If the crowd at last night's American Idols Live! concert is any indication, then today's teenagers (and their pre-pubescent siblings) clearly prefer manufactured pop to original, inspired musical performances.

The audience lavished the same kind of ear-splitting applause their baby boomer parents once reserved for The Beatles, though the performers commanding (or in a few cases simply occupying) the stage at the University of Denver's Magness Arena were a far cry from the Fab Four.

Coifed and costumed in the latest midriff-baring fashions, the top 10 finalists from last summer's hit reality series delivered a concert full of well-rehearsed pop standards and scripted banter, but short on substance.

But for many of the show's young fans, the concert was less about music and more about catching a glimpse of their favorite, newly christened celebrity.

"I'm here to hear Kelly," said 10-year-old Kaitlynn Jackson, attending her first concert with her mom, Sue.

The first act almost served as cliff notes for those who missed the show. Each performer took the stage in chronological order, starting with the 10th finalist and ending with winner and fan favorite Kelly Clarkson.

And Clarkson didn't disappoint. Her powerful pipes provided punch for covers of Aretha Franklin's Respect and (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman.

Runner-up Justin Guarini showed that what he lacks in power, he makes up in charisma. The enthusiasm he displays on stage is contagious.

But Tamyra Gray emerged as the show's real star. Her soulful voice shined in Whitney Houston's I'm Every Woman and she was one of the evening's only entertainers to sing with real emotion. It's clear why many fans feel she was robbed of the top prize.

Dressed like a refugee from a Duran Duran video, finalist Ejay Day also was surprisingly strong, delivering a funky rendition of Janet Jackson's Black Cat.

But too many of the other finalists looked like they didn't belong on stage, offering up only adequate interpretations of old hits.

Jim Verraros was probably a star in his high school choir, but he should stick to singing along with his car radio, preferably with the windows rolled up. And if Playboy ever comes courting, Ryan Starr should consider cashing in. The sexy siren could barely be heard in some of the solos she handled in the show's medleys.

And the concert didn't skimp on medleys, with everything from Motown to disco delights on the menu. Add in some carefully choreographed numbers and a few special effects (including fireworks) and the crowd is satisfied.

In the end, American Idols Live! was nothing more than a flashier, extended version of the show, but that's exactly what fans expected.