It’s a battle for a spot in the top 22 on tonight’s Canadian Idol, narrowing the field from 200.

They have seen over 10, 000 singers across Canada and now the top 200 finalists have been brought to Toronto to take part in a three day audition process. “Dreams will be shattered,” says Mulroney. And these shattered dreams are what make viewing Canadian Idol slightly worthwhile.

Beginning with a refresher, clips of the contestants who made it past the previous round are shown. One girl says “I bring the edge for the girls. Anyways, if the guys aren’t going to bring the balls to the competition, I would love to bring the balls.” Um, okay.

While she promises to bring the balls, other contestants dropped the ball. Clips of those cut on day 1 of the auditions are shown, including, as predicted, Phillipe Langelier, 27 of Boucherville, seen previously in the Montreal auditions.

Those who impress the judges so much that they warrant not having to endure the excruciating “back row or front row goes home” drama, are given a free pass to Day 2. In this elite field of performers is Oliver Pigott, the judge’s golden boy, who appropriately sings “Fields of Gold.” After he finishes singing, Zach Werner tells the other contestants, “It’s too bad this is a competition because that’s what you’re up against.” And if you don’t have Pigott-coloured glasses on like the judges, you could see (and hear) that what they’re up against is a mediocre, second-rate bar singer. Oh, too harsh? I digress.

While it’s mostly crimes of butchering songs Canadian Idol sees, crimes against fashion can also occur. Vincent Vorkpor, 24 of Vancouver, seen previously in the first auditions, has made his own outfit for his top 200 performance of “I Want You To Want Me.” Vorkpor and his outfit look more suited to be an extra on Solid Gold than on Canadian Idol.

Kristen Lankinen, who impressed the judges with her first audition with “Alone” by Heart fumbles on Day 1 with her performance and the judges give her a second chance to perform again for them, a rare exception never made before on Canadian Idol. Lankinen appears later in the show to sing for a second time and she again sings “Alone” by Heart. How original. Lankinen moves onto Day 2, where the contestants will perform in groups.

Most of the groups stay up late into the night getting their performances perfect. Jully Black is shown barging in on many of the hotel rooms the contestants are practicing in and we are treated to Jully Black banter and hijinx, the saving grace of tonight’s episode. “I’m gonna’ call you Mooks,” she says, after meeting Mookie Morris, 18, of Toronto. Oh, Jules.

After more than half of the contestants have been sent home after their group performances, Day 2 ends with the final cut between Lisa Bell and Marie-Pierre Bellrose, who the judges pitted against in a sing off earlier in their group performance.






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