Following The Idols

CEBU, Philippines - The one reason of my revisit to the American East Coast was to follow the last leg of the American Idol Season 8 summer concert series. Well, this was under the influence of brother who is an avid fan of the reality show. And admittedly, so am I. Most especially when my personal bet Kris Allen bagged this year’s title!

So there we were on a cloudy Wednesday tracking via Long Island Rail Road and finding ourselves at the Nassau County Coliseum in upstate New York. We came in half an hour early with spectators continuously flocking inside the massive landmark. The entire stadium’s eager anticipation was so palpable, what with the Idol stage and the music videos of past winners playing on the wide screens alternate the current Idol’s ad campaigns.

Then, 7, on the dot, the A.I. theme reverberated signaling the start of the concert. Just to give everyone an overview of the program: each performer, starting from the tenth had three songs to perform. There was a quick intermission right after Matt Giraud (6th) to prepare for the top 4, who were given more than three tracks to perform. The producers adopted this format in last season’s tour but prior to that, the Idols performed non-sequentially to their place in the competition. Personally, I would have preferred the former format.

Anyhow, after witnessing the top 10 perform live, there was no doubt that this batch is definitely the most vocally powerful and musically diverse. Despite watching them on TV, it is much better live! So, here are some highlights on the individual performances and of the entire show itself. Okay, I might not be able to help it, but there might be a touch of Simon Cowell in this review.

A big voice for a big guy, Micheal Sarver certainly deserved that spot in the top 10. He opened the concert like a pro. His best was Neyo’s Closer. Tall, blonde and beautiful, Megan Joy was certainly the doll in the batch. But if you think her looks escalated her to the finals, you thought wrong. She has that distinctive voice to sweep you off your feet (she certainly did sweep fellow finalist Anoop Desai’s feet since both are now dating). Though I could never forget her version of Jackson 5’s Rockin’ Robin during the competition her cover of Corinne Bailey Rae’s Put Your Records On was perfect. Then came Scott Mcintyre whose inspirational Idol journey captured the hearts of Americans and the world. A talented musician and vocalist, his version of Vanessa Carlton’s A Thousand Miles was so far the best I have heard!

Lil’ Rounds’ soulful voice did justice to her Mary J. Blige sweep of Be Without You and Just Fine. She tried Beyonce’s Single Ladies but it just didn’t work for me. Anoop Desai belted out once more his most memorable Elvis’ You’re Always On My Mind and showcased his versatility with Neyo’s Mad. Finally, closing the first half was Matt Giraud. I’m really not a fan but with him on the piano interpreting Ray Charles’ Georgia On My Mind was his highlight.

Allison Iraheta opened her segment with Pink’s So What. She embraced the rocker in her by covering a couple more rock classics including Heart’s Barracuda. Though her vocal prowess is undeniable, there was something in her performance that was missing. For some reason, she failed to connect with the audience. I just didn’t feel her. The only time I felt her presence was during a duet with Adam Lambert rocking out Foghat’s Slow Ride. Danny Gokey’s interpretation of Rascal Flatts’ What Hurts the Most was the only thing that stuck in mind (I’m sorry. I’m not a fan too).

While teaser videos played before the concert started, every time Adam Lambert and Kris Allen’s faces were flashed, shrieks and shouts from the audience echoed the entire stadium. So you could just imagine when Adam took the stage. In his glam-rock self, he delivered his numbers with usual showmanship and flamboyance. His rendition of David Bowie’s Fame and Muse’s Starlight were very entertaining. Of course he also showed his softer side with his rearranged rendition of a Duran Duran classic Mad World.

And now, the Idol himself, Kris Allen! Rising center stage from below carrying his acoustic guitar, he opened with his incomparable interpretation of Kanye West’s Heartless. Yes, from this point forward, there was non-stop cheer from the fans. He followed it up with All The Things I’ve Done by The Killers—which was awesome and Matchbox 20’s Bright Lights. Behind the piano, he played Bill Withers’ Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone with great passion that it transcended to every individual. He closed with a classic Beatles song Hey Jude. Towards the end of the song, the rest of the idols joined and encouraged everyone to join as they paid tribute to the legendary foursome. Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ was a fitting encore! (Idol photos from www.americanidol.com)