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LIFE

Allen? He's good, but Lambert steals the 'American Idol' show

Tuesday, August 4, 2009
(Updated 2:44 pm)
By Eddie Huffman
Staff Writer

There was no way Kris Allen could top the glam flash and showmanship of Adam Lambert on stage at the Greensboro Coliseum on Sunday night. So Allen closed the concert with the same method he used to beat Lambert on “American Idol,” delivering a comparatively subdued yet soulful performance.

The American Idols Live Tour 2009 brought the 10 finalists to town, including Anoop Desai, a crowd favorite from Chapel Hill, who had a large hometown contingent cheering for him from behind a banner that read, “We Love You Anoop, The UNC Clefhangers and Senior Varsity Fans.”

Desai showed some of the broadest, stylistic range of the night, bringing vulnerability to a rendition of “Always On My Mind,” a Willie Nelson standard made famous by Elvis Presley in the early 1970s. Desai also swaggered through “My Prerogative,” the 1988 Bobby Brown hit covered in 2004 by Britney Spears.

As on America’s long-running TV talent show, the song selection meandered all over the musical map Sunday night, from the decades-old piano ballad “Georgia On My Mind” (bludgeoned to death by Matt Giraud in the night’s hammiest performance) to recent hits by Corrine Bailey Rae (Megan Joy adding a little Amy Winehouse oomph to “Put Your Records On”) and Beyoncé (Lil Rounds lifting the concert from its early doldrums with a brassy cover of “Single Ladies.”)

There were a couple of subtle surprises, including Lambert’s brief run through “Life on Mars” in a David Bowie medley, as well as the inevitable bombastic show closer, with all 10 singers emerging at the end for Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.”

While Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre delivered fairly pedestrian sets, Danny Gokey and another crowd favorite, Allison Iraheta, gave Lambert a run for his money with dynamic, high-energy performances. A concert can’t match the drama of waiting to see who will get eliminated on an episode of “American Idol,” so the show’s producers built tension by starting the concert with the lowest-rated performers and offering video-screen teasers of this season’s biggest stars, Lambert and Allen, who closed the show.

Multiartist concerts can be painfully slow affairs, with technical glitches and endless waits between acts. But the same band backed all 10 performers, eliminating the need for any set changes, and the concert was run with the efficiency of German mass transit, one singer seamlessly following another in a two-and-a-half-hour concert interrupted only by one 20-minute intermission.

Some singers emerged from smokescreens at the back of the stage –– most notably Lambert, strutting out to the opening riff of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” –– while others rose from beneath the stage, some playing grand pianos, others strumming acoustic guitars.

The coliseum appeared to be about half-filled with dedicated Idol fans, ranging from elementary-school-age children to seniors, many waving multi-colored glow sticks and shrieking for their favorite singers.

Allen, dressed in a modest Western shirt and jeans, delivered fine if unspectacular renditions of songs he made his signatures on the TV show, including Bill Withers’ 1971 hit “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Kanye West’s “Heartless” from 2008. He went from grand piano to electric and acoustic guitar over the course of his set, closing with a crowd singalong of the Beatles’ “Hey Jude” before the rest of the singers crowded the stage for the Journey finale.

But Lambert provided the real capper to the concert. He was dressed like a cross between Mad Max and “Purple Rain”–era Prince, and applied his remarkable vocal range to a set heavy on classic rock. In addition to the Zeppelin and Bowie covers, Lambert also offered a haunting cover of “Mad World” from the “Donnie Darko” soundtrack.

Allen showed enough range and talent to illustrate how he won “American Idol,” but Sunday night’s concert positioned Lambert as the bigger potential breakout star.
 

Contact Eddie Huffman at ehuffman@triad.rr.com

Accompanying Photos

Jenny Tenney

Photo Caption: Kris Allen performs.

Additional Photos

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carly J

August 4, 2009 - 7:12 am EDT

I took my daughter to the concert and saw and heard for the most part what you did except perhaps why Allen won. He is adequate and has a decent voice but there are two or three others who have far superior voices. The show arrangers made a huge mistake by putting him last. What a terrible way to end the show. That was the poorest arrangement yet. After intermission Allison and Danny begin to work the crowd up. Then Adam puts them into an absolute frenzy. Then on comes Kris Allen which is like throwing a huge bucket of ice water on the audience. We noted that quite a few people left during Kris's set. I was tempted to leave myself to beat the crowd in the parking garage. I felt like I wouldn't have missed much. My daughter however wanted to stay for the final group number. I noted the crowd was mostly there for Anoop and Adam. Anoop is a hometown favorite and I'm glad our boy got his day.

liberaldemocrat

August 4, 2009 - 8:38 am EDT

I disagree. Adam was disgusting. He couldn't stop thrusting his pelvis and and touching himself. It was very offensive. The audience included way too many children for him to be acting like that. My own late-teen daughters were getting nauceous watching him. He seemed bored with his own performance and what he said to the audience was robotic.

Scott also had great repoire with the audience along with Anoop. It was a good show overall, weak on the camera work. Some songs had no big screen shots of the singers at all.

jrburcham

August 4, 2009 - 9:41 am EDT

I agree 1000%, Adam is disgusting and he is no role model for young people. The Daily News review also failed to mention his language. Why does he feel the need to "Cuss", especially with so many children in attendance. Can he not express himself without fowl language. He is just a misguided young mind who needs help.

Stanley

August 4, 2009 - 9:53 am EDT

Oh, nonsense. Some people need to grow up. I'm a 54 year old man. I attended this concert and I was not offended in the least by anything Adam Lambert did during his performance. Cursing? I sat in the 7th row and didn't hear a single offensive word come out of this young man's mouth. What I did hear was "thank you" quite a few times. And Lambert certainly is a role model. If anything he teaches our kids to never be ashamed of who they are and to stand up for themselves and what they believe in. To live their lives on their own terms. We should all be so brave. I think he's going to be a big success.

Great review by the way! Although I have to say that Anoop ruled the evening, Lambert and Allen were both pretty darn good along with Danny Gokey.

sammy01

August 4, 2009 - 10:47 am EDT

So wait? did Adam cluck like a chicken? You say he used FOWL language after all.

I find it really disturbing that people would actually say Adam is disgusting. You don't like his music? that's cool, he's not for everyone but when I attended the concert I found him to be a riveting and highly entertaining performer and quite gracious in his attitude towards those in attendance. I liked how he thanked the fans for voting for everyone.

Unless you were in the first few rows you couldn't see his more overt moves and even then they were so natural to the performance that they hardly seemed shocking at all. Were you offended during Starlight and Mad world as well? I mean how dare he put on such an amazing vocal performance?!

liberaldemocrat

August 4, 2009 - 3:46 pm EDT

Nope, we were as far back as possible- offensive moves.

Teri

August 4, 2009 - 5:34 pm EDT

LiberalDemocrat: To YOU, Adam's moves were offensive, and you're certainly entitled to your opinion, and it's fine that you've expressed your feelings to parents in the event that they would also find them too offensive for their kids. What annoys me is that you're stating it like it's a BAD thing that Adam performs this way, like you think it shouldn't be allowed or something. I am becoming increasingly tired of parents feeling that the rest of the world should do their parenting; In other words, it seems that you believe that Adam should have geared his show to the youngest audience member rather than thinking parents should do the leg-work ahead of time to determine for themselves whether or not his performance would mesh with their family values. It is not Adam's job, nor that of the AI producers, to offer "family friendly" entertainment. It IS the job of parents to assess each situation to which they meaningfully expose their children and determine what's right for THEM. As a parent, for example, I have always been much less concerned with my kids seeing or hearing sexual innuendo (when they were little, it went right over their heads anyway, and when they were older and understood, it offered the opportunity for some important discussion) than I have been with their seeing violence in movies and, even more horrifying to me, actually experiencing it via video games. That was my big issue where my kids were concerned, but I didn't feel the need to lambaste the movie or video game industries. I did my homework and made the choices that worked for me and my family. American Idol is about finding vocal/performing talent that, ultimately, will make $$ for its producers--and talent comes in all kinds of packages. I, personally, believe that Adam progressed as far as he did on the show because there are a whole lot of us who are tired of those packages always looking the same. We like that Adam is different and pushes the envelope. We like that he is, unabashedly, himself, take him or leave him. Nothing he does onstage would be rated above PG-13, and, frankly, I'm surprised that those SO AFRAID of what their kids might see would have their kids out so late, anyway! This is not a Disney or Nickelodeon show, so its producers and participants have no responsibility to do others' parenting. Adam gives a GREAT show to those of us who like him, and if you don't, hey, that's fine--then don't go again.

Franzipan

August 4, 2009 - 2:03 pm EDT

Jburcham,
You’re worse than liberaldemocrat because you are blatantly lying for your own ends. Adam did not swear at all unless everyone else in the audience but you was deaf and every time we thought he was saying “Thank you”, he was actually saying “F**k you!”

Lying. How low can you stoop to try and badmouth someone? It’s pathetic and I won’t even call it childish as that would be an insult to children.

kris4ever

August 5, 2009 - 12:14 am EDT

I agree with you. Kris's performance was much more genuine than Adam's. And I heard Adam took the swearing up a notch when his underage girlfriend arrived onstage.

Teri

August 4, 2009 - 10:26 am EDT

I don't agree that Adam's on-stage performance is either disgusting or particularly inappropriate. Anything he did onstage was brief and would go over the heads of young kids, unless, of course, their parents called attention to what they were seeing. Older kids see and hear MUCH worse in virtually any PG-13 movie, on those adult animated shows that appear daily on TV, and, most likely, on their school playgound. With the vast amount of information available online, it would be so easy for any parent concerned with what their children might see to take the appropriate steps prior to the concert to preview its contents. I guess this wouldn't work for the very first concert of a given year's AI tour, but, again, if I were that concerned, I wouldn't take my kids to something about which I knew nothing. When my kids were young and wanted to go see various movies and productions, I always took the time to read the reviews so I could make an informed parental decision. If I had taken young kids to the concert that I was concerned about (which I wouldn't have been because they simply wouldn't have understood the meaning behind Adam's sexy dancing), I would have just taken them on their potty break during his set or left them at home with a babysitter. It's as simple as that.

Teri

August 4, 2009 - 10:30 am EDT

By the way, I loved the review! I thought Adam was fabulous, too, and can't wait for his CD in November!

jane doe

August 4, 2009 - 11:04 am EDT

I for one am glad that the American Idol Live Tour has stopped catering to silly tween girls and pearl clutching churchies. IMHO they have ruined this concert and the careers of the Top Ten for years.

Kerry

August 4, 2009 - 11:15 am EDT

I disagree with you comment. I have young cousins in dance class that are taught the same moves. My friend is a Miami Heat cheerleader and does even more suggestive moves at Heat games. Because Adam is a beautiful man and moves so well he is more erotic then say Danny or Anoope who thrust their pelvis as well. We had four generations of our family at the Sunrise show, ages from 4 to 86 and we all loved Adam. Adam is a role model for those who are different and have the courage to embrace what they are. Many gay teenagers are still struggling and suicidal, Adam shows them how to live their life on their terms, with no compromise. Your are a bigot or a prude, stay home and watch Disney.

jolie

August 4, 2009 - 12:02 pm EDT

Were you even there???? Adam looked bored and robotic... what are you blind? To the other commenter who say's he cussed... were you even there? He did not cuss, not even once... what are you deaf!!!!

Next time, read the reviews before you or your children go to an event to ascertain if it is something you approve of BEFORE you go.... it's not brain surgery. Then, and I will put it simply for your simple mind....if you don't like it, don't go.

Furthermore, if you take your children to ANY event without first researching it's content, then you yourself are a negligent parent. Not that Adam's performance is anything more than PG-13, I'm just saying.

I suppose you believe your hate will take you right to heaven too.... God help you.

liberaldemocrat

August 4, 2009 - 4:07 pm EDT

Why would you bring religion into a discussion of a concert and performer?

ianaleah

August 4, 2009 - 1:51 pm EDT

give us a break! No one believes you. Kids are into hip hop and have been watching since Michaesl Jackson made Adam's move poputlar 20 years ago. and maybe a teen age duaghter getting nauseas was from your attitude or maybe she's more interested in Allison than Adam. At any rate, Adam is on stage to perform not to be a role model-though in his off stage life his honesty and inner strength and kind heart make his a great role mode.Adam is the most outstanding singer/performing artist in decades say the entire music industry here and abroad. and mutltple millions of people around the globe, so you are in a minority, a very little minority.

Franzipan

August 4, 2009 - 2:09 pm EDT

Liberaldemocrat
Firstly, please do not choose a username that could get you sued for misrepresentation. There is nothing liberal about you (and not a lot very democratic either).

Secondly, get with the times or please go back to the century you came from and take your antiquated, small-minded ignorance with you.

Hip thrusting? Do you remember that guy called Elvis? Yeah, him! He was thrusting his hips 50 years ago. Not 5 years ago, not 5 months ago but 50 years ago. As for touching himself, how many decades ago did Michael Jackson start doing that?

Your teenage daughters (assuming they actually exist) were feeling nauseous? Yes, I’m sure they were. Don’t make me laugh. Have they never watched music videos with scantily clad men and women bumping and grinding while singing explicit lyrics? The same goes for children. They see and have seen worse from the likes of Britney, Christina and, going back further, Madonna, then they would ever see from Adam or anyone else in an AI show. Or wait, is it OK for you to see all that from a pretty blonde but not from a man, and a gay man at that?

Good on AI for letting Adam be Adam.

Bored with his own performance? He is the only one whose obvious joy during his performance is so infectious that it makes anyone whose mind isn’t set in the 17th century happy just to be watching it.

What he said to the audience was robotic? What made it any more robotic than what any of the others said? On the contrary, as with his performances, Adam is the only one who shows any spontaneity from one show to the next.

You clearly have a problem with the guy but that is YOUR problem so deal with it. You might find you have a life.

liberaldemocrat

August 4, 2009 - 4:09 pm EDT

Chill man. I disagreed with the reviewer and don't like Adam's performance. People can disagree.

Franzipan

August 4, 2009 - 2:05 pm EDT

Double post

jenn

August 4, 2009 - 9:38 pm EDT

disgust is in the mind of this beholder

Jazz01

August 4, 2009 - 9:08 am EDT

Great review. I'm a major Anoop fan and I'm glad you gave him props! I attended the concert with my 15 year old daughter and for us Lambert was the highlight of the entire evening. I couldn't believe I was actually watching an Idol contestant sing David Bowie's Life on Mars! I only wish I could have heard the entire song! And to the poster who called Lambert "disgusting" I simply don't agree. Sure, the Zeppelin number was a bit suggestive, but as anyone knows, that's the nature of the song. I loved watching my daughter enjoy the performance and then later download some Zeppelin songs for her ipod! And if Adam touched himself during his haunting performance of Mad World, gee, I guess I must have missed that! Maybe some less mature "late" teens should stick to the Jonas Brothers.

I think Kris Allen was great in a more subdued way and while I really enjoyed his take on Ain't No Sunshine and Hey Jude, I can kind of understand what the poster above meant about it being an energy drainer. Or maybe it was a good thing to calm down the audience for the drive home after watching Allison, Gokey and Adam perform! Still Allen was sweet. I only wished he stepped away from the guitar or piano to just sing for us! Oh, and hey, I really loved Matt Giraud!

Glambert3393

August 4, 2009 - 10:05 am EDT

I can't believe someone would call Adam Lambert disgusting. Anyone who don't appreciate his art of movement and thinks it's disgusting, probably does the nasty stuff behind closed doors. Maybe it's just jealousy cause they don't have the looks and moves to pull it off that makes them bash this wonderful man
I was at that concert and Adam did not use bad language. The whole concert was very enjoyable.Everyone was very good. By the reaction of the audience it did not seem that there was a single objection to Adam's magical performance

frankie

August 4, 2009 - 10:41 am EDT

I am a 59 year old grandmother - and as far as I am concerned that young man (Adam Lambert) is one of the best role models to have emerged within the music scene in a very very long time - he is an inspiration in so many ways - as a performer and as a person - I hope my grandchildren can grow up to with the same courage to be themselves - and the same ability to express such joy and passion in whatever they choose to do.

oops, sorry, enjoyed the review too

nehope

August 4, 2009 - 11:29 am EDT

I am one of those attendees who left after Adam performed. I didn't plan on it but I was there with my sister who had never seen a single episode of American Idol - she just helped me out by taking a ticket that had become available at the last minute. She made the decision to leave after Kris began Heartless. She found him immediately uninteresting and a major let down after Allison and Adam. She also kept asking me all the way to the car why Kris won when Adam was clearly a better singer and performer. I couldn't answer her question. I found it interesting that she so clearly preferred Adam (and Allison) when her tastes run to country music

myspencer50

August 4, 2009 - 11:19 am EDT

Stanley, loved your comment, especially coming for a man. Thanks for confirming that Adam didn't use foul language because I watched every You Tube and didn't see any and was wondreing, "What??" I wonder if the commenter that said that was even at the concert?
Adam is spectacular live and to answer the question of why the writer liked Mad World live but not on TV.... Adam's voice, live, is incredible. You have to experience it, to believe it!
The one thing I will disagree on is that Kris is a let down. His set is perfect to come after Adam. It gives everyone time to "recover." Someone at another web site described it as the denouement of a book after the climax. Perfect!

carrmuse

August 4, 2009 - 12:20 pm EDT

Mr. Huffman, what an excellent review. The show is better this year!! Let's Welcome American Idol into this century. Adam Lambert has completely won me over. His dynamic show is what a live concert should be. The energy in the arena rises considerably when he steps out on to the stage. The pacing of his show is an exciting trip in itself and at the end we all feel drained, happy, invigorated and satisfied. I can't wait to see more from Adam Lambert.

LambertfanTracy

August 4, 2009 - 12:23 pm EDT

You people are freakin crazy. If you found Adam offensive, you should stay home and watch disney just like someone else stated. Nothing Adam did was offensive. He was dancing. Your kids have seen worse on TV. Adam is by far the best performer of the top 10 and the star of the show. Adam is a great role model for kids, especially those who feel "different" . I have 3 kids & I wouldn't have minded taking them to the show although I didn't take them only because I didn't want to have to buy 5 tickets. My husband and I enjoyed the show. We drove all the way from LaGrange, GA to Greensboro, NC and we were not disappointed. Everyone was entertaining from beginning to end but noone even comes close to the talent and charisma of Adam Lambert. That man has it ALL!

melliesmom

August 4, 2009 - 12:56 pm EDT

Adam Lambert is madly talented, but he is no role model.

Jazz01

August 4, 2009 - 1:30 pm EDT

Adam is most assuredly a great role model! He's intelligent, talented, genuine and humble. If your intent was to indicate that he is not a good role model because he is gay, well then might I respectfully request that you keep your bigoted opinions to yourself? Not everyone shares your sense of hate. If that was not your intent then I apologize.

One more note on the concert review. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Lil Rounds and Michael Sarver. I forgot to give a shout out to them earlier in my post!

Freedom1776

August 4, 2009 - 1:43 pm EDT

I suggest you go to church if you want a role model. An entertainment venue is not the place.

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