Washington, DC AI Live! Show – TomK’s Recap

By On 08/16/2008 · 30 Comments · In Uncategorized

Another Washington DC recap, from TomK, below

I attended the Washington, D.C., concert at the Verizon Center on August 14 and would like to share my impressions. My blog won’t be one of those crazy-fan rave recaps where everything was in glorious living color. I will give good and bad commentary as I experienced it that night. Overall, the Idols concert was entertaining and moved by quickly. The three hours did not feel like such, though I did reach my limit with David Cook’s head-pounding (in a bad way) set, more on that later. I thought each Idol gave what they could for that night, though for a few, the road tour is probably starting to wear.

From the outset, I’d like to say I’m a Brooke White fan and believe that she should have gone further in the competition, around Syesha’s position, but spilt milk. I did consider this year’s Idols to be quite good from top to bottom relative to other seasons so I felt the concert was worth watching (I saw season 2′s concert as well). I arrived late due to D.C. rush hour traffic and missed Chikezie’s set and sat down in the middle of Ramiele’s. Let me say that my friend and I had the best seats in the house, front row just off to the left side of the part of the stage that juts out in the middle. We were no more than 3-4 ft from the stage with only the metal railing in front separating us. Needless to say, where we sat really increased my enjoyment of the show as you could discern eye contact, facial expressions, and quirky stuff like Brooke shedding strands of her luscious hair (from being overteased). Anyway, awesome perspective, but I didn’t have a camera! How frustrating (shouldn’t have listened to my friend who advised not to bring one). Though not sold out, the house was packed, only a few of the highest rows were empty. I was a bit surprised to see the arena so full, didn’t realize the area was an American Idol hotbed.

More Recap after the JUMP…Â  

Back to Ramiele, nothing memorable of note except she was working hard and trying her best. She’s cute and small but not as small as I had expected. That’s about it.

Next came Michael, and he worked the crowd well. His songs were fine, “Dream On” got the audience pumped at the end of his set. He made the same Randy joke about the song but did mention going to the White House when he was here last for the sportswriters correspondence dinner (he was the guest of Tony Kornheiser of Monday Night Football). My impression of Michael overall was the same as on the show, definitely a good singer, puts on a workmanlike performance, but nothing spectacular.

KLC’s turn (why am I feeling an inner tug for some original-recipe chicken?). The honest truth, when I wrote this, I totally missed writing about KLC’s set, that’s how little it stuck in my mind. Two very country toons and “God Bless the USA”. For me, not the best choice of songs and unimpressive vocals. The near release of her album must be a case of striking while the iron is hot, as her staying power in music is definitely not assured. As for looks, she’s a knockout, super pretty and nice figure. From her expressions and body language, she came across as a bit snooty and above it all. Oh well, I enjoyed looking at her. I did start to notice that one of the smaller speakers in front of us was having a problem, and it got worse as the show went along.

When KLC was done, Carly rose out of the stage, without hardly a moment’s break between singers (producers really want to keep the show humming) but with a keen sense of anticipation from the crowd. Carly can sing but she’s still too shouty for my tastes. I liked her last two songs “Crazy On You” and “I Drove All NIght”. I noticed the band was way loud, many times drowning out the vocals, even Carly’s. I wished they’d dial down the band, but washed out vocals aren’t atypical in live concerts, and this does allow the singer to not be perfect on the vocals. Though Carly gave a good effort, she seemed rather removed, too, but did try to connect with the crowd and work all sides of the stage. She sported nice cleavage, though, something I really noticed from the first row. People have said she looked a lot prettier in person, but on stage, she looked to me like she did on the show, ok but not as attractive as the other ladies. She also mentioned about going to the White House as well.

Carly then introduced Brooke as a really talented person (I don’t disagree), and after a few seconds delay, Brooke started rising out of the floor with a grand piano and started into “Let It Be”, a good rendition but could have been better. She then transitioned from piano to guitar and stood at the front of the stage for “1-2-3-4″. She made a joke that D.C. stood for David Cook and gave plugs to the Redskins and Wizards, two local sports teams. The song was fun and suited her voice, but she would be better served doing an edgier, more mature song. “Love is a Battlefield” would have been a good choice. On her way back to the piano for her last song. “Yellow” was her best piece, and she seemed to really enjoy singing it. The yellow starfield effect was the best of the show. I enjoyed her music but expected her to be better both voice and performance-wise. From my close-in view, she appeared nervous and not particularly relaxed. The stress of the tour must be putting a strain on her voice, mind, and body. All of the Idols actually, but we know Brooke is particularly delicate.

After her set, Brooke made the short speech about Idol Gives Back and Malaria No More. Her delivery left a lot to be desired as she came across as very rehearsed and robotic instead of talking from the heart. But I forgave her as we made eye contact (I’m still in the front row) and I gave her a friendly wave, and Brooke smiled her big smile and waved back. I guess she was looking for some emotional support. So I had my fan moment with Brooke in front of 15000+ people.

Right after that, the bottom 5 launched into U2′s “Pride”. Another Brooke note: she had left the stage momentarily as the others came out one by one. When it was her turn, Brooke started singing with the wrong end of the mic. She quickly flipped the mic over, and the Idols and the audience had a good chuckle. From what we’ve seen on tv, typical Brooke. I finally see Chikezie to prove that he was actually in the show. A good group performance.

Intermission. And I’m bragging to my friend and calling others about my Brooke moment. Then a restroom break. The high ratio of females to males in attendance was punctuated by no lines in the men’s room, nice. I grabbed drinks and headed back to the floor and missed the whole intermission show, thank goodness.

The show began again, and Jason strolled out and positioned himself at centerstage with ukelele in hand. The two older ladies next to me were getting excited (or as excited as post-menstrual women get) about Jason. He did his 3 songs, switching to a guitar after “Over the Rainbow”. Nothing memorable; in fact, he didn’t even seem like he wanted to be there. He didn’t do much to try and connect with the fans. I think the two ladies were disappointed as they didn’t bring up Jason again after his performance.

Up next was Syesha with the crazy hair and bountiful cleavage and toned legs (again, first row). The lady’s in good shape. I didn’t care much for her first two songs, but she absolutely killed her last one, “Listen”. Single best performance of the show, and I don’t even like Syesha. I still don’t because she still came across as a diva-wannabe with a plastic personality, but for this one song, she was great. Cleavage and legs helped.

So finally, the two main folks that most of the crowd came to see. Archie came up out of the floor with piano ala Brooke but with smoke effects and gave a stirring rendition of “Angels”, probably my second favorite performance of the night because it’s a great song and Archie has the purest voice of them all. He really should work on his piano skills, though, as you could tell he’s not comfortable with his playing and kept looking at the keys, or at least stop faking it. Brooke is the superior piano player by far. His middle songs were good, but he was all over the place with his Josh Groban song, not a good closer. Aside from his fine singing, Archie was quite the dork, with his floppy feet and hunched over posture and persistent chuckling. He’s likable, though. During his performance, I noted to my companion of this creepy, fat, older guy in the stands who stood up for all of Archie’s songs and was clutching his hands and clapping with teeny-girl glee. Weird, hope Archie manages to stay away from him.

And now, the 2008 American Idol, David Cook. And he was all I expected, and less. Don’t get me wrong, he was good, strong voice, good stage presence, played the electric guitar but not exceptionally. I’m just not crazy about his musical stylings, and his songs sound similar. Of course, 10000 women and girls would disagree. He absolutely strained the faulty speaker and my ears during his set, way, way loud. My brain was grateful when he finally concluded. He was very comfortable on stage but had this strange, long stare into the upper stands on more than one occasion. He was wearing a black suit and tie, apparently a change from his usual garb. He threw 3 picks into the crowd.

So the last group number, and everyone is back. I try to reconnect with Brooke, but she will have none of it, just another face in the crowd now. KLC stood right in front of me, looked at us in the front row, but still had that condescending look on her face, no smiles for us. Michael and David do their stunts, and then the two Davids, but I miss all that because I’m getting one last look at the women.

And then it’s over. Lights up. No encore. All other concerts have encores, so wonder why the producers did not permit the Idols to have one? That’s when performers really let loose one last time. I would have liked to see one more group performance to cap the evening off. Too bad. Into the night, and I see staff holding up signs saying there would be no autograph session due to the limited space around the arena for a standing crowd (arena is located in the middle of Chinatown, a well developed district), but that did not deter about 70 people from loitering around the entrance to the underground loading dock, hoping against all odds.

I drove home, satisfied with having an entertaining evening that flew by quickly for being 3 hours long. Were all the performances top notch? No, but the Idols gave the best effort they could. I do feel that some of them are probably hitting the wall, especially since it’s the first time any of them have toured nation-wide. It didn’t matter, though, it was a good show, and I was really happy to have had my Brooke moment.

 
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  • Layla

    Nice to read a review from a male perspective. Didn’t quite get what DC did to his (TomK’s) ears but okay.

    Interesting to read a different perspective on DC.

  • gingerly

    Nice, interesting male perspective. My (post-menopausal) perspective was that I went and got a drink while Brooke was playing.

  • spritely

    I think that long stare is DC’s “absorbing the moment” stare. :) “tasting every moment and living it out loud,” as it were. hee.

    I feel so lucky to get to read all these recaps.

  • http://idolstages.com Connie D.

    … but we know Brooke is particularly delicate.

    Very well put. Are you are professional writer? Your recap is quite enjoyable to read.

    I was a bit surprised to see the arena so full, didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t realize the area was an American Idol hotbed.

    D.C. always sells over 12K seats, with the exception of Season 3.

  • IGetCranked

    I’m getting the feeling that this last legs part of the tour is really hard on these idols. From interviews and recaps, you can tell that they are tired and homesick. Frankly, I don’t know how Cook and Archie are managing because the other idols at least are getting a few days off where Archie and Cook still have to work.

  • http://myspace.com/susanatfox sumidol

    Well TomK, didnt sound like you enjoyed a whole lot but at least, as you wrote, you did get your fill of T & A. Thanks for the recap – from a males point of view.

  • waffle

    He was very comfortable on stage but had this strange, long stare into the upper stands on more than one occasion.

    My take on this is that David was trying to connect with the people farther away from the stage. He’s special that way. :)

  • hardkandy

    Congratulations on your Brooke moment! I love how unbiased your review is :)

  • capami

    Too bad you missed Chikezie. He was very awesome in the LA show and he even did a bit of Kanye’s “Mama” for his parents in the audience.

    As a still menstruating but older fan of Jason Castro, I have to disagree with your assessment of his performance. Jason did what Jason does. You either get him or you don’t.

    How did you know the ladies were menopausal? Did you check their ovaries?

    Syesha’s show outfits are very hoochie mama but KLC dances much more provocatively.

    Sy’s hair isn’t ‘crazy’. Most African American women hair have hair like Syesha’s without chemicals or heat processing.

    I liked Brooke too. I hope she does a duet with Jason.

  • capami

    Actually, the bottom 6 perform “In The Name of Love”.

  • Jolene

    My take on this is that David was trying to connect with the people farther away from the stage. Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s special that way. :)

    Heh. That just made me laugh. Thanks waffle!

  • Mysticalchick

    Interesting perspective there. I hope you don’t ever run into a “post-menopausal woman”, Tom. We can get plenty excited, don’t kid yourself. Most of us could give Mr. Cook a run for his money. :-)

    The show flew by and I surprised myself by liking Ramiele. I thought she did a great job and was very entertained by her. Unlike the gentleman writing the review, KL’s assets did not move me at all. Loved Brooke and in the back floor area where I was sitting, she looked peaceful and warm. Loved “Yellow” by her and even went and got it on Itunes.

    I thought Archie was going to need CPR after singing his heart out on “Apologize”. His voice filled the entire center and his sweet dorkiness is very endearing.

    Too bad I couldn’t have changed seats with Tom because I would have LOVED to have my ears blasted during DCook’s set. Thought he kicked all kinds of ass and really connected with everyone there. (Yeah, I’m a hardcore Cook fan, can you tell?)

    All in all, enjoyed the show …. even if I am still exhausted from the bus stalking festivities.

  • john_socal

    “Of course, 10000 women and girls would disagree”

    …and DEFINITELY this guy!

    John

  • Zeppelin

    He was very comfortable on stage but had this strange, long stare into the upper stands on more than one occasion.

    The way Cook ‘absorbs’ the moment REALLY bugs me. The stare goes on forever, lol. I’ve said this before but I also find the ‘I’m not worthy *hangs head down, then proceeds to shake it in disbelief* but keep the applause coming’ and the *pause for cheers*, *pause for more cheers* thing so annoying, ha. I have a love/hate relationship with Cookieman :rolleyes_wp:

    About Jase, you can tell he’ll be totally comfortable in a smaller, more intimate venue. To quote, “I definitely plan to pursue music as a career, but I realize it might not be in an arena setting like this. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s awesome, but thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a bit of a disconnect with the audience.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 

    I agree. Although his beautiful, clear singing voice fills these mammoth arenas, I think both he and his core fans would agree a more personal setting would be ideal for his laid-back musical style and personality. At least for the while.

    Michael, I like him but his tour set is just super cheesy. No one can do Queen without sounding karaoke. I still can’t get over Syesha’s nasal-y tone in Listen. Carly, Archie and Jason are just absolutely amazing imo. Love Brooke and Eze too.

    As IGetCranked mentioned, I definitely get the feeling that all of the Idols are homesick and beyond exausted. They seem to be feeling the pressure moreso than ever right now.

    Interesting perspective Tom. Thanks for the recap.

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    Of course, 10000 women and girls would disagree.

    Generalizations like this will always irk me.

    Otherwise, interesting perspective. Thanks for your recap, Tom. :)

  • brie200

    I fully respect your opinion, but I have to disagree on Jason. I agree with whoever said that Jason does what Jason does. People get him or they don’t. He sings his mellow songs and talks briefly and that’s that. I don’t think it’s an issue of not wanting to be there. If you watch his vlog, he’s having the time of his life. But he would be way more comfortable in smaller venues and his fans would enjoy the personal connection more in such a setting.

    It’s hard because he’s not going to rock out or throw t-shirts to pump up a crowd or even beg for applause (ahem KLC). He runs off stage as soon as its over and while some interpret that as not wanting to be there, I interpret it as he’s still not comfortable with the cheers and the adulation.

  • 123abc456

    Doesn’t sound like you liked the concert much, I have been to a lot of rock concerts and they are always loud which explains cook’s set. I have a feeling that you are not much of a Rock fan I could be wrong. I find it funny how you and others who have reviewed the concerts have different takes on the idols, you notice things about DC “like the strange stare” which I didn’t notice in Portland, or he is too arrogant or he is too grateful or Archie’s “persistant chuckling”. I think that they are all learning how to perform on the “big” stage because even if they have been performing for a long time it is nothing like this concert series and I think they will all get better and work out the tics.

  • kathrynTX

    I do like reading all the reviews. And there don’t seem to be many written by male type people. “Post-menstrual” cracked me up though, TomK! From this review, the entire experience and show sound really boooooooooooooring zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz….oh sorry, fell asleep on my keyboard. Yeah, maybe you haven’t been to many concerts and don’t like much rock? If you thought David Cook’s set was loud, you should’ve been with me at AC/DC or perhaps Van Halen, where I sat right next to the dang speakers. I finally learned to bring some cotton with me to concerts. Ummmmmmmm…I guess that’s it for my comments on this review, except too bad you were so bored!

  • capami

    Well, ike the T shirt says if the music is too loud, you’re too old. =)

  • SpenserJ

    Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve said this before but I also find the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m not worthy *hangs head down, then proceeds to shake it in disbelief* but keep the applause comingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ and the *pause for cheers*, *pause for more cheers* thing so annoying, ha.

    LOL – that description kind of cracked me up.

    I have a feeling that you are not much of a Rock fan I could be wrong.

    Yeah, maybe you havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t been to many concerts and donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t like much rock?

    I know this is going to sound crazy, but I actually think it’s possible for someone to like Rock, yet not be a Cook fan. I like rock – but not all of it. Just because someone doesn’t like a particular artist, doesn’t mean they dislike the entire genre. That’s a big leap to make.

    I like David Cook, but I’m not surprised that some people don’t. No one is universally beloved, and lots of people walk out of concerts with different opinions.

    TomK, thanks for the amusing review. Glad you enjoyed KLC for the eyecandy, as I imagine that in a concert setting, that’s pretty much all she’s good for. :lol_wp:

  • 123abc456

    Clarifying my comment, I was refering to him complaining about the loud music when I said I did not think he was a rock fan not David Cook. I love rock but not all rock groups, although I do love David Cook.

  • kathrynTX

    Clarifying my comment too…. I was talking about the complaints about the VOLUME of Cook’s set. In my experience, most “rock” concerts are LOUD. Maybe that’s part of the definition of “rock,” I don’t know, seems like it though! I realize every one who goes to the AI shows, who watched AI, who did not watch AI, who does not go to the shows…that not every one is going to like the same artists for the same reasons. Fine with me, really. I like who I like, other people like who they like. I long ago stopped trying to talk someone into liking something she doesn’t like. Doesn’t matter to me!

  • kathrynTX

    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Of course, 10000 women and girls would disagreeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ 
    à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and DEFINITELY this guy!
    John

    So, John, does this mean you’re a guy who LIKES Cook, the rock guy artist Cook? Cool. :lol_wp:

  • pingu

    It’s clear as day Jason’s having the time of his life :) His face lights up and his voice is full of excitement everytime he’s asked about the tour. He has always said going on tour was the dream, the reason he entered the show to begin with and he’s “having a blast!” He loves it and he loves the audience. He’s always outspoken on his genuine adoration for music & touring and his appreciation for not just the immense amount of love his fans give him but for every audience at every venue.

    Jason is a master minimalist. There are no choreographed moves, no smoke, no special lighting; no bells and whistles. Just a guitar, a microphone, some cool tunes and an amazing vocal. He does his thing & you either get it or you don’t.

    Although he’s modest and unassuming, he has an inner confidence, is eloquent and has a hilarious spontaneous bubbly attitude (judging from recaps, reviews, fan videos and his vlogs). But that confidence sometimes doesn’t come across onstage on this tour. His banter is often mumbled and nervous. A few people misinterpret this and the fact he doesn’t stand there soaking in the applause, the cheers and the adulation as “not wanting to be there” when it’s obvious he still sometimes finds it all very overwhelming. A more intimate setting would be perfect for him. That way he’ll feel like a musician amongst friends rather than a numbered act onstage performing a quick 3-song set for millions. And he won’t feel like he’s giving a speech every time he opens his mouth to talk lol. His banter will flow easily.

    Gah. I can’t wait to see him tour solo XD

  • Zeppelin

    LOL – that description kind of cracked me up.

    I love rock, I love Cook’s voice, his laugh, wit & intelligence…..I just hope that wierd routine subtly subsides lol. I doubt it would even bother me if I didn’t like him so darn much. Ha.

  • aly

    I wonder why you even went to the show. Didn’t sound like you liked
    it at all. Guess it was to see Brooke.

    Brookes set was a drink and bathroom break. Otherwise I would have
    been bored to tears.

  • Mia

    Thanks for the recap. It is good to hear a different point of view. As fans we too live in a bubble. Sometimes recaps that are not the most flattering remind us that, that is what is going to happen in real life. It’s something all of them will have to face and overcome.

  • JOJOSIE

    There are also some like me who don’t particually like Rock, but still am a big Cook fan. Most concerts that have a band are loud. :rolleyes_wp: If the musics good, loud doesn’t bother me and I hate to admit my age but I’m way,way past menopause. I only wish I was able to get to a AI concert this year.

  • john_socal

    kathryntx,

    Let me make it very clear. I think Cook is the greatest overall artist of my lifetime in every way. And believe me, I’m not the only male. Spend some time on david-cook.org and you will see amongst the 14,000,000 plus hits on the site!

  • reinharv

    Well, ike the T shirt says if the music is too loud, youà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re too old.

    I was seated on the floor about 20 feet from the middle of the stage. This post menopausal woman loves rock and if the music is too loud for me, I will unfortunately concede and check myself into a seniors home and stare out the window with glazed eyes, talking to myself or watch my age spots spread.

    Sorry, but Washington, D.C. was “David Cook” territory. Everyone went nuts when he showed up and people stopped being “polite” so as not to block anyone’s view during his set because the entire floor stood during all of his performances (except for a few here and there) and when he came on stage–the place exploded for him. People loved Cookie. Except for those nosebleed seats way up there in the clouds tucked too close to the front, the place was packed. They were there to see the winner. It was obvious. Archie’s fans loved him and there were fans for every idol and some didn’t care becaue they cheered for everyone.

    I loved the show and time flew by. Every single person on that stage deserved to be there. Since I was 20 feet away from the stage, I heard all of them clear as a bell and the sound mix was perfect and I didn’t have to plug my ears (but since I’m old, maybe I’m deaf lol) . They all did great and I was entertained and I had a great time.

    My young daughter who is married with 2 kids probably screamed the loudest. It was truly impressive. I always knew she had a “big” mouth but I was impressed by how loud and how long she held her fan scream astounding everyone near by. She’s also a David Cook fan but she gave everyone a cheer–scream–whatever but she reserved her finest and loudest and longest shrill scream for Cook.

    Are they tired? Well wouldn’t you be, hopping on the bus traveling from place to place zig-zaging all over the map, singing the same songs over and over and over again wearing the same outfits and following the rules–keep it moving. Cook especially is dragged here and there and he never gets a moment of peace. Does he complain, do any of them complain? No, because this is something they’ve always dreamed of doing and when it’s over some may never ever experience this again to this degree if at all.

    Cook went out with a few of the other idols prior to the show around 2:30 or so and he spoke 45 minutes to one fan who didn’t ask for an autograph, just talked to him. He could have taken a nap, but he went out and spent that much time with one fan alone. She reported that if you think he’s a nice guy from what you’ve seen on TV and heard–then multiply it by 100x and you’ll get close. Does he ask people to cheer him–no–it’s not for him it’s for the show and to build energy. That’s what you do at a concert. You are there to scream, stand, wave, and do all that stuff because otherwise, just lie down in your EasyChair, lean back and listen to your stereo. You’ll have money and not have to deal with traffic or crowds and most probably, you’ll soon fall asleep.

    These are kids who not so long ago lived their daily lives and nobody would have critiqued them, criticized them, noticed their clevage and posted it on the internet or felt they were watched every single minute. They are still the same but their lives have changed but they still have feelings and get hurt. They all have great voices and I for one had a great time at the Verizon Center, but people have different perspectives and expectations and impressions. My favs are Cook, MJ, and Carly; however I loved them all that night and I got my money’s worth. I was never bored.