that be now!

Fortunately, he has a wonderful family who will always be there for him – and a sane self-deprecating sense of humor. But I wish that he could live without the barriers that fame requires, at least for a little while longer.

~Q3~

“The piano players are both better than Scott or Kris, but not Matt. We start talking about how surprisingly good Matt is, we agree the judges were right to save him.”

I just wanted to say thanks so much for your wonderful review. It was very intelligent without coming across as rude or pompous. I really appreciated that.

I also wanted to let you know in case you didn’t already, that Matt is not only AWESOME on that piano of his, but he’s also self-taught and has only been playing for 5 years. I just find that pretty interesting & thought I’d share. The boy surely does have a rediculous amount of talent. I too believe that he needs to be signed ASAP! I’d love to see him live (so sad I couldn’t make it to the concert in my area)

I also wanted to let you know in case you didn’t already, that Matt is not only AWESOME on that piano of his, but he’s also self-taught and has only been playing for 5 years. I just find that pretty interesting & thought I’d share. The boy surely does have a rediculous amount of talent. I too believe that he needs to be signed ASAP! I’d love to see him live (so sad I couldn’t make it to the concert in my area)

Yes, I learned this after the Idol competition was over.

He also is a really great drummer and guitarist. He’s really talented.

Also, Adam said in an interview about the Group 2 semi-final show that Matt should get a Wild Card slot because he was so talented. I now know that Adam really does know talent!