American Idol San Jose 2009 Live Tour Review
Season 8 Top Ten Singers Visit Fifty Cities
Aug 14, 2009
Kris Allen, Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre are having the time of their lives. It had never occurred to the ten remaining finalists that the American Idol experience was to become a huge part of their musical future.
The San Jose show opened to a nearly-full house of screaming fans, clutching signs for their favorites and texting friends not lucky enough to be in attendance. As the show progressed, clicking phone cameras became the norm.
Idols Appear on Stage According to Rank
Michael Sarver, first up, was accompanied by house musicians and singers. Sporting an embellished white jacket, black pants and a casual sweater, he pleased the crowd with his easy manner.
Megan Joy brought a huge dose of sultry glamour to “Let Your Hair Down,” wearing a short, fitted hot pink halter dress with matching strappy spike heels.
Visually impaired Scott MacIntyre and his piano appeared via a raised platform from below the stage. Wearing a black leather jacket over jeans, he seemed completely at home in front of the audience, joking effortlessly with the crowd.
Lil Rounds wore a black satin sleeveless trench coat over black pants with a glittery belt for her first song. Then, taking off the coat, she danced to Beyonce’s Single Ladies, while the audience followed along to lyrics shown on a screen.
Songs to Please All Ages
A few numbers later, Lil and Megan, in new outfits, sang an upbeat version of Burt Bacharach’s “You’re Just Too Good to Be True.”
Anoop Desai, sporting black horn-rimmed glasses and a dark jacket over jeans, elevated the excitement of the crowd with a groovy “Everybody’s Talkin’.”
Matt Giraud wore his trademark hat with a long-sleeved white shirt, black vest and tie. He sang “Georgia”, and then asked the crowd to get up on their feet for “So Hard to Handle.” Fans happily obliged.
As a first act finale, Matt and Scott brought down the house with their dueling pianos, belting out Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It.” Scott followed with “Caught in a Trap,” and Lil and Megan returned to close the act before intermission.
Top Four Finalists Perform
Young Allison Iraheta, age 17, kicked off the second portion, appearing with her electric guitar in studded black leather boots to sing “I'm a Rock Star,” followed by “Cry Baby.” She is a natural rocker, completely owning the stage as she pranced around to a wild backdrop explosion of vivid colors whirling behind her.
Danny Gokey wore jeans, boots and a Michael Jackson style jacket for "Pretty Young Thing," then threw off the jacket to launch into a sexy salsa dance to “Maria Maria.” Before his last song, Rascal Flatt’s “My Wish,” the widower who lost his wife just before he auditioned, made a plea to the fans. He said, “Don’t be afraid,” challenging them to follow their dreams.
When Adam Lambert appeared, it was clear that the greater part of the audience was there for him. Fans screamed until they were hoarse. To a backdrop speckled with stars, (a symbol of his status?) sporting black coat tails, jeweled belt buckle and a “Grease” look-alike pompadour, Adam launched into “Whole Lotta Love.”
Allison joined in after his set for a duet of “Slow Ride.” Smoke effects added to the atmosphere. By the time Adam took off his spiked jacket, revealing a sleeveless vest for “Fame,” the level of excitement of the crowd had reached a feverish pitch.
American Idol Winner Kris Allen Takes the Stage
Winner Kris Allen, in a simple plaid shirt and jeans, was a study in calm contrast after the excitement created by Adam and Allison. It is apparent that while Adam is a true performer, Kris is a talented musician. He rose up from the lower floor, beginning the set with his guitar, then switched to a small piano for “Ain’t No Sunshine.” For his final song, “Hey Jude,” the other Idols joined in. He thanked the audience for “allowing us to do what we want to do for the rest of our lives.”
American Idol Show Boasts Fans of All Ages and Walks of Life
Eight year old Sam Bortnick attended the show with his dad and mom, private investigators from Santa Cruz., CA. Sam was plugging for Adam and says this was his favorite season of the show. Music is in the family; Sam plays the piano and his dad once played drums and guitar professionally.
JoAnn F., a retired executive secretary from San Pablo, CA did not attend the show, but says, “I believe Adam was the best American Idol contestant ever - and was so disappointed he did not win - but he'll go on to great things. No one came close to his talent or stage presence or performance.”
Tour Facts
This season’s 2009 American Idol North American tour by AEG Live began in Portland, OR on July 5th, continuing through 50 cities until September 15th in Manchester, NH.
Related Article by Kim Reed, DC Concerts Examiner for Examiner.com
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