American Idols 2
Date: July 11, 2003
Nationwide Arena
Columbus, Ohio
The Review
As the thousands of fans streamed into Nationwide Arena it was clear that Clay Aiken was Ohio's Idol. There were signs touting love for Clay everywhere you looked. Not that Ruben didn't have his own legion of fans. "205" dotted the fronts of not a few shirts, while others declared their love for the winner of this year's American Idol TV competition.
At 7:41 the lights went down and the familiar theme music echoed through the halls. The formula was the same as last year's tour. Each of the singers performed a solo song in the order in which they were booted from the show. They would then introduce the next performer, (always a "very dear" or "very close friend") by kicking off a video montage, building to the show's second half of duets, group numbers and solos.
First up was Charles Grigsby who showed he's got the moves on stage. Quite the flirt with the audience, Charles charmed the crowd as he danced and sang. He was much better than expected, and promised that this was just the beginning of what we would see from him.
Next up was Julia Demato. She rose up through the floor on a chaise lounge very Diva-ish singing "Beautiful". She has a very sweet voice, and showed a power that wasn't seen in her TV performances. Despite her attempts to interact, she always seemed a bit removed from the crowd. She happily introduced the next performer....
Rickey Smith received such a warm welcome by the crowd, you have to wonder why he didn't make it further in the show. His rendition of Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel" was full of funk, spunk and appeal. The female dancer enhanced the mood of the song as Rickey dazzled with his voice. Rickey was great at working the crowd and getting the audience into the song. Rickey's greatest asset is his personality, which really shone through during his performance.
Rickey also showed grace under pressure as he introduced Kimberly Caldwell, and her video montage did not play. Just 3 days into the tour, Rickey handled the mishap without breaking a sweat and introduced his dear, dear friend, the "rocker of the group", who hit the stage like she owned it. Singing "Stuck On You", Kimberly gave the crowd a taste of what she has to offer. This girl was raised on the stage, and you could tell. If she would have sang like this on the show, she may have gone a lot further. She should have no problem having a great career after this tour.
Following the formula, Kimberly then introduced the "Baby" of the group. Carmen came on with Shania Twain's (of course) "Up". I'm sorry - Carmen is cute and she can dance (I'm convinced after this tour if she doesn't have a great singing career she'd be set as a stripper with those moves) - but this song was just awful. She has a unique voice that I've sometimes admired, but not tonight. Not with this performance. Of course I hated the song too - which probably didn't help.
Next was Trenyce. I had to leave the room. In fact I had already prearranged to meet up with Ms. Sassy during Trenyce's performance. We could hear it - and didn't mind listening to her belting out "Proud Mary" - but I can't watch her perform. Between her freakishly long fingers always trying to poke out my eye (I was on the floor - it could happen!), and her huge expressive eyes and mouth which swallow her face - I can't look. Besides - she just about disappears when she turns sideways. I think someone needs to introduce her to the Pop Tarts they were handing out to the crowd after the show. The girl needs to eat!
It is at this point I must go off on a little teeny tiny rant about concert going etiquette. (Mostly because we talked about this in the smoking room with a couple of other concert goers who not only agreed - but even offer to be quoted on this. Of course I had to rush back to see Kimberly - so I didn't get a quote - but believe me - they agreed!) So here it goes: It is OK to stand up at a concert. Especially when you're young, a kid, a short young kid. It is OK to hold up the signs professing your love for the performer - especially when they put it down once the performer hits the stage. The woman sitting next to me has obviously never been to a concert. She started the show by going up 3 rows ahead of us (yes! 3 rows!!!!) and arguing with 2 girls to sit down. She then proceeded to scream throughout the first half "Sit down!" and proclaiming how rude it was for these girls, God forbid, to be standing, dancing, and enjoying the show. Never mind the fact that it was rude for her to be screaming about it in my ear, and the ears of all of us around her. Her attempts to get security to act went unheeded. Maybe because security also thought she was a stick-in-the-mud who just didn't get it. Lady - this show is for the kids. Maybe next time you shouldn't get a seat on the floor - or you should stay home.
Whew. I just had to get that off of my chest! Now back to the show....
I was making it back to my seat when Kimberly Locke gave her best performance of the night, "Band of Gold". She continued to prove she has a voice that won't quit, but a very reserved quality in her performing. She is all class.
Now it was time for me to go deaf. Clay hit the stage with his hit single "This is the Night" and the crowd went absolutely wild. You could barely hear him over the crowd. I quickly learned that if the screaming begins it is because Clay has come on stage. I had to wonder if this was what it was like during Elvis's shows. He was so comfortable on stage, he even proclaimed that "this is fun. I'm having fun!". But the voice. I'm sorry - that should be "The Voice". The best male voice I have ever heard live. Seriously.
Now Clay seems to be a humble sort, (he seemed stunned to hear the screaming and reactions he received every time he was on stage) so not to out-do the victor, Clay gave Ruben a huge, warm welcome. The crowd also went wild, but thankfully a little quieter than for Clay. My ears needed the break. His first song was "Superstar", which has almost become his signature song. After calling for the house lights to be brought up so he could see the crowd, he launched into a song by his Idol, Luther Vandross, "Never Too Much". Ruben looked like he was having fun while wooing the crowd with his smooth, velvety vocals. Ruben brought a bit of home with him in the form of the group's bass player, who is his former band mate. They broke the song down "Birmingham style", bringing much of the crowd to their feet.
It was almost an hour into the show as they broke for a 20 minute break. Warning to all future American Idol 2 concert goers - this is not the best time to use the rest room or get a beverage. The lines instantly became miles long. And you couldn't even see the souvenirs for sale through the throngs of people. Ay yi yi!
At 8:56 the show resumed with a fervor and the crowd was on it's feet. (Which is where they stayed almost throughout the rest of the show. Poor woman next to me - what will she think when she returns. Or maybe she left??) The set was pretty cool and serene as Charles rose up through the floor seated at a bar / counter. The remaining males joined him in singing "The Lady is a Tramp". Great harmonizing showed this wasn't going to be last year's show - this year they actually have talent! The pace picked up a bit, the fireworks went off, and the girls emerged with "Bootylicious". The girls sounded great on this number, and looked fabulous. The number became a bit of a "sing-off" between the guys and the gals. Sorry guys, but in this round I think the gals won.
Clay and Ruben then chatted with the audience a bit about the competition and their hectic schedules since the show has ended. Joking around a bit they began an argument about a girl named Eileen which led to "The Girl is Mine". These two sound incredible together, and I hope someone takes advantage of that on an upcoming album. The playful acting between the two was a joy to watch. It is no wonder these guy were America's top 2 choices.
Kimberly Locke then slowed the pace a bit with "Inseparable". Man can she belt it! This was a performance very deserving of the standing ovation it received. She then introduced the Bee Gees medley which would get the audience dancing and singing along.
The Bee Gees medley featured many solo performances, duets and group numbers. It was a testament to the talent this year's performers had over last year's. It was also the only cheesy moment in the show. The highlights from this medley were Clay's How Deep is Your Love (Rickey singing back up - great job! I really hope he sings with either Clay or Ruben on their upcoming releases) and Clay singing "To Love Somebody". I could have done without the line of singers in white singing "You Should Be Dancing" - but I'll give them a moment of cheese. :) Charles and Kimberly Caldwell worked throughout the numbers getting the crowd going. They were the best at really interacting with the crowd - almost like cheerleaders for the group. It was also during the medley that they introduced the 4 dancers that have been working their butts off during the show. Great job!
Clay then talks with crowd about Ruben recording with R Kelly the night before for his new album. As Clay, Trenyce and Kimberly Caldwell get the crowd going with a little friendly shouting competition to bring out Ruben, Clay once again showed his humorous and easy-going style. Exmaple - Trenyce's group shouted "Ru-ben" and Kimberly's shouted "Studdard" that left Clay's group with nothing to shout. The girls questioned him on this so he said "They'll just have to shout 'Clay'" with a big smile on his face. This got a laugh from everyone. Finally the crowd is worked up enough, and Ruben is brought out singing a song from his upcoming album, "Can I Get Your Attention". This had a very groovy, mellow feel, which I really enjoyed. I may have to buy his album.....
The show continued with Rickey launching into "Let's Go Crazy". From the opening "Dearly beloved..." I could tell this would be a hit with the crowd. Another technical glitch when Charles tried joining in (he didn't seem to have any volume on his mic) showed that Rickey is great at improvising. The crowd was singing along, so I'm not sure how many people noticed the mishap as Rickey promptly took over the singing duties.
Carmen's "Let's Hear it for the Boy" didn't inspire any desire in me to see her live again. But as the mass screaming begins I know Clay is on stage somewhere. He is, and his rendition of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" would make Elton John proud. Kimberly Locke then sings "Over the Rainbow", but a different version than we usually hear from her - ending with a jazzy, hopping feel. Her beautiful voice brings life to this song every time she sings it.
Up through the floor rises a motorcycle, with Kimberly Caldwell, Trenyce, Julia and Carmen singing "Feel Good Time". Kimberly seems to feed off the crowd, which just fuels her performance which the crowd really responds to. Julia manages a weak "Hello Ohio", but I don't think a life on stage is for her. I've always said it, and this show pretty much proved my point. At times she seemed tired and / or bored. But her voice is so pretty. She should really stay in the studio.
Rickey then showed his vocal range with (I believe this is the name of the song) "If I Never Knew You". Julia joins him in the duet, and they are great together on stage. Julia sang with power and passion - who knew she had that in her. This is a song that should be recorded by these two. Definitely!
OK - don't look at the screen. Don't look at the screen. Trenyce is up with "I Have Nothing" and doing way too much pointing. She has a fabulous voice - but seems like a great Whitney impersonation. There doesn't to be much of herself in the song. But as the rest of the girls join her on "I'm Every Woman", you can see the range that all of these girls have. This also seems to be the best time to check out Carmen's stripper moves. Watch her and see if I'm making this up!
Another great duet, "The Best Things in Life Are Free" this time with Ruben and Kimberly Locke. Kimberly is always smiling and just seems to be having a blast! Clay then begins "I've Had the TIme of My Life" and I swear the woman in front of actually swoons! I understood, Clay's voice was making me go all pitter-patter the whole night, too. The rest of the cast joins in while they play a video montage of the group in the background. Great way to end the show...
Not. Of course not. They introduce the band, say lots of thanks, then it's good-night.
:) Not.
Clay inspires more screaming (aren't these people hoarse yet?!?!?). Either just by being on stage or by his wearing a Columbus Blue Jackets jersey. He jokingly asks if these guys are any good, holding out the jersey. (Of course they aren't, but it was nice that he made the effort - LOL). He then gives some very heartfelt thanks to everyone for making all of their dreams come true. Clay goes on to say he's currently recording his new album which should hit stores the beginning of September, and begins singing a track, "Invisible".
OK - this boy can move (running back and forth across the stage). And this boy can dance. And he can SING! This was a great song! A fabulous song!! Very Rob Thomas-ish (from Matchbox Twenty). Oh yeah - he is going to sell MILLIONS. I wonder if I can find a copy of this song anywhere yet :) Great, great song!
Of course it wouldn't be an American Idol show without what Clay described as the "Anthem of American Idol" - "Flying Without Wings." Just as I was lamenting about not hearing "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" and writing how much better this show was than last year's, Ruben introduces "Imagine", which Clay and Kimberly Locke help him sing. Everyone is back on stage for "Proud to be an American" and I can't believe it almost makes me cry. I'm not lying. The dancers come out with American flags, and the whole place is singing along. I'm not sure what happened during this number. I watched Clay watch the crowd as everyone was singing. His ear pieces are out and he isn't singing. I don't think he has a mic or that he can hear anything through his monitors or whatever. He seemed to be telling his fellow performers something through the number, and would attempt to sing every now and then. Regardless, it was a knock-out performance ending in fireworks. At 10:22 the show is over.
Of the shows I have been to so far this year, this is the only one I would have paid more money for and thought it was worth it. The talent this year over last year made it a better show without a doubt. With the one Bee Gees exception they didn't have to resort to cheesy group numbers. These singers have talent, which was showcased by the number of solo and duet performances. It appeared to me that the audience had as much fun as the group on stage, and that is what really matters.
The shows are almost all sold-out. For the thousands that will experience the show, you will not regret it! For those lacking tickets - try to get some. Especially if you were a fan of the show. This was much better than expected!!!!
Next up was Julia Demato. She rose up through the floor on a chaise lounge very Diva-ish singing "Beautiful". She has a very sweet voice, and showed a power that wasn't seen in her TV performances. Despite her attempts to interact, she always seemed a bit removed from the crowd. She happily introduced the next performer....
Rickey also showed grace under pressure as he introduced Kimberly Caldwell, and her video montage did not play. Just 3 days into the tour, Rickey handled the mishap without breaking a sweat and introduced his dear, dear friend, the "rocker of the group", who hit the stage like she owned it. Singing "Stuck On You", Kimberly gave the crowd a taste of what she has to offer. This girl was raised on the stage, and you could tell. If she would have sang like this on the show, she may have gone a lot further. She should have no problem having a great career after this tour.
Now it was time for me to go deaf. Clay hit the stage with his hit single "This is the Night" and the crowd went absolutely wild. You could barely hear him over the crowd. I quickly learned that if the screaming begins it is because Clay has come on stage. I had to wonder if this was what it was like during Elvis's shows. He was so comfortable on stage, he even proclaimed that "this is fun. I'm having fun!". But the voice. I'm sorry - that should be "The Voice". The best male voice I have ever heard live. Seriously.
Clay and Ruben then chatted with the audience a bit about the competition and their hectic schedules since the show has ended. Joking around a bit they began an argument about a girl named Eileen which led to "The Girl is Mine". These two sound incredible together, and I hope someone takes advantage of that on an upcoming album. The playful acting between the two was a joy to watch. It is no wonder these guy were America's top 2 choices.
Clay then talks with crowd about Ruben recording with R Kelly the night before for his new album. As Clay, Trenyce and Kimberly Caldwell get the crowd going with a little friendly shouting competition to bring out Ruben, Clay once again showed his humorous and easy-going style. Exmaple - Trenyce's group shouted "Ru-ben" and Kimberly's shouted "Studdard" that left Clay's group with nothing to shout. The girls questioned him on this so he said "They'll just have to shout 'Clay'" with a big smile on his face. This got a laugh from everyone. Finally the crowd is worked up enough, and Ruben is brought out singing a song from his upcoming album, "Can I Get Your Attention". This had a very groovy, mellow feel, which I really enjoyed. I may have to buy his album.....
The show continued with Rickey launching into "Let's Go Crazy". From the opening "Dearly beloved..." I could tell this would be a hit with the crowd. Another technical glitch when Charles tried joining in (he didn't seem to have any volume on his mic) showed that Rickey is great at improvising. The crowd was singing along, so I'm not sure how many people noticed the mishap as Rickey promptly took over the singing duties.
Rickey then showed his vocal range with (I believe this is the name of the song) "If I Never Knew You". Julia joins him in the duet, and they are great together on stage. Julia sang with power and passion - who knew she had that in her. This is a song that should be recorded by these two. Definitely!
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