The monster machine that is the "American Idols Live! Tour 2009" roared into Arco Arena last night. And, for three hours, fans of the TV show and the Top 10 finalists were treated to a spectacle of lights, theatrics and amazing music.

(Maybe Beyonce stuck around after her show here Thursday. It would have been worth it!)

A member of arena security estimated the crowd at "near capacity - if not more." It was a packed audience, willing to spend close to $70 for the coveted floor level seats and filling the upper levels almost to the top. Sacramento was only the fourth stop on a tour that will criss-cross the country through Sept. 15.

So last night, fans were lucky to have the "Idols" psyched and well-rested.

Many waited in line to snap up T-shirts, programs and teddy bears. Susan Strongfellow of Sacramento was bound and determined to add a shirt to her collection. "I told my husband to sit down, I'm getting one!" she said in line. This was her first-ever "Idol" concert. Her favorite performer? "Definitely Adam Lambert."

It was a girls' night out for Susan Kanold and her daughter Anna, 12, who came from Lodi for the show - also their first. "Kris (Allen) is my favorite," said Anna. Her mom says Danny Gokey is her sentimental favorite.

The show opened with blazing lights and the all-too-familiar "American Idol" "do-do-do-do-do-do-do" theme music. I half expected Ryan Seacrest to levitate from underneath the stage because it felt like you were actually at the Hollywood show. The acoustics were slightly off at the start, overwhelming some of the lyrics, but the kinks were quickly worked out The format was simple: During the first half of the show the Top 6 "Idols" performed in the order they finished in the competition, each singing two to three songs. So that's where we'll start.

• Michael Sarver: Quite the transformation from oil-rigger to performer, Sarver opened the show dressed in black pants and a white, jewel-studded jacket. He dedicated his set to his wife, asking the crowd, "Are you in love with somebody?" His mix of bluesy rock and pop country - especially on Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" - was a nice start.

• Megan Joy: She opened with a perfect song choice for that unique twist she puts on her music - Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On." She left the "Idol" competition early but definitely has been putting in rehearsal time. Dressed in a hot pink satin dress and way-high stilettos, Joy didn't shimmy in place as usual; she worked the entire stage.

• Scott MacIntyre: No surprise, he rose from underneath the stage playing the piano for all it was worth. His cover of Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles" was well-played and well-sung. And MacIntyre's a guy who doesn't shy from mentioning the tunnel vision that is a part of his life. "Remember when I auditioned and made it through?" he asked. "Ryan's high-five attempt was the high-five heard around the world!"

• Lil Rounds: The mother of three from Memphis took on two of pop music's biggest songs: Beyonce's "All the Single Ladies" and "No One" by Alicia Keys. Her energy was amazing as was her outfit - a black coat dress, beaucoup bling, jeweled stilettos and a black "catsuit" underneath. Lil proved that finishing sooner than later in the competition won't impact her career.

• Anoop Desai: I personally was hoping Anoop "Dawg" wouldn't wear another jacket (and I believe a tie) because I thought the often-seen outfit stiffened his performances on the show, but he did again last night, opting to add a pair of glasses as well. Also, I'm not sure his version of Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind" was - as Simon Cowell might say - his best performance, but this guy is so likeable. And he's a Tar Heel!

• Matt Giraud: He gets my award for most improved performer. And remember, Giraud was the contestant who got the judges' save this season, which kept him in the competition. He started out not wearing his trademark fedora, but donned the chapeau when he sat at the piano for gutsy, heartfelt performances of "Georgia" and The Fray's "You Found Me."