Nassau Colisseum Review - 8/24/07
I am not a writer nor do I pretend to be… So why am I writing? Well, I’ve enjoyed the various accounts I’ve read about the American idol tour so much, I feel it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t at least try and share my experience.
I’ve watched American Idol for 5 seasons (missed season #1) and have really enjoyed the show. It’s hard to say what my favorite season has been… personal highlights include… Kim Locke’s New York State of Mind, Fantasia’s Summertime, Constantine’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Elliott’s If I Can Dream… and many more…
One of my greatest pleasures in conjunction with American Idol is coffee klatch-ing about the show the morning after, at work … each friend and colleague passionately sharing reviews of their least and most favorite performers and performances… For me, that recap is almost as good as the show…
I did attend the Idol tour show in season 4. That year none of my friends or colleagues would go with me… so I went to the show by myself… along with 14,000 screaming pre-teens and their parents. Honestly, I was very disappointed in the tour show that season and vowed I would never return….
But something this year made me change my mind… not sure exactly what it was… the reviews said not to miss it, that it was better than prior years, even people that didn’t think they would like it said it was pretty good. Also, I really wanted to see Chris Rich in performance… he was my favorite this year… and I wanted to see how he did in an arena setting - especially since the Internet videos I’d seen from people who’d been to the show really captured his progress… from very nervous - to very empowered….
So, I went to the show last night with a friend from work – one of my coffee klatch buddies, who, like I, was totally excited to attend…
The following are my impressions.
Chris Sligh – I thought he had a good voice on the show but I couldn’t get past his sarcasm. My friend and I both thought he sounded very very good. Not a great performer, but he has a really first-rate voice.
Gina – I never really warmed to Gina on the show. In concert, I appreciated her performance skill and voice.
Haley – Haley actually turned me off on the show – I felt like she was too surface, too pagent-y… and sorry to say, but nothing I saw last night convinced me otherwise.
Sanjaya – I actually liked Sanjaya this season. He has an optimism and good nature that seeps through him; it was evident on the show and for me, also came through in his live performances… not one of the best voices, but I really enjoyed him nonetheless.
Phil – Like others, I didn’t appreciate Phil this season until deep into the competition. I really loved his country night and Bon Jovi performances. In live performance, Phil had it all. Of all the performers, I would say he impressed my friend and I the most. What a voice, what a talent, totally at ease and oozing with appeal.
Chris Rich – Ah Chris. I loved Chris this season, not because I thought he had the best voice, but because very often I felt like his performances “took me in” – that I was actually in “his space” sharing the experience with him. On many occasions, I could feel his sense of satisfaction at “nailing” a piece. I was totally taken by him. I really enjoyed his performances last night… and felt that his voice was stronger and more confident than on the show.
Lakisha – There’s no denying that Lakisha has an amazing voice, but somehow, for me, that’s all it is. The only time on the show I “felt” her was on Bon Jovi night… Last night, again, I appreciated her voice but that special something was not there for me.
Melinda – Melinda has a great, great voice and is a sophisticated and consummate singer. She sings with perfect flair and phrasing. I loved her on tv and at the live show.
Blake – I guess I’m one of the few that generally did not like Blake on the show…. In contrast to the warm feeling Chris’ performances gave me, Blake mostly left me cold. He seemed somehow aloof, did not share his performance experience with me … and certainly did not appear to be having any fun. I also frequently found his singing to sound out of tune. Having said that, I also acknowledge that his “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “When I Get You Alone,” in particular, were amazing performances, totally amazing – like I need to rewind that and watch it a couple of times. Last night I thought he did very well. Again, not my favorite, but I definitely appreciate his talent.
Jordin – I was charmed and impressed by Jordin from her very first “Give Me One Reason to Stay Here” performance. What a voice, what a voice I thought. Honestly, as the season progressed, I didn’t love some of her song selections … I thought they were far too “old” for her to be singing at her age. However, whatever she sang (Bon Jovi night aside) I thought she sang with great skill. Last night I kept turning to my friend saying, “Wow, what a voice” – Jordin’s voice and skill as a singer are really, really exceptional.
In general, I would say that the format of this year’s show was much much better than season 4. I actually enjoyed the show and would consider attending another idol concert. My advice: If you’re thinking of going and can still get tickets – GO. You won’t be disappointed.
Well, that’s not the end of my tale…. I somehow convinced my friend to wait after the show to try to meet the idols. We got to the area where the buses were supposed to come out at about 10:00 p.m.… and waited for over an hour until Phil, Sanjaya, Chris Rich, Melinda, Jordin and finally Blake came up to
sign autographs and meet their adoring fans….
Personally, I find autograph signing somewhat dumb… I just wanted pictures, which I did get, but they are laughable, mostly with heads cut off and weird camera angles, but I am thrilled to have them nonetheless.
My friend was a really trouper and lots of fun to be with… we finally left the area at 11:45… having shared a great experience together.
I never was a groupie when I was young; never read Tiger Beat or put teen idol posters on my wall. But for whatever reason, here at 46 years old, I feel like I’ve recaptured a piece of myself… As embarrassed as I am, I’ve chosen to “let fandom reign”, embrace my enthusiasm for the show and let my inner “nerd” enjoy the experience.
My one regret last night was at meeting Chris…. We were tired, having worked earlier in the day, seen the show, waited for the idols to show up, then for Chris to slowly make his way down the line of fans towards us…. When I was finally face to face with Chris, instead of telling him how much I enjoyed his performances, or the show, or that I wished him well….all I could say was “I’ve got to get a picture with you” God bless the young and obviously tired young man for having more grace than me!! He smiled and let my friend take our picture - which is from a weird camera angle and has my head cut off….
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SUE:
Thanks for the recap! I liked your breakdown/commentary by performer and, especially, you sharing your impressions of each IDOL during the show and how those impressions changed—for better or for worse—after seeing them live.
Sounds as if you, and your trooper of a friend, embraced the cheese. :)
Thanks for the recap! I really enjoyed reading it and seeing your take on each Idol.
I really enjoyed that.
Love to hear about people’s take on different idols and their thoughts about the show and the tour.
ty for the recap
very well done.. and as for the age comment… are we everrrrrrrrrrrr too old to embrace the “cheese” lol
sues UNITE!! lol
Thanks so much for your recap…I hope I won’t be the only 53 yr there jumping up and down when I see Chris and Blake..LOL I hope I will be able to convey my feelings to you all tomorrow nite.
Great recap even if you’re not a Blake fan, Sue.
Glad you took the chance on going and got to meet Chris.
Thanks for your impressions, Sue. I went to the (MN) concert with my daughter–that was my excuse. In truth, I would have gone no matter what!
Amen to that! The stamina these singers have for their fans astounds me. Just try being “on” for hours on end sometime; I’m sure it’s incredibly draining.
Great recap. I didn’t go to the concert this year, but my opinions about almost all of the performers while they were on the show matched yours, especially about Chris Rich vs. Blake. I always found something really warm and inviting about Chris, whereas Blake continually left me cold, no matter what beatboxing pyrotechnics were on display that week.