American Idol Tour reviews

  Bumpy ride for the season seven cast from American Idol, now out on the road for the standard summer tour. Surprisingly, Jason Castro's getting some critical lovin'; not surprising, winner David Cook's one-trick pony dated '90s rock act has earned some knocks. Here are some excerpts of recent reviews:

CHICAGO TRIBUNE (July 21): Chikezie Eze, kicking off American Idols Live at a packed Allstate Arena on Saturday, hit on an unfortunate truth with the first words he crooned: "One of these days you're gonna look for me and I'll be gone." Nowadays, the career-longevity of "Idol" contestants is almost on par with the life span of the common housefly. Second-season winner Ruben Studdard managed to release three albums before getting dropped by his label. Last year's runner-up, Blake Lewis, lasted just six months before being cast aside by Arista.

With this rapidly shrinking life cycle, it's likely the tour will be the last the general public hears from many in this year's crop. While some took full advantage of this limited spotlight (Michael Johns, Jason Castro and Brooke White), others stumbled (Kristy Lee Cook and Ramiele Malubay). Syesha Mercado couldn't recover from an equipment malfunction during Umbrella. Kristy Lee Cook, who looked and moved like an "Austin Powers" Fembot, warbled her way through a cringe-inducing cover of Lee Greenwood's God Bless the U.S.A. Others fared better. Johns' performance, featuring stadium-ready anthems courtesy of Queen and Aerosmith, proved far more memorable than his plebeian name; White, alternating between guitar and piano, charmed her way through 1-2-3-4" and "Yellow"; Castro, with his shoulder-length dreadlocks, brought a mellow, stoner vibe to a ukulele-driven Over the Rainbow.

The top two contestants couldn't live up to these simple charms. Seventeen-year-old  David Archuleta sounded twice his age as he crooned adult contemporary ballads. Cook sounded enamored with the early '90s, turning Hello and Billie Jean into brooding, grunge-era anthems -- though neither performance earned the applause afforded the air-cannon-wielding toaster pastry that warmed up the crowd by launching T-shirts into the upper decks.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch (July 20): The youthful Archuleta seems destined to follow the Josh Groban career blueprint, singing sincere, borderline-cheesy adult contemporary fare. Cook seemed to be a bit of a one-trick pony in his live performance, taking well-known hits such as Lionel Ritchie's Hello and Michael Jackson's Billie Jean and giving them a veneer of brooding alt-rock. Cook's version of his single, The Time of My Life, was forgettable in comparison. Of the others, Michael Johns and Carly Smithson exhibited plenty of stage presence. But Castro, Mercado and White seem to have the right combination of talent and youth to at least get a shot at hard-earned, real-life stardom outside the artificial environment of American Idol.

The Oregonian (July 18): "American Idols Live!" is the concert equivalent of a summertime action movie --engineered to give the audience a show with flash, energy and precious few surprises. American Idol is, at its core, about building a machine and inserting individuals into it. When it has a weak, charisma-challenged batch of contestants, as happened last year, the results are forgettable. In the recently concluded season, the talent pool was deeper, and the winner --rocker David Cook --was a refreshing change from the typical "Idol" pop balladeers. The three-hour concert was fast-paced and upbeat, and the audience of families, teens, older folks ... seemed to enjoy it. But you get the sense that the famously controlling Idol factory limits spontaneous bursts of emotion or impromptu patter. So even though the Idols work hard and seem happy to be there, living the dream, your mind can wander a bit.

The Seattle Times (July 14): Predominantly female (median age between 10 and 60), the large T-Dome crowd greeted some of the Idols with polite enthusiasm, and several with wild cheering. A blend of basic stagecraft, celebrity worship, commercial huckstering and musical diversity, the Idols show gave each performer a solo set of three or four numbers. Right up there at the pinnacle was David Cook, the swaggering yet gracious rocker who won the 2008 "Idol" crown. Encoring his TV versions ... and the saccharin but heartfelt coronation tune The Time of My Life, Cook pumped up the crowd, rocked steady and sang impressively. Drawing about as much adulation, "Idol" runner-up David Archuleta also dispatched a poised, polished set ...dominated by big, goopy power ballads. Aussie heartthrob Michael Johns proved as dishy in the flesh as on screen. And just like on TV, his sultry, soulful treatment of It's All Wrong But It's Alright (dedicated to "the ladies") outshone his bombastic Queen and Aerosmith covers. Surprisingly, dreadlocked flower child Jason Castro really earned his tweener screams. He repeated his cheery TV renditions with gusto, and brought a sunnier, lighter vibe, even to Gnarls Barkley's Crazy.

American Idols Live hits Sunrise Aug. 20 at BankAtlantic Center. (Just a suggestion, but could Miami's AmericanAirlines Arena get the Idol tour just once to give Miami fans a break on gas from having to haul down to Broward for these tours every year? Just once?!)

Comments

[can't fight this feeling anymore]

LOVE the comment about AI contenders having careers as long as the life of the common housefly! Less, if you count Blake Lewis...

[Jill M.]

I love that Jason's getting some kudos from the critics. He really is very talented and he is amazing to see in concert. I love his voice and his mellow vibe. His performance really made an impression on me.

[Angela M.]

I'm really happy that Jason Castro is getting such good reviews finally! I saw the show in St. Louis and Jason was amazing! He really connects with the music and I love his voice! I do feel bad that the David's aren't getting the best reviews because I thought they did excellent jobs. Archie sounds even more amazing live and although I could have gone w/out Cook singing "I don't want to miss a thing" but I still thought he was great!

[Annmarie Kellerhals]

The young man with the dreads is AWESOME!

[Gladys L.]

Almost all of the reviews were surprised about how good Jason is. Well, I GOT him from the start of his performance in AI and I'm glad that many people are finally seeing what we saw a long time ago. ;) Go Jason, not one bad review from all the press!!!

[kimconmom]

Jason has always made Season 7 for me. He has a beautiful, minimalist sound to his voice and music...which is very popular right now. I truly hope that big things await for him. He has a super fan base who have always "got him" and he's making new fans in every city. I know he writes a lot of his own music (go to youtube and check out some of his original songs). I believe you'll be impressed!

[trogert]

I've heard that nobody has signed Castro - what's up with that? Somebody give this kid a contract, we need a CD - yesterday!

[trogert]

I've heard that nobody has signed Castro - what's up with that? Somebody give this kid a contract, we need a CD - yesterday!

[gail]

Go Jason, he is going to be independent no record label smart kid so is Michael Johns. If you want to know all about Jason I recommend www.daydreamingboy.com
Also I am looking forward to the Bank Atlantic Center I have never been there.
Howard are you changing your mind just a little about Jason??? :)

[sweetatlantis]

It's about time for the good reviews of Jason to come rolling in. He has the potential to be the best thing to come out of AI so far. Jason is the real deal, and I can hardly wait for his first release. DH #2129

[tombrowne]

Kid reeks with talent but he's not going anywhere without a major label behind him. It sounds all nicey-nice and romantic to say he's going indie but it's too big a risk. A new artist needs the promotional backing of a label to make it - especially a green talent like Castro.
If he decides to go independent, his fans aren't going to hear from him in months - no concerts, talkshows, radio interviews, press of any kind and no promo when he does put together a cd. Big mistake.
I like this kid and see huge potential, but he's going to disappear back into nowhere if he isn't picked up.

[carsukee1]

If someone doesn't pick him up they're "CRAZY". I am 66, my daughter is 46, my grandaughter is 17 and we all agree that we can't wait for his CD to come out so we can buy it. What a great stocking stuffer for Christmas this year. It's Jason Castro all the way.

[Stephanie]

Maybe they should rename the tour the "Jason Castro Redemption Tour". He lost it the last several weeks he was on the show, performing very badly and most people weren't expecting much from him on the tour. Instead, he's the one music critics and fans are talking positively about and one of the most common comments seems to be "I wanted to see more". When Jason performs songs he likes that fit into his folksy-acoustic pop niche, he's brilliant and could give Jack Johnson a run for his money. I agree though, he needs some sort of "backing" whether it's from an Independent Label or a major producer or he will fade into obscurity. Some of his fans think "going it alone" is great but what that means is a very limited number of CD's available, no tour dates, local press only (in the artists hometown) and a less professional sounding CD without the benefits of quality studio "mixing". He is showing now that he does have the talent and he can play huge arenas and he's "leaving them wanting more" which bodes well IF he gets some professional backing.

[HoCo]

These days a major label isn't the be-all and end-all of things. Jack Johnson, Jason's spiritual heir, has done terrific business on an indie. Today, with MySpace, iTunes, and all other online means to advertise oneself if Jason puts together a great album he could easily outsell the Davids on the majors. Even veteran groups like Journey have discovered that major labels aren't it anymore. The new Journey CD, thanks to low price and an exclusivity deal with Wal-Mart, is their most successful album in decades.
So, no, Jason doesn't need majors, what he needs is to put out a great album and his fans need to put their wallets where their mouths are. Everyone supports him but how many will actually put their $15 where it really matters.

As for whether I've changed my mind on jason, no. I haven't seen the tour yet. All I have to go on is his work on Idol and I remain underwhelmed. But I will say that I AM a bit more interested to see him on this tour than I am either of the Davids. Cook is boring, has no flair and isn't doing anything the dull 90s rock bands didn't do before him. And I'm not a fan of treacly balladry so I don't care to see Archuleta. If I have to endure this tour the only ones I care to see are Brooke, Michael and, yes, Jason just to see if I agree with the critics I've posted. I did like Chikezie on the show too, he really was the only original find on the entire cast. No one was like him ever. But I can't say I've lost sleep missing him or any of the Idols.

[LaSexorcisto]

Howard, you're brave in dismissing Cook as boring. Brave and 100% correct. The sound that Cook goes for is so dated. In fact one of his idols, Collective Soul, is playing at the local county fair this weekend.

Watch for a flood of overzealous Cookie fans who think he's the most innovative artist ever to come here to give you grief, 'cause they can't stand to see their precious rip-off artist being slammed.

[karenross]

Amazing how fans suddenly become experts in all things music related eh? Castro needs a label,period.He doesn't have any past laurels to rest on and from what I've been told he's sorely in need of some professional management right about NOW - not well-meaning family and friends but some peeps with connections and the $$ behind them to help him succeed. Without that his chances of actually making it despite his talent and great appeal, are next to zilch. With the right backing his prospects are limitless.

[can't fight this feeling anymore]

I don't know that I'd want an entire CD of Jason, but I swear I'd rather hear him do Daydream ten times a day than ONCE MORE listen to that overhyped Cook sing that dreadful Aerosmith song.

[Melinda]

"Surprisingly, Jason Castro's getting some critical lovin'; not surprising, winner David Cook's one-trick pony dated '90s rock act has earned some knocks."

"Surprisingly"? I'm not surprised by any of this. I knew all along Jason was a special artist. What does surprise me is how long it took everyone else to realize it.

As for Cook...well, let's just say I much prefer Daughtry to him. Sorry. He's overrated.

[Gail]

Lets deal in facts of today internet world. Jason Castro has almost 6 million hits to his myspace page. That alone is huge. If you go to his websites you will see the fans there spend big $$ to support him. I am surprised at the money they drop in these economic times. Just getting ready for stalking at the shows the money that goes into the creativity is unreal. They will buy his first cd he doesn't need a label but it will be up to him not to become a onehitwonder.

His vibe and karma are so surreal and he is making the best of this tour by appealing to his fanbase. He'll be a winner because he is in control.

Howard, glad to see you are openminded. Hope you aren't disappointed!

[Dianne]

I've been watching Idol for years and I've never been as excited about a contestant as I am about Jason. He really puts emotion into his songs and just simply has "it". Can't wait for his album! Hope it's soon!

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

There are some things that are raw & imperfect, yet stunningly beautiful.

For me, that's Jason Castro's music. He makes me smile, and sometimes weep softly at such a Treasure.

[Lane]

I guess this entry found it's way to the Jason Castro sheep..err... fans website?

holy cow, did that guy ever suck after the first few weeks

[Gail]

Hey Lane I dare you to sing 5 times in public before you go in front of a million people!
I am a very proud sheep err fan. He has a good vibe, Jason makes the world a better place...tall order!

[carsukee1]

Jason's fans are everywhere... Every singer on the show sucked at one time or another. Most of us can recognize that Jason has a special talent that goes beyond the singing contest of the show. Let's let the boy enjoy his success.

[Calgal]

I've been mesmorized by Jason Castro since his first appearance on Idol singing Daydream. He is the first Idol whose CD I will buy. His abilty to touch people with his songs is unique and I will be a fan for life. I'm glad you acknowledged his talents.

[Gail]

Jason is the only one who interests me. His intelligence comes through on all levels. Yes a label would be lucky to get him but he's been navigating the net better than anyone. They could take lessons.

[Amy]

Every morning I look for the latest Idol reviews and I am always gleeful when I read "Jason is Adult Contemporary Gold, or a master minimalist, or his set is the eclectic and and entertaining. " I always got Jason, I am a cheerleader hoping some major label wakes up and see the gold mine that is Jason Castro. His original songs are moving and very creatively crafted. He is a story teller for this generation and oh so easy on the eyes. Quite the thing of beauty inside and out.

But why is this turning into a praise Castro down Cook thread. I like Cook, I hope he does well. He should easily be the most successful male winner in AI History. No he is not the electrifying vocalist Daughtry is but who is?

The competition is over. In time and with the right label and management Jason will be the one who makes it big IMO. He is poised to hit right when his genre is making a huge comeback.

[HoCo]

It wouldn't be much of a feat to become the most successful Idol male winner to date. Who have we had? Ruben Studdard, who never should have won in the first place and who revealed he had as little to say on CD as he did on Idol. Taylor Hicks? A ridiculous gimmick with the personality of a rock and the voice of a flatulent buffalo. That wouldn't be saying much if Cook outsold either of them and as far as originality goes, he has none. He's the great American Idol swindle. He's fooled all the judges and a lot of people into thinking he's something fresh when he didn't do a thing on Idol we hadn't seen before and done better. Turning 80s pop songs into sullen grunge era rock is not unique. At least Daughtry had the voice, look and some charisma to back him.

[Bruce]

The Chicago Tribune writer should resign. What anignorant idiot. Kristy Lee Cook is great on stage. As did the others. Ramiele is a little less than the others, but for him to say they are all short lived and all his ignorant comments, please fire this worthless reporter. If butt holes were airplanes his office would be an airport. These kids are awesome and put in so much to be where they are. On the other hand, this guy writes arrogant remarks that can only hurt these kids future, and I hope it backfires on him.

[ymbcastrofan]

It is great to see some positive press about Jason Castro. I think he deserves it. He seems to be a very talented kid with a beautiful face, an angelic voice, a good heart, and a joyful spirit that shines some much needed light and happiness onto a mostly negative and sourpuss modern world. For some strange reason, I feel that I have a vested interest in seeing Jason Castro succeed. Although I have supported other American Idol contestants in the past by buying their CD's (Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Tamyra Grey, Ruben Studdard, Clay aiken, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks, and even Kimberly Locke), Jason Castro is the first one that has motivated me to register for dozens of websites so I could respond to blogs, join a fan club like the Dreadheads, buy a ticket to an Idol tour concert, learn how to download music, videos and pictures off the Internet, watch youtube everyday for updates about what he's doing, sign up with Amazon.com so I can be among the first to buy his first CD, etc., etc., etc. I am willing to do whatever I can to help Jason succeed. To all the other Castro fans out there, we have to put our heads together and figure out a way to get the record labels to recognize what a huge megastar Jason has the potential to be. We cannot let this rare gem fade into oblivion!

[miamiannie]

look at the charts...not only is cook the most successful male idol to date...he's on par with kelly clarkson as the only idol winner to break AT40 with their first song off the show.
even as per the other contestants on the show, he turned the show format on its head by rearranging songs where no previous contestant had done so previously.
like him or not, he moves people. check out the idols live show in newark...cook had the entire crowd singing along to time of my life (a cheesy coronation song)...he's made it work. i can't wait for his new album.

[sarasotacountygal]

I wonder why they don't have them
come to Florida in July at least
where you don't have to worry about
hurricanes so much. Best Wishes To
All Of Them.