'Idol' finalists going live

PORTLAND, Ore., July 2 (UPI) -- Fans of the U.S. television talent show "American Idol" are about to get the chance to see some of the top contestants live and performing extended song lists.

The 50-city Idols Live tour kicks off Sunday at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore.

Danny Gokey told USA Today performing before 10,000-15,000 people "will take it up a notch" for the 10 performers. Fans who attend the three-hour concert will be treated to songs the singers performed on the Fox series and new material.

Gokey was already scheduled to perform Michael Jackson's "P.Y.T." before the pop singer's death but, he said, "it's definitely to honor Michael Jackson and all that he has done for music."

Adam Lambert said he would perform a David Bowie medley, while Kris Allen will include the Beatles' "Hey Jude" and Kanye West's "No Boundaries."

Tour producer-director Raj Kapoor said Michael Sarver, Lil Rounds, Megan Joy, Matt Giraud, Scott MacIntyre and Anoop Desai will be featured in another four-song medley.

There also will be a group performance of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing."

The singers' stage presence will be augmented by a 42-foot-by-18-foot video screen backdrop, USA Today said.

"We've created custom videos for each one of them," Kapoor said. "Whichever 'Idol' you like, you get to see them in their own light, with their own vibe."