American Idol - Never Close Our Eyes

Tweet

Adam's third return to AI to perform was something that had been on the cards for quite some time and one that I'd really been looking forward to. When Adam's on the Idol stage, he's determined to give us an audiovisual feast, never failing to impress. Who can forget that swirling vortex of WWFM or the dark intimate set of Aftermath? I was very excited about what Adam would bring to the stage this time.

There have been some symmetries and full-circle moments with Adam on AI and this is another example. Not only does Adam physically resemble Elvis and his mannerisms,he mentored for Elvis week and now he performs on the same show as his daughter. Here's the performance:



NEON!!! Who the fuck would've thought that Adam in his sombre black glitterless phase would go for UV-glowing neon? It's in his earrings, on his nails and appears as accents on the band members' outfits. Trust him to make such a strong visual statement. Time to go clubbing! The colour makes him look very tanned. He completes the look with tight leather trousers, gloves and a grey jacket which I wonder if he's personally customised. He also has an evil Bond-villain little finger claw as jewellery. Behind him is a massive visual of Adam's eye. It must be Adam's eye because of the iris markings circling his pupil and the separate dot below it. Not that I'm obsessive or anything. I think overall, the graphics with flashing lights and smoke, along with the zooming in the editing make the video too busy for my liking.

The opening chorus is shortened probably so that the producers can fit more adverts into the allotted time. A fierce Adam prowls the stage, working it with his fun dancing and shoulder-shimmying and engaging with the band. I'm sure he's dying to thrust his crotch around when he sings this song but knows much better. He sings it flawlessly with a powerful and rich rock vocal despite some wobbly jaw moments. The backing singers sound great if a little loud on the high notes, but they guarantee that the sound is never thin. He ends with an unexpected long run, reminiscent of many performances on that stage. He looks like he's having so much fun on stage which in turn makes him an absolute joy to watch. He leaves me with warm fuzzy feeling of pride.

After the end of the song, we see Adam revert to his non-performer persona, lighting up the room with his cherubic smile and modest demeanour. I'm a little disappointed there isn't a short interview seeing as we can't get enough of him saying words, but I really liked the performance. The lasting impression I have is that he has used the Idol stage to re-brand himself from glam rocker to clubber for this Trespassing era, a transition he has made effortlessly with style while remaining true to himself.