©
 |
| Chris Richardson |
By Malcolm Venable
The Virginian-Pilot
Last night, Chris Richardson of Chesapeake finally got significant screen time on "American Idol," performing Gavin De Graw's "I Don't Want To Be," among 11 other guys.
Although he wasn't a vocal knockout, he brought charisma to an otherwise ho-hum competition and judges said he "started the show" and called it "a lot of fun." Wearing a Justin Timberlake-like ensemble of jeans, a blazer and a tie, the former kitchen manager of a Chesapeake Hooters delivered a fine performance, but we won't learn his fate until Thursday.
Pavar Snipe, a DJ at 103 Jamz who's seen her fair share of stars up close and personal, shares her thoughts on how he did.
Stage presence: He has great stage presence. He's going to have to learn how to move around and hold those notes. As Simon said, he lost his vocal ability.
Song: It was pretty decent. That would have been a big mistake if he had gone with something by Justin. They're already comparing him to Justin with the hair and the look, so it was a smart move.
Look: He looks good. He looks like skate meets street meets preppy. Next time I'd like to see him in some color. I definitely don't want to see him in a blazer and tie and jeans every week.
Commercial ability: Yes, he definitely has commercial ability. He has the mainstream pop star look down. If this was 2000, he'd so be in NSync.
How much further could he go? He could make it to the top three. I could see that. If nothing else, he could make it on looks, appeal and personality.
Were the judges right? Yes. Paula and Randy were right about how the show just started with him, and Simon was right about how vocally he lost. He's got to work on that.
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Google
Yahoo
The Burgh will support you Chris
As a former resident of Chesapeake, Chris has my support and I telling my Pittsburgh friends to vote for Chris.
Just Getting Started
I thought Chris did pretty good last night. Although there was no one last night that just had my jaw dropping, I do think that he was one of the better performers and one of only two that gave me goose bumps. Hopefully, the nerves will be worked out by the next performances and he will just blow it out of the water. Good luck Chris!!!
An amazing young man with a gift from God!
Well done Chris. Be proud of your gift from god. last night was a great show thanks to Chris Richardson, our idol, Virginia’s idol. Keep watching American Idol, and show love and support for our state idol. lol.
Keep up the good work!
Congragulations to Chris. Hampton Roads is on his side he's a great performer. Lets keep surpporting. He's fun to watch.
it has begun...
Chris was amazing last night for his first real performance on A.I. So he was a little nervous; who wouldn't be!!! The other guys were ok but most of them did slow songs which made me tired. I am so overwhelmed that he's finally getting what he's deserves: a chance at something big. Let's keep up the support!!!!
Take your time!
There is an old(er) R&B song that says "Baby, you can do it, take your time, do it right, you can do it baby, do it tonight!" Sung by Shalimar, I think?? To our already loved local Idol Chris- take your time! You have a gift from God so throw the nerves out the door and claim what is yours and that is to be the next Idol! I don't know you, and yet am SO PROUD! I look forward to the next few weeks watching you blossom and flourish!
You Deserve it Chris!
I think your doing a great job Chris. Even though we only worked together for a short time at hooters, i still think your a wonderful person and you deserve this more than anyone else out there! You can sing your butt off dude, and its time that everyone else sees that! Good luck, loooovveee yooou!!
I'm over it!
This whole American Idol thing leaves me lacking. Its not really a talent show as such. Its a lame popularity version of a reality show.
I'll give to some of these people that they do have talent. Cut your singing the old fashioned way --- go through it like the old masters did.
Another point is you can have friends, and relatives vote for you on several telephones, or a speed dial.
I am ready for real entertainment. Lets jump off the, "reality," television bandwagon.
The Takeover!! LOL
i must say that i am proud of Chris!! Very!! from day 1, i knew that he would take the world by storm and "do the thing!!" lastnite was awesome! when Chris started it was good but i knew he would do better! once that mic came off the stand, the crowd was his, and his voice stole part of the show!! Big ups to Chris!! love you bro, and like i said, i'll be here to the wheels fall off, and we can't afford to put any spares on anymore!! late ps: Vote Chris Richardson!! Next American Idol!! pps: Whatup Pavar?! lol
shoutout to Chris, Steven, Ian, Ben, Jimmy, Jorge, George
just the first performance
I think he was good... The performance was good, even though his voice was a little shaky I can understand he was nervous ... I would be too.. But he look great!!!! I hope it makes it .. he has my vote... and not just because were from the same high school...