AMERICAN IDOL TOUR THRILLS FANS IN PORTLAND

A bit of glitz, glitter – and a whole lot of pop-rock and ballads from American Idol Kris Allen and the top 10 finalists of the popular television show had fans screaming and cheering on the opening night of the show’s whirlwind cross-country tour for 2009.

There was no question who were the stars of the show – the newly crowned American Idol Allen and first runner-up rocker Adam Lambert!

The show began with the first Idol eliminated, Michael Sarver, singing a catchy “I’m In Love With A Girl” which he dedicated to his wife, Tiffany. Megan Joy performed, “Put Your Records On,” followed by Scott MacIntyre sitting behind his piano for “A Thousand Miles.” Anoop swayed to his “My Prerogative,” while Matt Giraud was a tremendous crowd-pleaser with his piano heavy “Hard to Handle,” followed by heavy fan request, “Georgia On My Mind.”

Last girl standing in the competition Allison Iraheta was every bit the rocker that she was as a contestant -- with her deep raspy voice drawing cheers for “So What,” “Cry Baby,” and “Barracuda.”

And Danny Gokey, who made it into the top-three in the singing competition performed “P.Y.T.,” “Maria Maria,” “What Hurts The Most," and a tremendous rendition of Rascal Flatts’ “My Wish.”

The fans could not get enough of their favorite two, the winner and runner-up in the competition – and the applause turned to the sound of thunder for these two top vote-getters.

Lambert gave fans just what they expected – high-energy performances, tight pants, and his trademark pitch-perfect falcetto wail. Highlighting Lambert’s stage-time was a tribute to David Bowie. Lambert’s song list: “Whole Lotta Love," "Starlight," "Mad World," "Slow Ride with Allison Iraheta, “Life on Mars," "Fame, and "Let’s Dance.”

The thrill of the crowd mirrored the excitement of the 4th of July fireworks when Allen performed. In contrast to the crowd, Allen was the same unassuming “boy-next-door” that America fell in love with during the competition. The highlights of his numbers were a plaintive version of The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” and a repeat of his competition favorite, “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Other Allen numbers were his single, “No Boundaries,” “Heartless”, “Bright Lights” and “Don’t Stop Believing.” Sphere: Related Content