'Idol' Tracker: Live from Arizona, the tour begins

From standing in line with the untold thousands outside stadiums at the auditions last summer to headlining last night, the Top 10 "American Idol" finalists began the final leg of their journey, kicking off the 53-city concert tour at the Jobbing.com Center in Glendale, Ariz., before a crowd estimated in the neighborhood of 12,000. Week after week in the relatively intimate confines of the Idoldome the question was: Do these aspiring superstars have what it takes to command vast audiences? Tonight we would find out. Some observations, then, from opening night.

THE SCENE
It is sweltering hot outside at 1 p.m.  My car thermometer reads 117 degrees. The wind that blows through the parking lot only presses the heat into you. There is no crowd out front. I was relieved to find that no "Idol" fans are demented enough to spend the day outside in this heat. Only in the adjoining Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville restaurant do I find signs of humanity, taking shelter from the inferno. Inside the Jobbing Center is a nicely chilled paradise, however, I happily note as I’m led down through the backstage underground tunnels in search of the Idols.

In the hallway, I ran into Chikezie Eze, holding a surgical mask in his hand.  He tells me, somewhat abashed, that he just had “a little tic in his throat” and is “just being extra careful.” 

Onstage, the band and crew runs through the set of the greatest performer in "Idol" history, Carly Smithson, with the choreographer Stacy Walker standing in for the singer. With its 12,700 seats empty, the hall seems unthinkably vast, the idea of a lone person holding it in rapt attention impossible.  As they finish the run through for Carly, an announcer intones “No. Five. Brooke White.”  A piano rises from below onto the stage at which the lady herself is seated singing “Let It Be,” which she performs beautifully for the empty house.

CHECKING IN
Back stage in the pressroom, I have a chance to talk with several of the contestants before they enter their final preparations.

“This is the good life,” says Jason Castro of the relative leisure of tour rehearsals compared with the murderous regimen during the show.  The previous two nights, he tells me, they spent racing go-karts at a nearby track. Two nights prior, Chikezie suggested the idea but went to bed before it could be realized. Jason’s mother, the unstoppable and vivacious Betsy Castro, persuaded a local go-kart raceway to stay open an extra couple of hours for the Idols, and the family went with Carly and Kristy Lee Cook. 

The following night, Jason decided they had to go again to share the fun with all 10 finalists. Jason was clearly rejoicing in having the chance to just hang out with the others. “Being on the show was so crazy and chaotic. It ends up feeling like you almost don’t have time to be friends.” 

Since the show ended, he says, he had a brief trip home to Texas during which he enjoyed a Jason Castro Day parade and getting the keys to the city, and he has been focused on writing music for his new album.

The great Carly was also still giddy from the go-kart experience, although she reveals she suffered some minor back pain from an injury that she had massaged out that morning. She also reveals that the very old, venerable hotel where they are staying is reputably haunted and that Brooke, after being told her room was especially haunted, took shelter with Kristy the previous night. She says that in the show, “you will see a different me,” that she feels so much freer and more relaxed on stage here than she ever was able to during the competition.  “Kristy said ‘I’ve never seen you do those things before’ and I said, ‘I always used to but I was so scared,’” she continues.  “It gives you dry mouth, the terror. Every one of us got dry mouth at some point.”

Syesha Mercado tells of her wardrobe struggles, saying her main concern is getting her outfit “to fit me right.” Apparently the piece has gone for tailoring four times and still is problematic. While saying she’s been more relaxed than on the show, and has even taken swimming pool breaks, Syesha says, there is still “definitely pressure. You still want to do well with your songs. You never know who is out there.” Since the show, Syesha has taken an apartment in L.A., although she has not had a chance to furnish it, and written songs for her album to come, which she says will be in the pop/R and B vein.

Kristy was rejoicing that she was able to get David Archuleta to go go-karting. He was initially reluctant, she says, but after going, he was dying to do it again. One of Kristy’s joys of preparing for the tour has been getting to know the boys; in particular she reports becoming much greater friends with Archuleta and Jason. Kristy also may be the furthest advanced towards recording stardom of any of the Idols. Having already signed with Arista records, she recorded a single written for her by the author of the Carrie Underwood hit, “Jesus Take the Wheel.” The song titled “15 Minutes of Shame” is due out Aug. 11 and on days off during the tour she will be flying back to L.A. to finish the album. In the meantime, she is also beginning to think about her wedding, tentatively set for next June. Planning a big outdoor wedding in Oregon, she says she’ll be inviting all her fellow Season 7ers and even the judges. 

David Archuleta looks ahead to singing to the giant crowd saying “I wonder what will be different?” and that he’s very interested in seeing how the audiences on each night will react differently to each of his songs. He says he is working on his stage banter, that he wants to express his gratitude, but worries that he will “come across as obnoxious.” When I tell him that “obnoxious” is the last thing anyone on Earth has ever called him, he gives me his trademark nervous giggle and says “I just doing want to seem fake.”   

When I ask him what it's like when he encounters the screaming girls, he replies: “It’s a little weird.”  He tells of his recent trip to New York when he went to see the musical "Wicked," and was recognized in the theater, which set off a bunch of people screaming. When he had to leave early, a crowd followed him out and surrounded his car. 

“This little girl asked me for a hug and she seemed OK," he said. "She was very calm as everything.  So I hugged her, but as soon as she stepped away, she started screaming. It was weird.” 

When I ask him if it's good weird or bad weird, he says: “Its just weird. I mean, I don’t get why people scream. I don’t  feel like I’ve done anything that people should scream about.”

When I ask him if he enjoys the attention, or thinks about getting a girlfriend now that he has so many interested in him, he shakes his head. “I think that’s the wrong way to get a girlfriend. Instead of looking for who should be my soulmate, I can’t just go out and look at a crowd and say, 'I pick her.' "

When I ask him how at his age he became so committed to and serious about music instead of the more frivolous concerns of most youths, David gives an extremely touching answer that gets me more than a little choked up. Of singing, he tells me: “I’ve just always loved to do it.” 

He tells me how he’s never felt comfortable or natural at expressing himself in words and conversation, but that he learned early that with music he could make people understand what he was feeling and what was going on inside him.  “And you don’t even have to get the words right. If you sing they can connect with you,” he added.

POP TARTS MOMENT
Upstairs, the Idols go meet the winners of the Pop Tarts local promotion, singing autographs and posing for pictures with a select group that is paraded through. While they sign, I chat with Tony Wigens, head of tours for 19 Entertainment.  He tells me that the show is rather different from last season’s, which brought the finalists together for a large number of group numbers. “People felt you should make it a cast show," he said.

This year, he said, they were each such different talents working in different genres that they decided to craft the show as a series of mini-concerts for each contestant.  He says that unlike band tours, with the "Idol" annual roadshow, they have the benefit of a standing crew who understands the challenges and hits the ground ready to roll each season, he says pointing out publicist Dru Libby, returning for her second year with the travels.

Outside, I speak with 16-year-old Sarah Scarletto, who was brought to meet the Idols by the Make a Wish foundation. Last year Sarah came close to death when she suffered a stroke during open heart surgery. Today, she seems more emotional about her meeting with David Archuleta, which she says went well. And although she also told David Cook that she was glad he won, she meant that as pro-him rather than an anti-David A.

FINAL PREPARATIONS
On stage, Syesha goes through her sound check, working out problems she is getting with the mike. In the craft services area, the crew races to wolf down food before the show begins. Matt, a crew member, shows me his pedometer. Some of the crew are competing to see who will walk the most during their job today. Thus far, Matt has strode three and a half miles, but he expects to get to nine before the night is over. 

THE SHOW
I will refrain from reviewing each performance, sufficing to note that the crowd seemed entirely captivated by the night.  Each singer did truly create a very authentic and compelling stage persona. The performers' song choices defined their styles and highlighted the best of the vocal strengths. At the intermission in the backstage tunnel, Carly, Chikezie, Brooke, Kristy, Michael Johns and Ramiele Malubay, who had completed their performances, were justifiably ecstatic with their receptions. For each, the question of whether they could translate into a room this size seemed to be answered.  Each one in his or her own way, was extremely credible on the Jobbing stage.

Michael, whose entrance to “We Will Rock You” was a first half highlight, embraced his wife, smiling uncontrollably with glee. Talking about his excitement for the tour and his album, he said of how he’s positioning himself singing classic rock standards such as the Queen song and "Dream On," which closed his set. “I’m not 18 years old anymore," he said. "But there’s a reason Led Zeppelin and the Eagles sell out and nobody is writing new music for the people who love those bands.” 

He continues gushing of the tour: “This is the greatest thing I’ve ever been a part of. For an artist, to have the chance to introduce yourself to so many people is all that you can ask for. I’m so grateful to "Idol" for this. The world is open to me now, and that’s all you can ask.”  He advises with an air of mystery, that an announcement about his future may well be forthcoming very soon.

In the craft services room, the Idols eat in a celebratory mood. However, when a familiar song is heard from off in the arena, Carly calls out: “That’s our commercial. We have to watch it.” She urges them to their feet and they race through the halls, into the edge of the arena to watch a Guitar Hero ad in which they are all made up like a classic rock supergroup. As they come into the arena, standing in the opening around the entrance to the tunnel, the stunned members of the crowd leaning on the railing above break into screams. A rain of T-shirts, signs, and hats fall upon Brooke and Kristy, items desperate for autographs. The rain continues until someone drops a large cloth purse on them, filled with all its contents, for a signature. Brooke and Kristy sign, but struggle with how to throw it back up to the fan without spilling all the contents. Finally they hand it off to a guard.

As the concert reaches its crescendo, the roar from the crowd grows. Finally, inevitably, as David Archuleta takes the stage, the shriek becomes so piercing that I and many others are forced to cover our ears in literal fear that our pulsating ear drums may be about to break.

David Cook’s set leaves little doubt whether he is truly a rock star. The singer who created so many show-stopping, take-your-breath-away moments in the Idoldome showed he could do the same before a group of 12,700. His set contained one amazing piece of news as well, as he announced he had just learned that morning that his brother’s tumor had “stopped growing.” 

He then broke into an extra joyous run through “My Hero,” dedicated to his brother. Throughout the season, Cook no doubt wary that it would seem a manipulative plea for sympathy, avoided making direct reference to his brother’s illness, attributing the bracelet he wore in support of cancer victims to a suffering little girl. Now, finally that he has been given some good news, he at last shared it with the audience. One can’t help feeling that he is a very rare class act, Mr. David Cook.

EPILOGUE
Outside in the still over 100-degree night, over 100 fans line a railing three stories above the driveway where the Idols would soon be loading into tour buses, their overnight homes as they make their way toward San Diego for Day Two of this last leg of their "Idol" journey. And on this same stretch of concrete not a month from now, tens of thousands more will stand on line to take their place when the Season 8 auditions come to Phoenix and history races on.

-- Richard Rushfield

Photos courtesy of Getty Images, Associated Press and Business Wire

Comments

[Bruce]

Kristy Lee Cook is fantastic. All are great, but Kristy has the ultimate appearance, great dance ability, sexappeal and what a fantastic performer

[Faye]

Richard
that was an excellent review - you did a fantastic job.
You gave a lot of fun and personal infomation about each one.
I love the personal stories of how all of them are becoming closer friends.
Your recap was good and how thoughtful of you to correct/edit or whatever about Jason. That was a very sweet thing to do.
Maybe they need to keep you in the music area - Nice to have fresh ears doing the review.
Thank you !
Faye

[Gladys]

Thanks for adding more info about Jason Castro. Hope to read more of your article on the San Diego concert.

[ela]

what about jason?????
his "Crazy' was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bella]

Michael Johns was amazing, best of the night, so much charisma and presence on stage.

[Autodidact]

Thanks for a great post. I'm going to the show at Staples Center next week, and I wanted to find out how it went in Arizona. Your detailed and thoughtful account makes me feel like I was there. I'd love to see more about how they spend their time between shows, and what it's like to travel in that bus! Excellent writing. I congratulate you and look forward to more posting. What a great job, to follow these performers around all summer! Lucky you! Thanks.

[anonymous]

Not enough Chikezie for me.

[Katie]

What in heck has happened to the L.A. Times? As the readership goes down, are we going to see it become a tabloid for American Idol? It saddens me to see what the Times has become. Rushfield, if Al Martinez goes on this next round of cuts, and you are still there...........I quit.

[7happydays]

This article is NOT complete!!!!!!! Hello....Jason was there and he did sing and had incredible performances!!!!!!!!!
Why did you fail your reporter abilities......and FORGET to mention Jason's talent??????
Did AI pay you off?????????????????? SOOO SAAAAADDDD

[John]

ALL I NEED IS A GREAT REVIEW OF CARLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kimberly]

I saw the show in San Diego and realized I was crazy to spend that much money for front row seats in my section just off the floor. It was a jumbled mixture of tweens and grammas and some screaming guy who was with the Pop Tart, there to jazz up the crowd. But no Pop Tarts anywhere, which seemed like a very wasted opportunity for the company to celebrate the brand.

The mini concerts were OK. Michael Johns and Carly Smithson stole the show, but Brooke was quite great as well. Naturally David Cook did great and seemed less arrogant then he has of late on TV.

But then the bad news: Jason warbled through his songs and did NOT sign Hallelujah, which was a critical mistake. It's the one song he did well all season, but nope. It's not included. The way they painted Kristy Lee Cook into her spangled clothes was disgusting. Enough with her freaking sexuality. We get it. Move on.

The worst was the girl named Ramiele or whatever. T-e-r-r-i-b-l-e. Looked like she was auditioning for Sid Croft's Puff 'N Stuff, but the Martian version. You'll have to see her make up and outfits to realize the producers are trying to do some look with her to make up for her bad singing.

My advice is to save your money. It's not a real concert. The performers sing and do a show, but it's not a real concert. The schilling for Idol Gives Back and the intermission! Oh, the inhumanity.

Makes me crazy for a Led Zeppelin reunion tour. Now that will respect the concert genre.

[robin]

Loved the comments about David Archuleta! He may feel nervous in interviews, but when he sings he puts his heart and soul out there and communicates very eloquently. The kid is amazing.

[Leann]

Richard, I loved your story on the "behind the scenes" aspect of the tour. It's nice to get to know the performers on a human level, not just as singers.

Also, while yes, your assumption regarding David Cook's bracelet was a bit off the mark, your assessment of David's character was spot on... He IS a class act. The "arrogant " and "pompous" tags that seem to follow him around are so unfair and untrue as he is anything but! Time will show that not only is David Cook immensely talented but he also has incredily caring heart and giving spirit. He is very definitely a "class act" and I'm proud to be just one of his many fans.

[Bruce]

The Vegas show is great!! These guys and gals are awesome. Female fans are so dumb, they scream like a starving pig begging for a meal.

The men were great entertainers and play well of the crazy women.

the girs were great. Kristy, Rameille and Syesha moved well on stage. Kristy is by far the best package. She is stunning, georgous, beautiful, and when she smiles (and I swear she smiled at me) I about crapped my pants. that is electifying. would pay just to have herlook at me and smile. Although I am nothing near what those female fans are, that was an experience in itself. She sings like an angel. Whoever said that must have heard angels because she has the perfect voice.

Archie is cute as a bug and sincere, and he can perform. He was great. As was David Cook, though I am not blown away by him. Ramiele is not quite what the rest are, Michael Johns was of course good, and Carli has a great voice but does not command your attention like Kristy or David(s).

Best show I have seen talent wise. this was the best season ever for talent, you have to have gone here to see that. B ut it will become apparent.

Show stoppers Kristy Lee Cook, hands down, if she was pop she would be on top of the world, David Cook was great, Archie fantastic, one last thing on Kristy, when it comes to staying and giving back to the fans, again she is the best. She not just signs and doesn't even look at you, she smiles, touches you, looks you in the eyes and you feel that she is for real. I am sorry I did not vote for her, only cause I had a favorite. But now looking back, one class act. I hope she doesn't change. I am a new fan after tonight. Sorry Michael. But you still rock

[Sandy K]

Why did Idol Tracker not do an article on the Las Vegas show. Those of us that are following the tour get new "bits and pieces" out of each show. Please don't stop the reviews. Thanks! We want to know about everyone, but especially Cook!

[memphis grizzly]

I like Castro and hope he does well but seriously, lay off, crazy fans. You're turning off other fans and the media from appreciating him more if you keep badgering people with your over-the-top conspiracy theories. No one is out to get him. Show's over. Move on with your lives--the Idols, even Castro, clearly have. Good to hear the great response to Michael Johns. He's not as popular as Cook, Castro or Archuleta but I think he has a modest but solid fanbase looking forward to his CD. Maybe he wasn't as good at playing the game and getting the judges to consistently praise him on AI but he's hands-down talented. He'll have a credible career ahead of him. Can't wait for the good news about his future--more hints about this in your next articles, Rushfield, please?

[Jonathan]

This Article Was Right-On-Point!! The Concert Was Phenominal! All Contestants Were Great! Carly Definetely Showed A Different Side! There Were No Words To Describe Her Take-On "Bring Me To Life." She Was Amazing! And Definetely "THE BEST" Singer &nd Performer In Idol History! That Performance Was The Best Performance I've Ever Seen, Truly. "Archie" Was Amazing, Also! The Kid Can Sing! And It Was Nice To Hear Him Sing Some More "Upbeat" Songs.( Apologize, & Beautiful Girls Mix.) David Cook Was A Really Good Performer Too. His ("Encore Performance) Billy Jean, Was Amazing!! Syehsa's Take On Beyonce's Listen From "Dreamgirls" Was Shocking! We All Knew She Could Sing & Hit The Big Notes, But My Goodness This Girl Ripped It! Micheal Johns Was Really Good! Queen, Dolly Parton, & Aerosmith.. What More Could You Ask For?! He Was Simply Amazing. A More Chill Brooke White Took The Stage W/ The Classic Song"Let It Be" & Two Other Number's Which Were All Very Good! Jason Castro Was Good, Just Good. Kristy Lee Cook Was Better Than I Expected She Was Pretty Good!! Chikezie Eze Was Alright. Ramielle Was Least Entertaining. I Love Rami But She Wasnt On Her "A" Game. :( Once Again Carly Was Great I Love Her! & I Am Her #1 Fan, I Think There Is Many Good Things To Come In The Near Future!! I Love You Carly! <3

[Clair]

I hope I can be able to watch at least one American Idol Summer Tour.I'm from the Philippines, and I have classes so that's impossible for me to fly to the US and see one of their concerts. Thanks for this article, I felt that I'm also in that concert.

I've watched a lot of American Idol Seasons already, but Season 7 is really my favorite. I'm a huge fan of David Cook and most especially David Archuleta. I think David Cook, is such a good man, and David Archuleta is great. Both of them are my IdolS.

Have a great day, and God bless!

Clair of the Philippines.