Gordon Lightfoot added fuel to the fire that is Idolmania this week. Six Lightfoot classics still sound superb almost forty years later. His music, poetic and emotional, entranced the audience and inspired the Idol finalists. Every performance was worthy of the judges’ praise and another week in the competition. Fame is fleeting, fans are fickle and who knows what Thursday will bring!

Elena was the first competitor of the evening with her rendition of “Early Morning Rain.” Her tone was pure, expressive and beautiful. Jake called her performance “absolutely captivating” and Farley told Elena, “Although you exposed a few minor weaknesses, you captured the emotion. I really enjoyed it.”

Next, Jason took the stage, singing “Rainy Day People.” Although the song sounded more country than the original, it seemed to really emphasize Jason’s strengths and bring out his personality. The judges had mixed reviews. Farley commented, “That was a perfect song performed with a lot of comfort, a piece of cake,” and Sass added, “That song was custom-made for you.” Zack, however, felt the performance was, “really boring”.

Jacob was the third to sing with “Sundown.” The performance was somewhat subdued for the rock singer, but overall a good interpretation. Jake stated, “You nailed that,” and Zack explained, “I am praying you’re here next week. You tried to show Canadian Idol who you are singing that song.”

Shane followed with his interpretation of the 1967 hit “The Way I Feel.” Shane was one of the best performers of the evening, singing with a velvety tone, and mesmerizing intensity. Farley shared his opinion, saying, “Shane will ‘wiebel,’ he will wobble, but he will not fall down,” and Sass excitedly added, “You changed ‘the way I feel’ about you. That was a stellar performance.”

Singing “Song for a Winter’s Night,” Theresa was the fifth competitor to perform. Her delivery was gentle, and her delicate voice beautiful, making for a lovely performance. Farley said, “You went through a little slump, but you came back with something great” and Sass gushed, “That was the best I’ve heard you sing in a long time.”

The final performance of Wednesday night came from none other than Kalan Porter. As usual, he didn’t disappoint his fans. Singing “If You Could Read My Mind”, Kalan sounded awesome. Zack told Kalan, “You sing with a touch of immaturity, and even that is genius. It’s going to take a thermo-nuclear explosion to stop you from going all the way in this thing.” Farley said, “I don’t know where you get it from. Your phrasing at your age blows me away. You nailed that.”

Gordon Lightfoot began singing when he was young and knows what its like to dream of a recording career. The man and his music brought out the best in the remaining six. No one stumbled on the road to fame. It will be tough to continue the journey with only five.






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