American Idols Concert Review

With Portland selected as the first of 50 stops on the American Idols Live! Tour - it was exciting to see what the night was going to hold, since Portland would be the first to review Season 8’s first concert performance.

While entering the Rose Quarter to find your seats, you immediately saw the big stage, what was about to be filled with the 10 Top talented finalists from American Idol Season 8. Next to the stage were large plasma screens projecting videos from past American Idol winners like Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry and Dan Cook.

The Rose Quarter was filled with an all-ages group of both men and women whom all had a certain favorite idol in mind. Kids to adults had a variety of favorites, from Team Gokey or Adam Lambert, Kris Allen or who ever was their favorite on their shirts. But all were there to enjoy the Top 10 talented singers.

Michael Sarver was first on stage and kicked the concert off with "I Just Want a Girl". Announcing to the crowd to get ready to have the best show of their life, and to get them pumped up for the other idols to take the stage. He sang Closer by Ne-Yo to finish his set.

After Michael's performance, Megan Joy took the stage in a pretty-in-pink dress and started singing “Put Your Records On” by Corrine Bailey Rae. Afterwards, she gave the crowd a shout-out and then gave her own rendition of “Tears Dry on Their Own” by Amy Winehouse. I must admit, I like Megan's voice and version much better.

As each idol finished up, the lights on the backstage flicker and run through pictures to show the upcoming idol. Nest, Scott MacIntyre Raises up from below the stage on a piano and starts singing “Bend & Break” by Keane and “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton.

As the first three started out with more of mellow tunes,
Lil Rounds was ready to kick it up a notch with “Be Without You” and “Just Fine” both by Mary J. Blige and “No One” by Alicia Keys. With Lil Round spark of energy she was going to finish with a sassy style and choreographed dance singing “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyonce.

Anoop Desai sang a perfect pitch, “Always On My Mind” by Willie Nelson/Elvis Presley that would make them both proud. Anoop was no shy guy while singing on stage, as he put on his nerdy glasses and sang “Mad” by Ne-Yo and “My Prerogative” by Bobby Brown while teasing the audience with his dance moves.

Matt Giraud, the other great piano player, began playing “Hard to Handle” by Otis Redding and Black Crowes. Matt was able to get the crow really going and up on their feet as he sang “Georgia on My Mind” by Ray Charles and “You Found Me” by The Fray.

SECOND ACT
After intermission, Allison Iraheta arrived on stage with her beautiful rocker look, with bright red and rainbow hair and guitar in hand to set the stage on fire with her first song by Pink, “So What”! There was no So What! about her performance. It rocked all the way. Followed by “Cry Baby” by Garnet Mimms and Janis Joplin. All I know is I did not see a 17 year old girl on stage, I saw a very talented musician giving Heart a run for their money when she sang “Barracuda”.

Danny Gokey was next on stage and the crowd was going wild for the second runner-up Idol. Danny started his set with “P.Y.T.” (Pretty Young Thing) by Michael Jackson and it was nice to hear one of Jackson’s songs during the concert. Afterwards, he brought in some salsa fever with “Maria Maria” by Santana and “What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts. The best part of his performance was drawing the crowd in. Danny seemed to really connect with the audience and mentioned he was excited to finally meet the fans and gave some words of advice and dedicated “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts to all of the fans.

The stage was flickering with lights, noise and smoke waiting for the anticipation of one of America's most favorite Idols, the runner-up, Adam Lambert. He started it off with “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin and the audience was giving him a Whole Lotta Love back! This was defiantly no runner-up, simply another winner with a different style than Kris Allen. If you saw the finale of American Idol, it was about these two putting on a performance rather than a competition. Adam continued to sing “Starlight” by Muse, while showing his true rocker side wearing the coolest jacket I have ever seen. Leather with spikes and kind of like a tuxedo type of tail on the back. This rocker dude was showing his softer vocals too by singing “Mad World” by Tears for Fears and Gary Jules, which was more amazing to hear him sing it live versus on television. Once again, he kicks it up a notch with his partner in crime Allison Iraheta, singing “Slow Ride” by Foghat and “Life on Mars”, “Fame” and “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie.

Slowly rising on stage while his backdrop and lights come in place, 2009 American Idol Winner Kris Allen takes the stage. While keeping true to himself, he kept it simple, but even with his humble attitude towards winning, he was ready to rock the stage with his guitar and acoustic sets. It shows how comfortable he is on stage, as well. It was really cool to hear Kris's rendition of “Heartless” by Kanye West live. Kris finished his set with “Hey Jude” by The Beatles, as the rest of the Idol crew came on stage to join in to help finish the night.

Ending the evening with “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey (with a chorus of Steam’s “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”) seemed like a perfect song to end this groups performance of the night. Only 49 more states to go.

It was an amazing night and the show is better to see live, but I didn't want it to end. I was left wanting at least one more encore by the entire group. I like watching them as whole perform as well.

Jr. Blogger,
Stephanie Wagner