Candian Idol Crown Still Belongs To Either Finalist

(andPOP) - The final performance episode of "Canadian Idol" is over, and it's still anybody's win for the taking.

On Monday's performance shows, both Idol finalists – Craig Sharpe and Eva Avila – performed three songs: one specifically for the final performance show, their favourite song that they have performed on the show, and the new Idol single.

The single, entitled "Meant to Fly," which will be released by the winner, was written by Chantal Kreviazuk, her husband Raine Maida and Gaby Moreno. Craig took a more power ballad approach to the song, while Eva made the song her own.

"Wow. I had chills," Sass Jordan said after Craig's performance of the song.

Usually known for his criticism, Zack Werner surprised everyone with his response to Craig's performance.

"Man, this is all I have to say," he said before running on stage to give the 16-year-old a hug.

"Interesting take on the song. It's very different than Craig's version: his was more power ballad, you did it the way Eva would do it," Jake Gold told the Quebec native after her performance.

"It was your song. You delivered it like a goddess," Sass told her.

Eva's chosen song for the night was the lesser-known "Wild Horses" by singer/songwriter Natasha Bedingfield, which some of the judges liked, and some did not.

"You are an international caliber artist and you're the jewel in the Canadian Idol crown," Sass told her.

"I'm not sure how brilliant a choice it was to choose something few people know. It was a cool choice, but you haven't won a Grammy yet," Zack told her.

Craig's favourite song that he had already performed was "I Surrender" by Celine Dion, to which he received accolades from the judges for choosing a song by the Canadian diva.

"Fantastic performance," Farley Flex told the Newfoundlander.

"You're the Freddy Mercury of Canada," Zack told him, in reference to the late lead singer of Queen.

Eva's third song was "How Come You Don't Call Me" by Alicia Keys, while Craig's third song was "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts.

After the show, the two finalists stuck around to answer questions from the audience. Host Ben Mulroney got things going by asking what is going through their minds while they are waiting to be judged.

"I can sometimes anticipate what they are going to say. You just have to be open minded with what they say…it's a pretty intensive feeling," Eva said.

Craig could think of whom he could see in the final two had he not made it.

"Ashley Coulter, Chad or Tyler," he said quickly.

Eva, on the other hand, couldn't name one person specifically.

"I would love to answer that question, but I really don't know," she said, adding that each member of the top 10 brought something different and interesting to the stage.

When an audience member commented that they didn't notice her until the fifth week, Eva was asked if it was strategy or if she had been coached as the weeks went on.

"Week after week, I think I've gotten more comfortable on stage," she said. The Quebecer also thanked her Hispanic fans, when she was told that they looked up to her. "I'm so proud of my background, and I appreciate it."

Craig thanked everyone who has helped both him and Eva throughout the Idol process.

"This competition has done so much for me and Eva…The whole experience has been a memory," he said.

Eva's favourite moment was meeting Nelly Furtado, who is also her dream collaborator, while Craig chose Martina McBride as his favourite moment and dream collaborator.

The hardest part for both Idol finalists was seeing other members of the top 10 go home every week.

"Every week you hope you're not eliminated, because you want to go on, but at the same time, it's hard to say good-bye to the friends you've made," Eva said.

And what do the two miss about home?

"Fried chicken," Craig said.

"He eats a lot of fried chicken. (I miss) my mommy, my daddy, my friends and my cat. I wouldn't trade this (experience) for the world, but I miss my home," Eva said.

She was pushed to try out by her Aunt Leise, and decided the day before the audition to go ahead with it because "you never know."

Both competitors admitted they have voted for themselves.

"Probably about six times in the whole competition," Craig admitted.

"Yeah I've done it myself, but not these last few weeks, we haven't had the time to," Eva said quickly.

The winner will be crowned Sunday night at 7 p.m. on CTV, and will feature performances by the other top 10 members, as well as Nelly Furtado and current "Canadian Idol" champ Melissa O'Neil.