Week after week the Idols are asked to bend and shape themselves into different kinds of singers. This week on Canadian Idol, they were rockers, lead singers with only a microphone, baring their rock ‘n roll souls to all of Canada. How did they do?

Jason Greeley began this Wednesday night’s festivities with “Proud Mary.” Like Tina Turner, Jason stepped up the dancing in his performance. However, unlike the famed Turner, Jason’s vocals suffered as he seemed to be forcing his voice. The judges were in agreement that the vocal aspect of Jason’s performance was not impressive. Jake expressed this opinion, saying, “You’re not singing, but performing.”

Shane Wiebe was next to take the stage with “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” originally performed by The Darkness. Although I recognize the fact that few idol contestants would dare select a song this risky, I just felt Shane was pushing his limits vocally and entertainment-wise on this one. The high notes required in the song sounded out of place coming from Shane. Zack felt Shane’s performance was “repulsive”, while the other three judges had nothing but praise. Farley told Shane he “pulled it off”, and Sass said she enjoyed the song, but described the high parts as “a hen being plucked alive.”

Joshua Seller gracefully performed the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” as the evening’s next act. He sounded relaxed but involved in the song. Vocally, I felt he did an excellent job as well. The judges had mixed reviews. Sass stated, “It wasn’t terrible, it wasn’t fabulous, but it was OK,” and Jake said, “It wasn’t rock and roll but it was good vocally.” However, Zack was the real surprise, going as far as, “That was your best performance in the top ten yet.”

Theresa Sokyrka was the fourth performer of the evening, singing Janis Joplin’s hit “Piece of My Heart”. Theresa didn’t sound at all similar to Janis, and certainly didn’t do justice to the song. She wasn’t exposing any of her talent or personality, and was the biggest disappointment of the night. The judges weren’t at all happy with Theresa’s choice of song or delivery. Farley told Theresa, “You must pick a song that will allow you to entertain Canada.” However, Zack did offer some encouragement, saying, “Please stay around to show us who you are.”

Up next was competition favourite, Kalan Porter, singing the Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black.” Coming out on stage appropriately dressed in head-to-toe black, Kalan made this song “his own.” He sounded awesome vocally. I only wished he could have had a rock ‘n roll band to accompany him. Jake and Zack thought Kalan fell short in his performance, while Sass and Farley were totally into it. Zack told Kalan to “do something real”, but Farley countered by telling Kalan he was “picking the right song.”

Jacob Hoggard was the sixth vocalist and sang “Everything” by Lifehouse. I loved this performance because Jacob sang passionately, and really stepped up to the plate. He seemed refreshingly genuine. The judges unanimously loved Jacob’s performance. Jake said “You are rock ‘n roll”, and Sass asked, “How can I sit here listening to you and not be moved?”

Elena Juatco was the seventh contestant to perform with “I Just Want to Make Love to You” a Muddy Waters/Etta James tune. Although at times Elena seemed slightly unpolished, her voice was strong and projected well. She just smiled too much for someone who was suffering the blues. Overall I thought her performance was fairly good. Farley enjoyed Elena’s performance, but the remaining judges didn’t feel the same way. Zack plainly explained, “You ain’t never had the blues, and you sure didn’t have them tonight.”

The final performer was Kaleb Simmonds with Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog.” Kaleb’s unique style was once again evident in his brilliant interpretation of the Elvis classic. The judges loved the song. They said it was difficult to do an Elvis hit because there is only one “Elvis”, but tonight there was “only one Kaleb” (in Jakes opinion). Zack clapped, and Sass said Kaleb was “incredible.”

With a quick goodbye from Ben, the evening came to close. This week I think Theresa is the obvious choice to be sent home. She has had a string of weak performances, and doesn’t seem deserving of a place in the top seven. Fans and judges love her, she is a “piece of the 2004 Idol heart” but will she stay in the competition? Check back Friday morning for a recap of this week’s rock ‘n roll results.


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