Canadian Idol Recap

(andPOP) - Tonight’s show takes us to the final audition rounds in Ottawa, Hamilton, St. John’s and Halifax.

In the nation’s capital, Jonny Whitehead, a 23-year-old Canadian soldier who served a term in Afghanistan from Wilno, ON auditions with a Hootie and the Blowfish song. “I don’t see you necessarily winning this show, but I’m going to say yes to Toronto,” said Farley Flex.

In the worst audition of the night, Kelsi Schauerte, 20, of Hay River, NWT believes she has the vocal pipes to match American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson. “A lot of people tell me I sound like her,” she said. She auditions with “A Moment Like This” but as Jake Gold tells her, “If that was Kelly Clarkson, it was Kelly Clarkson tied to a chair and being tortured.”

Dan Young is a 22-year-old from Ottawa whose mother is dying from cancer. “I don’t think you’re unique enough,” said Farley Flex. The other judges disagree and Young surprises his mother in the hospital with a golden ticket to Toronto. By the time of the airing of tonight’s episode, Young’s mother has died.

A recent U of Ottawa graduate, Kristen Lankinen, 23, sings “Alone” by Heart. The judges love her. “I think you’re probably top 10, so I’m a yes,” said Zach Werner. “I think you have the brains it takes,” said Sass Jordan.

Jully Black, Canadian Idol voice coach and mentor, is brought to tears by Ryan Mawla, a 17-year-old transgender female from Almonte, ON. Mawla auditions with “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse but the judges pass. “Music is the message. Music is the language. Music is the golden ticket,” said Black.

The Idol auditions head for the first time to Hamilton, the hometown of last season’s Idol winner, Brian Melo. Jade Padula, 19 of Pickering, ON is a musical theatre major at Sheridan and sings “When I Fall In Love.” Padula receives a golden ticket but not before a prediction from Jake Gold. “Jade is really, really talented. Come top 200 week, it’ll be so tough on you that it will beat you into being yourself, instead of acting,” said Gold.

The Hamilton auditions see a familiar face in Jessica Sheppard, who was the last to be cut before the top 22 last season. Sheppard auditions with “Killing Me Softly.” “I still think you’re one of the best singers we’ve ever had on this show,” said Sass Jordan. Adam Castelli, a 26-year-old construction worker from Hamilton sings “Ready Or Not” by the Fugees and his performance touches the judges. “Emotionally, the best thing across the country for me. Someone who has actually touched me inside,” said Jake Gold.

Halifax, Mitch MacDonald, a 22-year-old self-described indie music lover from Port Hood, NS auditions for the judges. “I think you’ve got great taste in music and you know how to sell a song,” said Zach Werner. “Beyond great taste, you have smart taste,” adds Farley Flex. MacDonald is given a golden ticket unanimously by the judges. "Mitchell's the type of guy that sneaks up and wins this kind of show,” said Sass Jordan.

New to this season’s Idol competition was the chance to audition online. 11 online video performers impressed the judges enough to move from the computer screen into the top 200.

And the top 200 will be seen in next week’s episode, where only 22 will survive. Canadian Idol airs next Monday at 9PM EST.