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Top Ten American Idols, Season 8
AP Photo/Fox, Ray Mickshaw
Sunday night at the American Idol summer tour kickoff at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, OR, Adam Lambert broke the show. And while the crowd was still in pieces, his friend Kris Allen came out and put it all back together again.
According to live tweets, live bloggers, and almost every fan or media outlet who could be called upon to comment, Sunday's show was "better than the show," a chance for the Idols to liberate themselves from many of the constraints imposed upon them by American Idol's reality-show-slash-singing-contest format and prove themselves as artists.
Act One
Early standouts of the night included Anoop Desai, whose reprise of Bobby Brown's "My Prerogative" knocked it out of the park for hard-core fans, and Matt Giraud, who kicked up the energy with The Black Crowes' "Hard to Handle." Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre, Megan Joy and Michael Sarver stayed close to their signature sounds from the Idol stage, delivering solid performances that made many fans wish they'd power-texted a little bit faster.
Kicking off the second half after a brief intermission, Allison Iraheta killed a set that included Pink's "So What", and Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby" before bringing the house down with the Heart standard her fans had been begging for, "Barracuda." Danny Gokey's "P.Y.T." by Michael Jackson was a slightly somber note given recent events, but was well-received by the crowd, along with Santana's "Maria Maria" and Rascal Flatts' "What Hurts the Most" and "My Wish."
Top Two
But the biggest stars of the night came out for the last two sets. Tweets from the live show tell us "the place went insane" when Adam Lambert took the stage for a live performance of Led Zepplin's "Whole Lotta Love" that one fan called "borderline apocalyptic." The intro exploded with light and sound, and then Lambert's commanding voice and innate showmanship took control of the crowd.
"He's like performance art," one fan said on a Dreamwidth.org message board. "And the subjects of his art are love and loneliness and how totally freaking hot he is." An otherworldly cover of "Starlight", by Muse and another brilliant reprise of Gary Jules/Tears for Fears "Mad World" were only barely enough to chill out the crowd before he revved them up again with "Slow Ride" by Foghat, along with Allison Iraheta. A David Bowie medley comprised of "Life on Mars", "Fame" and "Let's Dance" finished off the set amid a riot of screams, proving once and for all that Lambert has slipped the chains of the Idol apparatus to become a star in his own right.
Kris Allen, winner of the American Idol title for eighth season, had the formidable task of reclaiming the show after Adam Lambert stole it. But few were surprised that his low-key entrance and smooth slide into a slightly lower register were just what the crowd needed to unwind.
His rebuild of Kanye West's "Heartless", which many believe won him the crown, kept the audience entranced. Even "No Boundaries", almost universally panned by fans and critics, worked out in context with Allen's undeniable connection to its hooks and to the crowd itself. He followed it up with his haunting signature take on Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" and then brought the arena back to its feet with Matchbox 20's "Bright Lights," a performance strong enough to make Rob Thomas look over his shoulder. With the Beatles' "Hey Jude," a hug of a song on its own, Allen pulled it all together for the crowd, especially when he brought out the rest of the Idols to join in on the "na-na-na" finish.
Finale
An all-Idol group number to Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" sealed the deal: Kris Allen and Adam Lambert returned to the stage to wrap things up for the final chorus, greeted by a wall of screams from the audience. Lambert's last note soared over the rest before the final "Don't Stop!" ...and the crowd went wild.
Tonight, the Idols will do it all again in Tacoma, WA at the Tacoma Dome before heading up to General Motors Place in Vancouver, BC on Wednesday. Boston fans will have to wait until August 18th, when the tour hits TD Banknorth Garden.
Comments
Talk about selective reporting... "few were surprised that his low-key entrance and smooth slide into a slightly lower register were just what the crowd needed to unwind."??? This is great revisionist history considering the reports from the concert were, "Kris sucked the life out of the room and Kris drained the energy out of the place"
Adam was AMAZING! I watched the concert clips on YouTube and was blown away! Adam completely was the show! When I went to buy tickets to the AI concert I forgot and typed in Adam Lambert tickets at StubHub and guess what... The actually have it listed as the Adam Lambert Concert. Smart company.
uhh. you are lame phdude. Kris was awesome, and it's your own selective reporting that sucks. biased much?
Nice review. From what I've seen online of the concert Lambert is absolutely breathtaking. I love the description of him as "performance art" and I agree with your assessment that he's a star now in his own right, devoid of Idol. I can't wait to see the "Adam Lambert concert" when it passes through the East Coast in August.
Um, am I missing something Irene? How can you call this review biased. The author of this piece was very fair to all the contestants including Adam Lambert and Kris Allen.
so wait...one person is bitching because she gives Kris too much credit and then another is bitching because she doesn't give him enough credit? something is wrong with this picture LOL
I've seen the videos. Adam absolutely owned that stage while he was on it. Kris also owned that stage while he was on it. They are two entirely different types of performers but BOTH ARE AWESOME
Sounds like a great concert. I can't wait to see Mr. Lambert in September!!!!
WOW, Saw the performances of Whole Lotta Love and Fame and Adam is just hiptotizing! sexy, sultry, masculine, adrogenous all in one! with that beautiful magnetc voice of his! Adam stole the show! Love you Adam!! Your the best!
xoxoxo
Stacey
glambert 841
san diego
forever a Jersey girl
I only wish that the tour was coming to Denver! Since it isn't, I'm flying to Phoenix. While I know that the entire concert will be enjoyable, I'm only making the trip for Adam.
So some are saying you're biased against Kris, others that you're biased against Adam. Sounds like you did a wonderful job of giving a fair and balanced report! :)
Seriously, though, this was a great read. Loads of envy that you saw such an awesome show. (I can't wait for the 31st!!) Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
ADMIT IT Kris sucked!!! HE SUCKS!!! I can't take it anymore - why is everyone trying to be nice??? ADAM is a bazillion times better than any of the others EVER!! Sorry he has to be saddled w/ them on this tour!!
Meredith,
You summarized just right, “Adam Lambert broke the show. And while the crowd was still in pieces, his friend Kris Allen came out and put it all back together again.” Thank you.
Adam’s flashy style adds a wow factor and Kris’s relatable factor connects people. LATimes gave credit to KRIS’S “HEARTLESS” the HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT. After a long concert, I could picture folks singing “Hey Jude” on their way home. It was a successful show.
It was absolutely Adams concert - he totally owned the stage and electrified the place. Real let down when kris came on and broke the mood - boring. At least Adam got the last wonderfully soaring note and it helped to lift everyone a bit. They definitely need to change the order and have Adam close the show
Oh and on the way home - people were singing Starlight and trying to replicate Adams moves from Fame
I embrace you, Adam. Come into out homes through TV every night. Managers of Adam please create his own TV show. Adam Lambert is my light filling a void as well for millions as I see and read responses. Can't get enough of ADAM LAMBERT!!!
I know it's hard for Adam worshipers to believe, but I am going to this concert to see Kris, Anoop, and Allison. I couldn't care less if Adam were performing.
I am a huge Adam fan and adored this review precisely because it's positive all the way around. People who can't enjoy their favorite without tearing down someone else == lame.
I am off to the show tonight in Tacoma and I can't wait to see Adam, it sounds like his set will be fantastic. Thanks for the review.
yeah...maybe...Kris is OK in your eyes,but i dont like him at all.His perform last night was
soooooo boring
DL - you might not care if Adam is performing now, but you will once you actually see him!
H2Ome, are you sure that LA Times article said that Heartless was the highlight? I couldn't find it in the article, but only in a comment posted by dave. Maybe I am reading the wrong LATimes article, which starts with "For millions, or tens of millions who watch American Idol only on television the Idols Live tour is an afterthought to the game."
It is a great show but Adam IS the show!!! That's all the buzz on the articles, boards and Twitter!!! Adam is ALWAYS amazing and never disappopints his fans nor the crowd. He gives so totally of himself at each performance that he must be drained at the end. He has that "IT" factor that is truly rare. He is a superstar in the making!!! Go Adam!!! See you In San Diego!!!
I liked the review. I'm a Kris fan. Adam is not my style but very talented and a nice guy. What I don't get is why some of Adam's fans think these two guys can't exist in the same universe as extremely talented artists who probably appeal to very different people. Yes, Kris actually appealed to enough people to win American Idol. Think about it. That's and millions of people. So get used to it, and learn to coexist with others, and the world will be a much more peaceful place.
Your article is great. Some comments are hilarious like: I'm going to see Adam ONLY...Adam is the ONLY good one there.
This AI tour show is NOT for folks, who only have ONE song in their iPod. LOL
DL:
"I know it's hard for Adam worshipers to believe, but I am going to this concert to see Kris, Anoop, and Allison. I couldn't care less if Adam were performing."
LiliW:
"DL - you might not care if Adam is performing now, but you will once you actually see him!"
See, this is what I mean. The person said who they preferred, and those are three very talented and charismatic people, but you want to make everyone like the person you like.
It didn't work when Simon and AI tried to do it, and it won't work now. It probably hurt Adam, actually. So just go to the concerts, and scream twice as loudly as anyone else, so everyone will be sure to hear how Adam gets the greatest crowd response, and leave the rest of us alone to make our ouw choices in life. Thanks in advance.
"Adam Lambert broke the show. And while the crowd was still in pieces, his friend Kris Allen came out and put it all back together again." is the BEST summary on Kradam performances for me. I love the contrast between these two performers. I can see Adam's fans screaming, and Kris's fans listening quietly for an emotional connection. Of course there will be some fans who don't enjoy the other style. But they sound self-centered when they disparage other people's taste.
For me, who is sort of middle of the road, I look forward to watching the screamers and sit quietly myself when it's Kris's turn to sing. I love having quiet emotional connections, and he has totally stolen my heart. I'll be silent in the concert because I would NOT want my scream to disturb his singing. I need to hear every tone in his song. Most reviewer seem to lack the understanding that a quiet crowd can be absolutely entranced. Count me in as a quiet, entranced fan. :-)
I saw many Kris's performance on youtube. They are really awesome....I'm going to check out other idols' videos.
I was listening to the cell-cast from Portland. After Adam sang and got huge applause and screaming and cheers, the crowd got quiet. Then there was this enormous screaming and cheering again that went on for a long time, and I thought: What is that? Then I heard: "In the night..." and more cheering, and I knew it was for Kris. When I saw it on YouTube, later, I saw he had come up on a lift and just stood there with his head down waiting for the applause to die down. Yes, people quieted down for parts of his set, and just listened, giving him respect. But after the numbers were over, especially after Bright Lights, there was HUGE applause. Fully deserved.
But I don't think a Kris set is to be screamed through. It's to be savored and enoyed for the artistry it is.
Everyone, thanks for the response!
One thing can't be denied - Kris and Adam bring the drama, especially to comment forums everywhere. It would be impossible for any one review to make everyone happy, but a girl can try. For me, if I got the "Kris or Adam?" question at gunpoint, I'd still need a week to think things over. I think they're both amazing artists and can't wait to see what they do with their albums.
That said, I'm always interested in what you guys are thinking. Drop me a note via email or twitter if there's something specific you'd like me to talk about next time!
Best,
Meredith
"Kris connects to people", what people? My sister was at the show and said that Kris bored people to death. He ruined a Good Beatles song and please, do you really think everyone sat down so they could hear him sing No Boundries? Adam and most of the others out performed him. It is pathetic that he won by people voting thousands of time each in his home state when adam has far more talent and fans. My sister said that adam got ten time louder applause then anyone.
I'm going to the show in Dallas to see Allison! To me, she is the real deal. Adam is good, Allison is great, the rest are just O.K.
Thanks Meredith for a balanced critique.
I laugh at a few Adam fans that seem to think they need to go on every critique & denegrate anyone who is not an Adam supporter!! Also I have seen many articles about the Portland shows & most were supportive & fair to all idols except for a couple of bloggers who pretend to be real journalists but are in fact Adam fans!!
From what I have seen & heard - Kris did an unbelieveable job with his songs. He connects with his fans musically whereas Adam seems to connect with his fans performance wise!! I for one don't connect with Adam but I respect that many do , I just wish some of Adams fans would also respect others tastes & not try to brainwash people into thinking Adam is the best. It doesn't work & many of us don't believe he is!!
So thanks again Meredith for being fair!!
As an attendee of many AI shows in DC, the perform in reverse order of elimination. It is not his fault he stole the show. I watched Youtube videos of Adam, whom I adore watching and wished I was there. To me, Kris is boring and always was. To each his own I say. Go enjoy the show for what it really is-the first time these contestants have to perform before a huge live audience. Enjoy!
I appreciate this review and it does kind of match what friends in Portland said about the show. Unfortunately, comparisons between the (no longer) contestants continue -- which is natural I guess considering that this year there was an extremely controversial and break out star (Lambert) -- whose ascension, based on the excitement he generated each week until we expected it -- was only matched by the then constant attempts to claim he wasn't really all that good. And here we go again. Of course lots of people were good. But from what I hear, Adam knocked people out of the park. But that can never be said, bec that only encourages the same old complaining about his fans, the press etc. He happens not to be my style but boy is he in a league of his own out there. To say he doesn't connect with the music is patently absurd. I don't esp like all the moves/struts -- but when he sings a ballad (and they r all over the internet from theater and caberet) the dude absolutely connects, BIG time
Ben11: Not sure if you were misunderstanding my post. In no time did I say Adam did not connect with the audience. In fact, I started out as an Adam-fan at his "Black and White". His connection was the hot, screaming in-your-face connection. I also loved Adam's Mad World for the quiet connection. Called my friend who was not watching AI at all, and turned her into an Adam fan. (She still is, but I changed.)
When I eventually discovered Kris, I felt a soulful connection. I listen to him every night now at midnight when the world is quiet to feel that exquisite soulfulness. All I tried to point out was: Many audience may be quiet, but it's only because it's a quiet connection. I still love Adam; but Kris is my #1 now. Took me forever to fall in love with Kris, but I did after an intense comparison. My friend still loves Adam. We respect each other and talk about Kradam all the time. We'll be going to the concert together. :-) Allison rocks for me too btw.
Wow, nice review! Sounds like a great time for everyone. As a huge Adam fan, I have never felt the need to put down Kris Allen, who is very talented in his own right.Both of these guys will have good careers, although I suspect Adam's may be greater. The question is: How does Idol do better than this last season? This may be the apex.
Adam STOLE the show.Period.
Tacoma was amazing!!!! omg adam was so awesome! cant wait for his solo tour:)
It was a great show at Tacoma.
American Idol Kris Allen ruled the show again.
Wooooooooooooooooooooow!
I'm jealous! Can't get there but hope to see Adam Lambert some day in concert in the future but it must be completely a freaking thrill to see him in person! The videos on youtube of Portland are so wonderful.
Thank you for this unbiased review. It's nice to hear all the idols being respected for their own talents. There is not one singer who should be singled out as the only star of the tour. Kris is my favorite and he is amazing but they are all stars. This is definitely the best season.
Darcey you liar. You say that on every Kris article. I can't believe some you are still comparing. Kris and Adam are great fans. Darcey why don't you compare Danny to Adam or Anoop to Adam, but it is always Adam and Kris you compare on every article about Kris. Is it because you still have not gotten over something that happened a month ago.
Remember Adam hats sore losers.
Based on all the comments, I am amused that some people are still trying to insist their preference over those of others. Grow up people, no need to bash one artist just to emphasize your preference. So juvenile and starting to sound like those people in caves who are not friends of America. In the end, to each his own.
Who are these music fans who expect screaming and dancing in every song? If I go to a Stone Sour concert, I expect the crowd to quiet down for their beautiful ballad 'Through Glass'. That doesn't mean they are bored. It means they are listening, and resting up for the next screamer.
You couldn't have said it any better.
"Adam Lambert broke the show. And while the crowd was still in pieces, his friend Kris Allen came out and put it all back together again." ..beautifully said.
Vancouver was freakin amazing. Adam was so awesome! Omg i cant even talk right now i kept screaming for him. Love you adam <33333
@Raam: I listened to the same youtube video, and I don't know what YOU are hearing, but those screams are for Adam. Kris gets his fair share, but not as loud as Adam does. I love them both, but for one to say that Kris had more is stupid. Kris has never blown away anyone from his songs, Adam has. The screaming for Kris you are talking about happened at his hometown concert in Arkansas, and why shouldn't it? That is where those 38 million votes for him to win Idol came from. Get your facts straight, ok?
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