Canadian Idol Recap: O Idols, We Stand on Guard for Thee

(andPOP) - It was "Canada" night at the John Bassett Theatre. The first top ten Canadian Idol show of 2005 began as it always has- the theme song pulsing, the audience screaming and 10 unknowns finding themselves on the brink of fame. In fact, the flashy new stage ornaments, and the excitement of the beginning of a new season quickly faded as the familiar faces of the show's four judges were introduced by the show's heartthrob of a host Ben Mulroney.

This year's top ten hopefuls took the stage hoping to gain the support of a nation with only their young reputations to lose. Each Idol contestant brought something different to the stage, whether it was a rare musical ability or an entrancing presence. The show is more popular than ever because as Farley said to one contestant, "This thing is about ordinary people getting an opportunity to do something extraordinary."

Aaron Walpole was the first of the evening. He lit up the stage with his powerful voice and animated performance, but became victim to a divided panel of judges questioning everything from his song choice to the theatre quality in his voice.

Emily Vinette, one of the younger teenagers in the competition, sang the Roy Orbison song "Crying." While this performance was bearable, it seemed to be just that to the judges who felt it was safe and an indication of Vinette's immaturity as a singer.

Ontario's Daryl Brunt proved the smallest of the group, staggering on stage as though he had perhaps lost his way. However, Brunt's timid vibe was deemed acceptable to the judges and he was granted their support after his performance of "With These Eyes."

Suzi Rawn, a twenty two year old from Kamloops, BC, did not disappoint her fans or the judges with her rocking version of Luba's "Everytime I See Your Picture." Rawn, being a judges' favourite from the beginning of the competition, seems almost incapable of doing wrong on the Canadian Idol stage.

The athlete, Melissa O'Neil, was the next to sing Amanda Marshall's "I believe in You." A talented singer, O'Neil impressed the judges and the audience. As Farley told O'Neil, "You came out here and you win."

A barefoot Ashley Leitao took the stage to sing "Let It Rain" by Amanda Marshall. She showed Canada just how comfortable she could be with an excellent performance. The judges gushed over Leitao while she stood shocked and humbled by their words.

Rex Goudie was number seven in the idol lineup. It is clear that this 19 year old from Newfoundland has already managed to charm possibly every female viewer in the country with his good looks, and likable personality. His performance of "Born to Be Wild" proved to be just as charming. Goudie was himself and the judges picked up on these natural abilities with their encouraging words.

With three young competitors to go, Amber Fleury was next to sing for Canada. The judges praised her "almost holy" rendition of "Possession" and she too looks like one of their favourites in the competition.

Ninth up was Josh Palmer with his artsy rendition of the Leonard Cohen hymn "Hallelujah." His performance was almost eerie at times, but Palmer's intensity won over the judges and left Ben speechless.

Finally, the last performance of the evening came from 17 year old Casey LeBlanc. Her performance of "From This Moment," a Shania Twain song, was the weakest of the night, as she fought off a shaky voice and tempo problems. The judges were generally unimpressed.

While this year's Canadian Idol proves to be the tightest top ten race in the show's three-year history, the results are sure to stun and surprise. There was quite a range of style and presence from across the country. What is Canada looking for this year? Who will be the first Idol to leave the mansion this year? Casey LeBlanc seems the likely choice, simply because of her weaker vocals. However, once again, that feeling of unease, of insecurity has gripped the country as thousands wait to see whether their favourites will survive one more week on Canadian Idol.