Article: 'AMERICAN' DREAM: Free from judges and eliminations, 'Idol' singers team up and branch out on tour.

Byline: Tim Swift

Sep. 20--Leaving the small screen behind for a national tour, this year's American Idol contestants have lost some glitz but regained some grit.

The stage can range from a climate-controlled city arena to the sticky, sweaty grounds of a rural state fair. Jam sessions -- yes, with guitars -- are encouraged. And the season's cultural punching bag, Sanjaya Malakar, has stage presence and a moonwalk.

But most important, nobody went home last night.

"You're not competing against anyone or anything. You're going out there and doing what you love to do, which is sing," Lakisha Jones said before last night's show at 1st ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!