‘American Idols’ tour prepares to hit the road

No one to judge
At “American Idols Live,” fans of all ages are free to scream for their favorites. Away from the television, and packed into sold-out concert halls filled with fellow true believers, there’s no need to worry what the neighbors or anybody else thinks. Free from the judges, fans are free from having to play judge as well. No need to frantically dial and redial to make sure your favorite wins. With the pressure off for the season, everyone is free to enjoy each performer in the show.

Like the “American Idols Encore” LP, “American Idols Live,” also gives fans the opportunity to hear finalists perform the full versions of their signature songs, instead of the 90-second versions cut down for TV’s time constraints. In the case of the fifth season’s “Encore” LP, this wasn’t always a good thing. Bucky Covington’s “Superstition” comes off weak and Mandisa Hundley’s vocals for  “I’m Every Woman,” are buried in the mix. Katharine McPhee’s recorded performance of “Think” makes you wonder how she got to second place.

Fortunately with live shows, there’s always room for surprises — and not just the button-popping variety experienced by Katharine this past season, when her wardrobe malfunction revealed her underthings (maybe that’s how she got to second place). If Elliott Yamin’s show-stopping performances during the Elvis Presley tribute are any indication, the third-place contestant should have something equally sensational for the tour. And keep your fingers crossed that Bucky breaks out the full rendition of Queen’s ““Fat Bottomed Girls.”

If this year’s show runs like previous “American Idols Live” tours, performers will be accompanied by recorded music tracks instead of live musicians. This karaoke concept is disappointing — it would be great to see how these promising singers perform with a real band. But considering that many established pop musicians tour with backing tracks and prerecorded vocals, this is pretty much business as usual. However, just as Justin Guarini played piano in the first American Idols Live tour, we can look forward to Tucker breaking out his guitar.

Also in the mix: expect plenty of choreographed pop star moves, mugging for the big screens projecting stage action to the people in the far-off seats, and at least one group number. There might even be a few surprise guests, just as on “American Idol” this past season, which featured Prince, Clay Aiken and David Hasselhoff.

Sadly, “American Idols Live,” is probably the last hurrah for many of the finalists. (Nikki McKibbin anyone? Justin Guarini, hellloooooo?) But while the tour’s on, everyone’s a winner — at least everyone lucky enough to score a ticket before they sell out.

New York City writer Helen A.S. Popkin has her fingers crossed for a surprise guest appearance by Golden Idol “Best Public Speaker” winner and all-around potty-mouthed diva, Rhonetta Johnson.

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