ETA: Now with Photos!
These Idol road trips always have their ups and downs…
The downside–I missed my early flight Tuesday morning by 5 minutes and had to catch a later flight. And yesterday, it was a hot windy day in Phoenix. Walking outside was like walking into a furnace. As I was closing the car door, on my way to the concert, the wind grabbed the car door out of my hands and the door smacked the car next to me. Argh. Sorrow.
The upside: I meet Big Blog reader Colleen who is tres cool. We had dinner before the concert. She was wearing a David Cook T-shirt that she got online, and the peeps sitting at a nearby table wanted to know where she got it. The line to get into the arena was long. Longest line ever! They were carefully searching bags as we entered. A family sitting in front of me had signs, which they annoyingly held up much to the distress of people sitting behind them. People behind me were screaming “Put down your signs!” The guy sitting next to me was wearing an Archie Angels shirt and taking a lot of pictures. He left his seat and got close to the stage at the end. Security had a hard time keeping the aisles clear near the stage.
Videos on the Big screen before the show: Lots of Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks. At intermission, there was a hilarious video of the Top 10 dressed in retro 70’s outfits rocking out to “An American Band.” (Watch here)
Product placement was more aggressive than ever before. “Guitar Hero” had a demonstration during intermission, with two staffers playing the game up on stage. The winner was determined by audience applause. There was an OTT MC type of guy running the show. A kid played air guitar on the big screen and won a Guitar Hero game. The MC guy (who was all decked out in Idol apparel) introduced the dancing pop-tarts before the show began. The crew was wearing State Farm insurance logos–guess they are a sponsor too.
The Idols were introduced by a pre-recorded voice over announcing what place they came in, as huge photos flashed up on the screen. For some reason, there is a lot of emphasis on what place each Idol placed in this year. Really, the show is kind of rigid like that. Don’t get me wrong, there were some great performances, but I was hoping for a few more surprises than I actually got. The Idols were introduced, played 3 songs, and then left the stage. David Archuleta sang 4 songs. David Cook sang 5. After Brooke White performed, she introduced a video pitching IGB, then all of the Idols who performed in the first half–Chikezie, Ramiele, Michael, Kristy Lee, Carly and Brooke performed U2’s “Pride in the Name of Love”.
There were no duets, and I have to say that I missed them. Some of those numbers were the highlight of the Season 5 show (”Patience” with Ace, Chris, Elliott and Bucky, and the Elliott and Chris duet). The Idols all mentioned in early interviews that there would be duets and trios, and I wonder why TPTB decided to scrap them? The Season 6 show featured TONS of duets and group numbers–they had a lot more to rehearse than the Season 7 kids.
Chikezie begins the show with a very soulful set. His version of “I Believe to My Soul” is slowed down, a bit different from his version on Idol. Next is a song called “Caught Up”, I believe.. and finally John Legend’s, “So High”. Very very nice.
Ramiele Malubay is the weak link in the show. She performs her first number, “I Want You Back” with the background vocalists who leave their perch next to the band to perform a few choreographed steps with her. As always, Ramie is as cute as a button, but the big stage swallows her up, and she is quite pitchy throughout her performances, which include “Love Will Lead You Back” and “If I Never See Your Face Again”.
Michael Johns appears next to the first huge cheers of the night. He begins with Queen’s “We Are the Champions/We Will Rock You” and does a slow burn with the sexy “It’s All Wrong, But It’s All Right”. He ends with “Dream On” which he introduces as the song that got him kicked off the show. “But I don’t think it will get me kicked off the tour.” he says. Oh hell no, it won’t. The song kills, KILLS. It literally fills the big arena. “Dream On” should NOT have ended his run on the show. How did that happen? The audience loves it. They are on their feet screaming as he finishes. Michael is working it, baby.
Also working it–Kristy Lee Cook, who is surprisingly adept at working the big arena stage. She begins the set with “Squeezing the Love out of You”, a song I don’t know. She throws t-shirts out into the audience. Free stuff. YAY! She gives her next song the proper patriotic introduction (blah blah troops blah blah) and gets folks in the audience (uhm, not me) waving their hands during “God Bless the USA”. She’s gorgeous and sexy on stage–shaking her booty before she launches into her third number, “Cowgirls”. Her country vibe feels authentic. She’s not going to have a problem when she begins touring to promote her album this fall.
Carly Smithson puts that big ole voice of hers to work last night. She begins her set with “Bring me to Life”. She appears dramatically at the top of the stage, with a wind machine whipping up her hair as she shakes her head around. It’s a very diva-like entrance, and I mean that in a good way. She begins her next number, “Crazy on You”, kneeling on the floor, finishing the song on her feet, in high gear. The mid-tempo “Drove All Night” ends a very theatrical set. Carly has a big presence on stage to match that huge voice.
Carly introduces Brooke White, calling her, “The whitest girl I know”. Ha. Curly-coiffed Brooke begins at the piano, performing a heartfelt “Let it Be”. Her set isn’t dramatic, but she holds her own in that big room. Brooke is like a big ball of sunshine, her warmth and sincerity radiates throughout the entire arena. Her song selections are my favorites of the night. Her intimate takes on the current hits “1234″ and “Yellow” prove her mettle as a contemporary artist. Brooke has gotta get signed! Her performance exceeds my already high expectations.
Before intermission, Chikezie, Ramiele, Michael, Kristy Lee, Carly and Brooke perform U2’s “Pride in the Name Of Love” as a group. That’s the last time we see them until the very end of the show.
After the intermission, it’s Jason Castros’s turn. He opens his set with “Over the Rainbow”. About 1/3rd of the way through, a roadie walks over to him as he strums away on his Ukulele and casually plugs it into the amp. Jason doesn’t miss a beat, though. Very funny! Finally, the audience gets to hear the unheard “Crazy”. His slightly Latin take of the song does not disappoint. He finishes with a breezy “Daydream”. Sweet. (ETA: Sweet = Awesome. Jason’s gentle set pleased the audience, most definitely)
A glammed up Syesha Mercado takes the stage to perform the mega-hit “Umbrella”. She’s got some choreography mixed in there with the background singers. She engages in a bit of vocal sparing with the back up dude. If the Idol producers had cared about her, they would have gotten the rights to “Umbrella”, instead of that 2nd rate penguin crap for Top 3 night. After she performs a glittery “If I Ain’t Got You” from the show, she introduces her last number “Listen” with a heartfelt speech. That the song means something to her is obvious, she sings it with a ton of feeling.
Next up, David Archuleta. I don’t think he could have been more excited to finally be performing in front of a live audience. Watching him sing, it becomes apparent how much he really loves performing. A look of pure joy flashes across his face as he gets lost in the moment. David emerges from underneath the stage playing a baby grand, singing “Angels” into a huge cloud of stage smoke. It’s all very other-worldly. Next, David’s lovely falsetto highlights a credible version of the contemporary hit “Apologize”. The crowd cheers as David introduces “Stand By Me”. It’s slightly re-arranged, with a longer, faster clip of “Beautiful Girls” tagged on at the end. His last song is his best, I think–a very beautiful rendition of “When You Say You Love Me.”
Archie introduces David Cook who takes the stage, guitar in hand, to a big effin’ rock star entrance, replete with flashing lights and long instrumental intro. A smoldering “Hello” starts off the set with a slow build. Before his next number, “Time of My Life”, David thanks the audience for making it so popular. It’s Magic Rainbows for everybody! Ok, sorry, I’m still not digging this song, but I won’t hold it against him, cause he sings the hell out of it. David keeps repeating phrases like “wow” and “this is awesome”. He seems a little awed and overwhelmed by the crowd, while seeming to completely dig the whole scene. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” mellows the set out a bit, before shifting into overdrive with “My Hero”. Before the performance, David shares some good news with the crowd–that his brother Adam’s tumor is no longer growing. Good news, indeed. The crowd erupts into loud cheers. He thanks everybody, “I couldn’t have done it without you.” The hard-driving “Hero” is the centerpiece of the set, giving David the opportunity to work the entire stage during the extended instrumental break. The arena goes dark as David leaves the stage.
In a few minutes, David is back to perform a powerful “Billie Jean” for his encore. The other Idols return for a final group number, “Please Don’t Stop the Music.” In a night that was light on group numbers, the show ends in a big giant pointy pose. Yay. As the song ends, streamers fall from the ceiling. The cleaning staff is going to have fun with that! Heh. Still, pretty cool. Like our own mini finale! The Idols leave the stage one last time, and that’s it. And for me, too. I am exhausted. I head back to the hotel…
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Awesome recap, MJ, very comprehensive as always. You make me feel like I was sixth row center, too.
Thanks for all you do for us, especially the Castro crackheads.
Thank you MJ :)
I’m glad Brooke was really good, I hope it holds up for the rest of the tour.
i was so disappointed that i didn’t get to meet up with you guys at the show. i tried looking for you during intermission but wasn’t entirely sure what you looked like (all i could remember from the mtv thing was you had brown hair). :(
i hope you had a good time in AZ. and the concert was AMAZING!!!
i was thinking of maybe driving up to Vegas for the 4th weekend and catching the show again on the 5th. maybe?
I KNEW that MJ would be able to rock that audience - I still love him. I am so very happy for Brooke, Carly - David C but of course. MJ - what did you think of Jasons ability to control the stage in that very large venue. Did he hold his own also? Thanks again for bringing this to us
Nice recap, but, Jason was only “sweet?” Gosh, I’m disappointed that he wasn’t outstanding or awesome, or another adjective. Sweet, huh? Ok.
Amen sister!
Sounds to me like it’s an enjoyable night, and I’m looking forward to my turn :)
LOL. “Sweet” means awesome. I think it does. Yes, Jason was able to hold his own. Maybe I better edit my recap before the dreadheads set the fireants on me. lol ;).
LOL, yeah, I use it to mean that all the time. Dunno where I picked it up, but it’s become a regular part of my vocab. Heh.
Maybe you could spell it “sa-weet!” maybe and people would get the difference? I dunno. lol.
ETA - DUH, Sarah. I forgot to thank you for the recap. So, thanks!! Great recap! :) Brooke’s set does sound really fabulous. I’ll be looking forward to her, Carly, Jason, and of course, DC. I’m pretty disappointed that Michael isn’t doing any new songs, but I’m sure I’ll enjoy his set nonetheless.
Aw, I kid you MJ. It was a very nice recap. I enjoy all the reviews since I like all the top 10, with the exception of one,who shall remain nameless. ( just noticed you did edit your recap. Gosh, that was sweet of you. LOL)
Thanks MJ - it looks like this bunch was as talented as advertised.
So it seems that from Chikeze to Brooke each got 3 numbers, and, a group number. Then Jason and Syesha each have 3 songs. Archie 4, and, Cookie 5, then the entire group does the closing song. So, Jason & Syesha had less singing than the others.
Great recap Mj. Always love your recaps……
I really would have liked them to have shaken things with a rock trio from Cookie, Carly and that sexy Michael Johns. Then they could have done something funky with Syesha and Chikeze. A cool folkie duet with Jason and Brooke and then another trio of Archie, Kristie and Ramiele. That would have been fun. Anyway it still sounded like a big success all around, well mostly.
I am glad to hear my little Archie is loving the big stage. He certainly looks comfortable there. Angels is stunning. When You Say You Love Me, I was worried about him doing it. I shouldn’t have. Crap, that damn kid, lol.
Awesome review MJ. Glad that it was a successful concert. Loved them all but Michael is beyond words..lol
Thanks for the recap, photos & video links. I loved all of the little details: long lines, annoying fans with signs, product placements, the Archie fan stage rushing at the end etc. The only thing I didn’t find out was what flavor pop-tart did they give out this year?
Thanks for the recap, mj. It’s “sa-sweet” (thanks, Sarah!). ;)
Sweet recap! LOL
It really does sound like the show is entertaining from start to finish. I like all the Idols this year too (especially Jason) (like no one here knew that) -& I can’t wait for the tour to come to Michigan. Your photos and video clips are great, I hope they let me bring in my camera at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit - I have a fairly good telephoto lens. One can hope!
If the concert is as good as it sounds I may just have to try to find a seat for the Grand Rapids date as well. :)
Thanks again MJ. I love your blog!
M.J. that’s a really sweet pic of Syesha’s hair. Thanx.
Great recap, MJ. I can’t wait for my turn (weeks from now). I agree that it’s disappointing that there’s no duets like they talked about.
I just went and watched the video where they’re doing “An American Band”. Michael sounded great and it was fun to see them in costume.
“LOL. “Sweet” means awesome. I think it does. Yes, Jason was able to hold his own. Maybe I better edit my recap before the dreadheads set the fireants on me. lol ;).”
LOLLLL - This little fireant would never bite the hand that feeds me!! He is sweet, that is the perfect word for him but I am glad you ETA’d the awesome in!!!!
Oh you meant Sa weeeet!!! Like he is PHAT - ha
I’ve hardly had time to read the blog today, but I did manage to read your awesomely sweet fantabulous recap. :-) Thanks, MJ!
Thank you for the recap. After viewing each clip in the order you posted them up and reading your comments, I feel like I was sitting beside you at the concert. I’m very happy to hear that the show went off without a hitch and that the Idols put on a great show.
It would’ve been cool if there had been a few more duet/group numbers, what a shame that it was decided to forgo that - there was potential for some terrific numbers.
I’m impressed with how much stage presence so many of these Idols already have. Damn but some of them really knew how to work it! LOL. And I’ve gotta say, Brooke sounded all sorts of awesome on “Let it Be”, even better than on the show and her studio recording (IMO).
I have to agree. I wasn’t so excited to see this one coz I don’t really like reprises, I wanted to hear all new songs. But wow, she blew me away. It was so much better than it was on the show, and I didn’t even think that was possible considering how much I loved her performance of it in the show.
So was Michael the only one who didn’t do a song he hadn’t done on the show?
Oh - purple already said that - sweet crazy Jason
I listened to all of it, finally. I think one of Chikeze’s songs are missing. The second and third link lead to the same song.
Carly better be signed by somebody, that chick sings her freaking booty off, and that big stage was just her size.
Syesha took on the two current RNB/pop princesses on and came out pretty damn well. Listen was incredible. She meant that….wow.
JSG, Syesha’s hair is…..there, lol.
mj,
Loved reading your beautiful recount of the concert! It was like walking back in time and remembering every little thing that happened Monday night. Thank You for the fun nostalgic trip!
It was awesome to meet you and watch you work first hand. You are really talented and fun. It was my pleasure to spend some time with you and hearing your past season blog stories.
The thrilling part was to get to share the experience with someone who loved the show as much as I did.
I thought the Idols would be staying at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel, adjacent to the jobbing.com Arena in Glendale. The Arena is 50 minutes away from my home in Scottsdale. Instead, they were staying at the 5 star Royal Palms Hotel and Spa in Scottsdale, 10 minutes from me! This converted Mansion is known for it’s old world charm and privacy. It is uber pricey and highly coveted. It sits at the base of Camelback mountain with breathtaking views. If you are looking for peace, tranquility and a spa massage, this is the spot!
It is rumored that this resort requires all employees to sign confidentiality agreements regarding Hotel guests. If the employee were to discuss a guest with the media and it got back to the hotel, they are immediately fired! The AI hotel secret remained safe and sound!
Their #1 Zagat rated restaurant, T. Cook’s had to delight David Cook and Kristy Lee Cook! Who couldn’t resist dining in a restaurant with your same name?
http://www.royalpalmshotel.com/arizona-resort-overview.php
Sorry to miss meeting you AZIdolFan. I was hoping you would join us for dinner too. Some many AI stories and so little time!
mj, also kind of you not to mention my tardiness. Sorry for making you wait.
Speaking of apologies…… after mis-quoting Jason Castro’s Spirit towel earlier today, I attempted to make amends by adding the charity link with my photo caption revision on my space photo and message to Jason’s Dreadheads here. Well, they got it!!
My myspace message box is full of Dreadhead love tonight. The girl who was in the photo I took wrote to me to say she was the one waving the towel! She flew in from NM and her friend flew in from Virginia to see the concert! She loved the concert and is having withdrawls too.
To hear Jason’s songs, including some pre-idol songs, http://www.daydreamingboy.com
She shared a video from Monday night of David Archuleta singing, “Apologize.” http://youtube.com/watch?v=CM705–YCO0
My AI Live! tour love fest theory holds true! We all have many favorites in the group!
Aww, great recap MJ, thank you.
And I’m glad you mentioned that it will be like having our own little mini finale w/ streamers. I’m totally gonna pull a Mama Cook and stuff some them in my purse before leaving my show!
Ack! I didn’t even type it right! My post should have read (mj’s recap is) “sa-weet!” Heh.
Syesha blogged about the Glendale tour…
MJ, thanks as always. It was a great recap. I felt like I was there. Thanks for all the vids, too. They were all “sah-weet” (sorry, I had to keep it going!)
Love the pictures with the recap! I checked all day to see if you had it up yet!
This is the first year that I want to hear about everyone. I’m curious about Ramielle. I wonder if she isn’t projecting because of being uncomfortable on stage and this will get better with time or if reading poor reviews will hold her back even worse. This will be interesting to watch.
My kids just got home from camp in Prescott Arizona and they said they got songs from the concert in Glendale AZ filtered in for them to hear. How cool was that, since I gave up going to the concert so they could go to camp!!!
Thanks for the recap, pictures and links, MJ. Glad that you had a good time.
I love the videos that I’ve seen/heard so far.
Syesha’s picture is kinda funny. It is sooo obvious which part of that hair is not her real hair. They should have found extensions which would have been a better match for her hair. I could understand the big difference if they were in a humid climate and her hair texture changed between the time her hair was done and the time of the show but I don’t think AZ is humid. I like her hair in it’s natural state but I guess she thinks that the extensions add glam. Oh well, it’s about the singing.
Love your re-cap mj!
Thanks for going and thanks for sharing!
Jason talks about what happened with his ukulele:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZx2njY–3g
Apparently, he had plugged it in, but not all the way so that some sound was coming out, but not all.
He’s always telling people about his deficiencies.