I was there, too, and just wanted to add that he did say Soul Patrol. It was the very last thing he said as he left the stage. If you have the video, you can listen to it. It’s a small detail, but wanted to add for those who wanted to know…

I for one will be sitting on your shoulder – I’m all ready to repeat my weekend! Have a GREAT TIME Margaux – and blow kisses toward Taylor from all of us.

We will be … in spirit and in soul.

Have fun!

I will obviously need a notebook to keep track of wardrobe changes, hand gestures, shoutouts, changed lyrics, pick or no pick issues.

I wish you could all be here with me.

As usual Ms B, your eloquence nails it. That’s it exactly. I truly feel…renewed. It was good to “shake it out man, shake it out”. And Basenji, knowing your situation of being in Japan and separated from your husband – I thought of you a lot during this holiday weekend. Sending you hugs and smooooches across the ocean to you. I don’t think of myself as an emotional patriotic person – but folks, I walked away the experience with a lump in my throat. The service that so many give on behalf of us – it’s humbling. Like standing beside the ocean, it reminds me to feel small…and to give more. During the invocation (and I’m not a religious person) the mayor of Provo reminded us to be kind to each other, and to have integrity in all that we do. Good words, very good words.

To Gaynell and aerinphil – Taylor reading my words? Lordy. Stick a fork in me, I’d be done.

Double D – Yes, my sister will say I have successfully “taylorized” her. On the drive back Sunday I refrained from putting Taylor in the CD – but half way home she implored me, “Can we have some Soul Patrol – please?” BTW, I like my nickname – MDG! MDG, intrepid SP reporter!

Janibeth – Taylor being out of breath – y’know, I was surprised to hear the comments based on the video clips. Honestly, I didn’t notice. Since I was having a cow through most of the show, those finer details probably sailed over my head. If he is used to sealevel, perhaps 4000 feet can effect.. He was doing several things at once – singing, playing guitar (hard!) and blowing the harmonica after dancing like a maniac all over the stage. I know I was out of breath most of the time – and I was just watching him!

shandykat – OK, I’ll give that Soul Patrol shout out to you. The stadium din was so tremendous when he walked out, I couldn’t hear a thing. Of course, I’m sure my own blowing a lung out screams had absolutely no effect on my hearing…

Truenorth – Thanks for sending me over to AI site. Wow, I’m famous! . Seriously, I love the compliments. And darn you girl, now you’ve put a bug in my ear about Denver…lordy lordy lordy….

Thanks everyone for your compliments. Ash emailed me to say she’s reposting my post up top. Wow. Your words are hugs through the internet. I was serious when I said I felt like I was carrying all of you with me in the car…which poses the thought, how many Soul Patrollers can fit in a Toyota Rav4????????

Love to you all – Happy 4th! Karin AKA mojavedesertgirl
PS I have set the bar high folks – in the words of Basenji, when you all start posting your recaps of the AI shows – DETAILS people, we want DETAILS!

I’ve read quite a few others from people who were there, but I must say that yours is really the best. I could feel your excitement and hear and see in my mind what you were experiencing. You also gave much more information about the whole show.

I’m feeling a mixture of joy and sadness for Taylor. It must have been overwhelming for him. It’s such a shame he couldn’t sit with the audience to watch the show and share in the fun. I wonder if he felt lonely.

I think things will be just a little saner on the Idol tour since they all will be there and he’ll have friends to kick back with – plus the adoration will be spread out a bit.

Thanks again.

Basenji – much love – I have a coworker whose husband is stationed in Japan and out to sea right now – I’m always amazed at how small our Taylor world really is.

Happy 4th to all! Can’t believe tomorrow is concert #1 for Taylor & the other kids – can’t wait for tidbits.

Thought you might enjoy reading some more great reviews of your great review:

http://myidol.americanidol.com/Boards/topic.aspx?tid=513859

Tears of joy for Taylor and tears for our troops and their families…don’t know which has moved me more

Wonderful recap

Just as an aside…”Taylor never said “Soul Patrol” during this show – not once, not ever.”

I’m watching the megaload download of the performance right now and he actually DOES say Soul Patrol right when he walks out. His words are:

“Hey Hey everybody! All Right! Soul Patrol!”

But with all the screams from the fans it could easily get missed. I can just imagine how loud it must have been!

That review was the Full Woo and more. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Happy 4th, all.