'American Idols Live!' concert proves viewers' votes correct
The most unexpected thing about the “American Idol” phenomenon is the notion of demographics. The media know-it-all (yours truly) has a silly idea that Fox’s talent show is a hit because millions of teenage girls (who clearly don’t know what’s good for them!) tune in each week and skew the Nielsen rating toward mindless pap.
Photo by Brandon Dill
"American Idol" finalist and Memphian Lil Rounds performs during the "American Idols Live!" concert at the FedEx Forum on Sunday.
Photo by Brandon Dill
"American Idol" winner Kris Allen sings during the "American Idols Live!" concert at the FedEx Forum on Sunday.
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But then you go to an “American Idols Live!” concert tour, like Sunday’s packed house at the FedExForum, and you see that it’s not just teenagers. It’s grandmothers riding those scooter things. It’s middle-aged guys, like me. It’s all kinds of people. People who really love music and who are also thinking critically about it.
In fact, the tour’s line-up gives you the sneaking suspicion that the American people actually know what they’re doing when they phone in their votes, and that, at least in this past season, they voted correctly.
The concert, featuring the top 10 winners, counts down in the order that the singers got booted from the competition, starting with beefy Michael Sarver (10), who should switch to country music, Megan Joy (9), whose voice is made for smooth jazz, and Scott MacIntyre (8), who should open a piano bar with his name on it.
In the middle are the singers whose careers could go either way given additional training and good management. Our Memphis girl, Lil Rounds (7), is among them. On the show, she was the risk-taker, picking songs by Celine Dion and Bette Midler among others. In concert, she settled on unsurprising though nicely rendered tunes by Mary J. Blige (“Be Without You” and “Just Fine”), Alicia Keys (“No One”) and Beyonce’s (“Single Ladies”).
Anoop Desai (6), Matt Giraud (5), Allison Iraheta (4), and Danny Gokey (3) each had one or two numbers that stuck out, but none, it seemed, with the interesting rearrangements that got them points for artistry on the television show.
As to the great national debate over who should have won “American Idol” this year — Adam Lambert or Kris Allen — the stadium tour settles it. I concede to the masses. Adam gets my props for glam-rocking the house with a David Bowie medley. He’s the best showman, for sure, in a Judas Priest-meets-Liberace studded leather jacket with tails. But at some point, his shrieking becomes self-indulgent and irritating. Adam Lambert is all about Adam Lambert.
The wholesome Arkansas boy, Kris Allen, playing guitar and piano, earnestly covering songs by The Killers, Bill Withers, Matchbox 20 and The Beatles, brought something for everyone, of every age. No wonder he won. He plays for the true “American Idol” demographic.
Comments » 144
musicfan writes:
Mr. Blank, your review is out of bounds with most reviews concerning the content of this tour. Adam Lambert is ALL ABOUT performing for his fans. He has generously given performance help to the other singers as reported by them. He has a multi-octave vocal range and does not shriek. Most reviews have touted his amazing performances. The Liberace comment gave some insight as to the reality behind your irritating review.
mjarvis57 writes:
I'm okay with Kris playing to 'the true “American Idol” demographic.'
Adam will take the rest of the world! I guess you'll be missing out on that interview.
ravengirl writes:
"Adam Lambert is all about Adam Lambert."
And a lot of us are all about Adam Lambert. What you are suggesting is that Lambert is a self-indulgent screamer, which is such a worn out, long debunked, cliched premise. It's obvious you had issues before going to the concert and only partly conceded that perhaps you don't know jack about anything but that this crowd sure did.
I'm going with the crowd.
Andee writes:
Wow. Liberace hmmmm? Homophobic hmmm? I think so.
I expected more from Memphis. Sad that my home continues to disappoint.
Darcey writes:
Adams "shrieking becomes self-indulgent and irritating" does it? You obviously do not have much of an ear or knowledge of music or you would understand just how difficult Adam's vocal gymnastics are. Every audience on the tour has gone wild for Adam, even Kris's home town newspaper gave him a superior review. In case you are not familiar with Idol voting, Arkansas voted Kris in with 38 million votes, that means that people voted thousands of times each while Adam has way more fans everywhere but Arkansas. If you want to know who is self indulgent listen to Kris on the local news comparing himself to Elvis. Elvis the King of Rock and Roll compared to Kris a five foot three mouse of a man with no stage presence, now that is self indulgent!
kat2222 writes:
F-A-I-L
thats all i got to say,
sorry
good day
Maia writes:
This review is funny! It is exactly because Adam is Adam that we love him... He is the sweetest person out of the stage, but very confident when performing. One has to know how to differentiate his stage persona from real life. And his voice...
And I dont see how playing for the "true american idol demographic" can be any good. It is good for winning a title, but it is terrible for success/longevity. Idol watchers next year will just move on to the next good boy with a good voice and a generic sound.
After 8 seasons, everybody knows that the idols that succeed are the ones who are able to get fans outside the idol bubble. That is exactly why Cookie is having a college tour rather than a regular one.
Time will tell how things unfold.
allenisbland writes:
Well, it's about time some ill-informed critic brought up the lame "shrieking argument"! Since I saw the same show you did I'm curious as to where Adsam Lambert shrieked so self indulgently. Mad World perhaps? Nope. Just a beautiful, haunting performance. On Starlight? No. Just full ranging vocals that reached up to the rafters. On Life on Mars and the Bowie Medley? Not that I remember. Just plenty of great dancing and perfect pitch. Slow Ride and Whole Lotta Love? I heard flat out rock and roll. So maybe you can tell this American Idol fan exactly where this "shrieking" occurred and that way I will try not to take offense at your ridiculous review and crude Liberace comment. Dislike Lambert's music if you will just as many of us will dislike Kris Allen's bland attempt at performance. Wholesome is a great word for the "Idol." Bland is another. But next time kindly back up your "facts."
Tellitlikeitis writes:
I was at the concert and the most screaming was for Adam Lambert, followed by Kris so if the crowd decided, Adam won. It was madness when Adam took the stage- I could not even hear him sing.
I am okay with not having everyone like Adam b/c I do understand that he's polarizing. Where your article goes off the rails is in him being the only idol to have a negative critique. Makes me question your bias.
The self-indulgent screaming is LOVED by many. There really is only one Adam Lambert and that's what makes his artistry so exceptional.
For your information, many Idol fans and including Kris and Adam, are so very tired of the "who should have won debate". In every City, by all accounts, Adam is winning in this bitter war, with him getting the most screams and selling the most merchandise. I hate when reporters go there. It's a really old song and I say that as an Adam and Kris fan. When you do go there, it doesn't help Adam, and especially not Kris. Kris gets hurt the most b/c inevitably all the reports about the screaming fans and merchandise sales get brought up, with Adam winning. In fact, the big question is how all these people are showing up for Adam if Kris is the one who won.
The show ended 2 months ago and Adam, Kris and Allison are all on their way to having a shot at great careers. Let's celebrate that.
Carolina writes:
Adam Lambert is all about Adam Lambert? Sure! Can't you see the huge mirror in front of him while he is performing? Can't you see the lack of interaction with audience? You watch the best entertainer and singer the show has produced and an artist who is a great entertainer and excellent singer by any standards and say he is all about himself. Do you get paid for writing such bilge? You have the nerve of accusing someone else of self-indulgence while spouting your blinded by bias bile.
The great national debate as to who should have won? There never was a debate. From the second that Ryan Seacrest finished uttering the winner's name, there has been nothing but derision of Kris Allen and his victory. No wonder he won? He won thanks to his friends' "Kris Allen must win" campaign and the votes that campaign garnered from the overzealous Arkansas fans.
Though they didn't admit it, it has been known from the start by the powers that be that Adam got the most votes from the rest of the country outside Arkansas and that is why he has been treated as a "joint winner" all along. If proof were needed of this, it has been found in the huge response to Adam everywhere else but Arkansas. Audiences have been at least 75& for Adam in the other shows whereas it was very markedly hugely for Kris in Arkansas and Arkansas only.
American Idol demographic? I thought Kris was supposed to be the one who appealed to the teens and tweens while Adam was the one with the across the board and probably slightly older support. Yet you contradict this in your piece then contradict yourself.
Maybe next time, you can stick to writing about something you know something about and next year they can send someone who knows something about American Idol to review the American Idol shows.
Do you get paid for writing this bilge?
TheLambertLover writes:
From what I am reading from attendees, the crowd went wild for Adam. There is a reason why professional singers (including opera), voice teachers, musicians, producers are going nuts over Adam and comparing him to other greats like Elvis, MJ, and the Beatles. There are very few people in the world who have the vocal range Adam does (he does not scream, those are high notes, Danny screams) and combined with his looks, stage presence, dancing ability, etc., he is a superstar in the making.
Speaking of demographics, have you looked at the google trends for Adam Lambert and Kris Allen http://www.google.com/trends?q=adam+l...
Looks like only in Arkansas is Kris more popular than Adam. That seems to be reflected on tour also, so don't know why you are saying "American Idol" demographic is for Kris. Remember it was the power voting that won for Kris, not the number of fans because Adam has way more fans that Kris, as evident from their official websites, number of followers on twitter, etc.
Maia writes:
Oh, and in another note, Liberace? Halford? Seriously? Any prejudice? Thanks God the good farm all-American boy is not as judgemental as you and loves Adam to death.
Tellitlikeitis writes:
I agree Maia. I love Kris and Adam and am so tired of this debate.
To the author: There is a lack of clarity in what you are writing.
Julia writes:
What an interesting 'review' Mr Blank. The most detail you provided on Adam Lamberts performance was a vaguely homophobic slur about his choice of outfit.
What you conspicuously failed to mention, was that Adam Lambert has received overwhelming, almost evangelical crowd support in Memphis and has achieved this on every other night, at every single venue so far on this 'Idol' tour.
HE is the person the crowds and the press are clamouring for.
You then have the temerity to dismiss his extraordinary range and power as 'shrieking'. I think the accusation you levelled at Mr Lambert of self indulgence is one you are more than familiar with yourself.
If the 'American Idol demographic' is almost exclusively resident in Arkansas, then you are indeed correct in your assertion that Kris Allen plays for them, they after all secured his win .
I'm sorry that vanilla is the order of the day for you, it really isn't for anybody who recognizes and is not afraid to acknowledge, sheer raw energy, creativity and insane talent.
I'm sure the 'Idol demographic' you are attempting to appease will eat up your tasteless soup. I personally prefer the a la carte menu and Adam Lambert is definitely dish of the day.
Tellitlikeitis writes:
I guess I'm the only one shipping Kradam here.
AmandaA writes:
"If you want to know who is self indulgent listen to Kris on the local news comparing himself to Elvis. Elvis the King of Rock and Roll compared to Kris a five foot three mouse of a man with no stage presence, now that is self indulgent!"
LOL!!! So true!
Coral writes:
This is a great review. While Kris and Adam's styles are different, and not everyone will like the same thing, Kris' style appeals to a wider audience. But more importantly to me, while Adam is more of a performer, Kris is the artist and musician. I feel more of a connection with Kris, because with him, it's all about the music. With Adam, it's all about the visual, which is why his style works better on stage and in person, but he'll have problems getting that to translate through his album and on the radio. For me and my taste, Kris is about all substance and Adam is mostly about stlye.
And not that it will matter to those who flood internet sites to comment on anything remotely related to Adam Lambert, but I'm gay. Just because someone doesn't like Adam Lambert's style of music, that doesn't make them homophobic.
Darcey writes:
Maybe you are a closeted gay man that does not want people to suspect your sexuality so you disparage an openly gay man unjustifiably. Memphis was the only stop where bare chested men had Adam autograph their bodies. The Bible Belt is full of surprises.
Tellitlikeitis writes:
Coral,Adam is incredibly artistic and not just a performer. He is so unique and one of a kind, which makes his level of artistry incredibly high. This is why so many people in the industry want to work with him. Art is about being original, and there is only ONE Adam, sorry. What he does with his voice is so rare that he is never karaoke. Just try copying him, and you will be hard-pressed. Many of our best artists never played an instrument.
Julia writes:
Coral you are absolutely right that just because you don't like Adam Lamberts style of music, it does not make you homphobic.
However, the 'Liberace' comment was not borne out of objectivity or the substance of critical review. It was a cheap shot.
Islasands writes:
I wonder how long Kris Allen will have to put up with these soft slurs on his talent - such as referring to him as "wholesome" and "earnest"(yet again) in this review. Give the guy a break! You make him sound like a singing apple pie. It all comes of comparing him to Adam Lambert.
Making comparisons - rather than doing some serious homework on the music background and direction of these two artists - gives this reviewer an excuse for being lazy and uninformed. Diva versus farm boy, "Gay" (note the Liberace reference)versus the "straight" American Idol demographic. I think both Allen and Lambert deserved a little more respect than that.
And how disrespectful to the Memphis audience, who apparently have so little music appreciation they will shout the house down for mere showmanship!
MarkR writes:
Your credibility as a reviewer disappeared the moment you wrote..."Megan Joy (9), whose voice is made for smooth jazz..." Oh poor Ella Fitzgerald! However since you did make me laugh out loud I owe you something.
I was also at the concert last night and I thought Lambert was fantastic. His voice was out of this world and sorry, I didn't hear any shrieking. I didn't expect to enjoy Adam as much as I did but then again, I'm a straight male who is actually secure in his sexuality, unlike some REVIEWERS. The Liberace comment was vastly uncalled for. Honestly, aren't we past such slurs in this day and age?
In the South I guess not.
maggie_l writes:
I'm an Adam fan so I know I am biased. But I took my husband to the concert and he has never watched the AI tv show. He didn't know ANY of the performers. My husband is an accomplished musician himself and is always super critical of performers so I wasn't sure how he would like the concert. He ended up really being impressed. He loved Adam, Scott and Danny the most (and in that order). On the way home in the car all my husband kept saying is "how the h#$% did that guy win? He should have been 5th or 6th!".
pay_attention writes:
So if he had said Elton John (another flashy-dressing and gifted performer who also happens to be gay) instead of Liberace, would you still have been offended?
I didn't read the comment as a slap. I read it as an honest, albeit dated, observation regarding his outfit and think maybe a few folks are just a wee bit touchy.
It kind of reminds me of how people react when anyone says anything negative about Clay Aiken.
And Adam is loads more talented than Aiken.
I liked his set last night, but I think on Whole Lotta Love and at least one other song whose title escapes me, he went to the high end a little too often, and a little too long. There's more to a Led Z. cover than that. I loved his version of Mad World, the Bowie medley and kind of wish he'd sung Ring of Fire (but I realize I'm probably the only one who does)
Just because Kris Allen appeals to a broader audience doesn't mean Adam is any less talented.
Nobody's saying he can't sing the same songs Kris does. He could and he chooses not to and it would be dishonest of him to do anything else. I think he'd be the first to admit his style of performing isn't everybody's cup of tea(screaming females in the FedEx Forum notwithstanding).
jacksoniam writes:
Wow, wouldn't you think a sane person would be over the bitterness by now. You bitterberts need to see a therapist because you obviously have a mental disorder. I really feel sorry for Adam having fans like you. Heaven help the journalist who dares to not fall down in idol worship of the great Adam Lambert. Everyone's taste in music is not the same. You bitterberts are worse than the Claymates could ever hope to be. Kris Allen has a huge fan base and they are not all on the internet or from Arkansas. I am not from Arkansas, not a teenage girl and I voted like crazy for Kris? Kris has received tons of love in all the concerts to date. If Adams fans dominate all the other states then why didn’t Adam win? Thanks Mr. Blank for trying to give an honest review, most journalist are afraid to post anything negative about Adam Lambert for fear of exactly what has happened here in these comments.
joanne writes:
He plays for the true “American Idol” demographic.
Blank, must be a huge fan of Sarah Palin, think she made that same remark about rural America. Glad I live in real America, where education speaks volumes. The mind is a terrible thing to waste.
38 million votes cast from Kris home state thanks to AT&T teaching them how to power vote.
True Americans know who won Adam Lambert by a landslide. Memphis fans loved Adam, he rocked that joint and left them begging for more.
CarterAll writes:
At first your rather questionable review (use of "Liberace" to describe Lambert gave away exactly what type of bias you hold as a human being as did the use of Judas Priest whose lead singer is also GAY) made me angry. Then I laughed as I read through the comments and was heartened that I was not the only one who both disagreed with you and called you on your prejudice.
I imagined for a moment how someone with your musical tastes and social proclivities might also have reviewed Elvis Presley in relation to his contemporary Pat Boone. It might have gone something like this:
Pat Boone is a true American Idol. His wholesome demeanor and soft mellow vocals inspire our idealistic nation. Boone's sensitive guitar playing appeals to people young and old! He's a true artist of our time. By comparison young Presley's arrogant sneer and pelvic thrusts describe nothing more than a decline in our moral compass. His snarling, deep vocals, rock persona and silly garb seek to inspire but instead repel the masses. If Presley is the future of music I'll take Pat Boone for the win!
You can have Boone/Allen Mr. Blank. I'll bet my soul on Presley/Lambert.
hannahgr writes:
oh boy, here we go again...
Adam is NOT self-indulgent. Depending on your taste, I suppose his style can be called OTT at times, but that isn't the same thing as self-indulgent. He's a fantastic performer and singer. Straight, bi, gay, whatever -- should not and DOES NOT matter. He's gotten great crowd resonses and reviews everywhere the tour has gone. And he deserves that, because he delivers every night.
Meanwhile, Kris is just as fantastic in his own more low-key style. He is an excellent musician who pours his whole self into his music. Some might find him bland, but maybe that's just because they prefer the more in your face performances. IMO, that's too bad, because they are missing out. He's also gotten great crowd reaction and strong reviews on this tour. It would be nice if everyone would stop comparing Adam's and Kris' sets -- they are polar opposites in terms of musical and performance style, so the comparisons are just silly -- sort of like comparing John Mayer to Freddy Mercury -- and I doubt anyone ever does that! So why do it with Adam and Kris?
Adam is likely sick and tired of his sexuality being brought into every review. I bet Kris is sick and tired of being labeled "wholesome" as well, because that's just as stupid a box to be stuck in. Besides that, I don't think Kris is nearly as "wholesome" as all that. He has a very dry, almost wicked sense of humor, that pops up in a lot of his interviews. People are WAY too overeager to label these guys -- but why? I don't get it.
I really wish the fans of either Kris or Adam would just STOP feeling it's necessary to bash the other person. Kris did NOT win simply because of Arkansas -- he has lots of fans all over the country -- and besides that, the show ended 2 months ago, Adam doesn't care who won, and both guys have moved on. They are very very good friends who are probably sick and tired that their so-called "fans" feel it necessary to hate on one of the other. The fans need to LET IT GO ALREADY!! Both Kris and Adam have a chance for long, successful careers -- is it so hard to wish both of them well?
HATERS TO THE LEFT, y'all.
wfatstein57#683061 writes:
I work for Crew One,the local stage crew,we set up all the equipment for all the concerts that come through Memphis.Last night,i got a chance to meet Kris, he was cool,Anoop,a little shy,Lil,my home girl,gave her a hug,told her i was proud of her,she was nice,Micheal was a little dry,Danny,i got a little emotional because of his wife passing,gave him a handshake and a hug,but when i met Adam,he was funny as hell with his sense of humor,very friendly,laid back,cool, very open to conversation,and very appreciative of my praise for him.I felt good knowing that i had met the next great superstar in our lifetime,because thats what he will become.
Julia writes:
You're a gentleman and your post has been a pleasure to read. Thank you.
France writes:
CORAL
Kris appeals to a wider audience? Where is it then and why isn’t it turning up (other than in Arkansas)? Why isn't there evidence of interest on Google, Youtube, etc (except from Arkansas)? Why is Kris' official site much smaller than Adam's (now the second biggest in the world for any SonyBMG act in terms of membership and the biggest in terms of threads and posts)? Why are unofficial Kris sites and Kris' networking groups much smaller than Adam's? Why does all evidence suggest, as it always has, that only in Arkansas Kris is more popular and elsewhere the margin is hugely in Adam's favor? Why does all evidence suggest, as it always has, that it’s Adam who appeals to a far wider audience? Why does all evidence suggest that Kris won because of Arkansas? Why perpetuate the issue when proof is there in the audiences at the live shows?
If Adam is all visual and will have problems translating to record or radio, why did his downloads vastly outsell and get far more airplay than those of any other contestant? Why was he able to do that and still sell far more videos than any other contestant? Because he’s popular - not just for his voice, not just for his performance, but for both. If Adam will have trouble translating to record or radio, why are top songwriters, composers and producers queueing to work with him? Why is Kris – with his ordinary, generic voice with no outstanding quality or individuality - getting the same old same old? Please do your research.
Kris plays a couple of instruments to an average level. We're not talking Carlos Santana or Jean-Michel Jarre, just someone who can strum a bit and plink a bit. Adam doesn't play instruments. So what? He has near perfect pitch and that’s why he’s able to improvise, not just rearrange a song but actually improvise with chords and harmonies during a performance itself. Where is there evidence of Kris being able to do this? Even his so-called rearrangements of 'Heartless' and 'She Works Hard for the Money' were lifted note for note, phrasing for phrasing, from other versions with no original input from him.
Kris is about substance and Adam about style? Do you not realize the irony of saying that while embellishing your post with such cliches?
I don't know what parallel universe you live in but please let us know when you return to planet Earth.
Finally, was there any need to try to justify your comment by stating that you are gay? That’d be like me saying just because someone can recognize Kris Allen is nothing more than an average guy who you could see singing at, serving at or propping up the bar at your local any night of the week doesn't mean they’re gay. Besides, the vast majority of those saying they’re gay to try to make their views on Adam sound reasoned have been found later (by other comments they’ve made after forgetting what they’ve previously said) to be young girls. Some have even pretended to be gay men!
JJazz writes:
I think you put very eloquently what many people were trying to say.
Thanks for your post.
TigersFan2009 writes:
I find it hilarious that on the same day we see an interview where Kris Allen says he wants to "push boundaries" a review calls him wholesome and appealing to the American Idol demographic. This furthers my point that Kris was never the underdog on American Idol, Adam Lambert was. American Idol cranks out the same kind of artist year after year. Wholesome, God-fearing, do-gooders. And then along comes this blatantly sexual, jewish gay guy and whatever is Fox's chaste little family program to do?!
Kris can play to the American Idol audience, that's fine. Just ask Taylor Hicks how that's working for him. Meanwhile Adam will continue to TRULY push boundaries and become the worldwide superstar we all know he's destined to be.
I LOVE that he makes people uncomfortable, that's how he knows he's doing something right!
Carolina writes:
I like the guy's friendship but "Kradam" has always grated on me.
Carolina writes:
Sorry, hannahgr, but for a contestant for which no interest, never mind support, was evidenced in any other part of the country other than his home state to win a nationwide vote suggests only one thing and unfortunately it is blowing up in the poor guy's face night after night with one exception.
Even those behind the show stopped denying it when they realised it was in their interest not to. They must be rubbing their hands at the reactions Adam is getting on the tour. Point proven as far as they're concerned.
jacey writes:
I just find Kris completely unremarkable and mediocre. While I like some of the songs he picked on the show, in each case I would rather listen to the original artist. And since the best you can say about him is that he is wholesome I bet you agree with me! I fear Kris, like the majority of these "idols", will be quickly forgotten.
Vickie writes:
And so now, Mr. Blank, you must have come to realize that it is impossible to criticize Mr. Lambert without a full on posse headed your way. I believe these kind of fandom is going to destroy Lambert's career and it's a shame because he is truly talented. They are throwing bras and panties on stage and making plans on his official website to throw more. It will turn this supremely talented human being into a joke within 3 years. There is a precedent for this. See Aiken, Clay.
Don't worry, Mr. Blank. It happens on all the fanboards.
MK204 writes:
Thank you Christopher for confirming what those of us who voted for Kris Allen already knew. He is the star of the show and the audience got it right.
I feel sad for those who are so bitter that their hatred spews to everyone who dare critique their favorite in a way that doesn't present sainthood.
It's too bad because then they lose.
Kris Allen is MY American Idol. Deservedly so.
Carolina writes:
"Just because Kris Allen appeals to a broader audience doesn't mean Adam is any less talented"
I think anyone who even suggested that Adam is less talented than Kris would either be laughed into the next state or referred for treatment.
Where and how do you get this impression that Kris appeals to a broader audience? Have you seen the numbers for Adam at these concerts? They are an embarrassment to the other contestant, particularly the winner. The only way that Kris would appeal to a broader audience is if all his fans were grossly overweight.
"Nobody's saying he can't sing the same songs Kris does. He could and he chooses not to"
Adam has sung songs like those Kris does and outsung Kris on them. I would love to see Kris attempt the songs Adam does if only because it would likely be even more comical than Danny's attempt. Let's face it, Kris doesn't have half the voice Danny does and if Danny couldn't manage it, what chance Kris?
"I think he'd be the first to admit his style of performing isn't everyone's cup of tea"
No but enough people's cup of tea to make him a lot more popular than the guy who won, and not just among "screaming females" (how patronising and insulting can you get?).
jacksoniam writes:
I think Adam would be very ashamed of his fans who are commenting on this site and the horrible things they are saying about Kris. They seem to be living in some fantasy world where only Adam and his fans reside.
Carolina writes:
TigersFan, I agree wholeheartedly with most of your post but I can assure you that AI wanted Adam to win and were gutted with the result.
Ladyguard writes:
Joanne.....Kris's win was simple.....Arkansas, AT&T, free textmessaging=37 million votes from a state that has 3 million people.
Carolina writes:
There always has to be the one who thinks these guys should be joined at the hip and it is almost invariably a Kris fan.
As far as I can see, Adam's fans are just stating their honest opinions. Why should those of us who appreciate that Kris is a good but ordinary singer, in no way star material, say anything else because he happens to be Adam's friend? Would you prefer us to lie just to be nice?
You want to have a look on Kris' sites at the things some of his fans say about Adam and always have. No holding back there, whether it's about his music, his singing, his performances or just the man himself. Shameful.
pay_attention writes:
Jeez. Lighten up. You're just proving my point. I didn't say Adam was less talented, and neither did the reviewer.
And I didn't say he can't sing the same kinds of songs as Kris. I said he doesn't by choice. Nothing wrong with that. He's more into the whole performance package than Kris. Probably due to his Broadway roots.
Adam himself has stated repeatedly that he is being true to himself and doesn't plan on conforming to any norm.
As far as the screaming goes, were you there last night? I was, and every time they even showed his eyebrow on the big screen, the place erupted in screams. Sounded like female screams to me, but hey, I could be wrong. I don't see how that's being patronising or insulting. That's just making an observation.
Why are you so defensive about this? Is he a relative or something?
rocker09 writes:
I agree that the "true American Idol demographic" isn't (just) teenage girls but all kinds of people who really love music and are (some of them anyway) thinking critically about it.
However, not so sure that is how the voting stacks up - most middle aged and older music lovers I know didn't have the time or patience to vote for hours and couldn't even figure out re-dial, let alone the whole concept of "power texting" - so I doubt voting is representative of number of fans, talent, or possibly even overall popularity.
If the stadium tour "settles who should have won" then I guess this reviewer is saying that Adam Lambert should have won? I've listened to the youtubes from all the concerts, and except for maybe 2 venues, Adam has gotten more audience response. Certainly he got way more than anyone else at the concert I was at. Seems like most music lovers don't find his "shrieking" irritating.
As a "critical music lover", I think Adam's voice is one exciting instrument. And he's also the best showman, just a bonus to the voice.
The reference to Liberace and Judas Priest seems kind of ridiculous. I love Adam's jacket - it's cool (Liberace - are you kidding?).
JJazz writes:
I'm not a screaming female. Or a hysterical fan. Just someone who happens to think that Lambert has the best voice I've heard in a long, long time. I live in Portland Oregon and that's where I saw the concert. And if you think Lambert fans are bad, you should see the Allen fans who crucified Portland reporters who dared say Kris might not have deserved the win. I know because I'm related to one of them. The posts were quite nasty. Since then I've been having a lot of fun following the tour reviews. Sadly, yours is the first slurred review I've come across for Lambert and I must say some of your word choices are disappointing. Or maybe we're just more evolved on the West Coast.
American Idol started out as a singing competition. And for me the guy who won the reality show can't hold a candle vocally to the guy who came in second. Oh, but yeah, he plays the guitar. Whatever. Maybe he can play backup in a band someday. I don't know Lambert. I don't know his friends. And I don't care.
Anyone who doesn't agree can just take my Feeling Good because a Change is Gonna Come challenge. Get these recorded songs by Lambert from Itunes. Get them from your friends. But get them any way you can because you'll never hear anything so darn amazing for a good long time. Wacky fans or no wacky fans. A singer with vocal chops this amazing is here to stay folks.
jacksoniam writes:
Caroline, I do go on Kris' sites and I don't see Kris' fans bashing Adam. I do see Adam fans bashing Kris. I see on every video on youtube of Kris' performance bitterberts posting hateful comments. Not to mention every time Kris receives a positive review, the journalist is attacked. I personally hate the kradam references and will be glad when this tour is over and Kris can distance himself from Adam. Just because you bitterberts think Kris is ordinary does not make it so, and that is just you bitterberts living in your fantasy world. I would much rather listen to Kris singing from his heart and drawing the audience in than Adam thrusting and humping a mick stand, but that is just my preference. Personally I think Adam should save it for his solo tour, or is he afraid if he isn’t over the top his fans will think he is ordinary and desert him? Give it up, Kris' fans will always be there for him.
C_Blank writes:
As someone who watched every episode of "American Idol" and thoroughly expected Adam to win, my review saddens even me to read.
But for his performance Sunday night, Adam's voice was all over the place. It's my opinion, and I'm sticking by it. I was in the 8th row for the first half of his set, and moved up to a suite to hear the second half.
There were times his voice sounded like someone playing a Theremin. Only during "Mad World" did he stop flaunting that much-beloved range of his to display the tender, controlled, dramatic side of his voice. Often, he careened around the melodies ("Whole Lotta Love," whole lotta screaming!), even when the lyrics didn't call for it. And no, he wasn't consistently pitch perfect either. Sorry, he wasn't. Great performer, yes. Great vocal performance, no.
Vocally and musically, Kris played a spectacular though conservative set. He was consistent. He was the apparent bandleader. He focused on the sound and arrangements more than the pomp and circumstance. Will I buy Kris Allen's album? We'll wait and see what this guy can do in the studio. I'm more interested in Adam's stuff, personally.
Also, I don't believe there's anything homophobic or condescending about comparing Adam's costume choice (a diamond-studded leather biker jacket with the tails of a concert pianist) to the dungeon-leather getups of Rob Halford and the rhinestoned flamboyance of the pianist Liberace, two performers with distinctive styles that appear to mesh in Adam's outfit.
However, both Halford and Liberace certainly used their costumes to enhance the sexual intrigue and ambiguity of their stage personas. I have no doubt, judging by the way Adam stroked the microphone stand between his legs and gestured to his crotch as he screamed "every inch of my love," that he intends for his apparel to raise eyebrows in a similarly sexualized way, just as David Bowie did in the era of Hunky Dory.
To take the argument a step further, I think that people who would NOT want to talk about his ambiguous sex appeal onstage do him a great disservice as an artist. Here is the first openly gay performer on an Idol tour singing to conservative southern families while wearing eye-liner and making phallic gestures with a microphone. The rest of the American Idol finalists are eunuchs by comparison. To me, Adam's bold sexual statement -- gay, straight, whatever -- deserves to be discussed and analyzed.
Cheers,
cb
Vickie writes:
I'm interested in knowing why it is so terribly insulting to describe Lambert as what he is. I saw a reviewer (who actually liked Adam) describe him as an eyeliner, twilight-loving gay guy. What is wrong with that? He was cruicified. Adam DOES wear eyeliner. Much more than most women. He DOES love twilight. And he IS gay. He announced it to the world in Rolling Stone. He is as gay as he is a fabulous singer. But if you mention it you'll be labeled as unevolved and homophobic. My big argument with him is not that he's not talented but that he was way too polished for the show. He was already so experienced. I read a comment on a youtube video from someone who said she had admired him in stage productions and now she was delighted he was on American Idol. He came somewhat known in the area. How is that fair that he already had at least a small fanbase and everyone was completely unknown. I started out as an Adam fan but wound up as a Kris fan. It is a freaking miracle he won. Without pimping, without special lights, without over the top behaviour, without crotch grabs.
RecordPRChick writes:
I work at a record label in Nashville. I personally attended the American Idol concert in Memphis. I can attest to the fact that Adam Lambert received the loudest and most enthusiastic applause of the night. Most of the crowd was on its feet for his entire set. Most of the crowd was seated for Kris Allen's. In terms of "star power" from an industry perspective, Adam has "IT". I work in country music and even people in this genre recognize that he's a rare talent. Adam Lambert is "one of a kind". Certainly he's theatrical, certainly he's flambouyant, certainly he's a showman and certainly he's not for everybody but I (and many others in the music industry) would be willing to lay money on his domestic and global success. His debut album s already one of the most anticipated of the year and the concert reviews that he's received (other than in the "Kris Allen territory" of Arkansas and Memphis-which borders West Memphis, Arkansas) have been overwhelmingly positive. You have a right to your opinion but I say the real "winner" will be decided when Adam & Kris's albums drop this fall...my money is on Adam.
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