The Top 10 finalists of American Idol Season 11. Photo by MSN.com.
I am not a big fan of concerts. But American Idol is an exception.
Since the day it was confirmed that the Top 10 finalists of American Idol Season 11 will be going to Manila to stage a one-night concert, I hoped that I’ll be blessed with a chance to watch their concert.
And I actually did.
I want to thank first Sir Ivan Quiling for the two tickets, which I shared with my sister who’s also a big fan of American Idol.
NOT A SINGER, JUST A MUSIC LOVER
The night of September 21st reminds me of how talented we can be. I am not a singer, but I do really love music.
Music is more than words ornated with varied tones and pitches. Music is not just about the stunning showmanship of the snare nor the rhythmic dancing of the fingers on the black and white dance floor of the piano.
I must admit. It’s the only concert that I’ve been so excited to watch from the moment it started up to its encore.
Smart-Araneta Coliseum is jam-packed. My sister and I were just standing on the Upper Box section of Smart-Araneta Coliseum that night, but it was not a big deal with us. First, we got the tickets just for free and second we are simply after the show.
A NIGHT OF VOCAL SHOWMANSHIP
American Idol Season 11 Top 10 finalists are all vocally unique. But on their first group performance wherein they sang “Sing” by My Chemical Romance, no matter how indifferent they are from each other when it comes to style, music simply binds them in harmony.
DeAndre Brackensick immediately reached for the sky-high rhythm and blues by impeccably doing his falsettos.
Erika Van Pelt did not fail to give justice to Pink’s “Glitter In The Air”, which I think created an impression to the Filipino crowd that Erika has a great vocal.
If I am to rate the ten performers according to vocal showmanship, Heejun Han would be on the least. But because he’s such a natural entertainer.
Rocker Elise Testone made an impression to me that she could win the competition when she sang “A Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin. And when I heard her sing Adele’s “Rumour Has It” during the concert, it just reinforced my wishful thinking that she’s one of the contenders for this year’s title.
Country singing however has never “rocked” the stage until Skylar Laine did her thing. I am also a big fan of country music. Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood are among the favorites. When Skylar was still in the competition, I actually played “Islands In The Stream” (duet with Colton Dixon) and “Wind Beneath My Wings” on YouTube several times. During their show here in Manila, Skylar did prove that country singing rocks.
When it’s time for Jessica Sanchez to show off, the crowd went wild! Starting off her show, she did a rendition of “Best Thing I Never Had”. When I was standing in the Upper Box, I somehow observed how everyone reacted when Jessica let off her legendary growls. I tell you, each growl corresponds to a big shout out from the crowd; everyone seems so impressed how she manages to belt out such a powerful singing technique. Next in Jessica’s song list is “How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore”. And just like her first song, she left the Filipino fans mesmerized with her voice.
The crowd of Smart-Araneta Coliseum seems to be also fans of Colton Dixon, Joshua Ledet and this year’s winner Philip Phillips. Colton is one of the crowd favorites. His rendition of “Piano Man” left the girls wanting more. Joshua Ledet came in total package with amazing vocals especially during his “Man’s Man’s World” performance. Philip of course, aside from Jessica Sanchez, bagged the loudest scream from the spectators.
It was a great night to sum it up — ten astounding and naturally gifted performers in one must-see show.
Source:
http://talkingnotes.wordpress.com/2012/09/28/american-idol-live-tour-2012-a-night-worth-the-stand/