MUSIC REVIEW: Crowd shows noisy love for state's idol

LITTLE ROCK — American Idol Kris Allen arrived ready to perform.

But the sold-out Verizon Arena audience had other ideas when Allen emerged from under the stage via platform. The 14,532-member crowd was determined to welcome back the Arkansas native they helped push to the front of the television singing competition's pack. Loudly. Realizing he couldn't beat them with shy smiles, he eventually joined them with triumphant hand pumps before starting his set with a heartfelt rendition of Kanye West's "Heartless."

He returned the admiration several songs in, saying, "I could not have a better state to call home."

And speaking of call, Allen led concertgoers in the requisite Razorbacks cheer.

If fame has changed Allen, it isn't yet apparent in his wardrobe. Dressed in black jeans, a plaid shirt and sneakers, the celebrated singer looked like the same University of Central Arkansas student that he was a year ago at this time as he alternated between plugged and unplugged guitars and the piano on songs that ranged from a moving "Ain't No Sunshine," to a participatory "Hey Jude." Notably missing was Allen's sappy Idol coronation single "No Boundaries" that appeared on earlier tour set lists, killed for a dynamic rendition of The Killers' "All These Things That I've Done."

His unassuming set was quite the contrast from Adam Lambert, the glam rocker in guy-shadow who preceded Allen as Idol's runner up. He wowed with his wailing during a robust "WholeLotta Love" and a kinetic David Bowie medley. The night's most magical music moment was Lambert's masterful "Slow Ride" duet with fourth-place finisher and powerhouse Allison Iraheta who showed seasoning well beyond her 17 years.

Rather than force campy, incompatible group numbers, the tour allowed the 10 finalists to shine in their own style. Lil Rounds sparkled as much as her shoes on her diva numbers. Anoop Desai had much more stage presence than he did show presence. Michael Sarver and Danny Gokey were solid. Megan Joy was, well, pretty.

Limited collaborations - like Matt Giraud and Scott MacIntyre dueling keyboards on Billy Joel and the group's final number "Don't Stop Believing" - had chemistry.