American Idol, Music Review

American Idol, Music, Lyrics, and Popular Culture

“The Language of Lyrics, lyrics to go with the music of life is a writer’s blues survival. Rock and roll rebellion, the angst of punk, rap, hip-hop, the grunge of rainy day alternative rock, the blues based feel of southern rock, dance, disco, pop, folk, country, reggae, rhythm and blues, soul, the cool of jazz, international flavors and the music of cultures all carry their own language and lyrics for those who listen closely” (Pothier, Eng 350 10/08).

This thread of popular culture ran through the Verizon Center, Manchester N.H. at the last concert of a fifty-city tour for the ten finalists of the TV show, American Idol.

American Idol has become an icon for reaching for the zenith of the popular culture of today. Thousands audition in a narrowing down of dreams until a talented ten remain. One of the ten survives to become the American Idol for the year 2009. The show which started in 2002 is more popular now in the 8^th season than when it began. The concert tour follows as fans fill venues around the country to worship the ‘idol.’ They go to experience a celebration of a process where a precious few make their way to the top of the popular culture heap. American Idol is about the top singers but it shares with the America’s Got Talent TV show the common facet of giving short shrift to most participants’ dreams. However, it lights up a beacon for others in a display of light. A light shining on the music, dance, and instrumental prowess of individuals who wish to achieve.

A flow of enthusiasm in a cross-section of ages and generations was palpable in the growing crowd at the entrance to the Verizon. According to security seventy-five percent were women. Generations of women came. Girls, teens, young women, moms and grand moms were in attendance. Some separated by age and groups of diverse age together as a family. Couples old, middle aged and young mixed into the melding of generations as all came for the music. Through the doors glow lights were sold at the same stands as the $10 brightly colored glossy programs. Both did a good business.

The stage was set with rear projection multimedia screens center, left and right. They were used to display an ever changing kaleidoscope barrage of pulsating light and color images during the show.  Large video screens were at the top left and right where close-ups were shown of the action. Two tall light towers stood like sentinels left and right framing center stage. Just like the popular culture of today the concert was an orgasm of sense information coming at the audience as fast paced and intense as the information, light and sound of these technical times we live in.

The first half of the show included American Idol finalists from #10 to #6 in order, initially soloing with a couple of duo numbers included. All are talented singers polished up by professionals before and after the AI finishing process. Scott and Matt are also fine piano players. Lil’ Rounds #7, sings great rhythm and blues. She sang ‘No One’ (Alicia Keys), ‘All the Single Ladies, Put a Ring On It’ (Beyonce), both crowd favorites which touch today’s music. Country was covered by #6 Anoop Desai who excelled on ‘Always On My Mind’ (Willie Nelson). Matt Girard #5 rocked the house with ‘So Hard to Handle Now’ (Black Crowes).

 Matt and Scott did a piano duo on ‘Can’t Take My Eyes off of You’ (Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons—who are also an honored part of modern popular culture in the current ‘Jersey Boys’ on Broadway) with medley singing from Lil and #9 Megan Joy. The lights went down and shone again on all 10 in medley. The 20 minute intermission was a composite of AI’s past in the genre of music-videos spotlighting other winners and success stories.

The countdown in performance increased the vibe of anticipation and emotion in the crowd. The 15-year-old Allison Iraheta, #4 yet talented and seasoned beyond her years, came out with a icon of the hard and glam rock years wearing a mullet wig on top of her red hair. The crowd was on their feet for ‘Rock Star’, ‘Cry Cry Baby’ (Janis Joplin), and ‘Barracuda’ (Heart). The emotional and thankful Danny Gokey blended voice shone light on the audience in feeling vocals helped by the fine AI travel band.

PUMP UP THE HOUSE---loud intro driving drums and bass a thunderstorm of energy and flashing venue lights---Adam Lambert, popular favorite who finished #2 is next and the crowd reacts with equal intensity as all are on their feet---READY TO ROCK!!  Adam is center stage channeling Elvis Presley on speed with new moves added. Booty shakin’ hip staccato gyrations with a large bejeweled belt buckle reflecting the house lights as he pranced around the stage. This is where popular culture of generations merges as Adam channels Elvis with an impressive take on Led Zeppelin’s rendition of an old blues classic, ‘Whole Lotta Love’. As the WWII era worshiped Sinatra and Big Band, as the Rock and Roll generation worshiped Elvis, as the popular music was blended with the craze of the Beatles and British invasion, the thread has continued to this night, this venue, this crowd, and these idols of American Idol. Nothing has changed and everything has changed. Music is a sign post and lyrics the directions for each generation. Somehow we survive remember and move on if not forward as humanity. Generations gathered and the Beatles touched American Idol as Number 1, Kris Allen, a fine guitar player moved us all with a rockin’ rendition of Hey Jude.

Popular Culture! Just Let It BE!

Ken Pothier 09212009