American Idols Live 2010 – Christopher’s Albany Recap

Check out Christopher’s recap of the Albany show below:

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I always get so excited when summertime comes up because it is marks the end of my American Idol journey and I feel a sense of closure because I actually get to see in person the people who have graced my television screen from January to May.  July 17th marked the ninth time I have seen Idols Live and I am never really disappointed because each year contestants who I thought were mediocre and blah all of the sudden shine and I end up liking them.  More on that later.

Before the show began there was a video that played in which the Idols told us to watch Ford music videos and then text a number to try to answer a trivia question correctly to hang out with them backstage.  After two videos played I texted the number and was asked to put my email address in.  Then answered one of the most easiest questions ever.  The question was sponsored by Ford Focus and it asked what type of cars the Idols drove in the videos. DUH.  Five seconds later I got the following message…You are correct.  But sorry you didn’t win.  I did not even attempt to try again at intermission.

The concert began with an eruption of lightening and sound as the American Idol band stirred up and played the theme song that is in my head everyday of my life.  Then it was time for the countdown format.  Like previous AI tours each contestant came out in the order they were voted off.

First was Didi Benami.  I had always thought she was voted off way too early in the competition.  In fact I turned to my sister after she performed and told her exactly that.  My only wishes were that she would have come out with something more upbeat than “Lay It On Me” just to pump the crowd up more and that “Terrified” would be acoustic because that is where I first came to love her during Hollywood week.  She looked stunning though with her long golden locks.  Just more energy would have helped.

Andrew Garcia was up next with his Buddy Holly glasses and guitar singing his signature “Straight Up” by Paula Abdul.  Like on the show, he is never going to be able to live it down.  If Andrew Garcia concerts continue, he will be performing the song until he is 90!  It was a great creative move for him and it works out well on stage.  His “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5 was alright, nothing amazing about it.  But once again like Didi, Andrew just didn’t have the energy.  Where oh were would it be? Katie Stevens, can you bring it?

YES SHE CAN!  Remember when I was talking about people who I didn’t really care for.  Well she impressed me twenty times over with not only her stage presence but her voice!  I recently tweeted to her that she gave Christina Aguliera a run for her money with “Fighter”.  So powerful and so exciting.  I believe the tour woke up with her!

After her set I warned my sister things would get a little crazy.  It was “Telfon Tim” time and I was not wrong by my assumption.  Screaming girls and one screaming guy (me) went crazy.  Now I usually like the underdogs and even though Tim Urban wasn’t the best singer in the competition he got beat up to a bloody pulp and kept on bouncing back. That is respectable and what I love about him.  You have to experience the smile live people because it is nothing like on television!  It warms your heart.  His set was pretty good though it lost the spark and fizzle that Katie Stevens had.  “Better Days” by the Goo Goo Dolls was much better than on television yet I found Cold Play an odd choice for him. I wanted to hear him sing “Halleujah” again but Lee beat him to it.  Had Simon not picked it for Lee in the finale, Tim would have been all over that cause it was the song that earned him an Ellen hug!!!

Next we got a glimpse into the strange and mysterious world of Siobhan Magnus.  Her unique style never disappoints me.  Tonight it was a black leather top with a poufed up pink and black skirt, adding fish nets and black boots.  She looked like a naughty St. Paulie’s Girl and I loved it.  The most impressive thing about her was she held one of her legendary high pitched notes for about what felt like 30 seconds during “Paint It Black.”  How does she never ruin her vocal cords is beyond me.  Her “Spiderwebs” though was a little weak vocally though but she redeemed herself with her Muse song, which was the most metal song of the evening.

The most impressionable, polished, talented of young men came on the stage next: Aaron Kelly.  This country crooner knows how to work the stage and perform!  He gets so into it and you can tell he loves what he does.  I can only predict great things from him.  Maybe an opening spot on the Rascal Flatts tour?  Hmmm?  His set list was perfect…It started with an upbeat song to pump the crowd (“Somebody Like You”), a ballad to cool things off a little (“Walking In Memphis”), and another energy starter (“Fast Cars and Freedom”)  I only wish there was a fourth.  I must confess I was not a huge fan of Aaron Kelly or Katie Stevens but my mind was drastically changed.

Like every Idol show there comes a time for a group number.  Andrew, Tim, and Didi sat on stools strumming their guitars to “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus and Katie, Siobhan, and Aaron joined in.  This was the song that allowed Aaron Kelly to go to Hollywood in the first place and also the one  that Hayley Williams butchered in the semi-finals.  Katie, Siobhan and Aaron all shined while Andrew, Tim, and Didi were great on the guitars but a wee bit mediocre performance wise though I am in love with Didi’s voice.

30 minute intermission…have to admit during the very first Idol tour I was like what the heck but it goes by very fast…went to go buy a program/popcorn/water…shelled out so much money.

We are back.  Big Mike is on and I am falling asleep.  It is a good thing I have my popcorn.  Sorry folks but while he might have that amazing R and B falsetto and great tone to his voice I found nothing exciting at all.  Michael Lynche please do not try to be Justin Timberlake either…it doesn’t suit you buddy.  Just do the ballads and people will still love you.  Just not my thing.  Yes “A Woman’s Work” made Kara cry but seriously…to open a second act?  I might be like the Mia Michaels of reviewers right now but in the back of my mind I was wondering why the save was even used this year.

Casey James was next and he was my prediction for the top two.  Close huh?  He was showing what he does best, jamming the electric guitar and looking oh so suave with his black hat and blue button down shirt.  His “Don’t” sounded beautiful and I do not know what Kara was talking about but the goat must have escaped from his throat cause there was no trace of it.  Mike came out again to sing with Casey on their duet “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman.”  It was alright though I would have loved to have seen “Falling Slowly” by Lee and Crystal more.  I still wonder why it was not included on the tour.  Casey ended with the Rolling Stones and it was magic.  More good stuff from him I do believe!!!

It was time for Mama Sox and I was ever so proud and excited.  This was the woman who from day one was my American Idol and I felt she was going to take the crown.  She took control of the stage with 4 Non Blonde’s “What’s Up”, got friendly with a Harmonic on “Come to My Window”, sang a gorgeous rendition of “Up To The Mountain” (which made me cry again just like when I saw it on tv…and the performance that I thought solidified her as the American Idol), and showed her inner Janis on “Piece of My Heart.”  She just put her heart and soul into the whole performance and I could not have been a more joyful member of the Bowersox Nation!!!

And now your American Idol 2010: Lee Dewyze.  Is it me or did it sound like he changed up the arrangement of “Beautiful Day” to make it sound more like his own than U2s?  It was interesting and I kinda liked it but was not sold yet until he sang “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon, which happened to be his last song.  It suited his voice well and was his best song but I still think Crystal out-shined him.  But I wish nothing but the best for him and all of the Idols.

The finale seemed like it was made by the producers of Glee since it was a medley of “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi and “My Life Would Suck Without You” by Kelly Clarkson.  I was up dancing and felt the night was pretty good.  On an average I would give the whole concert a B.  If there was more razzle dazzle, more excitement a + would have been added.  Had Crystal been the American Idol an A.  But we can’t change what has happened and I think great things are in store for many of these talented artists.

After the concert my sister and I went by the tour buses and stood there waiting for autographs/pictures.  Then we saw lightening and it started to pour so we went under the covering at the arena.  The autograph session was moved to the front entrance of the arena and after being packed in like sardines, Lee was the first one to come out with a variety of screams and adoration.  He had an assistant next to him making sure everything got signed.  The other Idols only got a flashlight.  Impressions that I got during this was how adorable Aaron Kelly really is and how sweet Katie Stevens is.  She almost signed my program twice.  Siobhan was a little space shot but that could have been due to being tired.  All in all it was a great night and I was elated yet kind of sad.  This might be the last American Idol tour I go to since I am not sure if I am going to be watching the show.  Thanks AI Live for nine awesome and spectacular years!

About mj santilli 34841 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!