thePULSEWorcester Welcomes Back American Idols
American Idols Vonzell and Anwar excited to tour, meet fans
July 2005 – American Idol’s fourth season may have come to an end on May 25 ~ when Ryan Seacrest announced that Oklahoma’s country girl Carrie Underwood was the next American Idol ~ but lucky fans in 43 cities nationwide can see the season’s top 10 contestants perform live this summer. Worcester’s DCU Center is already sold out for the July 30th Pop Tarts presents American Idols Live! Tour concert. That makes the fourth year in a row that the 14,800 seat DCU Center, formerly Worcester’s Centrum Center, has sold out. Since 2002, when General Manager Sandy Dunn jumped at the chance to host the new concert, predicting that a live tour would complement the successful Fox reality television show, the facility has enjoyed a successful partnership with concert presenter AEG.
All of this year’s performers are very excited about the tour. Anyone who watched the show this season knows how close this year’s competitors became. Both Anwar Robinson, the shy 25-year-old teacher from New Jersey, and Vonzell Solomon, the spunky 21- year-old mailwoman from Florida,
are eager to be back with the friends they made during the competition. Solomon says that the
friendships she made were a valuable part of the experience.
Since being voted off on April 20th, Robinson has been hanging in the music scene in New York and New Jersey, recording a self-described “pop-soul” album. He has also been speaking to young people at schools and churches. “ American Idol has helped me continue doing what I love, but has added a responsibility to follow through with my commitment to teaching and music,” Robinson says.
Solomon returned home after being voted off on May 18th, thrilled to see her family and friends. “Baby V,” as she is known to those closest to her, is the youngest in the family and admits to being very attached to her parents and siblings. “I’m proud of myself,” she says, “I did my best and have been getting stronger bein’ on my own.”
After the tour, Solomon hopes to get a record deal and pursue modeling and acting careers. But for now, “I’ve been enjoyin’ the things I used to enjoy,” she says, “I’ve been sleepin’ in as late as possible, drivin’ my car and blastin’ my music and hangin’ out at the pool or the beach.” She’s also been doing interviews with the press and making “small” appearances – like her meeting with Governor Jeb Bush and the interview with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa.
Each of these newly-made stars is dealing with fame differently. Robinson often made comments on the show about how he did not want the Idol craze to follow him home. “I act as if nothing happened,” he says now. “I treat people the same and hope they treat me the same. Everyone’s been supportive. They know it’s not about the hype, it’s about making good music.”
But Solomon likes the attention. “I’ve always dreamed of being a star,” she says. “Sometimes, I used to practice my autograph in school instead paying attention to the teacher! There is nothing like being on stage with fans screamin’ your name.”
Solomon loves meeting her fans, especially children. “I love kids. They are the most faithful fans. I like to make their day,” she says. Both Robinson and Solomon are looking forward to singing (without any judges!) and meeting fans in their respective home states. Solomon says that she’s never traveled much and is excited to see the United States.
Robinson has been meditating and saying goodbye to his friends and family before he heads to L.A. for tour rehearsals. “I expect to learn a lot,” he says, “Like how to endure a tour, keep my voice in good health and take care of myself.”
The concert has indeed become a very special event at the DCU Center. This year, there will be pre- and postshow events, including karaoke and a “Crazy Good” dance competition. Says John LaHair, Director of Marketing for the DCU Center, “Every year, the audience has ranged in age from 8 to 80. This is one event that an entire family can attend and enjoy.”
Thank you to John LaHair at the DCU Center, Ali Johnston at BWR Public Relations and American Idol contestants Vonzell Solomon and Anwar
Robinson.
Do you think you have what it takes to be next season’s American Idol? Stay tuned to www.idolonfox.com to find out when the official auditions are coming to Boston!
