Susan M’s Ontario American Idol Tour Recap

By On 07/18/2009 · 59 Comments · In Uncategorized

First off, background and disclaimer: I’m a first-time AI obsessive and this is the only Idols concert I ever considered going to. I am chronically adamtarded, but also love Kris and Allison and really, I was rooting for all of them.

The restaurants were packed and you could hear people mumbling, ‘It’s the ‘American Idol’ show.’  but did find seats at a restaurant bar. Quickly a group of women came up and one had on a (home made?) Adam Lambert tank top. ‘Hee!’  I thought.

Getting in was easy enough (free parking!!) another reason we were glad we didn’t go to Staples. I didn’t notice any of the former Idol videos playing ‘“ just ALL the Ford commercials. By the time they rolled a video touting ‘The American Idol Experience’  (starring Danny, with cameos by Adam) people were pretty much in their seats.

Every time Adam came on the screen, screams erupted. My friend has watched AI from the beginning, but is a far more casual viewer than I was this year. Danny was her favorite. She commented little when I raved about Adam (which I tried to keep to a minimum). We hadn’t seen each other in quite some time so conversation was more about getting caught up, not Idol (go figure).

Sarver jumped right into it and I kept thinking of Corey the Warm Up Guy (his name is Corey, right?) they talk about on EW.com. Michael was relaxed, affable and he sounded good. He really didn’t radiate a lot of ‘star quality’  (a theme which I will revisit quite a lot, because that’s where the line is drawn between the small screen and the big stage).

The difference of how someone comes across on stage really is jarring, compared to TV, where you can always cut to a close up. Okay, Michael, sounded good, very nice, but a little forgettable (he was bedazzled too ‘“ glitteriness must be contagious).

Then this strange sound came over the speakers. I looked at my friend and we were both like, ‘What the hell is that noise?’  It sounded like a kid snagged the mic and was playing around. A tight close up of Megan’s face was on the big screen, and until I saw her lips moving, I didn’t realize the noise was her singing!! I don’t know. She started out VERY low and maybe that’s why I didn’t recognize it as singing at first.

Now here is where I’m going to go on my rant about production making or breaking these performances: Ironically, the ones who needed it the most got it the least. I THINK the production was trying to help the weaker performers with the background videos, but in actuality, it completely undermined them IMHO.

The videos were of decent production value and they seemed like they meant to be ‘lighthearted,’  but really came across as a baffling cheese fest. It was ’70s variety show all the way.

Megan’s first video was flower power pink (as if she needed a little more pink) and the second I do not know WHAT they were going for. It was animated cityscapes and roads and (NO LIE) the universal women’s bathroom icon gliding back and forth (WTF?!?).

And on another production note: the backup singers. WOW! They must have had them doped up on some curare-like barbiturate, because they were just this side of being in a coma and for the entire first half. I swear they were doing this robotic dance, which can only be described as a 92-year-old lady on the elliptical at the gym (set at 2). And it went on and on and on.

Scott ‘“ he sounded better in person, definitely. Still not seeing any real performance future for him at this point, unless it’s small venues. People laughed at his jokes (I heard them via MJ’s already, but his Simon wasn’t bad).

Now the Lil, Anoop, Matt triad, which I thought was interesting because of the save, Matt followed and you know what? Rightfully so. All three showed flashes of brilliance and some not so much. And the difference was (now I REALLY get that term ‘“ swagger). It’s just this indefinable elixir of confidence, energy, ability and presence that seems to either be there or not to a degree (I tend to think people can be trained at most things, but wow, if it’s there, it’s there!).

I’d say, over all, Lil had a 60:40 percent good to bad. Again, karaoke words for ‘Single Ladies,’  might have sounded like a good idea in theory, but the reality was ‘Man, those are REALLY stupid lyrics.’  Most people weren’t singing, but seemed to be enjoying it. She seemed to have a lot more fun than she did on the show.

Anoop got a lot of fangirl squees and ‘Anooops!’  I think Anoop’s fatal mistake (for me, for you) is that he started off with a ballad, sitting down with that ridiculous (as someone said yesterday) Kermit the Frog or Mr. Rogers face in the clouds video ‘“ another big WTF?? It would be hard for ANYONE to recover from that. I was up and dancing to ‘My Prerogative’  as most of the audience was.

The floor section was standing I’d say the majority of the show. Then again, they’re all on one level ‘“ it is a hockey rink, after all, but no one seemed to mind. Everyone was into it. I think if Anoop rearranged his set and started out with an uptempo song and had someone put a match to that digital disaster that is his background, he would have been great. This evidenced by ‘ ¦

Matt. Homeboy TORE IT UP! I’ve been somewhat indifferent to Matt all season ‘“ sometimes I really liked him and sometimes I thought he was in over his head. In all, I was rooting for him because he seemed very likable. His energy on ‘Hard to Handle’  was fantastic. That, my friends, is swagger (for mere mortals not hailing from Planet Fierce anyway).

I love the song ‘Georgia on My Mind,’  but the energy shift was so dramatic I was feeling let down a bit. And I know it must be tricky to make the uptempo-to-ballad transitions without losing energy, but for more on this see below under Allen, Kris.

It did dawn on me during Matt’s set that he and Kris were the real rivals in some ways during the season because they really have the same kind of style and target. I really think the Fray is far more suited for Kris (and even half think it is Kris every time I hear the opening lines of a Fray song lately).

Group number ‘“ fun, but meh!

ALLISON!! Her opening video package was very brief. I enjoyed the hell out of ‘So What,’  but thought she could have had more fun with it if she lost he guitar. No worries. ‘Cry Baby’  had me totally choked up. Not from the song’s content so much, but her intensity and just the feeling that I was witnessing greatness in the making. She was better than her sing-off performance ‘“ I swear! (Which is saying something!) She talked about her ‘big brothers’  and of course everyone cheered at the mention of their names.

Danny: He got a lot of love. People REALLY liked him. ‘PYT’  did rock. I was loving his black military coat with leather accents. ‘Maria Maria’  was good, but began to lose my interest. His dancing isn’t seamless, but isn’t bad. He does come across much more likable on stage than he did on the show (for me, anyway).

The Sermon in the Forest wouldn’t have been so bad if they didn’t have that lame ‘Inspirational’  light from the Heavens streaming through the trees visual. (Again, the production undermining when it’s supposed to bolster.)

By the end of his last song (what was it again?) Oh yeah. I had a revelation during Danny’s set, which completely negates the statement I made yesterday about pimping. I believed it was true to a degree, but I did wonder WAS Idol that invested in Danny winning? In a word: Yes. Evidenced by the fact that ‘My Wish’  was a stand in for ‘No Boundaries.’  I know many said during NoBo-gate that it was written for Danny and I now agree with that statement 1000 percent.

And here’s the weirder thing ‘“ I think if Danny released NoBo, it might have been a hit for him, because it is HIS particular brand of cheese ‘“ not Kris’s and DEFINITELY not Adam’s (although, I’m ashamed to admit, I do enjoy him singing in when it comes on my iPod). NoBo was right in Danny’s wheelhouse in the context that I saw him last night and probably would have crossed over to Country and Christian (inspirational), which would helped make it a hit. Well, thank the Lord for small favors, because then they might have hired that team to come back next year to write the coronation song (which NOBODY needs).

*** ADAMTARD ALERT *** (Read at your own risk)

Now, I know I am anything but objective here, but I will say my expectations were off-the-charts high (as they were for Allison and she met them, easily). There was a pause between Danny’s last song (big cheers!) and the stage was in total darkness and the cheers got louder, as opposed to dying out, as they would have in any other situation. The video flashed on screen and the roof blew off the place. EVERYBODY was on their feet. My friend kept saying before (when everyone screamed at a mere mention or flash of a photo of Adam), ‘God, I hope we can hear him when he finally comes on.’  (She wasn’t particularly enthused.)

Oh, we heard him all right. All I have to say is thank God I’m going back tonight because it went by so fast and trying to videotape it (pointless, for the most part). I kind of wish I just drank it all in. At the end of WLL, I put the camera down and looked at my friend and she just mouthed, ‘WHOA!’  And then said, ‘Oh my God, THAT was AMAZING!!’  And I said, ‘Welcome to my world, sister.’ 

‘Mad World,’  was gorgeous and haunting and beautiful as was ‘Starlight,’  my new favorite song. And now I completely see how THIS is where the production can support, not undermine. Granted, they could have been running episodes of ‘Family Guy’  behind Adam and it wouldn’t have pulled focus from him one bit, but the diffuse starry sky setting just worked as did the ‘Life on Mars’  visual.

‘Slow Ride’  was adorable and fun and they seemed to be having a blast. The Bowie medley was fantastic; could’ve watched it all damn day, but it was over in the blink of an eye (sob!). I thought again, I’m so glad I’m going to San Diego, because it was over WAY too quickly. I felt like it was Dec. 26th ‘“ all that build up and anticipation and then bam, it’s over. BUT never fear ‘“ we have Kris to the rescue.

It just dawned on me that this was classic dramatic structure ‘“ climax, then denouement. Actually, the whole second act was dramatic structure. Allison was the ‘mini climax’  then Danny upped the tension and lulled us into a false sense of security, then WHAM! The REAL climax, then the denouement ‘ ¦ Now please don’t pile on me, Kris fans, because the denouement is actually my favorite part of a book. I hate when they end right after the major event ‘“ I want to revel in the resolution and warm fuzzies and perhaps the prelude to the next story. (One of the reasons I love ‘Harry Potter’  books, because Rowling likes to languish there for awhile.)

Kris was awesome. The doom screen came dangerously close to sabotaging ‘Heartless’  with a random beating heart behind the scrim curtain, but fortunately it was used very sparingly. Kris’ voice FILLED the arena and he owned the stage. For those worried that he could not carry that type of venue, he can. Easily, I might add. He proved to me last night that he was much more than the singer/songwriter label people put on him. Pocket Idol could rock it and he did look tiny, but it didn’t matter, his swagger compensated.

DSB ‘“ fun, but best when Kradam ascended, bedazzled vest and all. Adam did a slightly different take on his glory note at the end, but it was great ‘“ a ton of fun.

The lights immediately came up and my friend said, ‘What you were talking about before ‘“ stage presence? Wow Adam has that like 10,000 times over! That was unbelievable!’ 

‘Yes, yes, he does,’  I said.

In all, it was lots of fun. When so much of who ultimately makes it comes down to beauty and backstory, pimping and persona, America did get it mostly right, I think.

 
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  • Eileen99

    COMPLETELY agree with your NoBo scenario. It would have been a big hit for Danny on pop/Christian charts.

  • mahrikka

    Thanks, Susan M. I agree with much of what you said. I love the read at your own risk part. It’s not easy toning it down for the Adam part. :)

    Interesting speculation that “No Boundaries” was written specifically for Danny which is why Kara most likely had that horrified look on her face when Danny didn’t make it. It was not meant for either Kris or Adam. Thank goodness Kris doesn’t have to carry that burden anymore and can better showcase his talent.

    They all did their best and all have something to offer. I agree with your standouts–Matt, Allison, Kris and, of course, Adam. I particularly enjoy hearing opinions from people who weren’t invested in the show such as your friend.

  • http://www.f3-properties.com Animated

    Thanks , Susan, your comment on NoBo is interesting and makes a lot of sense as to who this song was written for.
    Looking forward also to your San Diego recap ! Bask in it! and give us the unadulterated drip of San Diego. Several of my friends from neighboring counties are going in droves to San Diego . I think its going to be one huge party !

  • Calliope

    It did dawn on me during Matt’s set that he and Kris were the real rivals in some ways during the season because they really have the same kind of style and target.

    I agree, and for every time Matt crapped out, an opening for Kris was made. Honestly, if Matt didn’t have the nerves and bad choices that ended up hurting him, I think he would have been a likely winner this season. Sure, Adamania happened which will definitely propel him, but there were many factors that could easily keep Adam from winning though (not the thread, I know, but I just wanted to comment on that since that dawned on me after the show ended. The Matt factor, that is, not Adamania).

    He proved to me last night that he was much more than the singer/songwriter label people put on him.

    While there is nothing wrong with singer-songwriter as a label, I actually don’t think that is what Kris really is — I think soft rock is actually correct (with the ability to go acoustic and mellow since soft rock can). His set demonstrated that for me with the Matchbox 20 song suiting him the most. I think the limitations and rules of AI sometimes (along with media memeisms) keep placing people in boxes.

    Also, have to agree about Danny and NoBo. I think it was written to suit him, but Adam could very well sing it (although the feel does not fit Adam AT ALL). And thanks for mentioning trees since they were so random that I even thought I imagined them at one point. What was that about? Nice to see someone besides me got caught up in the production. haha

  • Mtlfan

    Thanks for your recap; I liked it and your ‘denouement-wise’ toughts were funny.
    As a huge Kris fan, I think it’s kind of nice to see how Kris artistic intensity is different from Adam’s and their sets order highlights it. I like very much Adam for his magnificient voice. I wish I could go see that show

  • Mtlfan

    Reading other comments made me remember that I so completely agree with you that NoBo would have suited Danny very much. — but i must say that I like Kris studio recording but not that much him singing it live

  • BeckyMD

    Great recap Susan! I like the climax-denouement analog. I just went to see HP6 last night. When you brought up the analog, I immediately thought ‘hey it’s just like a HP book’ and there you go. I like the denouement part too.

  • Renina

    “Matt. Homeboy TORE IT UP! I’ve been somewhat indifferent to Matt all season ‘“ sometimes I really liked him and sometimes I thought he was in over his head. In all, I was rooting for him because he seemed very likable. His energy on ‘Hard to Handle’  was fantastic. That, my friends, is swagger (for mere mortals not hailing from Planet Fierce anyway).

    “Thanks so much for the Kind words!! I agree that Matt’s swagger is part of the reason I love watching him perform so much. He does seem to have it all: Talent, Charisma, energy, passion… I am always amazed that more people weren’t seeing it on Idol, but glad that some seem to be coming around to Matt.

    I agree about Kris and Matt being somewhat similar (which is why I voted for Kris in the finale) but overall, they seem to be going in different directions for their post idol careers. Kris with his Pop/rock/singersongwriter (I guess) and Matt with his Soul/Rock. Matt has an edge to his voice and a distinct sort of Rock growl mixed with a more soulful tone. Kris’ singing seems more smooth and mellow than edgy. But love them both (ep. Matty G, of course) :wink_ee:

  • Vada

    Susan, I agree that NoBo is right in Danny’s wheelhouse. I also agree that both Simons and all of the assorted Nigels seemed to be pushing a Danny victory for all of the vast millions that they are worth.

    But, why didn’t they sign him? I can’t even come up with a conspiracy theory good enough to explain that one.

    Since they wanted him to be the American Idol, why didn’t they still want him at #3? They took Allison from the #4 spot. I have invested more time in this question than it deserves, and still end up with a big blank at the end of the story.

    Great review.

  • dietcoke

    Great recap! Thank you. Matt was our third favorite after Adam and Kris. We really love Adam. Kris was awesome too. Danny did get a lot of love from the crowd but he just didn’t “do” it for me and hubby.

  • Tess

    Susan….a totally great re-cap. I felt like I was there and you gave perfect analogies for your opinions and they worked.

    I, too, have mentioned repeatably that NB was written for Danny with no thought to any other contestant. It would have sold a lot to those over invested in the Danny backstory. Oh well…to bad for Danny good for the Adam and Kris lovers even though Kris did have that albatross around his neck for awhile.

    (Maybe they can put NB on Danny’s new country/christian/salsa-soul album and Kara can make her royalties).

  • Ellie2

    Great recap, Susan! Thanks for writing and have fun tonight. So jealous that you get to attend 2 shows!

  • Susan M.

    Thanks guys!! I appreciate the feedback.

    @Vada,

    Susan, I agree that NoBo is right in Danny’s wheelhouse. I also agree that both Simons and all of the assorted Nigels seemed to be pushing a Danny victory for all of the vast millions that they are worth.

    But, why didn’t they sign him? I can’t even come up with a conspiracy theory good enough to explain that one.

    Since they wanted him to be the American Idol, why didn’t they still want him at #3? They took Allison from the #4 spot. I have invested more time in this question than it deserves, and still end up with a big blank at the end of the story.

    Yes, this is very strange, but I think they all (and I love how you put that ‘“ the Simons and assorted Nigels) suddenly realized he didn’t really have what it takes (not for mainstream pop or rock, in my opinion). And like Slezak said, maybe they were just so committed by that point they just didn’t know how to turn it around.

    Other people have pointed out Simon C’s almost hostile frustration with Lil, because she showed such early promise then disappointed so badly, which he obviously doesn’t like. I think Danny did the same thing, but they realized it too late and THAT’S why they haven’t signed him.

    And also, there first priority during the season has to be the success of the show, so they’re going to do what they need to for the show. Once it’s over, however, they have to do what’s right for their business and reputation.

  • Vada

    Kris tweeted something about silly string at the concert last night. Can someone fill me in on that one?

  • sunsurger

    Great recap! Agree with all you said except the Matt thing?!?!? I was row 17 center section and I swear the sound was like being in a tunnel! Very fun! Wish I was going with you to San Diego!!!! Next time!!!!

  • Mtlfan

    Kris tweeted something about silly string at the concert last night. Can someone fill me in on that one?

    I asked the same in another thread and was answered that Matt and Kris sprayed silly strings at the crowd at the afterward meet and greet.

    From Wikipedia:
    Silly String is a child’s toy, generically known as aerosol string: a flexible, brightly-colored plastic string, which is shot as a stream of liquid from an aerosol can. The string sets quickly in mid-air, allowing one to shoot a continuous strand of it. Silly String is popular for usage during weddings, birthday parties, school carnivals and other festive occasions.

  • FifthHouseSun

    Susan, Ace job. Fresh insights. Fine writing. Great piece. Will be interested to hear how Take 2 feels to you. And please, take no pictures, you can make those for us with words, just really get into it and enjoy yourself.

  • https://twitter.com/draddee Sunn

    Thanks for the recap Susan M. I luuuuved it, especially the fantarding, my favourite part really.

    Please write a recap of san Diego, it would be interesting to hear a contrast between the two venues.

    Thanks again.

  • Vada

    Thanks, mtlfan.

  • Vada

    Susan M, yep, I agree on all points. I think Idol’s first priority is ‘good tv’. A million dollars spent on a record contract is small potatoes compared to the billions that the tv show produces. Danny winning, and a rehash of his tragic backstory, would have been ‘good tv’.

  • revcat

    Susan, Your review was spot on, but we had horrible seats and the Citizen’s Arena venue is not a good place to be unless you have really, really good seats. We could barely see the Idols and didn’t even have a good view of the giant screens (that really weren’t giant). I don’t think I would ever want to go there again unless by some bit of luck I got killer seats. However:

    1. Like you we were there for Adam and though we could barely see him, he sounded great. I just wish we had been close enough to absorb his glitter. I haven’t been to a lot of concerts, spoiled I guess by the MGM Grand in Las Vegas where its almost impossible to get a bad seat.

    2. Matt was AWESOME! He is so talented – his nerves, or whatever, on the show kept his true talent from shining through. His voice, personality and showmanship on the piano are definitely too big for a hotel lobby. He absolutely should get picked up.

    3. And last but not least, Kris’s talent and charisma can definitely fill a stadium. He was much better in person than on TV. No need for a Kris-Adam “war” – both should do really, really well as both have the IT factor in their own respective ways.

    Matt has IT too.

  • http://umbrellatoday.com Stormy

    Your recap was vivid and fun and thoughtful. I’ve read all the recaps of all the shows and you still managed to offer new info and insights and a unique perspective. I LOLed at the Family Guy reference and BEAMED at the Harry Potter analogy. You are an adamtard after my own <3 and I eagerly await your reflections on the SD experience.

  • Q3

    Susan M. great review! I wish that I was in San Diego tonight because I have a feeling it’s going to be another really great show.

    It did dawn on me during Matt’s set that he and Kris were the real rivals in some ways during the season because they really have the same kind of style and target.

    I believe this is correct but that Matt’s nerves, lack of experience and lack of artistic focus/understanding really killed him. My three favs – Adam, Kris and Alison – all have artistic integrity and a clear understanding of the kind of performer they want to be. Matt really didn’t seem to show any artistic focus on the show. For a self-taught pianist who has only been playing for 4 years, he is amazing. And, he really does have an interesting and memorable voice.

    After Adam, I am most looking forward to seeing Matt perform. And, I hope that this tour opens up some new opportunities for him.

  • Susan M.

    Thanks again, guys!! Yeah, I’m going to be in the rafters tonight (but at least right above the stage). I will do my best to tweet via my alternate AI identity, @alsosuse

    Yesterday’s venue was a fortress for some reason (or just didn’t have consistent WiFi), but I could not get a signal to save my life.

    If I’m not tweeting, could be a problem again!

  • media bias

    No, America did not get it right. The Gifted Adam Lambert lost because of AT&T’s collusion providing Kris free phones and text messages facilitating easily 10,000 votes per person. Period. Idol if not involved, participated in the cover up in my opinion, since The Gifted Adam Lambert was going to be a star no matter what, if someone else “won” they’d make more money with two “stars”. Period.

    Kris may be cute but in the video of he and his wife out to dinner with paparazzi descending, he said nothing, didn’t smile, looked annoyed and like a big nobody in a green plaid shirt again. You do not see this behavior from The Gifted Adam Lambert. Since he tried out in sincerity not for a joke (like Kris did).

  • birchtree

    Thank you so much Susan. Fantastic writing/insights. Agree wuth FifthHouseSun re no need to take pictures… your words do it all. (love the image you painted of the back-up singers:)

  • TWI

    Good job, Susan M!! LOL! I’m certain that it’s all but impossible to be objective about Adam …..why try!

    I had a wee grin as I read

    “Oh yeah. I had a revelation during Danny’s set…”,

    Ah, I thought – Danny’s sermon must be working. ;-)

    Thanks for a good read.

  • Q3

    ‘Oh yeah. I had a revelation during Danny’s set’ ¦’ ,

    Ah, I thought – Danny’s sermon must be working. ;-)

    :clap_tb:

  • ShariG

    Thanks for a great recap, Susan. I can just hear MJ saying “don’t respond to mediabias, don’t respond to mediabias” so i won’t. I wish the Kris fans would write more recaps. There are millions of us out here, but perhaps not so many on MJs bigblog. Thank you for the praise for our guy which sounded heartfelt. What did you think of the Killer’s song? I heard it for the first time on the radio today. That is what happens often, it seems, when one of the “Idols” sings a song for the show or on tour and suddenly it gets more airplay for the original artist, too. I like”I’ve Got Soul but I’m Not a Soldier”, very catchy. Think I’ll be saving my voice for Kris and the sing along parts. Was the sound extraordinarily loud? Last year I found myself hearing through a tunnel for several hours after the concerts. That plus my vocal chords were doing something bizarre after all of the screaming and I sounded much higher pitched than normal. I think this year I will bring some kind of ear protection as long as I can hear Kris I’ll be happy. Thanks again. Glad you enjoyed the concert for the most part.

  • dhunken

    *** ADAMTARD ALERT *** (Read at your own risk)

    I am happy to say I did and it was glorious. Thank you for your humorous recap and insightful view of the concert.

  • mwilliams1431

    I so enjoyed your take on all the idols. And a big AMEN to welcome to my world sister! That summed up my feelings exactly, couldn’t have said it better. I can’t wait to see the live show in Memphis next Sunday. This blog and everyones comments keep me going on a daily basis, lol. Wish they had shows close enough to New Orleans to be able to make more than one show. It will be a little over 400 mile trip there but am sure it will be soooo worth it. Rock on fellow Adamtard I’m right there with ya

  • Renina

    Idols at the buses after Ontario concert. *At the very end of the video you can see the Matt/Kris silly string incident*

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA8ErrYxZj4&eurl=http

    :clap_tb:

  • BestAI

    NoBo lyrics sound like Danny, but since Danny has no breath control, could he have handled it? Kris said it was difficult to sing and he always felt like he couldn’t breathe.

    I’m still puzzled why 19 didn’t sign Danny after all that pimping.

    BTW, Susan, good review. I went to two shows because of Adam, and it still isn’t enough. I’m just waiting for Adam’s solo tour now.

  • Vada

    Renina, thanks for the silly string link. Too funny

  • cwg509

    Thanks, I enjoyed the recap alot, and that you brought some new thoughts (production, Megan!) to the thread.

    I also think that NoBo was written for Danny (they thought he would make the final at least). He is talented as a natural singer, and brought many viewers/voters to the show, and TPTB liked that. As far as actually winning, I was never sure that they really wanted that 100%, and as the show went on, it became clearer that he was in over his head (Dream On, anyone, for a start?). But I expect the song was written by then. By the end of his run, I’m sure they realized he had no place in the pop charts, and therefore, I highly doubt that he will be signed by a major label.

    Matt did suffer from Kris’s charge to the top, and Kris’s more likeable on-shpw personality. And Kris did target the perfect record-buyer market, which Matt did not do with moving his song styles around so much. So Kris gets the contract, and Matt suffers from the comparison at this point. I do think Matt (and Kris of course) is an accomplished musician and I actually see Matt more as a Ryan Tedder type, maybe focusing on songwriting and production. But everyone at the shows says he seems like a star, so maybe he will get a contract as well.

    Have a fun time in San Diego!

  • hollygo9

    Kris Allen is awesome. A truly deserving winner.

  • colette

    Nice work Susan!

    I like this: Pocket Idol could rock it and he did look tiny, but it didn’t matter, his swagger compensated.

    I stood next to Kris at one of the meet & greets, I’m 5’2″, and I swear he’s not more than a couple inches taller than I am! A little guy, but obviously a big soul and big talent.

    On one of the other threads, I asked people who they thought is gaining the most from the tour, in terms of getting additional critical and fan love and respect. Several people agreed with me that Matt is coming through much, much stronger, a real live-wireentertainer. And I was NOT a fan during the TV show.

    Kris too is garnering a lot of extra respect also, especially because he’s following the phenom that is Glambert, and rising to the occasion.

    But from Susan’s write-up and others, I wonder about the Gokester. I certainly enjoyed him musically much more in person, right up to the drippy inspirational ballad at the end, where he really lost me. But he got so much bad press, and so much speculation that he was a homophobic Jesus freak, during the TV show that it was hard to separate that from his music. Onstage, he really surprised me…favorably!

  • Pam

    Nice recap Susan. :)

  • Squirrely

    Awesome review Susan M! My show is exactly one month from today – and the wait is killing me.

  • Squirrely

    Idols at the buses after Ontario concert. *At the very end of the video you can see the Matt/Kris silly string incident*

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA8ErrYxZj4&eurl=http

    They are having a lot of fun together.

  • smartcookie

    Just a tip for those considering earplugs — I find just using my iPod earbuds (the squishy ones) without turning on or even plugging into the iPod works better than the kind of cheap foam earplugs you’ll find in stores.

    Last year, I thought the AI concert was way too loud and kind of distorted, and I wished I’d brought my handy dandy iPod earpods.

  • Maria22

    Thanks for the wonderful recap!
    For the Kris fans, if you follow the twitter concert recaps there seem to be quite a few Kris fans attending, so that might help with a more Kris-centric show recap….

  • kradamour

    Thanks for comment re ipod earbuds. I am definitely thinking that I will need something, didn’t want to use the foams. Great idea.

  • desiiiire

    The Official Prices of the car Kris and Adam recieved:
    http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-fusion-hybrid.html $27,270
    http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-mustang-convertible.html $25,995

  • Chipmunk

    Loved the review!I thought I’d get tired of recaps, but each one brings something new

    I’m living my Adam Lambert tour experience precariously through recaps and youtube vids,so keep them coming folks!!!!!

  • Kath77

    Funniest recap so far. Kudos!

  • Vada

    Kris is short, but he is not as tiny as some Adam fans describe him. Seacrest was about 4″ taller than Archie last year, but only about 1″ taller than Kris, when Kris is wearing sneakers.

    Kris says he is 5’7″ and that seems to fit with Adam’s 6’1″.

  • jlurksacto

    desiiiire
    Jul 18th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
    The Official Prices of the car Kris and Adam recieved:
    http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-fusion-hybrid.html $27,270
    http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-mustang-convertible.html $25,995

    Kris’ fusion with all options $31940
    Adam’s optioned out mustang GT convert 35,995

  • desiiiire

    So Adam’s got to change the option. Great, what can I say? unfair treatment.

  • BeckyMD

    So Adam’s got to change the option. Great, what can I say? unfair treatment.

    I think those are prices IF all options are added. It doesn’t mean either of their cars has all these options.

  • TwigLA

    Thanks for the review, Susan. It was a fun read. I’d have liked to hear your takes on Kris’ full set list.

    Also thanks, Renina, for the silly string incident. LOL That was perfect and I can imagine how shocked, surprised, and pleased the fans were. What a high note to soften the 10 minute warning for fans.

    The cost of the cars? Who cares other than me? I’d really like a hybrid, but I lean towards Honda and Toyota. Those may be list prices (including the pimped out prices later offered), but that doesn’t mean it’s what Ford or AI gave them.

  • colette

    Personally, I don’t care how tall Kris is, it’s his talent that counts.

    But I’m tellin’ ya, I’m a shrimp and he really seemed just about my height. 5’7″ would be pushing it. But hey, we all have our vanities! Like, please don’t ask me my age and expect to get a truthful answer….. :cool1_tb:

  • anna in vegas

    ‘don’t respond to mediabias, don’t respond to mediabias’  so i won’t.

    …………you did. (I messed up on my “smiley”, darn.)

  • Vada

    colette
    Jul 18th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
    Personally, I don’t care how tall Kris is, it’s his talent that counts.

    But I’m tellin’ ya, I’m a shrimp and he really seemed just about my height. 5′ ²7′ ³ would be pushing it. But hey, we all have our vanities! Like, please don’t ask me my age and expect to get a truthful answer’ ¦..

    I’m just saying that if Kris is not 5’7″, then no way is Adam 6’1″. There is not more than 6″ difference, on the rare occasions when both are wearing sneakers.

  • Scamp

    @Tess (Maybe they can put NB on Danny’s new country/christian/salsa-soul album and Kara can make her royalties).

    ROFLMAO : )))

    country/christian/salsa-soul album
    ..very, very funny

  • Vada

    Yep. Danny and Michael Sarver are fighting over that “modern country/soul genre”, that I have somehow completely overlooked.

  • butte009

    Fun recap.

    Re:Matt/Kris comparisons. I would agree that in some ways they seemed very similar. Unfortunately, Matt seemed to make some really poor song choices on the show (like Coldplay and The Fray) and then claim that was the type of music he wanted to make post-Idol. I think that and his hit/miss performances did him in, unfortunately. From the videos so far I really like his Hard to Handle and wish he’d have performed it on the show myself.

  • Circe

    Susan M: Very sensitive insights on all the performers. Your thoughts on “swagger” were dead-on. Thank you for an intelligent,enjoyable read.

  • LaurelG

    Richly detailed recap. Loved it. And that “welcome to my world, sister” comment summed it up perfectly for me!