And the Bass Keeps Running Running

Who: American Idols Live! Season Six 

When: August 23, 2007
Where: Blue Cross Blue Shield Arena/ Rochester, NY 

With: Jenn 
Of Note: Sometimes, I’m a 17 year old girl?

As is consistent with my six months ahead of or six years behind pop culture trends, I didn’t watch American Idol until its sixth season.  This is also possibly because the sixth season was the first one that I was not in school for, and therefor had time to watch terrible TV. 

I had been peripherally aware of AI, because I read Entertainment Weekly and listened to the radio, but I didn’t realize quite how much of a phenomenon it was until I started watching. I was riveted – the auditions were like watching people’s dreams come true (or be crushed); the live shows were like seeing the best karaoke bar ever on TV.  When they announced that tickets to a live show would be on sale, I checked tour dates, saw that they were coming to Rochester, begged Jenn to go with me and got really pumped. 

It’s worth noting that a large part of my excitement about the show and the concert was because I was super, duper enamored with fifth place finisher Chris Richardson.  He was dreamy and had a charm that was simultaneously boy-next-door and fedora wearing.  Idol often compared him to Justin Timberlake, which given that he was an R&B whiteboy and Timberlake was HUGE at the time was not a mean comparison, just maybe not an apt one.  I pledged my undying love for him when he performed Jason Mraz’s ‘Geek in the Pink’ during one of the show’s semi-final rounds.

The concert itself was a really interesting concept; the Idols performed all cover songs, obviously, but did them in ever changing groups of contestants.  So, you’d get a duet between Chris & Jordin, followed by a solo by Gina, followed by a number by all the boys, etc.  It was fun and dynamic, with Idols entering and exiting and pretty much not knowing what was coming next.  I thought it was great, because it was seeing artists I hadn’t seen before, but without any of the “oh no, I don’t know any of their songs” awkwardness. 

The arena was full of mostly teenage girls and middle aged women.  Jenn and I decided to ignore that fact and embrace the madness. 

Some of my favorite numbers:

Let’s Get it Started – The show began with winner Jordin Sparks ascending from the floor belting some Fergie.  All the Idols joined in the fun and, instantly, it was a party.

I Heard it Through the Grapevine – Melinda and Lakisha had done a Motownish duet, but then Chris Rich joined them, wearing a spiffy jacket and I melted just a little bit.

Typical – Chris Sligh told the audience at the beginning of his solo “You probably don’t know this song.”  Though I wouldn’t see them live for another month, I had downloaded a bunch of MuteMath in preparation for the Virgin Mobile Festival, so I definitely knew the song.  He did a serviceable job; I thought it was neat that he was getting attention paid to such a great band.  I read an interview with MuteMath later that said they thought it was hilarious that they were playing Typical in small clubs when Chris Sligh sang it on TV for millions.  I’m assuming it was a good publicity boost for them. 

What Hurts the Most – Chris Rich and Jordin did a great job on the Rascall Flatts song, both of them on stools with acoustic guitars.  I remember thinking that their voices blended really well together. 

Crazy –The male idols formed a little band, each playing an instrument and delivered it song of the moment ‘Crazy’.  You could tell they were having a lot of fun.

Who Knew – I’m not sure I’d ever heard this P!nk song before I heard Gina sang it, but I was almost moved to tears by her version.  It was so powerful and raw and the lyrics are obviously so potent.  I got some shivers just thinking about it.

Most Awesome Medley Ever – Chris Rich and runner-up Blake killed it with an amazing medley.  Chris started with ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ (swoon alert!) and Blake joined him for the second half.  This transitioned to Blake’s take on ‘Virtual Insanity’, which then went into Chris’ version of ‘Geek in the Pink’.  They were just running around on the stage and playing off each other and it was too much cute boy in one place to be reasonable.  When that was done, they got into a beatbox battle that turned into an a cappela version of ‘Sexy Back’ with Blake doing vocal perc and Chris singing.  My head kind of exploded.  I am slightly embarrassed by the number of times I have YouTubed this medley.  Yowsa! 

The rest of the concert was upbeat fun, but the details get a little hazy.  I didn’t buy into the Sanjaya hype when it happened, but he was adequate.  I remember Haley not being as good as she should have been and a bit bored by some of Melinda and Lakisha’s slower songs.  Jordin ended the concert with a five or six song set that was well delivered.  It was such a fun night of music that just made you want to sing along. 

Though there was an EP released at some point (shout out to ‘Not Alone’!), sadly Chris Rich still hasn’t put out an album.  If he does, you can guarantee I'll be all over it.