A bit of glitz, glitter - and a whole lot of pop-rock and ballads from American Idol Kris Allen and the top 10 finalists of the popular television show have fans screaming and cheering along the show's 50-city whirlwind 2009 tour.
There was no question who are the stars of the show - the newly crowned American Idol Allen and first runner-up rocker Adam Lambert!
The show begins with the first Idol eliminated, Michael Sarver, singing a catchy "I'm In Love With A Girl" which he has dedicated to his wife, Tiffany. Megan Joy performs "Put Your Records On," followed by Scott MacIntyre sitting behind his piano for "A Thousand Miles." Anoop Desai sways to the rhythm of his "My Prerogative," while Matt Giraud is a tremendous crowd-pleaser with his piano heavy "Hard to Handle," followed by heavy fan requested, "Georgia On My Mind."
Last girl standing in the competition Allison Iraheta is every bit the rocker that she was during the heated vocal competition and her deep raspy voice is drawing cheers for her "So What," "Cry Baby," and "Barracuda."
Danny Gokey, who made it into the top-three in the singing competition performs 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson's "P.Y.T.," "Maria, Maria," "What Hurts The Most," and a tremendous rendition of Rascal Flatts' "My Wish."
Fans never seem to get enough of their favorite dynamic duo, Allen and Lambert and the applause turns to thunder whenever the two top vote-getters step onto the stage.
Lambert gives fans just what they expect high-energy performances, tight pants, and his trademark pitch-perfect falcetto wail. Highlighting Lambert's stage-time is a tribute to David Bowie. And also on Lambert's song list: "Whole Lotta Love," "Starlight," "Mad World," "Slow Ride with Allison Iraheta, "Life on Mars," "Fame, and "Let's Dance."
And finally the crowd reaches the climax in excitement and noice when American Idol Allen steps into the spotlight. In contrast to the crowd's frenzy, Allen is the same unassuming "boy-next-door" that America fell in love with during the vocal competition. Bringing the audience to its feet, Allen performs a repeat of his competition favorite, "Ain't No Sunshine" and ends the show with a captivating and plaintive version of The Beatles' "Hey Jude." Other Allen numbers include his single, "No Boundaries," "Heartless", "Bright Lights" and "Don't Stop Believing."
In discussing the tour, American Idol Kris Allen said, "This is what it is all about for us. Not that we didn't love the show (American Idol), but performing for audiences and entertaining. That is what we are dying to do."