Bon Jovi was all smiles last night when Hamilton, Ontario’s Brian Melo 25, was crowned this year’s Canadian Idol. Outshining fellow crooner Jaydee Bixby, 17, the powerful vocalist took on such Bon Jovi hits as “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “This Aint a Love Song” on the last two episodes of the show, impressing not only the audience, the judges, but Bon Jovi himself.

The legendary rocker had been present on Tuesday’s show as well as the finale last night, along with Canadian acts Avril Lavigne and Eva Avila. Bon Jovi worked one on one with both competitors as the final performances drew near, and stayed on to offer support from the judge’s table last night. Following each performance, Bon Jovi offered constructive criticism to both vocalists, but didn’t neglect to highlight Melo’s extraordinary ability to contrast “soft and sweet” with his usual rocker edge.

Although he was happy to observe as the two singers belted it out in the spirit of competition, Bon Jovi was not about to let the showcase of talent continue without a little star power of his own. After Canadian punk icon Avril Lavigne took the stage and showed the crowd how a real Canadian rocker does it, Bon Jovi stole the show with “Its my Life” as well as the newest single “Lost Highway” in front of an ecstatic audience. Season 4 winner, Eva Avila also performed last night, in a Canadian Idol finale unlike ever before.

Melo’s first single, “All I Ever Wanted” is set to be released on September 13.






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