Backstage With Kris Allen and Adam Lambert: On the Road With American Idols Live

In just a few weeks, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Alison Iraheta will jam in final sessions for their fall debuts. But before the American Idol Season Eight greats hit the studio, they're still rocking fans on the American Idols Live tour. Rolling Stone brought you a report from the show's opening night and onstage photos — and in our new issue, Nicole Frehsée goes backstage for an intimate look at the Idols' life on the road. Grab the issue for her full report, and check out exclusive behind-the-scenes shots of Lambert primping for his set and grabbing a van nap, plus Allen kicking back and prepping for his headlining slot. And after the jump, Allen shows off exactly what happens when he chugs energy drinks pre-show in a backstage video.

• On the Road with Adam Lambert and Kris Allen

Plus, look back at Season Eight in photos from the finale and shots of Lambert's best performances.

• 
  MUSIC The Top 25 Teen Idol Breakout Moments
• 
  MOVIES & TV 'Game of Thrones': The Show Vs. the Books
• 
  POLITICS Matt Taibbi: Facebook IPO vs. Shareholders
• 
  VIDEOS Exclusive: Garbage Rip Through 'I Think I'm Paranoid'

Song Stories

“Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Nirvana | 1991

"Smells Like Teen Spirit," named after a brand of deodorant marketed to girls, was Kurt Cobain's attempt to "write the ultimate pop song," he said, using the soft-loud dynamic of his favorite band, the Pixies. Cobain "had that dichotomy of punk rage and alienation," the song’s producer, Butch Vig, told Rolling Stone, "but also this vulnerable pop sensibility. In 'Teen Spirit,' a lot of that vulnerability is in the tone of his voice." Sadly, by the time of Nirvana's last U.S. tour, in late '93, Cobain was tortured by the obligation to play "Teen Spirit" every night. "There are many other songs that I have written that are as good, if not better," he claimed.

More Song Stories entries »

Twitter