Qwest Center Tickets

Idol Spotlight: Jordin Sparks

With the 2007 American Idol's show coming to the Qwest Center on August 3rd, I will be taking a look at some of the most talented and interesting performers that will be showcased for the next couple of days.

We start it off with winner Jordin Sparks.  Sparks narrowly won the show over Blake Lewis but definitely deserved the honor.  Sparks appears confident and comfortable when she sings and always has a strong steady voice.

Sparks was an aspiring artist before American Idol.  She released a solo album in 2003 that largely went ignored.  She won the Arizona Idol contest in 2006 and was given a chance audition in front of the show's main producers.  This landed her a chance to perform in front of the "Idol" judges which gave her the harsh criticism of "you're too cute."

Sparks created controversy outside of American Idol by showcasing fashion for large framed women.  Sparks was criticized for being proud of her large frame and "curviness."  People thought that she was promoting an unhealthy lifestyle and that she was setting a bad example for the youth that watch the program.

Keith Urban Show Full of Surprises

Keith Urban fans were treated to some spectacular surprises at the Qwest Center Omaha on Friday.  Urban was touring in support of his latest album Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Thing.

Urban filled the show with high and low points.  He began the show with the country radio hit "Once in a Lifetime."  This energy continued throughout most of the first half of the show before he sat down with members of his band to perform acoustic only songs that were nothing short of breathtaking.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening was the drum line of Papillion La Vista high school who performed live on stage with Urban.  The band performed a composition by Urban's drummer Mark Arnold called "Hot Pepper Cheese."  It was performed after the song "I Told You So."

Whether it was the music, the looks, or the showmanship that brought you to Urban's show, I believe everyone will agree that it was a good time.

The Wreckers' Music Will Cater to Urban Fans

Opening for the country/pop sensation Keith Urban at the Qwest Center this Saturday will be the female duo The Wreckers.  The Wreckers is made up of Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp who share the singing and songwriting duties. 

The duo sports a unique sound by blending Branch's pop style with Harp's traditional country style.  This genre blending has proved successful in recent years with The Dixie Chicks, Rascal Flatts, and headliner Keith Urban.

The Wreckers began recording in 2005 as "The Cass County Home Wreckers," a name that Branch's husband gave to the two girls.  Later they shortened the name and began touring.  Their first single "the Good Kind" was a country music radio hit and was featured on the popular TV series One Tree Hill.

Tips for Auditioning for American Idol

The auditions for American Idol will be swinging through the Qwest Center in August.  Here are a few pointers on how to audition to earn a coveted ticket to Hollywood.

First, practice your songs well.  Pick a song that you are able to sing and practice it in front of anyone that you can and as many times as you can.  Make sure you know the lyrics well so that you don't forget a line in front of the judges because you are nervous.

Second, try to stand out but still be yourself.  It is a good idea to make a good impression on the judges by doing something to stand apart from the crowd that is auditioning with you.  Whether it is the clothes that you wear, or the song that you sing, something need to be different so that they remember you.  Another good thing to remember is to be yourself and to not let your yearning to be different or your nervousness take over in the audition.  Make it seem as though you are just a normal, humble person because the producers are looking for that rags to riches story.

And if all of this fails, you can just act ridiculous and dress really funny.  Almost 1/3 of the people that get a ticket to Hollywood are people that the producers want on the show because the audience loves to see screw ups just as much as they want to see talent. 

GOOD LUCK!

Prepare Well for Idol Auditions

For the over 10,000 American Idol fans that will be trying to get their ticket to Hollywood at the Qwest Center in early August, I have one piece of advice for you.  Come prepared.

Many fans will show up on August 10th for the auditions at the Qwest Center and not know what to do.  Avoid this problem by following these simple guidelines.

First, log on to the American Idol website to register online to audition.  Next, you will need to show up one or two days before August 10th to register in person and receive a coveted wristband.  The wristband will allow you to enter on the 10th and is the only way to get into the Qwest.

Arrive early to the auditions, the lines are notorious for being cramped and overcrowded and not many people are allowed in the stadium at the same time.  Make sure to eat a healthy breakfast before you go because only the concession stands will be open during the day and you can't leave until your done with your audition.

More instructions will follow in later posts with some insight into how to make a good impression on the judges.

Qwest Will Compete With KC's Sprint Center

The Qwest Center in Omaha will start to compete with the Sprint Center in Kansas City starting this October.  The Sprint Center is touted as one of the most advanced arenas and sports a state of the art design.

This addition to KC could mean bad news for Omaha music and sports fans.  The arena will most likely draw big name concerts and has already locked in the 2008 Big 12 Basketball Championship as well as the first and second rounds of the 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

The Sprint Center seats roughly 5000 more people for concert seating.  This fact, plus the high quality of the new soundsystem might draw artists away from Omaha.

In the past, the Qwest Center only competed with the Kemper Arena, which held roughly the same amount of people in each arena.

Keith Urban Focuses his Life on Music

Keith Urban, who is performing at the Qwest Center on the 28th, is more focused on his goals and music more than ever before.  Urban just released details about his stint in rehab after a cocaine and alcohol addiction problem.  Urban spent 90 days in the clinic and did nothing but get his thoughts together.  He put off writing music and touring so that he could kick the habit that took over his life only a year earlier.

Urban says he feels refreshed and has a new positive outlook on life.  He has been sober since he entered rehab and has devoted his time to his wife Nicole Kidman and his music.  He says that he performs better now and is more creative with his songwriting abilities.  Currently he is on a short tour that will land in the Qwest Center on July 28th.  Don't miss your chance to see this talented and inspirational singer perform, get your tickets to the Qwest Center today!

American Idols Live Tour Going Strong

The American Idols live tour, that will be stopping at the Qwest Center on August 3rd, is drawing huge crowds at its most recent tour stops.  The tour has had a couple sold out shows during their tour and normally is filling up each and every venue they play at.

The Idols live tour recently stopped in winner Jordin Spark's home town of Glendale, Arizona.  A sold out crowd of 14,000 showed up to the concert, with most people coming to the show just to see Sparks.  During the concert Jordin wore a shirt that read "Glendale's got Game," that was given to her by the mayor of Glendale.  The group had dinner with the entire Sparks family during their stay.

Don't forget to get your tickets for the American Idols Live show at the Qwest Center before they sell out!

Luis Palau Festival a Huge Success

The Qwest Center parking lots were filled with good vibes and summer heat this weekend.  It reached 90 degrees on Saturday, but that did not stop over 50,000 people from attending the free event.

People of all ages and denominations celebrated Luis Palau's message of finding spirituality in your life.  Speakers all day had the general theme of the festival in mind; no matter who you are, God loves you.

The Livin' It extreme sports show had high flying stunts for the first half of the show followed by a speech that spoke to the young people in the crowd about accepting everyone no matter who they are.  The crowd was happy to participate and actually joined together in the center of the stage to pray.

The bands were all well received during the festival.  KJ-52's performance was by far the most unique.  He rocked the house with old school hip hop beats and lyrics about the Christian lifestyle and also played some of his original music including a song based around prayer for fellow rapper Eminem.

Palau spoke in between the concerts and spoke for around 30 minutes for his main speech.  He spoke about general Christian themes and got the crowd to chant and raise their hands in celebration.

Qwest Draws Big Names in 2007

Since the Qwest Center opened in Omaha in 2003, the arena has seen a steady stream of big name artists and performers.  Notable acts in the past have included U2, The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney.

2007 has been the biggest year for the Qwest Center.  PollStar recently released a list of the top tours of 2007 and the Qwest Center saw some of the biggest acts perform there.  The Qwest has hosted 9 of the 15 biggest tours within the past year and is set to add one more to that list with Josh Groban performing in August.

The biggest tour of the year has been Rod Stewart's tour that has sold over 625,000 tickets.  Following close behind is pop star Justin Timberlake who sold just over 570,000 tickets.

All of this is a big accomplishment for only a 4 year old arena.  Look for big acts to come through in the future such as Keith Urban later this month and Andre Rieu in October.