Hey Again!!!! 
I'M BACK!!! Yes, your roving reporter had to get some much needed sleep (Kat nap) before continuing with the Columbia, SC concert review!!! First off, let me say how surprised I was to enjoy ALL the Idols last night!!! The entire show was very entertaining and their voices sounded so much more impressive LIVE!!! That is not always the case and such a disappointment when someone you admire isn't as good in person. After a number of the negative reviews I've read, I didn't quite know what to expect. Thankfully, the Colonial Center is fairly new and has a fabulous sound system.
The variety in the show and all the different vocal styles offers something for everybody. I especially enjoyed Mandisa (WOW, that woman can blow) and her uplifting testimony was quite touching!! Lisa - What a surprise!!! Especially on keyboard. Her voice sounded so much bigger LIVE. Of course, I enjoyed crowd favorites Chris and Elliott. I also have to say HATS OFF to Taylor for being such a fun and charismatic performer. While I know his dancing antics are considered spastic by some, you can't deny that his enthusiasm is contagious!!! He rocked the house in Columbia and that harmonica adds a lot of flare to his performance! I couldn't help but think of "Elvis the Pelvis" and how shocking his spontaneous moves were back in the day! Taylor has a touch of that same southern charm.
Now back to our girl . . . you know, Katharine McPhee?!!!!! LOL The viedo below is from the last group number, Livin' In America. Kat was a real trooper, with the McBoot and all! He, He! Unfortunately, I had to film from afar because the overhead screen didn't feature the Idols. Just some kind of colorful graphics. Bummer! They are all moving around the stage so I did my best!! You must watch for Kat's antics and especially right near the end when she is doing what I affectionately call the McHop across the stage while kicking her booted foot!!! It was a hoot to see it LIVE! A touching moment happened after the song was over.
Tay Tay walked over and took Kat's hand. There is a special double door located center stage. He patiently lead Kat to the center door. Put his arm around her back, opened the door for her and then let her enter first. Such a gentleman. It was very sweet and protective of him. (I couldn't help but wonder what might have happened behind closed doors!!! LOL) They were the ONLY two to leave that way. The rest of the Idols left via stage left or stage right. Someone in the chat room last night suggested that Taylor should just carry Kat off or throw her over his shoulder!! Would that be a hoot or what?!!!! Just imagine the Soul Patrols reaction to that!!! LOL
Now you must hear about my very unexpected seating upgrade!! SirCritic said it was ingenious!! (Thanks, Sir!) Since Kat didn't join the tour until last week, I bought my tickets late so they were in the nose bleed section. Kind of to the side of the stage where I couldn't get any good shots. Sniff, Sniff! As you all know, I was signed up to cover the Columbia concert for KMF and I take my responsibilities very seriously!!! 
Well . . . I made this VERY official looking badge with kat's pic on it and my name as ASSIGNED MEDIA COVERAGE for Katharinefans.com!!!!!! LOL I know, I'm completely crazy but anything for Kat!!!
So as soon as the show started, I left my seat and went in search of the perfect spot to get some great pics. As I was looking around, I spoke to one the attendants and said I was with KMF and was having trouble getting good shots because my view was obstructed. She was so nice and a Kat fan too. I said it's my responsibility to get good media for the site and I don't want to let them down. Can you help me????? (with my most charming smile) She said I can't get you on the floor because that whole area is roped off. However . . .
I can let you use the seating in the Handicapped area which is very nice and faces center stage. We have several empty seats there tonight!!! Of course, I said that would be wonderful as long as she was sure it wasn't a problem!!!!!!!!! She took me right over there and I had the best view in the world, lots of space to stretch out and a rail in front of me to help steady the camera. What an unexpected blessing!!! Guess my little badge really helped after all!!!
At intermission, she said I could have my friend join me there!! Is that great or what!! We met this precious little older couple seated next to us. The lady was a huge Taylor fan but said her husband just tolerates it and comes along as her escort. She told us he spends most of his time at the concession stand so she was thrilled we were there to share the experience. She loved seeing the video and stuff and kept saying WHEN is Taylor coming out. Every time the lights dimmed, she thought it was him!!! LOL I said not until the end!!!
