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American Idols Live – A New Kind of Judging Begins |
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Jacksonville, FL - July 9, 2007- American Idols Live Tour visited our Jacksonville Veterans’ Memorial Arena for it's third show of the new tour to an extremely enthusiastic crowd of Idol watchers, Phil Phan’s, “Sparks Plugs” and “Fanjaya’s” were just a few loyal groups seen here tonight. Fans of the show very young and those more mature came out to cheer and see for themselves if America really chose the best Idol to win.
GetAmped Magazine had an opportunity to sit down with a five of the idols before the show in one on one interviews. The consensus among the idols was excitement and exhaustion alike, with this being their third show out of an extremely aggressive 45 show tour, I wonder how they will fare after #39? Young fresh and full of energy, Sanjaya spoke of his learning how not everyone out there is just a fan. In an experience in NYC where he was continually followed but what seemed to be a 12 year boy “fan” trying to obtain his autograph at numerous locations, Sanjaya later learned that this was just a paparazzo's ploy to obtain signature for sale on most likely e-bay or another fan site.
LaKisha Jones took time to discuss the buzz around her weight and that she really hasn’t lost that much since the onset of Idol, it seems to be the fluctuation in wardrobe choices that really do define the size dilemma. As I sat and discuss this with her I do believe this to be true as she seemed so small in person, which really amazed me in comparison to her on-stage/on-camera presence. We also discussed how blessed she is and how Idol has changed her life financially, giving her freedoms that allow her to help 4 ½ daughter and her family in ways in which she often struggled previously.
Jacksonville’s Phil Stacey took time to share his crazy moment of the day. He and Chris Sith were traveling on I95 earlier in the day and were recognized by a couple of fans, whom quickly whipped out a camera and took pictures. Both Phil and Chris were
Young and a breath of fresh air, Jordin Sparks is as sweet and charming in person as she appears on stage. She was genuine and truly touched by the fact that she has become a role model for young girls. At 17 years old and also still on cloud nine after winning the American Idol title, Jordin maintains that the stage is a comfort zone for her even after Idol. Overwhelmed at first, by the massive number of seats at the first venue stop on their tour, in Sunrise, FL during sound check; Jordin states that all those fears
On to the show, this consisted of thought out combinations of each idol proving their own individual talents, in addition to combining talents in many mixed variations.
Opening with all Idols singing ”Let’s Get It Started” was cute; however I question productions choice of wardrobe theme. They looked as though they were told to dig through their closets and pulled out everything that didn’t match and put it all on, in many uncoordinated layers. I realize this is probably what production was going for, however I suggest they rethink their tactics. This is the first look at the Idols of the show, it is not impressive, in addition the tour allows media the first 2 songs to get their shots for morning papers and reviews. Is this how they want to depict their Idols? The second song offered a more formal look, however not all the Idols were represented here, so those needing to see Phil Stacey our local boy in Jacksonville, the only shot obtained was him wearing his hobo clothes? Overall, aside from the opening number, the show was a fabulous showcase of talents.
Memorable highlights include: the Jacksonville crowd favorite Phil Stacey, performing Bon Jovi’s Blaze of Glory and later he had all on their feet for a soulful rendition of America The Beautiful, dressed in his Navy whites and surrounding but patriotic dress Idol ladies, he was flawless. Lady Marmalade performed by Haley Scarnato, Gina Glocksen and LaKisha Jones was also a hot performance.
During a number in which Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolittle performed together, Jordin slipped and not really fell but did a sit down on stage, obviously not part of the show and obviously from a shoe malfunction, Jordin did not miss a beat or note as she got up smiling the whole time and forged on; something seen from seasoned professionals - this 17 year wonder definitely has experience beyond her years.
A newly combined band of male Idols “Crazy Guys” with instruments at first had me skeptical, but they too showed a side of their musical talents not yet seen to the public, which was quite enjoyable.
Some pitch, sound and lost notes sung and a long intermission (marketing’s ploy to get the merchandise $$) were somehow endured by all in attendance as unconditional love for these Idols persevered over it all. The power of telivision brought the crowd in but, the Idols kept them from leaving early. - Laura Janowicz
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Multimedia Slide show for each if the Idol Interviews |
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Click below for the fans comments and reactions |
