Review: 'Idols Live'

Photo by Allison Long/The Star

His career as a rock star is still in its infancy but David Cook has already reached a momentous peak. Friday night at a very sold-out Sprint Center, he ignited the kind of long, convulsive roar that many entertainers wait all their lives to live through.

Cook is 25 and he hasn’t released a major-label album yet. But he’s the headliner of this year’s “American Idols Live!” tour, which rolled into his hometown on Friday for the first of two shows. And when he arrived on stage sometime around 9:30 p.m. – wearing a Tony Gonzalez home jersey -- the Sprint Center shook and shivered like it hasn’t since Garth Brooks was in town.

Before you dismiss the reception as a fad that will pass, consider the diversity of the crowd. Yes, there were lots of women and girls, but there were plenty of men and boys, too, and when he lit the fuse on his cover of Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” the response was as loud and genuine as the real thing. “Idols Live” is a showcase of the Top 10 finalist of this year’s show. The top seven perform three songs each, the runner-up, David Archuleta, performs four songs and Cook sings five. In addition, the top four are exempt from the two group performances: a cover of U2’s “Pride (In the Name of Love),” which is used to promote the “Malaria No More” charity; and the closer, a cover of Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music.” (Head for the doors when they cue that one up.)

The tour is something of a development league or a showcase for anyone who finished below the top three, most of whom are working on getting record deals. It gives those contestants a chance to exhibit their live skills and identify what kind of music they might want to record. After 40-plus shows on this tour, several showed significant development since they were booted off the TV show. In general they all look better, sound better and seem more comfortable on stage, especially the opener, Chikeze, who reprised his cover of Donnie Hathaway's "I Believe to My Soul."

The biggest surprise was Kristy Lee Cook, who wants to be a country singer. She has the developed the voice for the brand she’s shooting for – the hard country/rock. And she has the looks and the physique to bring on the male fans. All that’s missing is some work on her foot skills. Other highlights: Brooke White’s cover of Coldplay’s “Yellow,” Syesha Mercado’s cathartic version of Beyonce’s “Listen” and Carly Smithson’s cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “I Drove All Night.”

The ladies went particularly nuts for Jason Castro, who played his ukulele during his nice cover of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”  And they went a little crazier for wonderboy David Archuleta, who hurled himself into the Josh Groban song "When You Say You Love Me."

All night the crowd treated all 10 singers like a major stars. Whenever anyone walked one of the runways to a side of the stage, a mob of fans ran up to the railings for a handshake or a photo.

No one, however, got the treatment David Cook received. I’ve seen the YouTube of the crowd at Allen Fieldhouse watching Mario Chalmers’ three-pointer against Memphis on the big screens. That’s kind of what the Sprint Center felt like when Cook emerged.

Cook started his set with the song that jump-started his “Idol” popularity: the hard-rock cover of Lionel Richie’s “Hello.” Then he sang his first single, “The Time of My Life,” which got the kind of sing-along Bon Jovi gets for “Livin’ on a Prayer.” He followed that with the Aerosmith cover, then the Foo Fighters’ “My Hero,” which he dedicated to his brother Adam.

For a guy whose bands never made it past the local and regional leagues, Cook looked really comfortable in the full-arena setting. He joked with the crowd, tossed picks and water bottles to fans and thanked them effusively – to the point of tears. When he told them his pants were loose because someone stole his belt the night before, three guys tossed belts on stage. He thought one was a dog-collar.

After “My Hero” he and the band disappeared for a moment, then returned so he could close with another of his signature “Idol” tunes, the Chris Cornell version of “Billie Jean.” Before that he told his hometown: “You’re going to have to do this every time I come back here.” It was supposed to be funny, but I saw nothing Friday night that would lead me to believe they wouldn’t, at least not for a while.

SETLIST

Chikezie: I Believe to My Soul, Caught Up, So High. Ramiele Malubay: I Want You Back, Love Will Lead You Back, If I Never See Your Face Again. Michael Johns: We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions, It’s All Wrong But It’s All Right, Dream On. Kristy Lee Cook: Squeezin’ the Love Outta You, God Bless the USA, Cowgirls. Carly Smithson: Bring Me To Life, Crazy On You, I Drove All Night. Brooke White: Let It Be, 1234, Yellow. Group: Pride (In the Name of Love). Intermission. Jason Castro: Over the Rainbow, Crazy, Daydream. Syesha Mercado: Umbrella, If I Ain’t Got You, Listen. David Archuleta: Angels, Apologize, Stand By Me/Beautiful Girls, When You Say You Love Me. David Cook: Hello, The Time of My Life, I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, My Hero, Billie Jean. Group: Don’t Stop the Music.

Comments

[concert chris]

do you know how the performers get paid and what percent goes back to idol?

just wondered | chris

[greenman]

I'm assuming you're using the word "men" quite loosely when describing the crowd. Yes, the equipment is there, but it's being controlled by another party...

[scd]

you were sitting right next to my friend and looked very bored...were you?

[lenexamom]

Maybe you had already headed for the doors, but the top 4 were in the last group number, "Don't Stop the Music".

[Tom]

To 10:48- I am a neutral Idol fan who reads articles and observes. However, you cannot blame everything on Archuleta fans, like everyone seems to do. When I saw a review that put Archuleta in front of Cook, Cook fans naturally spammed the article and questioned its credibility. I've seen some comments on Cook's TOML, but you haven't seen bad until you've looked at Archuleta's CRUSH and the many vulgar comments with people asking for Cook. I hear last night in KC, fans were leaving for bathroom breaks during Archuleta and even BOOING. Are they real Cook fans? No! They're just very rude, immature fans. I remember Cook fans getting riled up because some families with kids were leaving the concert early in Salt Lake. You see, there are evils in BOTH fanbases, thus you cannot be so one-sided. Don't get me wrong - I see badmouths some Dreadheads, but all you can do is IGNORE IT. Every fanbase has its fanatic.

Anyways, the way I see the Idol concert is that the crowd responds according to the genre of music. I enjoy Castro and Brooke White and their mellow vibes - I don't see the point of yelling and screaming. I enjoyed Archuleta's set and gave a scream every once in awhile. I enjoyed Cook's set and was able to yell whenever I wanted because it was like a rock concert! It was so diverse, you can't really compare any of them. But I know that comparisons are inevitable. Congrats David Cook on a fantastic homecoming!

[Hmm]

As far as I'm concerned, KC wasn't very welcome to the other idols, but JUST David Cook. I even heard that some fans were booing certain idols =( Yes, it was his hometown, but do NOT come to a concert to boo the fellow idols. Wait for a solo-tour to do so.

[Tim Finn]

I watched a few minutes of the final song -- and none of the top 4 were on stage when I split to go write. So it was a partial exemption. I did hear a big cheer as I hit the door.
Anyway, that seemed like a cheesy way to end the show. Some of them looked tired of it or uncomfortable with it, especially the dancing. It should have ended with Billie Jean (especially here in KC).

[Leah]

I hear alcohol played a big part in the bathroom breaks and booing.
Why waste your money on a concert, if you can't show respect for all the idols. Neither Cook or Archuleta would approve of their fans fighting with each other.
can't understand a review that would purposely leave out certain idols.
the last group number has all the idols. (was the reviewer there?)

[greenman]

OMG, Tim - this board has turned into an Idol fanzine! Any Tiger Beat quotes yet?

[Tim Finn]

we appreciate your patience and patronage.

[Good Lord, put a sock in it!]

Greenman says,

"I'm assuming you're using the word "men" quite loosely when describing the crowd. Yes, the equipment is there, but it's being controlled by another party..."

.....said the man who saw SCISSOR SISTERS live! Now THAT'S a band that possesses a veritable wealth of Testosterone! Hypocrisy=1, Greenman=0....and I'll bet you even have a stack of Tiger Beats under your bed, Hoss! If these Idol fans want to reminisce about last night's show, just let 'em. When George Michael comes to town, then you can pop back up here to let us know how FABULOUS it was. Cheers!

[greenman]

hehehe

[Smalltown MO girl]

I was at the concert last night in KC and the crowd was very supportive of all the fans. In fact, each idol came out saying the same thing that "wow KC you are ready to party". I agree the crowd ignited when Cook finished his first song however it wasn't only due to it being David Cook in his home town. It was the appropriate response to a rock concert which was exactly how David Cook performed.

[Smalltown MO girl]

Oops I meant supportive of all the idols not fans.

[smartman]

At least David Cook will have some good stories to tell when he gets back to tending bar. Heck maybe he can be the new lead singer of Shooting Star...how ironic with that be?

[Kristi Colvin]

Why in the world was there no writeup in the actual paper we got today??? (Sunday.) I've loved reading about the mural, this review about Friday night, etc. but wanted to save something from the paper today. My awesome husband was kind enough to take me to last night's show, where I was on pins and needles waiting to see that Cookie till he FINALLY appeared 2.5 hours after the show started. It was worth the wait, though I really can't wait to hear him do his own unique music again. You can bet the Sprint Center's foundation will need a little shoring up following his first MAJOR solo concert! My biggest complaint about last night was the idiotic, bone-headed visual effects showing during the entire final "please don't stop the music" performance. I am positive people would have appreciated a last glimpse of their favorite idols prior to leaving the concert, instead of late 80's abstract crap showing on all of the screens. Amazing this has not been corrected in the tour by now.

[on the inside]

I was backstage when Kristy told on eof the other idols that Saturday night was the best night of the tour. The crowd cheered for EVERYONE, not just DC. As for DA's set, no one left the floor when I was on it--either night and no one was boo-ing. And yes Tim--all idols were on for the last song. They did the same number on the show early in the season

[central80]

I am not at all surprised by the seemingly boorish and rude actions by those individuals in KC. If it's true that this occurred, it just validates my reasons for being very wary of "rock" acts and their fans...

I've witnessed levels of aggression and meanness from a small segment that gravitate to this genre that is VERY off putting, and as a "person of color", it makes me leery of their levels of tolerance and respect for anyone unlike them. I hope that these ugly stories are an anomaly, and that the attitude of the KC fans, and rock/alternative fans in general, is more tolerant, and accepting than what I've witnessed and experienced.

[idol maniac]

I went to both shows and can tell you that all 10 of the finalists received incredibly warm welcomes. I've also attended the show in various places over the last few years, and never saw any of the Idol contestants in years past get a response like they did this year in KC.

The place went wild for the hometown guy, sure. But the crowd went wild for everyone, and all the performers commented about how loud and enthusiastic the crowd was. Actually, it was almost embarrassing to see a huge crowd consistently go nuts over 10 people who were finalists in a talent competition but otherwise haven't really made a name for themselves.

Whoever started this rumor that KC was rude to the other 9 Am. Idols just doesn't know KCMO. We showered the love on all 10 Idols two nights in a row, and the smaller crowd on Saturday may have even been more effusive than the larger crowd on Friday.

[sfbb]

DC back to tending bar???
You obviously have never heard or seen him perform.
This guy is never going back to tending bar. You will be hearing about him long after American Idol is cancelled.