Blake Lewis appeared 10 feet in front of me as an on-stage security guard. And immediately I knew it was B-Shorty. I couldn’t contain myself. So, bursting with unbridled knowledge, I said to the random stranger next to me with the 35mm telephoto lens and “After Show” sticker on her blouse, “That’s Blake Lewis!” She looked skeptical, but snapped a single shot in response.
Throughout the night, I kicked myself for not bringing my camera. Why? I have a very nice digital camera and I really believe I lucked into the best seat in the house. OK, maybe the second-best seat, because it was on the Chris Rich side. (Don’t get me wrong. Chris is gorgeous and charming.) But I’m a devoted Blake Lewis fan. And my seat was smack-dab in the front-row/front-right corner, butted up against the guard rail where the cameras work the stage—but in section 2, not the section 1 that Blake calls home. I could practically reach out and touch Chris on the knee while he pumped the kick-drum pedal during the boy-band set. And Shyamali was inches from me (flying elbows and 10-inch lens and all), taking pictures of Sanjaya and the whole crew during the first half of the show.
Overall it was a great concert—with one caveat. The Memphis crowd was almost embarrassingly well-behaved. And really low-key. It’s the town that old swivel-hips Elvis called home, but it was arguably silent that night. The audience filled with parents and well-behaved 6-14 year-olds, was boring by most definitions—even mine. And unlike other venues where families left at intermission, ours stayed the course. And maybe because it was past bedtime on a school-night, by the end, most of our fan-base was near-silent with next-to-no standing. In fact, if the encores weren’t orchestrated, I’m not sure as a performer I would have made a bravo-appearance if I had any say in the matter.
If you’re a Jordin fan, there was a plus-side. You could hear a pin drop during much of her set. Particularly her solo-guitar number. It’s almost as if we received a pre-show PopTarts twin-pack laced with musical muscle-relaxants.
Another plus side: I think Blake’s fans were, as usual, the loudest and rowdiest. But I really can’t imagine there were any problems with unruly fans backstage for B that night. I didn’t luck into after-show passes, so I can’t say for sure. But the crowd was (quietly) respectful and supportive of all the Idols. And if Nikki’s review is any indication, she confirmed my suspicions. (Lucky you, Nikki!)
I’d say, in retrospect, all the stage personalities were attractive, fun, and energetic. And they gave their … well … they gave their all! Don’t know if Phil, Gina, and Melinda were particularly bubbly because they auditioned in Memphis; but it seemed fans and friends were in evidence. And those three Idols appeared very much at home.
In general though, it appeared that the Idols were punchy … and tired … and really ready for it all to be over. Especially our boy, Blake. And understandably so! It’s been a long tour.
The shibby boy’s “She Will Be Loved” was absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking in fact! And Blake gave a very thorough explanation of looping. But no ping-pong Cake volleys. And no reprise of “Sexy Back.”
I guess I’d say if you guys with earlier tour dates are lamenting the later dates—don’t! I imagine the show is more polished; but our Memphis gig really lacked some of the playful banter captured on videos from previous shows. I’d also say, if you luck into tickets for one of the final tour dates, I’d highly recommend it. And until November 27th, I’ll be waiting with you in noiseful anticipation for Audio Day Dream (ADD)!
Sounds like you had a great time.
Sounds like an awesome show!
I did have a great time! It was a terrific show. I’m just looking forward to the solo to-ur now. Can’t believe I’m an over-40 fangirl, but it’s really Blakes music that I’m most excited about. When are we going to hear that first single, huh?
I loved your recap, it was fun to read. Glad you enjoyed the show.
At least the inert and near-silent crowd managed to squeak out some noise for Blake. I hope he’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a pack of over-40 fangirls lining up for his solo tour.
That’s a good question. It still seems to be up in the air on what the first single will be and as we know, the album is coming out 11/27. They don’t have much time left. LOL
There’s plenty of time left - it’s more than two months before the album drops. Jordin is the rare exception where a single came out so far in advance. Usually AI singles come out very close to the actual CD drop date. Daughtry’s actually came out officially the week after and they had a hard time pinning down exactly what the right single should be. Not that I’m saying the same will happen here or if that’s the case, but still. Keep in mind when Blake was asked when it was coming out and said “late August/early September” we really don’t know what he meant. Most assumed he meant September/October but there is no way of knowing.
Now you have to wonder if he thought to himself later, after he told fans late August/early September.. and it was like, mid-September.. you have to wonder if he realized how much he’d confuse us, LOL.
Hey, two Lisa’s here! And both fans. Why am I not surprised? Yes, I know we have plenty of time to hear the single. This Lisa’s just being impatient! Some speculated that Jordin’s early single release was intended to test the waters to see how the style/song/genre of music would be received. Jordin’s early release would buy record execs a little time to make corrections if necessary. Don’t have any clue if that’s true, but somehow I have a feeling Blake’s CD will follow a more traditional release path. It appears Blake has a distinct musical identity. And maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but it sounds like Simon Fuller, 19E, and Arista are supporting that. Maybe (hopefully?), like Daughtry, the toughest decision really will be simply deciding which great song to release to the world first.
One more thing … to add to my recent post above … Memphis Lisa here.
Oh, I like this thread. Yes, this group S6 has been so personable– I am going to miss the comeraderie when they file off to their own solo careers. Someone said other season celebs seemed to float off as on air, not be something we can relate to, and I do agree to that. But perhaps this group is more like that right now than we realized– the Balloon of their careers lifting them up up and away from us. They aren’t regular folk, anymore.
I guess thats why i just feel like I’m standing at the airport, waving a hankie goodbye and fare thee well.*sigh* Even friends of Blake’s lives are changing, because of all the fame.
Hey Lisa! Im glad you had a great time. What is wrong with people. your at a concert your posed to go crazy! if you wanted to sit down and listen to someone sing go to an opera show! hehe im done venting.
Do you have any pictures, Lisa? We’d love to see them!
From Josh Hoge’s MySpace blog:
You know our boy is so goofy. A group of over 40 fan girls came up to him and squeeled ohhh Blake. He squeeled ohhh Blake back to them. Then chuckled to himself. It was pretty funny. It was pretty laid back at the after show, which made me so happy for Blake. My mom who is in her 50’s has came with me to all of the shows (she is a CRich fan, but she was sporting plaid at the Memphis show) even has fun. I can’t wait for his next tour.
Not over 40 people. Three women that were over 40. I just read that and it sounded like he was bombarded.
LOL, ok it’s pretty funny that three women over 40 squeed to Blake and Blake squeed back…just one more reason to love me some Bshorty!
Sadly, no, Paula. Honest, my left ankle is black and blue. (I’m right-legged…what can I say?) I’ve kicked myself so many times for not bringing my camera. (Ouch! See?)
But if Shyamali is even a reasonably good amateur photographer, she should have some great pics! She was using a very long telephoto lens mere feet from the S6 clan. And she was focusing on all the Idols. Who knows if/when/where the photos might surface? Hmmm… maybe a book deal ahead for brother and sister Malakar?
The end of the tour really is kind of bittersweet, huh?
I’ve kind of had mixed feelings about the tour ending. On the one hand, we will miss the videos and the recaps, but on the other hand, I think all of them are tired and ready for this tour to be over so that their careers can really begin!
Agreed..
Memphis Lisa here again. Props and apologies to the other Lisa. Looks like she’s been a Team Plaid poster and in-the-know for a while. So, sorry. I didn’t intend to cause any confusion.
But if we’re talking about moving on with careers … (an excellent idea, I think!), care to speculate on what look Blake was sporting in the photo shoot yesterday? Plaid? Blond hair and spikes? Facial scruff? Blake has admitted that he likes to experiment with his look after all.
I’ve heard rumors of an illustration for the cover. But reports suggest a shoot. And in my mind, it would be a huge miss if we didn’t have more than a few great B photos in the actual CD booklet. Do we anticipate typeset lyrics? Or just photos and cool lines? There should be some of B’s great handwriting somewhere in the piece, right? And surely some of his great Photoshopped photos?
OK, my day-job is showing. I’m in advertising creative, what can I say?
Maybe we’ll know more tonight (about the look, at least) if we get pics and video from tonight’s Manchester show.
Memphis Lisa, I love alllll of your ideas for the cd booklet…i was trying to figure out whether we were still getting Ethan’s(?) art for the front, or if the photoshoot would be for some stuff inside. I hope the label isn’t going for the obvious and plastering his mug on front. Then again, could be for the single? (do ppl still by cd singles anymore?) Jordin’s cd single has her on front.
I also just realized they might be using it for promotional stuff…posters or whatever they use to promote music.
More than likely any illustration or artwork will be used for stuff in the liner notes if used at all. I’m sure things and ideas changed a little when he officially signed that contract. Blake isn’t an established artist yet and the label is going to want to put his face out there when the CD is for sale, I’ll be shocked if his face isn’t on the cover. They’ll want the CD and Blake to be recognizable to the AI fans. This photoshoot will probably cover the CD as well as pictures used for promotional purposes (an average shoot can sometimes take 8 hours) Physical CD singles are very rarely put out anymore. If we didn’t get one for the coronation song and YGLABN they won’t bother now.
Does anyone else miss the Layered Blake wardrobe just a little bit?
The spikes will probably be around for a while. He’s been known as the “spiky haired” singer/beatboxer/whathaveyou in the media since AI auditions. Some promotional stuff will probably come out of the photoshoot. The CD cover and liner notes will be stunning no matter what.
I hope he gets some new pants, though. Those grey striped ones he’s been wearing since before the tour started have got to be getting a little worn.
Hey Lisa and Michelle, Memphis Lisa here. (I should really change my name, huh?) Since Blake is so into art—whether on his body in the form of tattoos or on paper/Internet via his digital Photoshopped pics—I think it will be interesting to see what transpires for the CD print creative. Yes, maybe all bets are off after he signed with Arista. And maybe one of the reasons he reportedly met with Clive yesterday was to try to make the case for his/Ethan’s art and documentary, and the CRich/B co-authored single, and…
Oh, if only we knew…
Here’s Memphis Lisa with another crazy thought. Wouldn’t it be great if Blake was pushing for a Jason Mraz-style, Mr. A-Z Limited-Edition set! Picture a CD, DVD, 36-page journal by Blake and 16-page credit book. Probably a larger investment than Arista will make in a new artist, but it would be super cool.
And, hey music4me, I really do miss the two layered semi-final looks for ‘This Love’ and ‘When I Get You Alone.’ Those are still my favorites. Plus ‘Lovesong.’ Not layered, but wonderful!
Well i was thinking last night..on Ethan’s Facebook, his status says going to NYC and he posted that on the 20th. So Blake in NYC, Ethan in NYC? hmmmm sounds like they are doing something together..
the next thing i thought about last night…
If Blake, or his friends saw this blog, would they think we were werid considering the majority of us are adults?
Hey Butet, maybe Blake and Ethan really are making the case with Clive for a combo CD/DVD with the documentary they’ve been talking about. Wild guess and silly. But … interesting …
Yes, I’m sure they’d think we’re wierd if they read this blog. But at least we’re silly, fun, and harmless, huh?
road trip to NYC, anyone?????
This is Memphis Lisa saying to Memphisbelle70, I really wish we could make that trip to NYC. How many hours from Memphis? If for no other reason than to see that shibby striped haircut and plaid and layered outfits first-hand! I suppose, thanks to Ashton’s cool/hot designs, the CD liner notes are going to be great. At least a few more questions have been answered.
We’ll also probably have great pics and videos in the next couple of days. But it’s not the same as being there, huh?
Yes! New plaid pants! Layers! Spikes and stripes! Fedora! The new outfit is causing quite a stir. It’s perfect!
Hey, music4me, I’m standing up and cheering right along with you. OK, this is from a gal who did once where a man’s tie with shorts in the 80s. But, with that confession out to the way, Lisa from Memphis love’s the new look.
From the modern-day redux of the grandpa pants to the 1950s Gene Kelley fedora to the 80s-esque bow-tie/chains. It perfectly suits Blake’s style of music. I won’t do it justice by describing it, but his clothes have managed to capture that mix of cool jazz vibe with 80s synth and melodic electronic pop/hip-hop. It’s a quirky fashion sense that really seems to suit his eclectic music identity.
Well said, Memphis Lisa!
Thanks, music4me. Corrections: I did “wear” a man’s tie. I’ll admit it. And Memphis Lisa still “loves” the new look (but it’s not possesive–she doesn’t own it). No wonder, as I writer, I don’t post often on the Web! (At least not without a proofreader in tow.) LOL!
MemphisLisa-I actually live in Atlanta now, from Memphis originally.
Memphisbelle, I’m in Atlanta too. We must plot strategy to get a solo tour stop here, no?
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