Music Review; Idols make grasp for stardom
Amy Amatangelo
The Boston Herald, October 30, 2002

American Idols Live! at the Worcester Centrum, Monday night.

"American Idol" confirmed its status as the best manufactured pop entertainment when the American Idols Live! tour came to the Worcester Centrum on Monday night.

Ten ordinary kids with varying degrees of talent have been transformed into glitzy performers who are (mostly) at ease shaking their groove thangs in front of thousands of screaming fans.

The swanky stage, complete with ramps, billowing smoke, bursts of flame and multiple stage doors, was so reminiscent of the television show that you half-expected the TV hosts to walk out at any moment.

The first act kicked off with Ejay Day singing a barely audible but energetic cover of Janet Jackson's "Black Cat." The 10 performers sang in order of elimination, with each finalist introducing the next with amusing hyperbole. Jim Verraros introduced A.J. Gil as "the next Latin sensation."

There seemed to be a connection between lack of talent and degree of makeover - the less of the former each contestant had, the more he has changed his appearance for the tour. Day has converted his curly black locks into a bleach-blond do. Sweet Verraros now has spiky, dyed red hair. Alas, Justin Guarini still sported his unruly Sideshow Bob mop.

Unlike Day, most sang their songs from the "American Idol Greatest Moments" CD. Christina Christian offered a sultry rendition of "Ain't No Sunshine," and a scantily clad Ryan Starr belted her way through "If You Really Love Me." Verraros and Gil, whom judge Simon Cowell referred to as losers on the TV show, remained out of their league.

The setup made this first part of the concert seem like a glammed-up high school talent show. You were just waiting for the best singer in the senior class to come out.

When winner Kelly Clarkson finally did emerge, she looked as if she might need a moment to rest. The latest young diva was battling a raspy voice and had a slightly exhausted demeanor. She appeared unsure of herself as she traipsed around the stage during her version of "Natural Woman."

Though Clarkson and third runner-up Tamyra Gray, who performed her signature number "A House Is Not a Home," may be technically the best singers, first runner-up Guarini is right behind them, and he's easily the best performer. Of the three, he's the one whose combination of pipes and persona most deserves a continued place in the spotlight. Like Clarkson, he got three solos, and he flew around the stage with jumps that defied gravity. His rendition of "Let's Stay Together" was the night's best number.

The boys opened the second act with their group version of 'N Sync's "Pop." They endeavored to imitate the boy band's moves, but the number had serious choreography issues. Only Guarini could pull it off.

Overall, the "Idol" gang's outfits were questionable, their voices often off-key and their dance moves unpolished. But the finalists have not become mere products that have lost their "real people" charm, and their enthusiasm for performing was infectious. The evening ended with the crew serenading Guarini, who turned 24 Monday, before throwing a birthday cake in his face.

They may be more than halfway through their 15 minutes of fame, but clearly they're enjoying the party.