MICHAEL SWAN: MEH >>>

I’m not a huge fan American Idol.  Set aside the reality TV circus tone, cruel and wacky judges, or, I believe, tone-deaf plants early in the season to draw viewers â€" it irks me that a glitzy karaoke show helps shapes mainstream music. Yes, there are worthy singers, but they end up losing their creativity in order to follow the blueprint of the show.

Oh well.

American Idol Live! Tour 2009 hits the Tacoma Dome Tuesday, July 7. The ticket prices haven’t been announced; they will go on sale Saturday, May 9 at Ticketmaster outlets.