American Idol latest news 7/31/08

Idols entertain Pittsburgh
The American Idols Live Tour rolled into town early Monday morning, giving the Idols a day off to see a Pirates game, go kayaking on the Monongahela and generally wander around Pittsburgh.

Refreshed and raring to go, they performed Tuesday night to a Mellon Arena packed with shrieking fans.

The stage was simple, allowing the 10 performers to absorb the spotlight without much flashy distraction.

Their appearances ran in reverse order of TV’s “American Idol” contest, so soulful teddy bear Chikezie went first. By the last tune of his three-song set the audience was on its feet. via Timesonline

Concert Review: The two Davids salvage American Idols Live
With a wave of the “American Idol” light sticks, Mellon Arena was transformed into “AI-7″ central Tuesday night as the tour steamrolled into town — and all but fell flat on its face.

This year’s show featured a cheaper stage than last year’s and brought each performer out for a three-song set, in the order that they were eliminated from the show. And they all — with the exception of “The Davids” (Archuleta and Cook) — did a note-for-note copy-cat performances of top 100 songs that were fan faves on the show. via Post-gazette

Active, Guardmembers give back to disabled vets
As disabled veterans tested their limits during the National Disabled Veterans Wheelchair Games, which wrapped up here yesterday, nearly 400 military volunteers provided the behind-the-scenes support that officials said made the games a success.

Some of the military support took center stage. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Phil Stacey, better known as an “American Idol” finalist during season six, opened and closed the games with his booming rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Stacey, assigned to Navy Community Outreach in Millington, Tenn., also served as an announcer at several of the events, including yesterday’s slalom “super G” obstacle course that drew wildly screaming fans cheering on the participants.

“I’m honored to be here and to be able to meet these amazing athletes,” Stacey said. “Seeing what they’re able to do makes everything about this amazing.” via National Guard

Brooke White, Jason Castro bring their down-to-earth sparkle to `American Idol’ tour
Season 7 of American Idol” came down to The Battle of the Two Davids, but it also offered engaging personalities in Brooke White and Jason Castro.

White, 25, was the sunny, chatty, vulnerable one from Van Nuys. The one-time nanny could flash a smile as bright as Goldie Hawn and, with her flowing gold locks, carried the aura of a ‘60s flower child. She also wore her emotions on her sleeve, sometimes looking nervous and teary-eyed before the judge’s pronouncements. No other finalist this year lived so much on the edge. via Times Union