'Pop-Tarts Presents American Idols Live!'

The show came to the San Diego Sports Arena Wednesday. For tickets to other concerts on the tour, go to americanidol.com

Review: The San Diego Sports Arena echoed with the sounds of thousands of high-pitched screams as if people had just plunged from the ceiling. In reality, the screams were because “American Idol's” resident daydreamer, Jason Castro, had just taken the stage. Jason did three tunes, and every time he hit his falsetto, there were cries of “OMG! He's so hot!”

But the performance I had been waiting for was the one by David Archuleta, the runner-up on “American Idol's” seventh season. When he rose from the floor in his nice black sports coat playing a grand piano, my inner fan girl was released, and I started to scream like no other.

I went to the concert early to see the idols arrive at the arena and to interview some of the show's top 10 finalists. All of them were kind and super friendly, especially Archuleta. Even my mom was able to get a picture with him!

During my interview with Archuleta, he told me “It's cool when people feel the same thing I'm feeling when I'm singing.”

At the concert, he sang four amazing songs and closed with a tear-jerker performance of “When You Say You Love Me” that had mothers in tears, daughters wishing they were Mrs. Archuleta and the male population covering their ears from the screaming but probably wishing they were him.

Another highlight was San Diego's hometown girl, Carly Smithson, whose stellar performances included “Crazy on You.” Carly was so grateful to San Diego and told the audience how happy she was to be back.

In addition, Brooke White performed a moving rendition of “Let It Be,” Chikezie fired up the crowd with Usher and John Legend classics, and Michael Johns belted out classic Queen and Aerosmith songs that had audience members stomping their feet and mouthing the lyrics.

When David Cook finally came on stage, he sang out the word “Hello” – the signature line from one of his hits on the show – and the crowd went INSANE! The cougar population was in full force as older women in the floor seats frantically pushed kids (and even their own husbands) out of the way for a glimpse of the country's newest American Idol. Some young girls also joined in the frenzy, including two girls seated directly behind me, who let out earsplitting screams that will probably be the cause of my hearing aid when I'm a senior.

Cook's set closed with a dramatic and totally awesome version of “Billie Jean,” followed by a quick group number. The concert had gone by so fast.

This really was one of the best days of my life. I was able to do all the things I had wanted to do, and I wouldn't trade that experience for the world!

My rating: A

AT THE MOVIES

'Wall-E'

Rated G. Check local theaters for showtimes and ticket prices.

In the past, Pixar's films have been monster hits, all geared toward children. This movie, however, turned out to be quite different.

While I'm sure the target audience was the same, the mood of the film didn't seem to suit it, in my opinion. For half the movie, there is no real dialogue since the two main characters are robots; they communicate through sounds that convey their emotions to each other and the audience.

While these sounds and emotions are easily detectable to most viewers, the target audience of small children may not always understand what is going on. Especially with the subtle underlining message that humans will eventually cause the world to become uninhabitable due to the massive amount of waste produced by our consumer lifestyle.

“Wall-E” is a lovely and cute movie in its own right, and I'm sure that many, many people will enjoy the robot's adventure. I would not recommend it for anyone under the age of 7, or maybe 8, as the movie is not quite as easily digestible and adorable as “Finding Nemo” and “Toy Story.”

Still, “Wall-E” is a decent film, and it's paired with a witty and original new short, “Presto.” So a trip to the movie theater would not be a waste.

My rating: B