photo credit: Esparta

The idea of becoming a superstar overnight is quite appealing to many people, especially those aspiring singers that have been trying to make it in the music business for so many years. There are also plenty of accomplished shower singers that think they have what it takes to be thrust into the limelight on the merit of their individual talent.

Lots of performers feel that they have a unique sound, a unique look, and a heavy dose of star power, and for that reason they think they should be seen and heard by America. And of course, delusional folk who are mysteriously tone deaf and unable to hear what their voice actually sounds like to others find themselves eager to be famous. All of these people are welcomed to audition for American Idol a phenomenon which makes the show the mega success that it is.

American Idol heads around the country every summer to several cities to hear the best that the singers there have to offer. The cool Randy Jackson, the sweet Paula Abdul, and the disagreeable Simon Cowell serve as the judges, culling talent from the thousands who show up to audition. From bizarre auditions to discoveries of the next big things in the music industry, the American Idol auditions are a sight to behold. There are people dressed up as all kinds of different things, from Elvis Presley to the Statue of Liberty, from Cher to creepy clowns. While these costumed hopefuls tend to have the worst voices, they often provide at least a bit of entertainment for viewers wanting to satisfy their carnal desire of seeing people fall flat on their faces. Sometimes, though, there are glimmers of hope, as talented, undiscovered singers get the nod from the judges to be a part of the Hollywood auditions. Out of the masses that show up for a chance to be heard by Cowell, Jackson, and Abdul, only a couple hundred are asked to be seen again at Hollywood, and that is where the major drama begins.

During the Hollywood rounds, friends are made and stars are born. But similarly, dreams are dashed when the process of paring down the several hundred hopeful singers to only twenty four takes place. Tears abound, often as the contestant begs to be given another chance, but the cuts are final. When the top twenty four singers, twelve male and twelve female are announced, the show’s format changes once again. At this point, the viewing public steps into the picture, as they are asked to vote for their favorite singers. The contestants sing songs chosen from a certain theme, and at the end of the night, viewers are allowed to call or text certain numbers to cast their votes for their favorite, or favorites. At first, two men and two women are eliminated each week until there is a top twelve, and then one person is eliminated until the winner is announced. He or she then goes on to receive a cash prize, a car, a record deal, and plenty of fame.

Of course, the American Idol is not going to be the favorite contestant of everybody who watched the show. After all, the runner-up probably put up a good fight and acquired his or her share of the millions of votes, and the contestants who were eliminated earlier in the competition have their fans as well. Sometimes there occurs what is known as a “shocker elimination”, when a favored contestant is eliminated too soon, judged by the consensus of viewers’ opinions. For the fans of these contestants eliminated in such a manner, there is even more of a reason to hope for a successful career with plenty of sold-out venues and lots of platinum records.

For this reason, the top ten American Idols come together to be that year’s American Idol Concert Tour. The top ten are usually the most beloved contestants that year, so it makes sense to have them all on the road. The American Idol Tour takes place in the summer after the show airs, since the finale of the show is held in May. The ten contestants, true to their experience on the show, perform cover songs in a set list that does not vary from venue to venue. Each one has at least one solo performance, and then there are plenty of group performances of various idol match-ups. The winner generally reprises several of his or her best performances from his or her time on the show, as do other contestants. While the winner gets the most performance time and the contestants eliminated earlier on in the competition get less, there are plenty of opportunities to see one’s favorite, no matter which of the top ten they happen to be.

The Idols perform almost every day from the first day of July to the middle of September, so there are plenty of opportunities to experience the American Idol Tour. The tour hits most parts of the country, meaning that one should be able to get to a concert venue at one point in the summer or another. For example, the American Idol Tour 2008 will be held in Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, Texas, Oregon, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and plenty of other states, so getting to see the Idols is not as problematic as it may be otherwise. If you want to purchase tickets online, you can be directed to the right website from tour.americanidol.com, where every concert venue is listed along with the date that the Idols will be there, as well as a link to purchase tickets for that specific concert is provided.

This year, the American Idol Tour will consist of performances from the American Idol David Cook, runner-up David Archuleta, Syesha Mercado, Jason Castro, Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay, and Chikezie. Plenty of viewers have opined that this season had some of the most creativity and authenticity courtesy of winner David Cook, some of the most beautifully-sung performances from David Archuleta, and some of the most fascinating artistry from Brooke White.

Belters Syesha Mercado, Carly Smithson, and Ramiele Malubay have powerful voices and were known to show them off during the competition. Expect bluesy rock from Michael Johns and charming folksy performances from Jason Castro, both heartthrobs who stole the hearts of women young and old during their stint on American Idol. Kristy Lee Cook shows promise as a young country star, given her comfort in singing in the popular genre. And do not forget about Chikezie, who many felt was eliminated too early after some truly entertaining and unpredictable performances.

The American Idol Tour is the best way for Idol fans to see there favorite performers from this year’s show in real life. The contestants have spent plenty of time rehearsing their songs and group performances for this year’s tour, and it certainly shows, judging by sold-out venues and screaming audiences. Whether you want to see David Cook put his signature rock spin on a traditionally non-rock song, or any of the other Idols do there special “thing”, the American Idol Tour is the place to be. Just make sure to book your tickets far enough in advance.