Review: 'Idol Live'

It's not about music.

The American Idol tour that stopped at Sprint Center is about many things: aspirational dreams, theatrical drama and hormonal hysteria among them. But its music component is merely an afterthought. The event is a celebration of celebrity and pop culture. It's crass, but it's also a lot of fun. An audience of approximately 10,000 took in the spectacle Sunday night.

The top 10 contestants from the eighth season of one of television's most popular programs performed. One was startlingly exceptional. Another was very good. The others ranged from marginally competent to completely atrocious.

Not only was first runner-up Adam Lambert the clear crowd favorite, he was easily the night's most substantial artist. He isn't merely good by the often dubious standards of "American Idol." Lambert's imaginative interpretations of unlikely material were brilliant. His powerful voice seemed to shake the rafters during Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." He also deftly covered songs by Muse, Tears For Fears and David Bowie.

Lambert was a crowd-pleaser inside the arena, but he received a far less welcoming reception before the show. A small group of hatemongers mocked Lambert (he's openly gay), the late Ted Kennedy and the whole of the United States as they protested across Grand Boulevard.

It's difficult to imagine Kris Allen, the winner of last season's competition, offending anyone. His numbingly innocuous set paled in comparison to Lambert's electrifying turn. After Allen opened with his mildly interesting rendition of Kanye West's "Heartless," a steady stream of fans headed toward the exits. They didn't miss much. As Allen's ostensible victory lap ended with a few predicable choruses of "Hey Jude," the complete cast closed the show with a deliriously dopey rendition of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'.'"

One voice besides Lambert's stood out on that Journey anthem. The hellacious screech of impish Allison Iraheta, 17, can also envelope an arena. Her bluesy duet with Lambert on Foghat's "Slow Ride" was excellent. Iraheta's vicious readings of Pink's "So What," the Janis Joplin version of "Cry Baby" and Heart's "Barracuda" were also entirely convincing. Just as importantly, she brought a carefree sense of fun that was otherwise largely absent Sunday.

The appearance by Danny Gokey, who took bronze in the competition, was typical. He's personally ingratiating but musically dull. A brief motivational speech was touching and helped explain the audience's undeniably strong emotional bond with the singer.

Of the holders of the remaining six slots, only Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai made more than momentary impressions. Desai's silky soul approach was oddly effective on a syrupy rendition of "Always On My Mind." The audience adored Rounds' straightforward cover of Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)."

Four others -- Matt Giraud, Scott MacIntyre, Megan Joy and Michael Sarver -- didn't fare as well. MacIntyre did an impression of the notoriously snide American Idol judge Simon Cowell. "It was absolutely horrible," MacIntyre satirically drawled.

Alas, Cowell's harsh assessment remains accurate. Even so, shaky performances like MacIntyre's were made tolerable by nifty video graphics and bright sound from the sharp backing band. Not including an intermission, the show lasted about two-and-a-half hours. It wasn't always good, but it was almost always entertaining.

When the ninth season of "American Idol" commences in January, most of the cast of Sunday's show will be rendered irrelevant. Only a handful of former "Idol" contestants have fashioned commercially viable careers. Perhaps one or two members of the current tour will join that elite group. Or maybe not. Either way, all 10, along with their fans in the Kansas City area, will always have Sunday.

| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star

Comments

[Bewlay]

Was that the Phelps family protesting on Grand?

[Granimal]

Why bother to even mention the protesters in a concert review?

[Steve]

Many in the top 10 on American Idol end up on Broadway, they have some name draw, touring national musical plays for sure are filled with Idol wannabees.

But, people like my mother watch every week, and go to this every year, so they will continue.

[Barb Spring]

I loved Adam. Only reason I went. He is undefinable and mesmerizing. He is to die for.

-Barbwire