You’ve seen them on TV, and now fans of one of the decade’s most popular shows can see them live on stage: “American Idol’s” top 10 contestants are in the midst of their long-awaited summer tour. With season eight’s record-breaking numbers — making it the most popular “Idol” season yet — anxious viewers have waited with heightened anticipation to see their favorite “Idols” perform live in concert. The top 10, including fan favorites such as Adam Lambert, known for his avant-garde and theatrical approach to musicianship, Danny Gokey, a Milwaukee native and Kris Allen, the season eight champion, are all set to hit the Alliant Energy Center stage on Friday.

Contestant Megan Joy Corkery was an unconventional “Idol” performer to make it as a top 10 finalist in the show. Covered in tattoos and known for her odd and jerky signature dance moves, Corkery used her unique voice and somewhat eccentric (yet nonetheless amusing) stage presence to stand out from the rest of her competition. The Badger Herald took some time to chat with Corkery about her experiences during this highly-anticipated tour.

“We’re having a blast. It’s absolutely incredible.” Corkery said.

Corkery, who finished in ninth place, has no regrets from the show. To the contrary, she explained how her life has only changed for the better since “Idol.”

“It’s night and day,” she said. “I was a single mom still living with my own mother. Now I’m touring the country and I’m finally moving out of my mom’s house.”

The show, consisting of solo performances, group numbers and duets, has something for everybody in the audience to enjoy.

“Each one of us has a set and we each have different styles,” Corkery said. “You pretty much get a taste of everything. Anybody will be entertained.”

With the tour half over, Corkery urges “Idol” fans to make it to a concert before their favorite contestants go their separate ways. Yet Corkery has a lot ahead of her once the tour ends.

“It’s bittersweet — we’re having so much fun, but so far modeling and TV look like they’re gonna pan out for me and I’m stoked to start working on that,” she said. “I’m starting a band and I’m going to do music forever.”

However, with only a handful of live performances left, Corkery is savoring every moment of the tour with her fellow “Idols.”.

Corkery and her fellow top 10 contestants will wrap up their tour mid-September. Lasting about 2 1/2 hours, the show is sure to please all audiences, but with tickets going fast, this is one of the last chances for fans to see their favorite “Idols” share a stage. As auditions are underway for season nine of the record-breaking series, fans of Corkery, Lambert, Allen or any of the other season eight finalists should take advantage of what is sure to be a wildly entertaining and diverse display of vocal talent and musicianship.

The American Idols Concert Tour will be in Madison at the Alliant Energy Center this Friday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. Reserved seating starts at $40.50.