'Idol' singers fill arena with exuberance

Reprinted from late editions of yesterday's Globe.
WORCESTER -- It hardly matters whether one thinks "American Idol," and the ready-made pop stars it produces, is a great egalitarian pop-culture phenomenon or simply the opening act for the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Monday night, there was no denying the effervescence exuding from "Idol" alums Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken.

So what if it was all cheesier than the lunchtime menu at Papa Gino's? Both Clarkson, the winner of the show's inaugural season, and Aiken, the second season's runner-up, performed hourlong sets so filled with gratitude and energy there was no room left for airs common among many pop stars. Both seem to understand they're just a couple of lucky so-and-sos plucked from obscurity.

If Clarkson was supposed to be the headliner, no one told the sold-out crowd. The evening was all about Aiken, who has emerged as a kind of people's champion after losing the "Idol" title last year to Ruben Studdard. (Of course, it was the people who voted for Studdard, so go figure.) Prepubescent girls whooped and hollered for Aiken, holding such colorful signs as "Clay is a Hottay." Accompanied by two Studdard-size guards, Aiken entered the arena through the crowd as if he were a conquering hero, singing "Kyrie," by the '80s band Mr. Mister.

Looking like a cuddly cross between comic-book character Archie and E. T., Aiken chatted with the audience and even signed autographs while he was singing. He has a big, warm voice, though one that still seems more suited for show tunes than pop songs. Then again, most of his songs -- from "Invisible" to "Perfect Day" -- are fairly schmaltzy. Most regrettable was an ill-advised cover of Prince's "When Doves Cry."

If Aiken seems fresh from "Idol," Clarkson was ready to stretch. Dressed in a black T-shirt and ripped jeans complete with dangling wallet chain, Clarkson was eager to project an image beyond the carefully crafted pop chanteuse. Barefoot and playing acoustic guitar, Clarkson displayed a soulful, versatile voice that often seemed superior to the songs, such as "Just Missed the Train" and "Anytime." She went for a bit of PG raunch on "Bounce," but mostly this was a show that even the FCC could love.