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It seems just like yesterday that we were sitting on the edge of our seats watching the David’s duke it out to be America’s favorite. On the road to the end, there were show stopping moments, some good (David Archuleta’s heart-stopping version of John Lennon’s “Imagine.”), some bad (Anytime Ryan Seacrest was on stage.), all made for thoroughly entertaining television. Season 7 of America Idol was full of firsts. It was the first season that the final two contestants were never in the bottom three. It was the first season the Lennon & McCartney collection was available for the Idols to choose from, two weeks in a row. Also, the Idols were able to showcase not only their vocal talent, but also their instrumental talent on stage as well. These things that made the season a smash hit, will also, no doubt, make the live stage show an amazing musical act to behold. That is right Idol admirers and hopefuls, on the evening of September 11, 2008, starting at 7 p.m. Robert’s Stadium will be rocked with the invasion of America’s top ten.

Leaving Ryan Seacrest in Hollywood, we’re already guaranteed a show that is 500% better, and knowing we’re not going to be bothered by those pesky Prison Break commercials, it is sure to be an enjoyable evening. When in ensemble form the Idols mesh their styles to create cohesive harmonies, when in reality they are all very musically different and offer something for everyone. Chikezie, whose birthday is the night of our concert, be sure to yell out happy birthday, was the first one voted off, but offered consistently high energy performances with a soulful mix of vocals. Even his ballads were high energy, as in the case of “I’ve Just Seen a Face” when he pulled out the harmonica half way through and jammed out until the end. He is able to put himself into each performance, even rewriting lyrics to include his name. Also, a ballad master is 20-year-old Ramiele Malubay. She was able to take the show, slow it down and deliver pleasant arrangements. But watch out, because this 4’11” Polynesian can belt out those ballads. Our favorite American Idol from down-under Australia is Michael Johns. Knowing his forte, classic rock, he tapped into front men of the past and delivered marvelous performances. Why America decided to cast him out after his superb rendition of Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” I will never know, I guess the Aussies couldn’t get through to the lines here in the states. Country songstress Kristy Lee Cook, also knew her strong points, and changed any song to suit those needs. Who else would dare put a banjo twang on a Beatle’s song? She is definitely on tap to become Idol’s next Carrie Underwood. Dublin born Carly Smithson is the second American Idol contestant in this year’s top ten to not actually be an American citizen. In season five she auditioned and was awarded a ticket to Hollywood, but wasn’t able to go due to complications with her visa. She came back this season better than ever, and we are so glad she did. America gave Smithson the axe out when her rocker take on “Superstar” from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar didn’t. Hair chameleon Brooke White was one of four top ten contestants who previously had a record deal with a major label prior to auditioning for Idol. (Others include; Michael Johns, Kristy Lee Cook, and Carly Smithson.) White was able to stick to her singer-songwriter roots, while at the same time changing arrangements and making all her performances very down to earth and original. As she made music with her voice, the best performances where when her hands were busy making music as well taking on both the piano and the guitar while on stage. When one doesn’t know the words to their song, America takes notice and get rid of them immediately, just as they did to Jason Castro, who couldn’t remember the words to Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man.” His voice exudes a laid back, California cool tone that he actually seems to posses, even though he’s from Texas. Delivering songs like “Over the Rainbow” and “Hallelujah” to near perfection, that’s about as far as it went. I guess it helps being young and pretty when you’re on a television program. Last female standing, Syesha Mercado was able to hold her own and keep her sense of style. Night after night when Syesha was on stage, you knew you weren’t just going to hear just a pretty song, she was going to be sure to deliver a show utilizing the entire stage. A woman definitely deserved to be in the top three, and she was perfect to take that title. When one looks at David Archuleta you understand why 12-year-old girls across the country have him plastered on their walls between the Jonas Brothers, and that kid from High School Musical – not being a 12-year-old, I don’t know his name. Yet, one doesn’t see stellar vocal range when taking a first glance at the younger David. Though singing songs that were at times a little old fashion, he delivered mind-blowing performances week after week. This kid does not disappoint when he’s on stage. At week 12 of American Idol, my boyfriend pegged David Cook to win the whole thing saying Cook knew how to work the Idol crowd. I think it was more because he was an amazing performer, with a great voice. Cook is able to take any song, from any genre, rearrange it, and sing the hell out it. Yes, he did all of the arrangement’s on the show himself. Who else but Cook can sing Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” in such a rocker way, or when he sang Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby,” he definitely made me like the song all over again. If for any other reason, seeing Cook on stage is a good one to venture to Roberts Stadium. Just think, in a couple of years and you look back and tell your grandchildren “I saw David Cook just after he started to get famous, right here in town!”

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American Idol will bring the 2008 Live Tour to Roberts Stadium on Thursday, September 11 at 7:00pm. The 10 American Idol finalists scheduled to appear are: Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Chikezie, David Archuleta, David Cook, Jason Castro, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay and Syesha Mercado!

            Seats are $65.50, $51.50 and $36.50. All tickets are subject to Ticketmaster Fees, Handling Charges and Facility Fees. Tickets can be purchased at The Roberts Stadium Box Office, The Centre Box Office, All Ticketmaster outlets including fye in Eastland Mall and Evansville Schnuck's locations. Tickets can be charged by phone by calling (812) 423-7222 in Indiana and (270) 926-6661 in Kentucky or on the Internet at Ticketmaster.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY | IDOL ON FOX