Adding another thought or two .. 
Tekawitha ... I think your Idol reference is very on point - it was my first thought when I saw the 'screaming' comment.  Know quite a few people who watch the show so will bite my fingers and leave it at that. 

Random thought ... GPN fans I've met seem to appreciate a fairly wide range of music,  but not sure that applies to the listening public in general.  Have learned over time that most of the people I know real world tend to have a particular sound that dominates their collection.  I would not expect all of them to like both Apologies and 2:22 for example. To me, <i>Tiny Light</i>  shows that GPN can do both.  
That and the lyrics are what made it a love at first listen song for me.  Someone who doesn't play online told me she likes the message of hope and determination to fight for our future . . me too.  

A case can be made for just about any song being a cliche.  I have nothing against <i>Medicine</i>, but ' stop that woman from stealing my man ' is certainly not breaking new ground in any genre.  

Bottom line for any artist / any song / any performance  &gt;&gt;  " you see you can't please everyone so you got to please yourself "  &lt;&lt;   Ricky&#039;s song may be a cliche  too - but it is still true. 


As to front rows and stage spots ... I&#039;m hoping there&#039;s a ton of new faces smiling up at the band when they tour the new album ! 
(<i> besides the sound is usually better away from the stage anyway - ssshhh, don't tell  ;)</i> )