1 Greta Oglesby's goosebump-inducing vocals made Tony Kushner's "Caroline, or Change" into something beyond a collection of clichés. Can't wait to see this powerhouse vocalist in a musical revue put together by music man Sanford Moore, who knows how to make big-voiced women sparkle. The show is Saturday and next Sunday with Yolande Bruce and Tonia Hughes at the resurrected Capri Theater in north Minneapolis. (See spotlight on E4.)
2 We might miss Paula Abdul's playful spats with Simon Cowell, but we won't miss her inane babbling. New judge Ellen DeGeneres will not only elevate the articulacy and humor on "American Idol," but she'll make a more formidable foil for Simon. The season starts Jan. 12, and Ellen joins the show Feb. 9, when the Hollywood round begins.
3 "This Is It" is the biggest grossing documentary of all time. It's also the ultimate document of Michael Jackson, not only capturing his brilliance as a performer but also showing him as a human being -- more so than anything we witnessed during his 40 years in the spotlight. If you could own only one example of Michael's work, this is it, available on DVD and BluRay Jan. 26.
4 Will the diva be a delight or a disaster? Hard to believe, but Mariah Carey, who has been churning out hits since 1990, has never given a proper concert in the Twin Cities. She made cameo performances at Canterbury Park (KDWB's Last Chance Summer Dance in 1999) and the Mall of America ("The Today Show" in '02). Finally, we get a full concert from the tour-averse Gen-X bombshell Feb. 16 at Northrop Auditorium.
5 Jack White, one of the most fascinating figures of the '00s, will no doubt deliver some delights in the first year of the new decade -- including a Wanda Jackson album (he's producing), an Adele CD (he's writing songs for her), a White Stripes tour documentary ("Under Great White Northern Lights") and, we hope, a White Stripes album.
6 Shania Twain is long overdue for a new album (it has been eight years). One is reportedly in the works -- without longtime producer-and-soon-to-be-ex-husband Mutt Lange -- and she'll be a judge on "American Idol" Jan. 19. Maybe she'll drop a hint about a release date. Other hotly anticipated albums are expected from Lil' Wayne, Usher, Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, Corinne Bailey Rae, Gorillaz, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bryan Ferry, Sarah McLachlan and, just maybe, the Dixie Chicks.
7 After a terrifically empowering and entertaining three-year run in the late 1990s, the all-female Lilith Fair is returning this year for at least 18 cities. Already signed up are Mary J. Blige, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Sara Bareilles, Brandi Carlile, Metric, Jill Scott, Tegan & Sara, Sheryl Crow and, of course, founder Sarah McLachlan. No word on a Twin Cities date yet.
8 U2, the greatest band of all time (that's right), will perform the first huge Twin Cities outdoor stadium concert since -- I can't remember. Need we say more about June 27 at TCF Bank Stadium? Well, we do wonder if there will be other outdoor shows at the Bank or the Twins' new Target Field this year.
9 It's a baby boomer's dream: James Taylor and Carole King touring together for the first time. Are you ready for the quintessential 1970s singer/songwriters dueting on "You've Got a Friend" at Xcel Energy Center? Details to be announced.
10 It's the reunion that rock fans have been praying for: Led Zeppelin. It's guaranteed to be a stairway to box-office gold and ticketing nightmares. Nothing's official yet, but Zep agents have been contacting U.S. arenas about possible dates for the fall. Stay tuned.
Jon Bream • 612-673-1719
