By Rodney Ho

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Season nine of "American Idol" will likely be remembered more as the last year for departing judge Simon Cowell or the antics of Atlanta's own Larry "Pants on the Ground" Platt than any of the finalists on the show.

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Robb D. Cohen, www.robbsphotos.com Adam Lambert performs during The American Idols Live! Tour at Gwinnett Arena on July 31, 2009.

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In fact, this year's annual "Idols Live" tour feels anti-climactic. Thanks to draws such as David Cook and Adam Lambert, the past two runs of the tour sold more than 85 percent of available tickets and grossed about $30 million per year.

This year lacks that singularly compelling personality. In fact, ticket sales have been so slow, tour organizers had to nix seven dates. The Gwinnett Arena concert scheduled for Aug. 1 survived, but for the first time in years, there are plenty of available seats in prime locations a week before the show.

For those who are going, the setup is similar to that of past years. Contestants eliminated earlier get two songs each. Those in the middle give the crowd three. Runner-up Crystal Bowersox croons four, and winner Lee DeWyze does a five-song set. A few group performances and duets are thrown in for good measure.

Some singers reprise signature covers from the competition such as Michael Lynche's gripping "A Woman's Work" and Andrew Garcia's memorable acoustic take of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up." On the other hand, concertgoers may scratch their heads when quirky Siobhan Magnus tackles a relatively obscure song by Muse.

The two youngest singers, Aaron Kelly and Katie Stevens, boldly opt for tunes they hadn't showcased on "Idol." Some critics who have seen the show said Kelly and Stevens are especially impressive, showing better stage presence and confidence since being eliminated.

And in homage to the original "American Idol" winner eight years ago, all 10 will wrap up the show harmonizng a classic by Kelly Clarkson.

In concert

"American Idols Live," 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1. $40.50-$70.50. The Arena at Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.