From: Dale
To: Claire
OK, so I take you to the concert you have been waiting to see for two months now, counting the days, the hours, the minutes and finally, after a nerve racking drive through DC traffic, we get to Verizon Center and settle into our seats five minutes before showtime. Babe, honestly thanks for buying those tickets because I had a really good time and the seats were great!!
From: Claire
How about some background story maybe? We never watched American Idol until this year, Season 8, only because someone told me the buzz about a certain song from Grand Ole Opry week. One week after that we watched the show and we were hooked. Although I had my favorite, I voted for two people all the way to the Top 5. Regardless of the outcome of the Finale, I went into the concert with an open mind. And since the Finale some things have changed along the way….
From Dale:
And what changed? More talent? Yeah, I totally agree ‘ they all got better, didn’t they? I was actually entertained. It’s like they are truly professional entertainers now’ ¦amazing what a few weeks on the road can do, huh?
From Claire:
Yes, more talent, more confident. Taking it from the top ‘ let’s get past the usual commentary of scream volume for each Idol, their pictures on screen / clap-o-meter, who had more fans present, etc. We were in the first tier about 20 rows back in Section 112 and had a good view of everyone on stage. Looked like an almost sell-out performance. Crowd was hyped and ready to go. All of the Idols sang their hearts out, and I loved it. From there, I’ll go on’ ¦
Michael came out and sang two songs ‘ he was entertaining, better than I expected since I had not seen him on the show. I liked his personality and I think he’s truly appreciative of the opportunity he’s had with Idol touring the country and he seems really attentive to the fans.
And he’s a good singer, too!
Next came Megan, and what a hoot! She can sing. However, I don’t think she’s really found her musical base yet. The songs were good and she’s quite a whacky-shack on stage ‘ such a natural flake and yet she’s okay with it. Has anyone thought to maybe supply her with some Joni Mitchell music, better suited to her hippie style singing ‘ Like, ‘Honey, You Turn Me On I’m A Radio playing some country music, I’m a little bit corny, I’m a wildwood flower, singing to ya from the broadcasting tower, yeah…’
From: Dale
OK, I’ll let you in on a little secret. You were sitting right next to me, my wife, but I gotta admit Megan is really sexy. She looked totally hot in the pink dress and shoes. What is probably a major setback for her is how she behaved on the IDOL competition’ ¦everyone knows she’s basically a nut-case. That said, I have to agree with you ‘ give her the right song to sing and she’s got a chance of making it big time. Michael, I think, has the same problem to deal with ‘ the mouth. You say he appreciates’ ¦yes he’s lucky to be there. I heard he had some unkind things to say about the others and I guess that got in the way of me thinking he was any good.
From: Claire
After that, up came Scott, from the floor ‘ his singing has improved from the TV show and he did two very good songs and a little crowd banter, and why not? we’re there to be entertained. If he keeps the whiny quality out of his voice, he’s okay. Maybe he can do a Christian type CD or something mellow and get a following.
Up next, Lil. She seems to have gotten over the harrowing judges criticism on the show and was more relaxed in her singing. She looked great and had the audience up for the Single Ladies song. She’s good and can rock too.
Then came Anoop – I thought he was a bit snotty on the TV show, however, at the concert he seemed more mature and did justice to Elvis’ Always On My Mind ‘ which changed my mind about him. His other two songs were good, and he had everyone up on their feet with his last number. Overall a good performance.
And then, then came the game-changer ‘ ¦.. MATT !!!!!!!!
From: Dale
Up until the show last night, you know I always HATED Scott ‘ called him all sorts of horrible names like ‘Bat Boy’ and ‘Sleestack’ , etc’ ¦his voice had that nasal quality I couldn’t stand. But he’s gotten so much better! I stood up and cheered for him after his set. Anoop should stop trying to be something he’s not, because I’m not buying it. I will admit I think he’s showing more personality. And he has more tonal range than Scott. He’s OK, I guess.
About Lil, well there’s another contestant I thought should have been eliminated sooner (the attitude thing), but you know what? That last song she did had the whole crowd hoppin. I liked it. My applause was sincere.
Matt the Hat, yes, he is worth paying to see him in his own concert. Thank God he made enough money to get rid of that thing on his forehead ‘ makes me sound shallow, but the MOLE was, for me, a major distraction. Now that it’s gone, he’s fun to watch, really knows how to play that piano.
From: Claire
Whatever. You shouldn’t say unkind things.
Anyway ‘ Lots of Idol fans think Adam was robbed of the Idol Title for all the various reasons that have been put out there ‘ and he was robbed. So was Matt. Matt should never have come in 5th place. From what we saw tonight on stage, this guy has it all. He owned his set, he played piano like a hound and he’s a total bad ass. I loved his whole performance!! He showed range, depth, musical talent and engaged the audience right from the get-go. Matt should be higher up in the tour set ‘ I wanted to hear more from him, not just 3 songs, but he showed what he’s all about. The crowd loved him. Everyone was on their feet and for the first time in the show it seemed like we were watching someone who had their act totally together. Can’t wait for his solo tour, and hopefully, an album ??
The group numbers included a forgettable duet with Lil and Megan. Sarver sang Elvis’ Suspicious Minds and showed he’s got some soul. Scott and Matt on the pianos was cool. Anoop led the way for the closing number, and they all finished up the first set on a good note.
Intermission at the ladies room line wasn’t too bad ‘ everyone moved at a quick pace so I was able to get back to the seats with about 5-10 minutes to spare before the second half, and Allison…
From: Dale
I have no doubt Matt could make a good solo album. Next, I have to say Allison ROCKED. OK, during the season I didn’t think she had what it takes to be a rock star. But who could forget her exit song the night she got the boot? And since then, she’s gotten better. How many 17 year olds can rock like they’ve been around the block? Man, she GETS IT, and she gets it done! Barracuda was excellent and I think she did Janis Joplin proud with Cry Baby. She was hopping all over the stage and obviously loving it. And the wind blowing her hair’ ¦well let’s just say I bet there’s a few teenage guys out there who like her a lot. I bet she is fun to hang out with.
Next came Gokey. Claire, I’ll let you say what you want about him, because I have plenty of praise for the rest of the night, but his preaching did not impress me and neither did his singing.
From: Claire
I like Allison, but I don’t think she’s quite ‘there’ yet ‘ maybe needs a little more polish? The Cry Baby song was her best. The other 2 songs were good and she did rock. She moves around the stage constantly ‘ hard to keep up with her and where she’s headed next, like a bug! But she gave a good show, I’m just not sure I like her style yet.
And Poor Gokey! He gets so much criticism online! However, the crowd pretty much jumped out of their skin when he came on stage. I never liked his personality on the show, but for some reason I was up and grooving to PYT ?? what happened to me?! Gokey connects with the audience and they loved him too. He did well on his other songs, even the lecture wasn’t as bad as I had been fearing. But at that point in time, I can tell you that ‘My Wish’ is truly the lonnngggest song in tarnation, especially when it’s only minutes to go before The Annointed One comes on stage. I kept muttering ‘Oh hurry up, hurry up, I can’t take it much longer, just finish and go.’ And then it happened’ ¦ Gokey left to a huge crowd applause and it just continued from there, getting louder, and louder and louder.
Then He Appeared. I’d waited months for this – the scream to end all screams, held inside since Ring of Fire ‘ just let me loose and scream my head off. And I did. And there was so much to scream about during Whole Lotta Love. Loved Adan – the voice, the moves, the face, the hair, and the mic stand. Ooooh baby, baby, baby. Once that frenzy was over, he continued to wow us with Starlight which was by far my favorite of Adam’s set. Although Mad World was his usual best (and to the girl who screamed out in section 113 just as Adam was hitting his glory note ‘ shame on you!). Slow Ride was a lot of fun and it’s obvious Adam likes to share the stage as well as do solo. The Bowie Medley showed off his vocals. The dance moves will not soon be forgotten! Can’t wait to see the videos! What is there really to say that hasn’t been said already?!! He is beautiful! No let down with Adam’s performance. The crowd was on its feet the entire time and wild, but it was over too soon’ ¦
From: Dale
For a very long time after Elvis Presley passed away, this world had a void to fill ‘ where had the voice gone? Where was that entertainer that could just sweep you away with his magical charm? Yes, I remember that first night I saw Adam sing. Fascinating. The range, the ease of control. They said he could sing the phone book. Adam is a natural talent who has spent his young life refining that talent. Every week, I was never disappointed. I talked about him at work. I’d call you up during the day and we would laugh about which of his songs was going through our heads. So there he was in the flesh ‘ maybe 100 feet away from us, and for the first time I thought to myself. Man, that dude is so gay! I really wanted to hear him sing, to hit those long notes. But I could not connect. It’s different in an arena setting. The music drowned out his voice from where we sat. I’ve read that others in the audience said he sounded great. This time, the hair style bothered me and the eye makeup was so heavy. Being a guy, it’s not easy for me to admit that Adam is really good looking. During the season, those close in shots ‘ his facial expression- A complete, total entertainer, who has it all. So yeah, it was great seeing him live, but I felt more connected watching him on TV.
Kris? Besides ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ I think the rest of his set was boring, but no doubt everyone enjoys the NANANANA from Hey Jude.
From: Claire
Just admit it, Dale ‘ You love Adam.
From: Dale
I love what Adam did for you and me. He gave us hope there was still room for a beautiful person in this world. He is gorgeous. I truly believe he has the most powerful voice, most gifted talent, truly gifted. I am happy I am alive to say I saw this guy almost from the beginning. You and I are lifelong fans of Adam. And when he goes solo and hopefully goes on tour, singing what he WANTS TO sing, I’m gonna beg you, let’s get the front row tickets. We should let him know ‘ scream it at the top of our lungs’ ¦’ Adam, we love you!’ J I just hope they get a decent sound system, because it’s a sin not being able to hear him sing.
From: Claire
And as for Kris? Kris came on stage to a hearty welcome from the DC crowd. The momentum continued until the second song. Kris does hold his own during his performance ‘ the thing is, he doesn’t belong in the Number One spot on tour. And for those of you who look around during his performance to see if people are leaving, you know what? Kris doesn’t seem to be holding your attention either. When people buy a concert ticket, they aren’t pledging their lives to this show ‘ they can leave whenever they feel like it. I don’t think anyone bothers to look around during the other performances to see who’s doing what. So by the time Kris gets to ‘Hey Jude’ , the crowd gets up again, and me too ‘ to help ease the boredom? or just to help the guy out and move the show along? What’s he doing singing ‘Hey Jude’ anyway? Okay, so it’s a classic Beatles song, but it’s also a sloppy Beatles song, and only the Beatles should sing a sloppy Beatles song and leave it at that. Many Kris fans say that Kris’ performances are ‘all about the music’ ‘ that’s probably true. However, when I go downtown and pay for a show, I expect to come out feeling like I got something. Kris performs well, but he doesn’t interact with the audience. Like, give me something already!
The Group Number was fun and it’s good to see all the Idols again before they leave the stage and move on to the next town.
AND THE STAR OF THE IDOLS TOUR SHOW IS ‘ ¦’ ¦..
Adam and Matt ‘ Tied for First Place. Okay so the scales tip slightly more towards Adam because he gets to perform longer, but Matt is chomping at the bit.
The only way to make the tour show better would be to change the line-up, but that goes back to re-hashing the show. But, if it could be done, here’s how it should have really gone down:
#10 ‘ Megan
# 9 ‘ Lil
# 8 ‘ Sarver
# 7 ‘ Scott
# 6 ‘ Anoop
# 5 ‘ Alison
# 4 ‘ Danny
#3 ‘ Kris
and
If Adam wasn’t going to win (for all the various reasons), then Matt should have come in first place. Matt is the only one talented and cocky enough to follow Adam’s performance. Got doubts about this? Go back and listen to ‘Part Time Lover’ or ‘Staying Alive’ ‘ that’s not Kris Allen you’re listening to. Still got doubts? Who else dared to say ‘I’m not Adam’s Messenger’ !!!!! Ooooh yeah ‘ Talk to me baby !!! Tell me what else you is and ain’t !!!!!!!
Overall, we had a great time!! Loved the show and seeing everyone on stage! Would definitely go again.
From Dale:
Yeah, thanks a lot Adam! Because of you, we’re hooked on American Idol. ’nuff said.
