The Top 10 Idol finalists took turns performing during the 3 hour show, which culminated in a group number. It was a night of skinned knees, cheesy facial expressions & mugging for the cameras as the AI tour came to Phoenix area's Glendale Arena. Adding further credence to those who equate the FoxTV talent show to a karaoke contest, all singers sing to backing tracks rather than utilizing a live band. Nonetheless, many performers including Smith & Fedorov were more polished in person than during their television appearances.
Adding energy to the show, Maroulis worked the stage & the arena cameras as he sang "Hard to Handle." He ran & slid on his knees at the end of the song then played a funked up "My Funny Valentine" with a ripped pant leg & a cut knee. "My knee is bleeding - I can feel it too, Maroulis said. "That's ok. It's rock n roll." Smith introduced Scott Savol as "Scotty the Body," prompting Savol to poke fun at his own ample weight. "I'm big & I love it - I don't care," Savol said before dueting with Sierra on "Total Eclipse of the Heart." "If I get a disease, it'll take me a long time to die." Savol also sang Phil Collins' "Against All Odds" & teased the audience by grabbing the arm of his glasses, a nod to one of his performances on the televised competition during which he whipped off his glasses while singing an overly dramatic portion of the song.
American Idol runner-up Bice hobbled on stage with a cane due to a broken foot but that didn't stop him from jumping around while singing his single "Vehicle." He did however grimace & squint his eyes in a pained expression when he was finished. Bice showed off his musicianship by playing keyboards to "Desperado" & playing guitar to "Voodoo Child." His searing guitar work was a stark contrast to Turner's attempt.
Underwood wrapped up the show with a country-tinged performance. Despite a few miscues, AI Live was campy fun - probably not something Simon wants to hear. C Fuoco
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