LIVE REVIEW: American Idols Live!

David Cook and David Archuleta sing on stage  in the American Idols Live! Tour 2008 at the St. Pete Times Forum. [GEN YAMAGUCHI | Times]
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TAMPA – Who’s up for a rollicking game of “Oh yeah, THAT dude”? After all, there’s no better time to play than at the annual American Idols Live tour, that remember-who extravaganza of pop-culture ephemera, well-worn covers and a guy dressed as a giant dancing Pop Tart.

At the St. Pete Times Forum on Thursday, in front of 12,054 screamy fans of Fox's indefatigable phenom, last season’s top 10 singers took to a bright, shiny stage to remind us why we once loved them -- or at least made fun of their hair. The crowd wasn't huge, but it was big enough to remind you that, after seven seasons, "Idol" remains the most powerful force on television.

What the TV show has going for it (manipulative storytelling! fleeting viewer power! Simon's besweatered man bosoms!) the tour often lacks. So to jack up the drama, this year's traveling show opted for a one-by-one countdown, ditching most of the clunky group sings and leading up to a David Archuleta (weee) vs. David Cook (WEEE) finale. It could have been brutal, but it was far better than last year's flop featuring, uh, um, that kid with the freaky 'do.

First up? "I'm Chikezie, baby!" (Oh yeah, THAT dude!) The R&B crooner filled up the arena surprisingly well, smoldering out three songs, including Usher's "Caught Up." Not as successful was Polynesian pixie Ramiele Malubay (Oh yeah...), who's voice failed to reach the rafters and whose step-step-kick choreography suggested she skipped a few lessons at Arthur Murray's.

Backed by a seven-piece band, the singers sounded much better live, especially bobbing Aussie rocker Michael Johns, who flat-out killed with "We Are the Champions" and "Dream On." Huckleberry blond Kristy Lee Cook was more palatable in person, too, although she shamelessly gobbled approval by tossing free T-shirts then getting everyone to stand for "God Bless the U.S.A."

Showing off serious decolletage, raven-haired wailer Carly Smithson hit searing high notes for "Crazy on You," but couldn't be heard when she dropped low. And while it was no surprise that flighty flower girl Brooke White performed barefoot, her famously sunny TV persona turned out to be, lo and behold, refreshing and adorable up close. Color me smitten.   

After a brutal intermission (so better to juice the merch sales, my pretty), dreadlocked smiley guy Jason Castro, who's become an online heartthrob post-show, plucked a ukelele version of "Over the Rainbow." The girlie-strong crowd freaked.

In an emotional homecoming, incandescent Sarasotan Syesha Mercado strutted her gams in a teeny skirt, sassing out Rihanna's "Umbrella" and Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You." She looked great, but she also looked a little lost at times, finally finding her voice for Beyonce's "Listen."

And finally, there was David and David. Wee teen Archuleta was first, and the crowd ate the little critter up, especially when he uncorked that syrupy-thick powerhouse croon on "Stand by Me" and "When You Say You Love Me." But cool black suit aside, the voice still doesn't match the shy, smirky body, kind of like those creepy commercials with that talking baby.

Wearing thick rings of eyeliner, the people's champ Cook raised from the floorboards, strumming his guitar and crunching out Lionel Richie's "Hello." Pandemonium ensued throughout his metallic set, although the likably relaxed rocker is still trying to find his stage presence, too. His heartfelt take on the Foo Fighters' "My Hero" was thunderous, but he's not quite Daughtry yet. Still, it's safe to say Cook never has to worry about being the forgettable THAT dude, either.       

Comments

[Eri]

I love David Archuleta soooo much!! I don't know what was up this writer's crotch, Sean is it? Oh well. Don't go to the show if you don't watch the program. Or write a lousy article on it at least.

[KM]

Grow up, Shari. First of all, no I'm not an "incognito" (*note - one word) Archie fan. He's a nice person with a great voice but I've never been a fan of his kind of music. On the contrary, I can't tell you how many hours I racked up voting for Cook. I was as big a DC fan as you can find. That's why all the things you said in your post are so funny. That's exactly how I might have reacted had I read a post like mine before I met him (although I wouldn't have accused the person of being an incognito Archie fan - that's just dumb.) As it is though, you have no idea what you're talking about because you weren't there. In fact, have you ever met him? Why would I care what DC did when I met him if I hadn't been a fan? I can't tell you how I was looking forward to meeting him and shaking his hand (a hand which was not extended.) No, Shari, unfortunately, being a good singer/musician doesn't automatically make one a nice person. I'm not saying DC is a horrible man, I don't know him personally. All I know is that "meeting" him was actually one of the rudest things I've ever experienced. And, yes, Johns DID blow Cook out of the water. I've heard the same from those in others cities (even Cook fans, rational ones, mind you.)
By the way, if Cook wants to do this for a living he better learn how to suck it up. Bo Bice was literally so ill he could have died in the year following AI. He had to have surgery, he was sick as a dog during the AI tour but you NEVER heard stories of him being rude or even unfriendly. And Cook wasn't just unfriendly, he was downright rude. You needn't go to the trouble of listing his accomplishments and why he has "rocker cred." I've said it all myself. None of it has anything to do with the fact that, in person face to face, he was rude and ignorant.

[just me]

Don't just assume that all cook haters is an archie. How small minded cna you be? Anyone could be having a bad day, perhaps KM caught Cook on one... IMO if pasty records is anything to jusge ones character, I do recall Mr. cook being incrediblty rude and insolent to Simon Cowell during the top 24 or 20 performances... he might have gotten more PR savvy form the looks of it but a leopard never changes its spots, he's definitely got osme of that smug arrogance to him... and I'm sorry that Little D always have to take the flak from Cook fans who seem to be in denial

[Shari]

I suspect that KM is an Archie fan in cognito. David Cook is one of the nicest most sincere performers to come around in a long, long time. I've been to two concerts and intend to go to two more primarily to see David Cook. He is the real deal. He can write music with the best of them, sing his heart out, and he is just the nicest person. Ask Charley Belcher about that. He has also been around the "roadhouse circuit" for a while and is completely energized by the big arenas. He owned the stage in Chicago and Indianapolis. Absolutely shines when he sings My Hero. Give some credit where it is due. Cook is the first Idol performer in seven seasons, Daughtry included, that I have been excited about. I can't wait for his CD to come out and for him to tour without the other nine. I will be standing in line for tickets.

[KM]

I was at the show and Michael Johns was absolutely fantastic. I was a fan of his before but now I can't wait for his album and I will definitely pay to see MJ do a concert of his own. He blew Cook out of the water (and I was a HUGE DC fan.) I also went to meet n' greets before and after the show. Jason was warm and friendly, Brooke was even more adorable in person, Chikezi was very sweet, same with DA (even though he was getting mobbed), Michael Johns was super cool and down to earth, Kristi was very nice but seemed a little shy. Much to my disappointment, David Cook was incredibly rude. BIG disappointment. The others were friendly and personable, really a pleasure to meet. Cook, even though there was no one else around "bothering" him at the time, couldn't even manage to crack a smile when I said hello to him (I was across a table from him, 2 feet in front of him.) Didn't even bother to make eye contact and say "hi." Apparently, we were all quite a nuisance to him. Thankfully, the others made up for his ignorance.

[Patti]

I guess you do like a lot of attitude served up with your songs. Daughtry is so into himself he might as well just play a tape of people screaming in the background. He wouldn't notice no one was there. Cook on the other hand wants to please his audience and make them part of the experience. You might not like his style, but there are plenty who do!

[SM]

Thank you DoctorDrew.. I had to back away from my computer when reading Chelsea's hyper-adamant commentary!!

Daughtry is much better.

[arlene oehm]

wow this is terriable the best singer and go by witout mention how fantastic and just out of this world phenonmal.. yes i'm ttlking about david archuleta ,, his set is over way too soon & i persnly cant wait untl he gts his own concert ,, david a is great!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jeff in Cuba]

SD,

Was there any sort of "Purple Rose Of Cairo" vibe at this gig? Seeing this herd of pop culture stalking horses emerge into the light of the real world would strike me as a little off-putting.

And I can only imagine the lapses in stagecraft. There's something to be said to the years of roadhouse and club gigs most performers have to endure before they grace an arena spotlight. Skipping right to the end isn't doing anyone (be they Idol or concert-goer) any favors.

[Laurie]

I was at the concert with my kids last night, and I totally agree with you about Cook's overly laid-back style. It came over as complacent, and was a turnoff.

[sparky]

Was this show sponsored by Dr. Scholl's.

[DoctorDrew]

Whoa Chelsea, maybe you should have opted for the Corn Flakes instead of the Frosted Flakes this morning.

That is just wayyyy too much enthusiasm about DC this early in the morning. And, I am afraid I have to side with Mr Daly on this one.

[Chelsea]

WOAH, now? David Cook isn't QUITE DAUGHTRY?? Yeah, you're right... he's a BILLION times BETTER!!!!

[Guy]

Was Amanda Overmyer-Daly in the crowd?

[ATL prose & cons]

Oh dearest Sean, you always were so attached to Chekezi....In the words of the late Eric Wright, "EZ-does it, do it Chikezi..."

Smitten by Brooke, I completely concur....

Question though, was Carly's tattoo'd frog looking boyfriend/husband in attendence? I am guessing she has gotten rid of ribbit boy and traded him in for a newer model.

[Sean Daly]

Charley's a friend of mine, and he told me he was finally going to introduce his daughter to Cook. That's good stuff. I was rather verklempt in the press box, as well.

The thing about Cook is that he's so relaxed, so agreeable, so unflappably cool, it ultimately takes away from his stage presence. That might sound unfair, but he shambles about as if he's merely eating pizza and watching football in your den. I wonder if he wants to be a rock star at all (although he seems to be having fun dating Hollywood hotties).

[starfish]

So Sean, I was watching the news this morning and the segment about the show and the way David Cook treated Charlie Belchers daughter Lindsay almost made me cry. He seems like such a great guy, and to dedicate a song to her! Now thats cute!

[Marissa]

*happy dance*
Learning that my Roo 'just about stole the show' does me good this morning.

[DG]

How does one pull off a "metallic set" by launching into Lionel Richie???

[Sean Daly]

You'll be happy to know you Roo just about stole the show (which granted isn't exactly snatching the Hope Diamond, but still...)

I had major computer probs in the press box tonight, so I'm still trying to tweak this turd in the punch bowl. The things I do to entertain the masses.

[Marissa]

You know I only looked for what you said about my Roo.

I'm sorry you had to go to this Sean, but it's the hit you take for your Pop Lifers. Way to go, man.

[surfdog]

american idol isnt even a pimple on

smashing pumkins a55!