Ann Powers: The Idols wave their hands at Staples

Every "American Idol" season is a lively, long argument about what matters most in contemporary music. Some think it's vocal talent; others, personality, an image that startles or a crooked smile that helps fans relate. People vote their loyalties and create an intriguing snapshot of the zeitgeist.

This year's American Idols Live tour, which brought the top 10 finalists to Staples Center on  Thursday, reflected all of those aspects of stardom but ultimately focused on something more specific: body language. Bent on proving that they deserved the fame and glory toward which "Idol" points them, Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and the others posed and pointed and swayed and shook, forming a concordance of arena pop moves.

They sang too, of course, all well, even in the lower rungs of hierarchy. The top four contestants -- winner Allen, season sensation Lambert and runners-up Danny Gokey and Allison Iraheta -- each easily found a comfort zone and excelled within it. Everyone in the crowd knew that would happen; this was a season of well-defined types (yes, even the unassuming Allen is one: the Quiet Surprise), all working at a fairly sophisticated level.

So Gokey did his inspirational thing, walking the line between gruff soul and country crooning, and Iraheta rocked like a whirlwind. Allen displayed his musical competence and added extra guts. Lambert emerged in a mist, armed with a throat full of gorgeous, impossible notes, ready to slay the ghosts of all who'd come before him.

But let's get back to the gestures. Group numbers and choreography were fairly scarce in this production. Yet everybody seemed to have a trademark move, and to let his or her performance spin out from it. Pointing was a favorite. Michael Sarver, amiable in the lucky-to-be-there opening spot, had the most aggressive index finger; for the big-voiced but somewhat bland Texan, it offered a way to gain connection. Anoop Desai, who's nicely evolving into a heartthrob, made a kind of dance of his salutes, clutching his chest and reaching outward to distribute some love.

Megan Joy, who was reportedly under the weather last night, has worked up some dizzy little hand flips to go with her patented shimmy. Her crackly alto has an appealing tone, but she's still unsure onstage -- she smacked herself in the face with her microphone at one point. Lil Rounds delivered the urban hits she favors with confidence and verve but busted a few really strange dance moves, seeming more like a kickboxer than the next Beyoncé.

The two performers whose hands mostly stay busy at the piano still managed to work in some pointing, including at each other. Matt Giraud and Scott MacIntyre have very different strengths but were paired for a rendition of Billy Joel's "Tell Her About It" that was the night's silliest moment.

Individually, each did better. Giraud was relaxed and masterful covering the soulful standards "Hard to Handle" and "Georgia on My Mind." MacIntyre stressed vocal sweetness with singer-songwriterly choices and created his own semaphore: a slowly raised open hand that followed his vocal ascents.

Gokey also mostly pointed upward, which made sense, since he turned his mini-set into a revival meeting. Failing to convince with a couple of up-tempo numbers, the recent widower invoked his lost wife and used two Rascal Flatts songs -- "What Hurts the Most," one of his big numbers during the season, and "My Wish" -- to whip the crowd into a nondenominational lather, shouting phrases like, "Do we got any dreamers in the room?" and using that voice, scratchy like a beloved blanket, to soothe and inspire.

His performance was the night's biggest revelation, because it laid out a clear possible future for the devout Wisconsinite: praise and worship superstar.

After Gokey's brief foray into the megachurch, Lambert emerged to a firestorm of fans' screams and took the evening somewhere that felt distinctly more dangerous -- in the best way. His brief star turn wasn't a revelation, since it's been widely acknowledged that the young Angeleno is a great in the making. But it was extremely satisfying.

Reprising several "Idol" high points (including the inevitable "Mad World") and adding a David Bowie medley that started in an old-time music hall and ended at a rave, Lambert moved from pose to pose, gesture to gesture, with the poise of an artist who's absorbed the history and meaning of every eye flicker. But his favorite was a bump and grind that was both playful and entirely serious.

Lambert also reprised his duet with Iraheta on Foghat's "Slow Ride," which gave the teenage firebrand her own chance at a trademark move: She'd throw her hands over her head in wonder every time her friend hit a particularly amazing note. During her solo spot, Iraheta didn't pose much. She stomped and grinned widely as she belted out songs by Pink, Janis Joplin and Heart. She also played guitar on one song, as if to make it clear that she's no pop tart. Her punchy vocals weren't always perfect, but the rough patches only added to their appeal.

It seemed that all these strong turns would make for a letdown at the end of the night.  Allen was always the underdog on "Idol," and he might have stayed that way in the postseason. But he made a case for his own victory by playing a different game. He took on the trickiest pose of all -- that of the natural -- and made it work.

Beginning with the gentle reworking of Kanye West's "Heartless" that he'd borrowed from the Fray, Allen kept himself occupied with first guitar, then piano, then guitar again. He sang more aggressively than he had pursuing his prize but also showed himself to be having fun. We'd had rock as release, soul (and country) as religion and rock as theater and erotic game; now Allen gave us rock as plain, unadorned fun.

He ended his set with "Hey Jude," and another performer taking on the Beatles might have seemed audacious. In Allen's hands, it was pure singalong, better because it was shared. If he'd had a pose, it would have been arms wide open.

--Ann Powers

Photo: Adam Lambert: Credit: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Iza]

I love Adam Lambert fo layf! :D

[nds]

Dear Ann, a bit disappointing to read…it was all about gestures? perhaps my expectations of your review were higher than this… I have not been to a concert yet (East coast) and I have to admit that I watch only Adam on YouTube…so I can’t really judge if there were any singing/vocals to review for other nine idols…but Adam’s vocals were so outstanding (and especially in LA) that I can not even find appropriate adjectives – may be this was your problem as well? His body movements totally deserve a dissertation as well, no doubt, but please, please do not leave out the most important – Adam’s VOICE!

[Malika]

Completely fake. American Idol is ruining genuine talents and music. All of them are so staged, so trained, and still in themselves they didin't have enough talent to surface, without the huge selling machine of Idol's grabs.
I don't see any talent there, just Brodway experienced types.
It pains me to acknowledge American Idol franchise is just like Disney's one. Producing average stuff to fullfill ignorant masses.
The only decent artist out from Idol (and by far the best voice of them all) was MIss Kelly Clarckson, in the only edition where American Idol was true to its supposed purpose, give spotlight to people who would have never reached it by themselves.
Now is all a fierce facade.
This year more than any other year, but I am sure next year will be even worse.

[Barbara]

Sorry Ann, anyone that was there last night felt sorry for Kris he was a bore and the audience was left feeling the show should have ended with the next international superstar, Adam Lambert. The reviews from out of town are more honest then you are. Please do not try to say that there is anything legitimate about Kris's win. All over the country Adam has had the most fans and the audiences attention. You would think his home town reporter would be honest. You have lost me as a reader.

[A]

Ann, your article had me on edge at the beginning and misty-eyed when I finished the last paragraph. It was a different approach (and kind of comical when I remembered your command for Michael to "stop pointing" on twitter), but I ended up liking the way you created an image of each idol by describing their gestures and body movements.

I also appreciate your emotional but still unbiased journalism. It feels like the competition in the AI world can be more intense than a national election, when really, it's just objective art. You painted a great picture of the event for those who can't be there. Thanks for sharing.

[carlyNYC]

Ann, I am somewhat surprised at this review as i cannot quite get the broader implications of making the finger pointing style of the AI artists its organizing theme! i haven't been to a concert yet, but have watched many videos (in which, certainly earlier in the tour, many of the idols barely moved, or moved only with trepidation). it hardly seems central -- but u were there and this is what struck u most. -- so perhaps u just decided to go no further with the analysis; make everyone out to be different in his own way, but more or less equally entertaining ( a la your colleague RR?). i had a few good friends who attended, all in the entertainment business, with somewhat different musical tastes. while gestures r indictive of style, maybe even performance chops etc. -- in that department it is clearly lambert (who seems to bring everything he does to its absolute peak) whose body language made people feel like they just wanted the lights turned up so they could fix their eyes on his every move. yet everything sounds so blandly descriptive in your writing; i wonder if that's what u intended/experienced??

[Skylar]

Hey Anne,

Good review but Adam OWNED! I thought Kris would be better in all honesty.

But ADAM OMG is was worth the price of admission alone.

[Lissa]

Adam was vocally and physically perfect in LA. I am still in shock. His set seemed far too short and when it was done, so was I. No one can, or should have to, follow Adam, it is an impossibility. I am completely in love with Adam and his other-worldly talent. When I see his first solo concert, I may not survive the exprience, but i'll take the chance

[suebella]

"The Gay Messiah Is Coming" sang Rufus Wainwright...........
and Adam has appeared before us.........!!!!!!!!!!

[Gary]

Awkward review. This was by all accounts an astounding performance by Adam Lambert, yet you diminish it by discussing Allison while not really finishing with Adam. Then you praise Kris who really is a very ordinary singer and belongs well back in the pack. Even the conservative Salt Lake City review embraced Adam as the undeniable star of the show. This is not a matter of taste but of proper reporting.

[Ann]

I was there last night. What an awesome show. I can't say I was too impressed with Michael Sarver or Megan (where was she during the finale?) but I was with everyone else. Scott (what a wonderful voice) and Matt sounded great, and who knew Anoop could be so sexy? Lil was a lot of fun, as was Allison, but Danny surprised me. I didn't like him very much on the show, but his performances were great last night and he was actually charismatic. Of course Adam stole the show because he is just a born entertainer with an awesome voice (and I had screaming women and little girls all around me). However, although Kris delivered musically and his vocals sounded great, he never seemed to connect with the audience. He's cuter than heck, but lacks the energy and charisma needed to headline. People sat down when he performed, and many actually left the arena. I felt bad, but Adam is a tough act to follow. I got the impression most people were there to see him. I was too, but I'm glad I saw the others because I came away liking them more than ever. I wish I could go back and do last night all over again!

[Candy]

You touched on it perfectly...Kris is a natural! I enjoyed Adam "acting" the glam rockstar in his over the top way but Kris was really magic part of the night....the natural musician and artist! His set was just so right on. Kris was fantastic!

[Cannedheat]

I feel sorry for Kris. Poor guy.

[joaniek]

Barbara:

Please speak for yourself rather than speaking for everyone. I was at Staples last night and Kris was FANTASTIC. Lots of people sitting around me thought so, too. And Ann Powers isn't the only one giving Kris props -- all the reviews I've seen about last night's show have said he was really good. Of course everyone's also praising Adam's fantastic performance as well.

SO tiired of people who feel the need to bash Kris. Do you think you are protecting Adam or something? Because Adam is fricking fantastic -- he doesn't need anyone to defend him by putting other musicians down. You don't like Kris, fine. But please cut out the unnecessary bashing. And PLEASE stop assuming everyone agrees with your opinions!

[Cheryl]

There is Adam and then there are the other nine idols. No comparison, Adam is in his own league.

Disappointed that you didn't acknowledge his impeccable vocals, his ability to connect with the audience, his energy and his command of the stage. He can pound out the powerful rock songs and then immediately switch gears and draw us in to a tender, heartfelt ballad.
This artist is amazing.

Strange review. Disappointed.

[cheryl]

Adam Lambert is in a league of his own..the star of this AI show, the reason that most of the audience attends. If you have any doubts, try picturing this show without him. I thought so.

His vocals are impeccable, he commands the stage, he has the audience in his hand from start to end. His powerful voice can belt out a rock song and then the next minute woo us with a tender and heartfelt ballad. He is exceptional, a truly extrodinary artist.

Strange review - disappointed.

[Cameron9]

Very disappointing and disjointed review. Describing Alison's performance in the middle of your discussion of Lambert's performance (even though Alison sang before Gokey) was confusing and took away from what many felt was the star performer of the evening. Generalizing the performers into "types" was a bit of a cop-out and made for a boring read.

And really, when will people stop saying Allen was the "underdog" on Idol this season? Cute humble musician from the South with an awe shucks attitude vs. a gay California boy with vocals to break the rafters. No contest. IMO that title of "underdog" goes to Lambert. With Bill O'Reilly prying into his private life and running a story on him in the middle of the competition, the judges backhanded praise (Michael Phelps Paula? More vocal prowess, less "rock god" please), photos of hot boy kissing, and a publicity machine in overdrive for his every gesture the stress must have been enormous. But Lambert prevailed with a grace under pressure not often found in more seasoned performers.

Kris Allen is good, you'll get no denial from me. I heard a singer just like him for free in my local bar just four weeks previous. But speaking as a music producer myself, Adam Lambert has a voice that I'd pay top dollar to hear and a style I haven't seen on stage in just about forever. Frankly I'm surprised your review didn't touch on the nuances of that brilliance.

[BenJ12]

I just want to add that considering you are aware of Adam Lambert's considerable talent, and the fact that he rocked the house -- it is very odd, that even as the HOME TOWN boy (and every idol will have one -- where he can expect some extra excitement) -- YOU instead chose to deliver a homogenized version of last night's events . . . and perhaps your most lukewarm review of lambert relative to the others that i have yet read. What is that about? (And his singing, how was did you like it, Ann?).

[helen23987]

I enjoyed reading your review Ann.

This Adam pic reminds me of last night’s AI show. Adam scared the hell of me.

[LAX]

Kris IS the best in Music Stylings. I was krazy about Kris last night!
I had a good time at the show. Thanks for the article.

[miza]

I was also at Staples last night and numerous amount of people left after Adam performed. Adam is phenomenal and Kris is just plain boring and too ordinary. Adam will be a worldwide superstar because he commands the stage with his charisma, outstanding voice and exceptional dance moves. The boy is such a great entertainer that he had the audience mesmerized and entranced.

[AEvangelista]

I've said this before, it's not about Adam vs Kris. Kris is #4 at best. It's not bashing Kris to say that. It's the truth.

[marjorie2009]

@ cameron9
"And really, when will people stop saying Allen was the "underdog" on Idol this season? Cute humble musician from the South with an awe shucks attitude vs. a gay California boy with vocals to break the rafters. No contest. IMO that title of "underdog" goes to Lambert... But Lambert prevailed with a grace under pressure not often found in more seasoned performers."

Thank you for pointing this out. I felt the same way. The phenomenon here is not only his talent but the whole climb to success. Unlike the other idols, Adam had to go through a lot of obstacle from him to arrive where he is right now. It is just fascinating for me to see how people falls in love with him. He is such a talented person who is kind hearted and considerate of other people.He is so level headed. He knows what he is up against. He takes everything in stride, showing grace under fire. It would be nice if people would give him credit for all these. For me, Adam Lambert is a phenomenon!

[water4life]

You are right Ann. Kris's "Quiet Surprise" was his deep base when he sang "i got soul, but i'm not a soldier. " That was my deepest sensation last night. Wooooooooooow!

[Karen]

What an odd review. Very oddly written, jumping all over, hither and yon. Focusing on body language in a musical concert? Also odd given your laudatory reviews of Lambert all season is your faint praise about how he's hardly a revelation because we already knew he was a star. So his set that everyone is saying blew away everyone else and the whole house (and even left his friends speechless) is not revelatory? Did you get hand-slapped for praising him so much before or what -- what is your reason for being so lukewarm about a set that blew everyone else away? And calling GOKEY the night's biggest revelation of the night? Just what show were you watching? Very odd review indeed.