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Clarkson shows why she’s an ‘Idol’ When it comes to public image, Kelly Clarkson is no Carrie Underwood. The first “American Idol” has strived to be edgy – in look and sound – and make songs reflective of her life. In June, she released “My December,” a loud rebuke to those who had hurt her personally and frustrated her professionally. The follow-up to “Breakaway,” Clarkson’s 2004, six-times-platinum release, “My December” was reportedly made contrary to her record label’s wishes. Clarkson eschewed those who helped create her best selling songs and crafted darker material of her own. As a result, she faced harsh media criticism. Stories focused not on her ability, which had recently garnered two Grammy and four American Music awards, but rather on her strained relationship with BMG head Clive Davis. At the same time, Underwood, “Idol’s” fourth season winner, was making headlines for her newest project, “Carnival Ride,” which hit stores last week. Having paired her “Jesus Take the Wheel,” good girl image with a country album designed to entice her target fan base, Underwood has become a media darling. In fact, she’s recently been linked romantically to Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, an all-American cover boy. Both “Idol” winners took to the stage on Friday, with Underwood making an appearance on “Good Morning America,” and Clarkson performing at Seneca Niagara Casino. Underwood’s performance was cold and unemotional. Clarkson’s was energetic and exciting. What does this prove? When it comes to talent, Carrie Underwood is no Kelly Clarkson. Clarkson has proven, over the past five years, that she’s not just the first “American Idol,” she’s the most talented. On Friday, she showed a sold-out Events Center why she’s worthy of that billing, singing the bejesus out of 18 songs – including six No. 1 titles – amidst a multi-light backdrop that would’ve embarrassed George Lucas. She didn’t mail in a single song. Rather, Clarkson showed emotion, danced, shared stories and took time during each number to connect with her audience. She posed for pictures, jumped in sync with more ardent fans, and frequently stopped to make eye contact, offering personalized concert moments to her fans.
It was this kind of diva-free approach that made the show exceptional – especially since she could have easily done the opposite. The Events Center is a great place to see a concert; it’s a spacious room with a large stage and dynamic sound and lighting capabilities. But, at 2,000 seats, it’s a bit small for someone who’s sold 15 million albums in five years. Clarkson’s crowd was one-tenth what she could have drawn at a larger arena (say HSBC in Buffalo or Blue Cross in Rochester). On top of that, it was a cold, wet night, and the crowd, at times, was just as soggy. She could have performed 45 minutes and collected her paycheck. In fact, with a Toronto show scheduled, Clarkson could have avoided Niagara Falls altogether. But she didn’t do either. Instead, she played for an hour-and-a-half and offered a set list full of hit songs. A few minutes after 9 p.m., Clarkson came out in front of a panel of flashing lights. She was decked out in a long, red gown, seated on a descending staircase. As her full band pumped into “One Minute,” the crowd became frenzied. As the lights grew blinding, Clarkson appeared at the microphone, transformed, wearing a blue top, several necklaces and black pants. She moved to both corners of the stage, slyly stopping for pictures, and mentally marking more involved fans. After singing “Behind These Hazel Eyes” and “Don’t Waste Your Time,” she smiled and said, “You’re loud up in this room!”
As the set unfolded, the seated crowd grew less interested in clapping or jumping, but did remain loud in between songs. Following “Addicted,” Clarkson’s current favorite from her catalog, she serenaded the crowd with “Because of You.” Of the No. 1 hit, she said, “I never thought this song would do what it did – because I wrote it!” On this song, and chart topper “Breakaway,” the crowd was invited to sing along and did, which pleased the entertainer. The first set ended with a trio of radio familiar tunes: “Miss Independent” – in which a new stage setup was revealed – “Breakaway” and “Walk Away.” To open her encore, Clarkson performed “Sober,” saying, “There’s always a couple songs you can’t wait to sing. That’s one of them.” She segued into “Chivas,” a song composed on bar napkins. Despite her warning to younger fans that underage drinking isn’t cool, parents were squirmy as she pledged her love to the Scotch whisky. Clarkson’s night ended with her biggest hit, “Since U Been Gone,” and a rhetorical question, “Do you know this song?” Seemingly, the night’s biggest disappointment was the price of a Clarkson top. Averaging $40 – as much as Billy Joel’s T-shirt retailed for at his Buffalo show earlier this year – the souvenir was too expensive for the elementary school teacher sitting beside me to buy for her two daughters. Of course, the purchase price didn’t seem to stop very many concertgoers, many of whom did their best to dress bearing the headliner’s likeness. Opener Jon McLaughlin was a beneficiary of the Clarkson audience. The Indiana singer and pianist impressed the crowd with his ability to do both well, crafting catchy melodies with his band. Of the half-dozen songs McLaughlin offered, most featured a keyboard heavy intro, which was pleasing. “My December” is available in stores and online.
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Review by Joshua
Maloni
Telling fans what they could expect – a mix of new songs and hits –
Clarkson performed “Never Again.” The first single off “My December,”
she described it as “probably my most bitter song.” 
