I wondered in my recap of Tuesday’s show if the kids were singing to backing tracks, because I could not find the band anywhere on the Idol stage.
Update: I’m not at all clear right now whether there’s a hidden band on the Idol stage, or if the kids are singing to backing tracks. Either way, the current set up sucks. And if there isn’t a live band? Hey, let’s party like it’s 2004! Way to cheap-out Idol producers…
I really miss having the band front and center! Check out this video of David Cook singing “All Right Now” from the Season 7 semi-finals. Cook is playing guitar, and at points jams with the band. I also really like the camera shots from behind the drummer, giving the performance a concert feel.
After David finishes, Paula says, “The band is hot tonight!”
Now, watch this video of Stephen Fowler’s performance from Tuesday. Where is that disembodied music coming from? It gives the entire enterprise a cheap, clinical feel.
After Stephen biffs the performance, he confesses that he feels more comfortable singing at his keyboards, making me wonder if instruments have been banned during the semi-finals.
Well, if keyboardist, Matt Giraud doesn’t sit at the piano while he performs Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” Wednesday night (Joesplace has confirmed this spoiler!) then we’ll know something is up… ETA: And now I’m hearing that Matt WILL NOT be playing piano this week.
I am so not digging Season 8 so far….
