Given its hype, I initially refused to watch American Idol. Something about me always resists societal pressures, at least temporarily. In this case, it was just long enough to miss the crowning of a superstar -- Season I winner Kelly Clarkson.
Later, I became an Idol junkie. Between Simon’s scathing (frequently dead-on) commentary, Paula’s obvious lapses in sanity, sobriety and, quite often, consciousness, and let’s not forget the actual talent, the show unquestionably combines must-see TV moments and must-hear performances. I was glued to my TV in shock and dismay when spastic, silver-haired Joe Cocker knock-off Taylor Hicks claimed Season IV. Season V winner, today’s undisputed country queen Carrie Underwood, brought sweet vindication.
And don't overlook the ‘upsets.’ Every time Chris Daughtry racks up another gold record, I want to say, “Told ya so!” Remember Season III, when amazing LaToya London was sent home to Oakland in favor of sweet-but-forgettable Jasmine Trias? How can anyone forget eventual Dreamgirls Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson, eliminated seventh that same year? (No, seriously, how can we forget? It’s mentioned every time she is!)
I’m still appalled by Idol blatantly screwing Season VI finalist Blake Lewis, whose reworking of Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” remains the franchise’s most original and brilliant piece of music yet. While I was fairly certain Lewis would not win, his fate was sealed when forced to perform “This Is My Now,” that stink-bomb ballad obviously written with Jordin Sparks in mind. For shame!
While I couldn't tell you a thing about Season VII, because I didn't watch, the Idol moments I remember least are from Season II. In fact, I barely remember the season at all! Do me a favor, will you, and not tell my new friends, Season II finalists Trenyce and Rickey Smith?
Don’t be ridiculous. Of course, I know Ruben What’s-his-name and Clay Gay-ken won – but I don’t recall how any of it went down…much less the contestants they ousted to get those recording contracts. In fact, the only competitors I’ve followed since are that season’s real divas, third-place finalist Kimberley Locke and front-runner-turned-black-sheep Frenchie Davis, and that’s because of work after Idol.
Locke has released two full-length albums, scored holiday and club chart-toppers, landed a series of spokesperson gigs and appeared on Celebrity Fit Club. Davis, unceremoniously dumped after topless photos surfaced, spent four years in Broadway’s RENT and enjoyed a national tour of Dreamgirls. Both are regulars on the gay pride circuits.
Anyway, despite the fact it kicks off with several Season II luminaries I had limited recollection of, I was still drawn to Idols in Concert. Running Tues.-Sat. through August 16, this ongoing performance series features Idol’s pianist, arranger and associate musical director Michael Orland and rotating casts of the show’s finalists in the intimacy of Hotel Nikko’s Rrazz Room. Opening July 22 were Davis, Trenyce, Julia DeMato and, as odd man out, Rickey Smith.
The alumni and Orland -- mourning the loss of his dear friend, Golden Girls star Estelle Getty earlier that day – reminisce, share behind-the-scenes moments, catch fans up on their lives since TV and perform. While anyone can ride the adrenaline of a sold-out audience to incredible performances, rising to the occasion when only a fraction of the seats are filled, is the sign of true pros. With the already cozy venue scarcely a quarter full, the four gave their all – which, honestly, varies from performer to performer – for an enjoyable evening.
Having met and interviewed Frenchie several times, including catching the 2007 “Gay Day at California’s Great America” show she coheadlined with Locke, I was anxious to experience her in a cabaret setting. Whether belting out tunes over dance tracks for hundreds or delivering “I Am Changing” backed by a four-piece band with the audience at her feet, Davis is stellar – and clearly anchors the show.
Trenyce, who finished fourth that year, was unexpectedly fierce. She turned up the diva on covers of Tina Turner and – shocking – several Whitney classics. As she left the stage after her final number, I jokingly said, “Girl, we’re taking you to the club tonight.” Two hours later, Rickey, Trenyce and I were onstage with Heklina at Trannyshack! (Julia was there, too, but she’d disappeared into the nightlife somewhere.)
Already on fire for one of only four shows remaining before the legendary drag club’s enormous August 23 “Kiss-Off Party,” the crowd responded enthusiastically to both. At my suggestion, Trenyce whet appetites with a taste of “Proud Mary.” Rickey didn’t get off so easily. After singing a snippet of “Put It In My Mouth,” performed by SF drag legends Juanita MORE! and Rusty Hips as Snow White and one of the dwarfs minutes before, Heklina made it a feat just to escape with his dignity!
With two-for-one pricing available through July 31, get your Idols in Concert tickets now. As these performers rotate out, Locke, Season I favorite (and now openly-gay cutie) RJ Helton, Season IV standouts Vonzell Solomon and Constantine Maroulis (who did a stint on TV soap The Bold & The Beautiful) and, ultimately, Season VII alum David Hernandez join the cast. Each incarnation is ensured at least one set of blazing performances…and intrigues me enough to return.
It’ll take quite a bit to top this experience -- from the intimacy of that crowd to partying with the stars ‘til the wee hours – but I fully intend to go back. Hope to see you there!
Meet Pollo Del Mar in person Wednesday nights when she cohosts "BRAIN FARTS," the weekly interactive trivia game at Lookout, 3600 16th Street at Market. Visit her online at http://www.MySpace.com/Pollo_DelMar
