CONCERT REVIEW
10 American Idol finalists thrill a screaming coliseum crowd

By Sheryl Krieg
of The News-Sentinel
This review is the opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinion of The News-Sentinel.

I can say that the crowd and I certainly were pumped as the “American Idols Live! Tour,” one of the hottest and most-anticipated of the year, hit the stage Wednesday at the nearly sold-out Memorial Coliseum.

In true NASA style, the concert counted down last season's final 10 — from No. 10, Chikezie, to No. 1, David Cook, and thousands of screaming fans provided the perfect climate for blastoff.

While the finalists performed, everyone was reminded of their finishing order by the lighted numbers flashing behind them on the giant TV screens. Finalists were either raised through the floor to the stage above them or entered from the side.

It was a multimedia event for the ages as three giant TV screens showed close-ups of each performer to accommodate those in seats farther away.

The crowd contained people of all ages who came to cheer for their favorite “Idol” finalist.

“We just can't believe it,” said Janice Nofzinger, who, with her husband, Burdell, was celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary. “We just watched it (the show) all the time.”

The couple, who watched every show every season, were very surprised when they received tickets to the concert from their child in South Carolina.

Janice Nofzinger's favorites are David Cook, Carly Smithson and Michael Johns, while Burdell Nofzinger's favorites are David Cook and Brooke White, and they clapped and stood up during those performers' time on the stage.

Each finalist, except for “the two Davids” as they were affectionately called on the show — Cook and runner-up David Archuleta — performed three songs.

Chikezie began the evening with “I Believe to My Soul,” by Donny Hathaway. His energy reverberated through the crowd as he ran all over the stage, which extended to the stands. He made Richard Simmons look lethargic.

The ninth finalist, Ramiele Malubay, opened her segment with “I Want You Back,” waving and smiling often to the crowd as she went to the edges of the stage to meet fans face-to-face.

The crowd went into rock mode with Australian-born Michael Johns as he performed Queen combo “We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions.” Johns finished with Aerosmith's “Dream On,” the song that finished him off in Week 8 on the “American Idol” TV show, though it sounded pretty good to me. I heard one gentleman behind me, however, say, “Thank God,” when Johns left the stage.

Just when the place started to rock, the tone and tune switched to country-rock, as seventh-place finalist Kristy Lee Cook performed Redmon and Vale's “Squeezing the Love Outta You” and “Cowgirls.” “God Bless the USA,” the song that was critical in keeping her alive in Week 6, was sandwiched in between and many stood in reverence to the flag that flashed on the giant TV screens.

Carly Smithson really brought the place to life with Evanescence's “Bring Me To Life.” She finished her time on the stage with Heart's “Crazy on You” and Cyndi Lauper's “I Drove All Night.”

Brooke White and piano rose through the floor next as she sang “Let It Be,” the song she performed so well in Week 4. True to form, White was barefooted and got up to perform a catchy, snapping tune, “1-2-3-4.”

As the lights dimmed once again, the girls went wild as Jason Castro performed Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's version of “Over the Rainbow.” Signs flashed and girls screamed, and I thought to myself, “We haven't even gotten to David Archuleta yet.”

As the only woman to break into the top three this season, Syesha Mercado looked gorgeous and stunning in her dress as she got the crowd to sing “Umbrella” with her. She also belted out Beyonce's “Listen.” The emotion was raw and captivating.

The girls went wild once again as dreamy teen David Archuleta sang Robbie Williams' “Angels” from Week 8 of the show.

While Archuleta sang from the heart and with strength, sometimes it was hard to hear him because of all the screaming fans. Security really had to work to clear the aisles because girl after girl would run up to take pictures.

I found myself sitting next to Archuleta's neighbor from Murray, Utah, who explained that he and Archuleta's mother, who was sitting in the row in front of me, were planning to see the last few concerts.

“We always knew he was phenomenal,” neighbor Brett Hales said.

After the concert I asked Archuleta's mother if she would be glad to get her son back after the tour was over. With him recording his new album, due out Nov. 11, she would only see him for a few days at a time, she said.

“American Idol” winner David Cook clearly was the main attraction for many people attending the concert. He took the stage in true Cook style by singing Lionel Richie's “Hello,” followed by “The Time of My Life,” which was written by the winner of the “American Idol” songwriter's contest.

Cook had many guitar picks taped to his mic, and he tossed them to adoring fans. He also passed out bottled water and collected a sign from a fan. He pulled out a camcorder to tape the crowd, and the audience did not disappoint.

He dedicated “My Hero” to his brother Adam, who has brain cancer, and finished with Chris Cornell's version of “Billie Jean.”
I don't know which was louder — the electric guitars or the screaming. It was a little too much for me. I think I'll get my hearing back sometime next week.

After Cook's stint on stage, the others, except Chikezie, joined him for the finale, “Please Don't Stop the Music.”

The concert was long — three hours plus — but it was packed with a variety of music by 10 artists with a wide range of styles.

Said in true Ryan Seacrest fashion, “This is A-merican Idol!” And we saw the best from Season 7 Wednesday night.
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll.../NEWS/809110354

This seemed like a somewhat noncommittal review as far as David - she shares some nice bits, but never expresses opinions about his performance. I suppose she didn't much for anyone, though.

At least she called him "clearly the main attraction."

Yeah

that was more a description than a review... lol but good to know the crowd was that crazy for David.

Lame...but at least she recognized that DC was the star of the show!!

"...for many people attending the concert."
she was thoroughly non-committal.