Adam Lambert performs in Memphis, TN at the
American Idol 2009 Tour. Photo courtesy of
Latisha Bramlett.
On July 26, the 2009 American Idol tour descended on Memphis. Memphis is no stranger to pop idols. After all, the first true pop idol, Elvis Presley, once called this city his home. People in this neck of the pop culture woods are quite used to seeing people emulate, worship and get downright loony over men in tight pants.
I should begin by saying: I don’t watch American Idol. Yes. I know. I’m the pop culture Examiner. But, honey, I’ve got to tell you: even we pop culture addicted individuals must take a break sometime. That being said, what you’re getting is a review of the American Idol tour through the eyes of someone who gets most of her American Idol knowledge through the news and one seriously addicted friend who makes watching the show unnecessary (ask me how many times I’ve heard Adam Lambert sing “Mad World” – just ask me!).
I knew I had stepped into the mouth of madness when I walked in and saw a woman wearing a shirt that was nothing but Adam Lambert’s eyeball. Not two eyeballs. Just one. And for the Glamberts out there: I don’t know which one it was. Do you guys and dolls have a preference? Because, if so, I’m sure it was that one.
The madness was only intensified anytime the jumbo-trons, guarding the stage like gargantuan monoliths, displayed the image of Adam Lambert. With each and every flash of his face, screams erupted throughout the crowd. At one point, they even replaced the top of his skull with an automobile. No matter. They still screamed.
The first half of the show, while entertaining at times, felt like it was more of a formality that was necessary to get to the second. “Get through these trials, kiddies, and I’ll show you the world!” While Idol contestants Anoop Desai and, Memphis native, Lil Rounds perked up the crowd (with a hefty dose of hometown love from the crowd), most of the audience remained seated throughout the first five’s performances. Almost as if they were waiting for something. Or someone.
After a 20 minute intermission (I didn’t realize concerts came with intermissions before this – were it not for the beers, arena smell and incessant screaming, I might have mistaken it for Broadway), the show was back on and it was obvious: this was what 90% of the people in attendance had paid for.
Allison Iraheta was first after the break and the crowd was instantly on their feet. While I think that Pink’s “So What” probably wasn’t the best fit for her, once she ditched the guitar and mic stand, she was more in her element and worked the stage as a performer should.
Danny Gokey was next. For the most part, the crowd rested through his set. Had I been Sookie Stackhouse, I’m certain I would have heard an overwhelming silent chorus of, “Adam’s next. When’s he coming out? OMG, where is he? Get out the way Danny Gokey! You might be blocking a shot of his hair tips!” Gokey seemed to stick out among the top five. His song choices clashed with the latter half of the show and took on an overwhelmingly Chicken Soup for the American Idol’s Soul feel.
His set ended and the air was nearly sucked out of the arena as almost every woman from age 2 – 98 took a preparatory breath as they awaited the appearance of the boy with the leather pants and guyliner. Looking back, those like me will remember the next moment as the moment that rendered their hearing less operative. Because as soon as the graphics appeared on the jumbo-trons indicating Adam’s arrival, the noise in the arena swelled to deafening roar. Imagine the sound that would occur if a thousand Robert Pattinsons were suddenly dropped into a swirling mass of schoolgirls and Twilight moms.
Adam’s set was less Billboard Pop 100 and more the cuts you’d find on the mp3 players of slightly more discerning music fans and wannabe hipsters (no offense intended: my MP3 player contains the discography of Bowie and Gary Jules’ Mad World, as well). He appropriately grinded across the stage, working the screaming crowd like a master puppeteer with him playing Jim Henson and thousands of female fans playing his Kermit.
You’re welcome.
It was easy to see how he won the title.
Oh wait. He didn’t? America’s top pop Idol, Kris Allen, closed out the countdown with some Bill Withers, Matchbox 20 and The Beatles. And while his set was enjoyable and all words to “Hey Jude” vocalized by the crowd in time with his own, I kept waiting for those other two rockers, Allison and Adam, to come back and appropriately close the show with a bang.
Luckily, they did – along with the other Idols who appeared before them.
The show itself was boppy and fun and, at times, even extremely enjoyable. Its enjoyment came from a mixture of some of the acts along with the reaction of the fans who have made this phenomenon what it is.
After watching the show, from the perspective of someone who showed up late to this party, I feel quite dubious as to how Adam Lambert was not the #1 Idol. Though, no doubt, he’s laughing all the way to the bank – so much that he’s more than likely tearing up, smudging his eyeliner and showing off the tracks of his tears (ask me how many times I’ve heard that one – ask me!).
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to make a quick Tweet to Adam Lambert. I need to make him an offer he can’t refuse.
Comments
I haven't yet had the chance to see the Idols Live tour and let's be clear, I'm only going to see Adam Lambert. I like Allison, Kris, and Matt too but I would not be shelling out the money if it weren't for Adam. Reading this review honestly made me feel as excited as if I'd actually been there. Loved the Sookie reference, haha! I'm even more pumped to see my own show.
Thanks!
Excellent!!!
heehee I love it! I've been a fan of Adam's from Day One (first audition). Can't wait for Adam's SOLO tour! You guys should check out the KRADAM moment during DSB on youtube. :-)
Thanks for the fun read. Adam is the star, no doubt about that! It's apparent you actually attended the concert, unlike so many critics and entertainment reporters who don't even bother to check it out themselves. Some of them would rather regurgitate what they've heard a handful of clueless others say.
What does that last line mean? I dont get it
Oh, Kelly Keltner you made me laugh so loud. Never enjoyed a write up such as yours before. I'm glad you're one of us because I could ask anyone to ask me the same question!!! I just can't get enough of ADAM and I'm in my 50's.
ADAM simply seduces. ADAM simply mesmerizes. Never anyone like him out there with his explosion of talents, drop dead gorgeous looks and avalanche of sex appeal and magnetism aside from being phenomenal!! The last time I look it was ELVIS. He has long been gone. I thank GOD for this generation to witness ADAM's star shining. I love this boy so much!!!
HaHa! Just loved your review, especially your comment about tracks of my tears! I can't tell you how often I have replayed that performance on my video! Adam's studio version nowhere near captures the magical quality of that memorable night! Thanks so much for affirming what so many of us know globally!
Thank you. One of the best American Idol concert reviews. I love your humor. I've seen two AI concerts, and all because of Adam. What is it about this young man that makes women 3-98 behave this way. Could it be he is sexy, vocally a genius, sexy, incredibly gorgeous, charismatic, did I say sexy?
Ok Kelly, I think I have read every review in the universe on Adam Lambert. I mean it when I say that your's is my absolute favorite. I've now read it at least 10 times. Not only was it spot on for every "idol," but it was absolutely hilarious! I'm choking from laughing so hard! I almost died laughing when you wrote about Danny Gokey, who I truly have a problem with. Just a terrific review. Can you do all Adam's reviews? Please.
Brilliant review. I don't usually read any good ones but yours was great.
Why is every comment here written by a women. And why are we all up so late reading and writing about Adam? I have seriously lost my mind over this dude. As I said earlier, this is simply my favorite review so far. Show your boss the comments here, and tell him/her we want you on the Adam beat. Well, somebody's got to do it!
I love your review. I like all the other Idols too, I'd have cheered for all of them. But I'd have screamed louder for Adam and Allison, yeah. Kris is awesome too in his own way. I love these three so much! :)
My favorite review. Ever.
Adam rocks!
Great review! And yes, the results of the show were perhaps a bit more than "dubious". never mind, Adam will soon be free and then we will see him fly!
You have a very unique style of writing. Very creative and expressive.
Great review. I saw the show earlier on the tour and felt as you did.
BEST REVIEW EVER !!!! i don't mind if u do all adam's reviews !!!!! it so much fun to read !!!!
It was enjoyable to read a review by an unbiased columnist from Memphis. Loved your Sookie reference! My only quibble is that Elvis was not the first pop idol -- Sinatra was.
"Though, no doubt, he’s laughing all the way to the bank – so much that he’s more than likely tearing up, smudging his eyeliner and showing off the tracks of his tears (ask me how many times I’ve heard that one – ask me!)."
LOL. I love your review.
Your review = EPIC WIN.
The only reason I goggled is for ADAM LAMBERT. I can never get tired of reading anything about him. I do not get much news of him in the show before Memphis. Glad that that episode is over now and we are back to Adam. I wish I can see him live.
I agree 100% with the article, very entertaining to read. I'm not sure if you were serious about tweeting Adam, but his account is hacked :(
thanks for the review...it's a great thing to read a review that's not bias and coming from a not Adam fan....I think it only answered my question..Adam really stands out!!!
Loved you review! I was in Memphis for the concert and thought Adam was awesome and obviously the star of the show! I can't wait to see what he does as an original artist.
Loved your review! I was in Memphis for the concert and thought Adam was awesome and obviously the star of the show! I can't wait to see what he does as an original artist.
I was in the Memphis show, and Adam SERIOUSLY rocked it. Outside after the show everyone was chanting Adam's name it was so awesome.
I love your review! Adam really rocks!
I remember a few years ago when I went to see an AI concert. When Clay Aiken came out there was a roar that was deafening and he gave a great performance for a 24 year old kid from North Carolina. Sure, Adam is very talented but let's remember that others that came before him on Idol were just as great in their own way. But, like Clay Aiken, I do think Adam should have won and not come in second - especially to Kris who is boring!
I was really disappointed none of the idols came to sign autographs after the show because they had to catch a plane. I was waiting for so long LOL. But I can't complain. I got to see Adam live, and he just made me feel like I was in heaven even for twenty short minutes.
I'm driving from Nashville to the Charlotte and Greensboro Show (daughter lives in Charlotte), and I have paid big bucks for floor seats, basically for Adam's 20 minutes. I'm old enough to have seen Elvis perform live, and I have not been this excited about any performer since! I seriously think I may have lost it! This is my first American Idol concert, and only the 2nd year I have watched the show. I probably won't watch it anymore, because I don't think there will be another Adam. I will be standing during his set, though I won't be wearing an Adam Eyeball Shirt! Thanks for your review; I think he will be an icon, and it seems that you agree!
Great and funny review. I adore the fabulous and talented Adam Lambert!
Hold-up....not all women here...Great review, I have seen Adam perform in Dallas...He is going to be Huge...I am looking forward to his CD coming out later this year. Way to go Adam..
I love your review, and Adam is a ROCK GOD!!!
Great review...I'm from Canada and can't wait to see him in Hamilton, On, i will drive 7 hours to watch Adam Lambert performs. I'm 51 years old and i am so addicted to Adam Lambert..
Kelly, I'm so glad you see what millions of people across the country have seen since the beginning of AI and genuinely gifted performer. I thought your review was on the mark. His fans love him as you witnessed last night with the decibel alert!!! thanks
Way to go sister!!!!!!Come on, Adam, STICK IT IN us! Girls are more fun!
Sinatra was first. There were others before Elvis.
But Adam is the definite heir apparent.
P.S. "Pop Culture" in the US has no bigger show than AI, and you admit to not watching? Sorry, that makes you a pretender, not an "examiner".
So proud that Glamberts always prove the adage:
"Noisy water runs shallow, Silent water runs deep" Let's all revel in our shallowness!!!!!!!!SEX SELLS!!!!!!!
The one, the only, Adam Lambert will be in Sunrise tomorrow night and I am going with my mom, aunt, 86 year old grandmother, who has her nails painted black and blue streaks in her black hair. My granny wants Adam to know that this is not the conservative South, we in Fort Lauderdale are more South Beach and all sexy moves are welcome and appreciated. My 4 year old nephew Noah is going as well, a huge Adam fan who has made a glittered "Born To Be Wild" shirt for the occasion. Prudes who object to Adams dancing in front of children must not like sporting events either with crotch grabbing baseball players and sexy dancing cheerleaders at football and basketball games. In fact Noah as learned similar moves in his dance class. Four generations will be there. Never in my lifetime, have I witnessed an entertainer that has generated such love and admiration from his fans. He will be iconic.
Loved your review. It was so right on. Now you know what some of us 40 something's have been going through since March! Adam Lambert is simply stunning and a nice person. #adamlambertisarockgod
Hey thanks for the article, I was not an AI fan either until Adam was on! You are pretty funny, love the Jim Henson / Kermit reference!As a rocker chick myself I love Adam and Allison, really like Kris too, he's too cute not to love, but really waiting to see Adam and Allison and can hardly wait for their records to come out.
Can't wait until next week. I can witness in person the great Adam Lambert. He is the only reason I am going to the concert. Thanks for a great review.
Ha ha Kelly, nicely put review. You are quite a wit. Keep up the funny writing...it is a gift.
We Canadians couldn't vote for the American Idol but we sure knew who should have won. It is a lot of fun this summer seeing the great musician Adam Lambert prove his superstar status night after night one packed arena at a time.
Your review was totally biased, in that many people can't stand Adam and won't go to the tour because of the pimping he's received. If he's so great, why aren't the arenas sold out?
You should be glad you did not watch the TV run otherwise you would have caught the Adam virus early and it is fatal ! No cure has been found and it mutates into a dangerous strain turning you into a useless lump until you get your daily fix of Adam music and escalates into a daily craving for Adam videos . There is no natural immunity. And there is no relief in sight.
Wait, you said you were going to tweet Adam. Just so you know, his twitter account was hacked recently and he has no control over it currently. That's why he hasn't twetted in a long time.
I am grateful that I am now going into my seventh month of being totally infatuated with Adam. I would not want to only be in the early stages of my delirium. At least, I have come to be comfortable with the idea that I will never have a free moment that I do not run to the computer to watch videos of Adam performing.
A lot of people aren't going, actually, because it's the American Idol tour and not the Adam Lambert tour. That's what I'm hearing, anyway. I'm certainly going. I love these guys!
Also, the people who review the tour with little to no familiarity with the show are the least biased ones. jfyi
I'll see him tonight in Tampa and I feel like a schoolgirl, I've been preparing for this moment like I did for my wedding some 20 years ago..I know pathetic but OH boy do I feel good! LOL
Great and fun review, thank you!
This has to be by far one of the worst reviews I have had the displeasure of reading. Fans reviews of the show are better than this. First off, if you are going to do a review of a concert consisting of MORE THAN 1 INDIVIDULE, you should try to include all aspects involved. Your "review" just went on and on about adam to the point at which I felt like I was reading a review from a glambert, that's not what I came here for. I also find it hard to believe that you haven't watched the show before, because you seem like Adam Lambert's #3 fan!! Waste of my time...
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