Yeah, yeah, I saw the Idols in Worcester last Wedndesday!
At the last minute I copped a ticket–fifth row, and I got lots of media. Unfortunately, the sound is kinda farked on the video, but I was upclose and I got some great screen grabs. Check out the Worcester collection on my My Space blog
A couple of weeks ago I hit the midwest to see a couple of shows. The arena in Cleveland was a little over half full, and the audience in Toronto was pretty dead. But Worcester? They love them some Idols here in New England. Not only was the arena fairly full, but the fans in the front rows were extremely enthusiastic. And the Idols seemed totally psyched, particularly since they had just received some bad news about tour receipts.
All I can say is that this year’s show is awesomely entertaining. And critics who pan the show as just an overgrown karaoke show are missing the point. Seriously. It’s the American Idols LIVE tour. It’s about fans seeing their favorites, in person, singing songs from the TV show. Period.
Yeah, the Idols are singing other people’s songs, but there are some great performances here–from Lakisha Jones’ and Melinda Doolittle’s commanding vocal performances, to Blake Lewis’s impressive beatboxing and loop pedal skills.
After the tour is over, the contestants will go on to perform and record original music. Some of it will be amazing, I’m sure. But in the meantime–bring on the cheese, bring on the familiar songs. It’s one last time we get to enjoy the contestants, up close and personal, as they were on the show.
Some thoughts:
The irrepressible and talented Jordin Sparks is only 17. Did you know that? Hee. All kidding aside, the girl can sang, in a few years, she could be a powerhouse. I’m looking forward to Blake Lewis’s debut CD. Chris Richardson has charisma to spare and is really fun to watch on stage. Chris Sligh not only displays great vocal chops, but an impressive musicality as well. The arena suits Phil Stacey’s big voice in a way the Idol stage did not. Gina Glocksen is engaging as she deftly delivers pop confections. Sanjaya is compulsively watchable, I see TV in his future. Haley Scarnato embraces the pointy pose, which I totally appreciate.
I also appreciate that everyone pronounced “Worcester” correctly. That would be wister. And that Chris Sligh is a Red Sox fan. YAY!
To get a sense of the camaraderie between this bunch, check out the guys group number, “Crazy, Hey Jude”. I never figured out what it was exactly that cracked the guys up:
Blake and Chris Rich engage in a beatbox battle royale. Guess who wins…
Do I get points for dodging sign-weilding fans and perserving despite the ‘tweens behind me who were screaming in my ear?
SAY CHEESE! Good stuff:
Before Sanjaya turned 18 on Sunday, his sister Shyamali was his required chaperone (she’s 20). During the concert, you can find her on the other side of the barrier, curled up watching the show. At Worcester, she signed autographs for fans during intermission. Sorry about the red eye!
More videos:
Lakisha, Melinda, Chris R – Motown Medley
Melinda and Sanjaya – Proud Mary
Phil – Blaze of Glory
Chris S and Gina – thnx fr th mmrs
Haley – When God Fearing Women Get the Blues
Sanjaya – The Way You Make Me Feel
Chris S – Typical
Blake – Time of the Season
Blake – She Will Be Loved
Blake – You Give Love a Bad Name
Phil – America the Beautiful
Gina – Who Knew
Lakisha – I Will Always Love You
Chris R – This Love
Phil and Gina – I Need You
Jordin Sparks – A Broken Wing
Jordin Sparks – This Is My Now
Fun fact: Nobody has missed a performance yet. No sore throats, swimming or ice cream eating! (those who remember last year’s tour understand the reference. Heh.)
More from my picture collection:
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