Canadian Idol is certainly a great place to start a career. You get national television exposure and an automatic record deal if you win. Brian Melo was talented and lucky enough to win Canadian Idol, which provided him a great starting point. But what happens after Idol when you want to venture on your own? Brian is experiencing that first hand and is told us all about it.

Hedley is certainly maturing as a band – these aren’t a bunch of kids anymore who suddenly made it big. With that maturity has come an interesting perspective on the music business. Hedley talks to us about today’s music biz and releasing their latest album “The Show Must Go On”. We also play some pinball.

Ratings juggernaut “Canadian Idol” proved to be no match for the crumbling economy.

The reality show will not be produced in 2009, CTV announced Tuesday.

With advertising revenues expected to drop sharply next year, the network cited the “economic climate” as the reason for putting the singing showcase on hiatus.

CTV still retains the rights to the series and says it plans to bring the show back the following season.

“Canadian Idol” pulled in an average of 1.47 million viewers in September.

Its American counterpart is also cutting costs by cancelling its annual “American Idol Gives Back” fundraiser.

However, the show will be back for an eighth season Jan. 13.

After a seemingly never ending two hour finale, Theo Tams of Lethbridge, AB was crowned the sixth Canadian Idol.

Theo was named the winner after a nationwide vote, with Mitch MacDonald of Port Hood, NS named runner-up.

The evening was filled with over-the-top performances from the Idol castoffs and revisiting of old favourites (Theo performed “Sweet One” and Mitch sang “I Love This Town” again).

Jully Black was finally given her rightful praise after being a sidekick to Ben Mulroney all year. She performed for the first time on the show, easily the best of the night.

To top the night off, musical heavyweights John Legend and Mariah Carey also performed. After the confetti had fallen, Theo fought back tears after being announced the winner. “I want to thank Mitch who has become a great friend. Thanks so much,” said Theo.

Theo Tams’ first single “Sing” will be heard soon enough across Canadian airwaves.

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Canadian Idol is ending, but whether or not if it’s a good thing, well, I’ll let you decide.

On tonight’s show, Theo Tams and Mitch MacDonald square off in one last attempt to win the votes of the Canadian public before one is crowned the Canadian Idol on Wednesday night.

Theo and Mitch will sing three songs; their own choice, the judge’s choice and the potential winner’s single.

After banter with the judges, Ben brings out the top two, who flew to New York this week to work with John Legend.

After a coin toss, Mitch decided to go first, a questionable move as Theo will now be closing the show. After a session with John Legend, where Legend tells Mitch to control his tone, Mitch MacDonald sings “Paris” by Gordie Sampson.

“What I really like about the performance of that song, the dynamics. Really good job,” says Jake. “I think it had a lot to do with the dynamics of the emotion in it which you portrayed beautifully,” says Sass. “There’s certain things you did with that, that I think are really good. At your best, you do compare favourably to Paul Simon. On the other hand, your signature scoops are a little obnoxious around the edges,” says Zack.

Finishing out round one, Theo Tams chooses “Good Mother” by Jann Arden. Theo ends on the ironic line “I’ve never wanted anything so bad.” “You did a really good job with that. You sing so well,” says Farley. “While I thought it was convincing, I could feel a lot of nerve,” says Zack. “I actually sat here listening to that ‘Wow, this would sound great if you were just singing acapella, that’s how good it was,” says Jake.

Mitch MacDonald is back with his potential winning single, “Where We Begin.” “It’s really refreshing for me to hear you sing loud for so long,” says Farley. “I like your voice when you sing loud. The fact is that your tone is consistent to when you sing quiet and loud. You represent a Mitch lifestyle and I think that’s a valid option,” says Zack. “For me, you didn’t [sell] that song. I don’t think you’re wedded to that song yet,” says Jake. “I think everybody here might agree, how could anyone not love you?” says Sass.

Theo Tams performs his second song; his potential winning single called “Sing.” “You used every trick you had in the book. While it wasn’t as unique as you’ve done, you could’ve sold snow to the Inuit with that,” says Zack. “I don’t know if you put that in yourself or they gave you the song that way, it works for you. Songwise, same as Mitch’s song. Neither are my favourites,” says Jake. “That, to me, was a killer, killer performance,” says Sass. “You just do it well. You’re singing through a prism and all this colour comes out of the other side,” says Farley.

Performing his last song selected by the judges, Mitch MacDonald sings “If” by Bread. “Tonally, it worked for you. The last note, you hit it the way it was meant to be hit,” says Jake. “I thought you did a beautiful job with that song,” says Sass. “If you got flaws and you make it to the finale, those flaws are virtue. The tone was perfect,” says Farley. “I see in your eyes that you don’t think that was your best performance. From top to bottom on this show, were you to be the next Canadian Idol, we’d be proud to have you,” says Zack.

Ending the show with the judge’s pick “I Want To Know What Love Is” by The Foreigners is Theo Tams. “Although that wasn’t my favourite arrangement of that song ever, you still sang it like the pro that you are,” says Sass. “I wasn’t blown by the arrangement off the top, but you can’t go wrong with anything you do,” says Farley. “It’s hard to differentiate between singing something as an artist and singing something that you’re in a competition to win. You’re the best male vocalist we’ve ever had on the show,” says Zack. “It’s going to be a matter of taste. And people have to vote on the one that they like, not who was better tonight,” says Jake.

And that’s a wrap. The two-hour finale, where Theo Tams or Mitch MacDonald will be crowned the next Canadian Idol starts Wednesday night at 8 p.m. EST with performances by Jully Black, Hedley, John Legend and Mariah Carey.

It’s the top three results show of Canadian Idol or more accurately, how-to fill up a 30 minute show with 28 minute filler.

Ben starts us off with a recap of last night’s performances and then throws to Bryan Adams, who sings his classic “18 Till I Die.” Adams puts the top three to shame although you can notice the years of being a beloved Canadian musician has worn him down. Bryan Adams is being given a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, honouring his contribution to Canadian music.

After a commercial break, Bryan’s back with a song from his new album, Eleven, called “She’s Got A Way.” Ben throws to the video montage filler of the evening with more footage of the Idol’s trips back home, starting with Drew.

Working for those votes in his montage, Theo tells his hometown crowd “I may be living in a big city right now but I’ll always be a small town boy at heart.” The last filler video comes from Mitch MacDonald, who traveled back to Port Hood, Nova Scotia which enjoyed a population boost from his visit.

And now it’s down to business. Just kidding. It wouldn’t be the Canadian Idol results show without Ben asking pointless questions to the judges. Ben asks Jake what has been the most important thing about working with the guest mentors. “It’s very tough to have mentors and for them to have this many mentors in this short period of time is a great thing and you can only gain from their experience. Ben asks Zack what they should do to prepare for next week. “Win, lose or draw this is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and do it out of love,” says Zack.

After a commercial break, Ben breaks the news that Drew Wright will be heading home. The diehard loyalty of the East Coast for Mitch has defeated the Jonas Brothers cute-and-unassuming factor in Drew Wright.

On Monday at 9 p.m. EST Mitch and Theo will battle it out in the final two performance show and they’ll be joined by Drew and the other fallen Idols with the finale to crown the winner on Wednesday where John Legend and Mariah Carey will perform.

It’s down to the final three on Canadian Idol and the remaining Idols hope to break through to the finale by rocking out with songs from Canadian rock star, Bryan Adams.

Opening the show with “Cuts Like a Knife” is Drew Wright. “I have to say that I think I finally figured out who you are and doing Bryan Adams seemed really natural to you,” says Jake. “I love the metal-ized version. That was killer,” says Sass. “This night makes the most sense for you. It’s a perfect vibe for you,” says Farley. “I certainly can’t say you sang it badly. If you were going to go heavy musically, I don’t think you took your voice and put it in that genre. I would have sung it a lot tougher,” says Zack.

After receiving kudos from Bryan Adams, Theo sings “Heaven.” After Earl’s departure last week, who was accused of not wanting to be in the competition by Jake, it is clear that out of the remaining three men, Theo wants to win this show bad. “It’d be very difficult for anybody to fault that performance. It was enormously powerful and very moving,” says Sass. “The band was phenomenal. The arrangement and dynamic was unbelievable,” says Farley. “That’s a song I’ve heard 8 billion versions and Bryan’s is well-known, but to be honest, that was the most signature thing that you’ve done,” says Zack. “Vocal pyrotechnics. You blow things up with your voice,” says Jake.

After a TD-sponsored moment with Jully Black (who deserves so much better than to be the host of a corporately sponsored interview clip with amateur singers), Mitch MacDonald ends the first round with “Heat of the Night.” “It was refreshing to hear you sing more full voice. You look somewhat uncomfortable physically,” says Farley. “I thought it was a good key for you. You didn’t manifest the rock star stuff,” says Zack. “I have a feeling I know what it was. At one point in the beginning of the song, you had this sort of angry look on your face and that doesn’t work for you. You’re a really nice guy and that’s what works for you,” says Jake.

Filling up the time before the second round, Ben throws to the “KD hometown tour,” also known as more corporately sponsored T.V. filler. Drew returns to the stage with “I’m Ready.” “To me, it felt like you were playing Bryan Adams in Bryan Adams: The Musical,” says Zack. “For the first time on this show, I saw you with real star potential on that performance. I thought you sang with tons of intensity,” says Jake. “You’ve got this intensity I really like. And there was a drama in there, and that’s it,” says Sass. “I agree with Zack. I found you awkward,” says Farley.

Singing “When You’re Gone” is Theo Tams. “I think it was good. Both performances together should be good enough to get you through to next week,” says Jake. “Theo, I appreciate what you were trying to do but I did like the other performance better,” says Sass. “I thought it got really better as it went along until you started wandering around the stage with no place to go,” says Zack.

Closing the show with “When You Love Someone” is Mitch MacDonald. “You redeemed yourself. That was tenderhearted, it was beautiful. You wrapped this show up brilliantly,” says Sass. “You have a unique, distinct tone. Singing the right songs, I think you would have some serious hits. I love you, Mitch,” says Zack.

It’s anyone’s guess as to who gets the boot tomorrow, but my money is on Drew. While Drew has the Jonas Brothers factor working for him (cute, unassuming and appeals to the teenybopper crowd, Mitch MacDonald has the frightening loyalty of the East Coast, whose votes have been known to propel less than stellar singers forward. And Theo fits the mould of Canadian Idol the most and has the show in the bag. He’s the most commercial and without fail, reaches for a Star Search moment in every performance.

Tomorrow on the results show, the final two will finally be revealed and Bryan Adams will hit the stage at 8 p.m. EST on CTV.

On tonight’s episode of Canadian Idol, the last four standing take on Anne Murray songs. Yes, you read that right. Four twenty-something dudes performing Anne Murray songs? If this isn’t the perfect recipe for a disaster, I don’t know what is.

Opening the show, and after a quick breathing lesson by Murray, Mitch MacDonald performs “Cotton Jenny.” “Off the top, I felt you were a little flat. You got to’ figure out how you’re going to find your note,” says Jake. “Breathing has so much to do with the rhythm of the song. I think you totally heeded her advice, great job,” says Sass. “I would still like to see a little more edge and a little more angst,” says Farley. “It reminded me of Perry Como sleeping on a couch in a sweater,” says Zack.

Earl Stevenson is up next with “Killing Me Softly.” But first, Murray rules the rehearsal with her songbird fist, telling Earl he needs to connect more with his audience. “Beautiful eyes, baby,” says Sass. “Wicked,” says Farley. “For me personally, I couldn’t tell where you were coming from. I still think while your movement was more direct to the audience, it still seemed like you were out for a meaningless meander in the backyard,” says Zack. “I thought the singing was good, the performance was great,” says Jake.

And amping up the preposterity of tonight’s show is Drew Wright with “There’s A Hippo in the Bathtub.” Murray tells him he’s trying to do too much and bending notes. “I thought vocally that was your best performance yet. Really good song choice,” says Farley. “I’ve never heard the Teletubbies tune sound so good before,” says Zack. “By far, best singing you’ve ever done on this show by a mile,” says Jake.

With the last of Murray’s songs, Theo Tams sings “You Don’t Know Me.” Theo’s performance is so cheesy, it’s cheddar. “Two things. One, I’d like to replace with everything I’ve said on this show with everything that Anne Murray has said. She is bang on and killing it. That, however, was utterly flavourless,” says Zack. “Your phrasing is outstandingly great,” says Sass. “You become part of the song and I appreciate that,” says Farley.

Now it’s round two, where the guys will sing a song of their choice. Mitch MacDonald is back with “Between the Bars” by Elliott Smith. No doubt, Smith is rolling in his grave. “I think it’s a dynamic issue. For me, there’s not enough dynamics in the way you sing. You gotta’ be more dynamic in your delivery,” says Jake. “What really appealed to me was the contrast of the dark material of the song and this gentle charm that comes out of you,” says Sass. “For me, it’s edge. That’s a dark song, but you gotta’ have some more angst. Push harder,” says Farley. “Abundantly apparent is that you have no clue on how to win Canadian Idol,” says Zack.

Singing Steve Miller’s “Joker” is Earl Stevenson. Appropriately titled, his performance is a total joke. “That was a cool ending. Nice,” says Sass. “I didn’t enjoy the beginning as much as I enjoyed the middle and end. I think you could’ve done a little more with it though,” says Farley. “I like the creative vibe, but it seemed to me a bit like a throwaway and to me, you aren’t,” says Sass. “For a moment there, I actually felt that you didn’t want to be here,” says Jake.

Drew Wright’s back with his version of “Gravity” by John Mayer. “It came off to me a lighter shade of the blues. It was a reasonably good performance,” says Farley. “I thought after last week one of the four of you could demonstrate what makes you a Canadian Idol. It seems like everyone’s got the yips, the world can change with one song but not with that one,” says Zack. “I thought playing a blues number, well, you know, we’ve seen it before. There was a moment there where you sounded like Jim Cuddy and that’s a really good thing,” says Jake.

Closing the show is Theo Tams with “Chariot” by Gavin Degraw. Theo goes for several sappy Star Search moments that include standing on the piano, throwing his hat into the crowd and jumping off the piano in a overdramatic finish. “No question, the performance of the night,” says Zack. “Great way to finish off the night. You’re so consistent. You’re the one who really laid it down tonight,” says Jake. “Yo, yo, Theo! You got on your horse of choice and rode straight to victory,” says Sass.

Tomorrow one of the guys will be heading home on the results show at 8 p.m. EST on CTV. Anne Murray will also perform.

“Touch My Body” singer and music legend Mariah Carey is set to heat up the Canadian Idol stage, reports the Canadian Press.

The five time Grammy winner is scheduled to perform on the Sept 10 finale which will crown the season’s winner alongside five-time Grammy winner John Legend, Hedley and last year’s Canadian Idol winner Brain Melo.

Other stars who have already appeared on the show were former Bush singer and Gwen Stefani hubby Gavin Rossdale, Tom Jones and Simple Plan.

Prior to the finale, other big names set to appear are legendary singer Anne Murray and Bryan Adams.

Five become four on tonight’s results show of Canadian Idol.

Starting the show with tired and contrived banter with the judges, Ben gives a recap of last night’s performances followed up with a Beatles medley from the top five. “Blackbird,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Get Back,” “Revolution,” and “Let It Be” are the featured tunes.

In the first unnecessary video montage of the night, Jully Black visits the Idol mansion and asks what they’ve learned from being in the competition. “Just to be in this industry, you have to have such thick skin,” says Theo. “Get some lotion, baby,” replies Jully.

After asking Earl about Canadian politics from a text message question asked by “Hot Soup” Ben gets to the results. Theo is announced safe, along with Mitch.

Earl, Drew and Mookie are left. Drew becomes the first member of the bottom two. Earl is announced safe, and Mookie joins Drew on centre stage.

Ben asks the judges for advice on behalf of Drew and Mookie. “Drew, this show is a leg up. If you’re going home or not going home, keep doing what you’re doing. You can never get worse, you can only get better,” says Sass. “Mookie, we all know you’re a star and you have a huge future in the music business. Whether you stay or you go, call me Monday,” says Jake.

After a commercial break, Ben breaks the news that Drew is safe and Mookie Morris, the youngest singer on the show, has been eliminated. Looks like Mookie’s mother’s aggressive postering campaign in his Rosedale neighbourhood wasn’t enough.

Mookie Morris sings the show out with “Come Together.”

Drew Wright, Earl Stevenson, Theo Tams and Mitch MacDonald are the final four competitors and they’ll be singing from the Anne Murray song collection. Four faux indie rock guys singing Anne Murray songs? Comedic gold, people.

It’s down to the final five on Canadian Idol and they’re singing (or butchering) Beatles songs, handpicked by the judges.

Opening the show with “With a Little Help from My Friends” is Earl Stevenson. Half of the song is sung by the backup singers and it’s underwhelming. The judges, however, give him a standing ovation. “You did exactly what I thought you would do with it. It was spectacular,” says Jake. “It was like being transported into another world,” says Sass. “That was bang on,” says Zack.

Dressed in an outfit reminiscent of the Sgt. Pepper Lonely Heart’s Club Band, Mookie Morris sings “Come Together.” Mookie ends on the song on a terrible cracked note. “Just one great jumbo pot of mmm, mmm good,” says Sass. “You really captured the old blues soul funk of that thing. To be honest, that was the best version of the song I’ve ever heard,” says Zack.

Theo Tams is up next with “Long and Winding Road.” Back with the piano, Theo’s performance is more Broadway, less rock star. “My expectations for you and that song were through the roof and that’s exactly what you did,” says Farley. “I thought you made some really strong choices in the arrangement that you were able to show off that operatic training. I don’t know if we’ve ever had a male singer on this show with the kind of virtuoso skill that you have,” says Zack. “Strength, courage, melody, purity. Your voice reflects some of the most beautiful things about the human spirit. Thank you,” says Sass.

With “In My Life,” Mitch MacDonald performs alongside a harp that can only be described as epic. “Adorable is a good word. Luckily, thanks to the genius of the Beatles and the genius to us, you guys are having the best night so far,” says Zack. “That was probably the best vocal performance you’ve given so far,” says Sass. “That song is really naked and you handled the exposure really, really well. For the record, collectively, you guys are the best top five we’ve ever had,” says Farley.

Closing the show is Drew Wright with “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” The judges picked the song for Drew, hoping he would be more emotive than past performances. “Last, but certainly not least by far,” says Sass. “Fantastic,” says Farley. “We all learn different things from Idol and I hope in getting to sing that song, you learned some lesson about who Drew is. Dude, that was heartfelt and honest. That was phenomenal,” says Zack. The judges then give Drew a standing ovation.

That’s it for Monday’s daily dose of Canadian Idol. Tomorrow, one of the men will be the show’s next victim on the results show at 8 p.m. EST on CTV.

The results show opens with a recap of last night’s performances, courtesy of the guys at TSN’s Sports Centre. Huh?

Simple Plan, guest mentors this week, perform their single, “Your Love Is a Lie,” off their latest self-titled album. Their performance, much like their name, is simple and contrived.

Before getting to the results, Ben asks unnecessary questions to the judges and hopefuls. After bringing Theo, Mookie and Mitch onto centre stage, Ben announces it’s the Idols left on the couch that are in the bottom three, surprising no one but 14-year-old fan girls.

And the unlucky victim this week, or perhaps they’re the lucky one, is Amberly Thiessen. “The Idol mansion has become a frat house,” says Ben. Amberly, on the verge of tears, sings the show out with “1234” by Feist.

The final five will take on Beatles songs next Monday at 8 p.m. EST on CTV.

It’s Canadian Rock week on Canadian Idol. And the boys from Simple Plan are the guest mentors. Too bad Simple Plan is as rock as your grandmother.

Opening the show with “1234” by Feist is Feist wannabe, Amberly Thiessen, who is wearing an excessive amount of eye make up. “I think vocally, it was a really strong performance. While you didn’t do a lot to the song in terms of trying making it your own, you did a really good job of it,” says Jake. “You got the singing thing down,” says Sass. “You could’ve used the stage a lot more,” says Farley. “While you sang just fine, it came across as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark singing a Feist song,” says Zack.

Theo Tams sings “Sweet Ones” by Sarah Slean. “You rode the melody so well and the physicality of the performance was really killing,” says Sass. “I think you transmitted so much energy,” says Farley. “That performance is a really interesting study. It’s the truest and best thing that you’ve done, but what it says to me is you’re in this Rufus Wainwright kind of vibe and I wonder whether Canada is ready to embrace that as an Idol,” says Zack. “When you play piano and you sing, they’re so interconnected it’s hard to understand whether you’re playing piano, it’s all one,” says Jake.

Singing “Love This Town’ by Joel Plaskett is Mitch MacDonald. “I really thought that was a comfortable performance. You took ownership of that song,” says Farley. “I kept on wanting you to get more integrated into the band and now I realize you just had to get rid of the band,” says Zack. “I think Joel Plaskett will be very happy because he’ll sell a lot of downloads by tomorrow,” says Jake. “There’s a reason why I love this Mitch,” says Sass.

Earl Stevenson takes on “Little Bones” by the Tragically Hip. And, although it’s too easy, Earl is tragically not hip. That ended when he auditioned for Idol. “It was good, but I’m sure it scared the hell out of my grandma,” says Zack. “It’s very hard to do a song by the Tragically Hip because Gord’s phrasing is in a certain way. I have never seen someone reinvent a Hip song until tonight,” says Jake. “That was the best rock performance on this stage,” says Sass.

Adding the only actual form of entertainment and humour to this show is Jully Black’s two minute interview with Mookie. After Jully steals the show, Drew sings “That Song” by Thornley. “That particular performance, the band got ahead of you. You weren’t as powerful as the music was in that song,” says Jake. “When you got to that soft part, that was the money,” says Sass. “I thought your voice sounded really good. You have a particular niche you really need to thrust yourself through. You’re an emotional guy but you don’t push. You need to be a little more animated,” says Farley. “I didn’t like when you were being JT lite and now you’re being more honestly you, being this rock guy, and I honestly just don’t like it,” says Zack.

Closing the show with “Magic Carpet Ride” by Steppenwolf is Mookie Morris who looks like a tool complete with large black sunglasses. “I’ve never seen an Idol grow as much as you have had on this show,” says Sass. “You’re unbelievably charismatic,” says Farley. “You’re killer,” says Zack. “You’re an old soul. Probably the most exciting thing I’ve seen in a long time,” says Jake.

Tomorrow results show airs at 8 p.m. EST where the final five will be revealed.

Before the hammer comes down on one of the Idol hopefuls, the seven remaining competitors sing a haphazard medley of Tom Jones songs, followed by the man himself singing “Unusual.” And is it ever. From his spray on tan to his geriatric dance moves, Tom Jones is far from being a sex bomb.

Tom Jones also performs a new song from his latest album, destined for the buck a bin section of your local record store.

Once again, Jully Black is reduced to a two minute segment talking fashion tips with the Idol hopefuls. I hope for Jully’s case that she’ll be able to sing at the finale. There aren’t enough times I can say this: Jully deserves better.

And after a painful 20 minutes in, we get to the results. Mark, Theo and Earl land in the bottom three with Mark being eliminated. The only people upset about this elimination are his parents. Mark Day ends the show with a final goodbye, which resemble more of a pageant speech than anything else.

Next week the six Idols will take on Canadian rock, with Canadian faux rockers Simple Plan as the excruciating guest mentors.

The Idol wannabes are back at it again this civil holiday, taking on U.K. hits.

We get treated to the usual Ben and judge banter and a montage of Tom Jones, who is mentoring the Idol hopefuls this week.

Up first with “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis is Mark Day. This is going to be painful. “We talk about the idea of singing it like it’s the last song, I just don’t think it’s a winning performance,” says Jake. “I thought it was the most grown up performance of yours. While I don’t think you’re going to win Canadian Idol, I’ll give you a Tom Jones salute and throw you my panties,” says Zack.

Mitch MacDonald sings “Jealous Guy” by John Lennon. Mitch wants to be Gavin Degraw, but can’t quite make it there. “The main thing for me with you is every single week, you’re consistent,” says Sass. “I thought you really pushed. The only thing I would say is the notes got away from you some of the time,” says Farley. “It certainly was your own interpretation, probably the wrong one,” says Zack. “Arrangement? Not a fan. I think you took a really tender song and took the sentiment right out of it. You oversang,” says Jake.

Performing “Creep” by Radiohead is Drew Wright. “I’m going on record and saying that was my favourite performance from you so far,” says Farley. “Your clothes are way cooler. I thought the verses could have been more angst ridden. Holy pipes on the big stuff,” says Zack. “By far, the most impassioned performance I’ve ever heard from you,” says Jake. “When you kick it into that intense high gear, it slays everyone,” says Sass.

Theo Tams sings “You Had Me” by Joss Stone. “I didn’t know if you really had it in you to win this competition but you just threw it down in a serious way,” says Zack. “There’s something about how you sing in tune with how you feel and that’s how you win Canadian Idol,” says Jake. “I’m beginning to think maybe you are going to win,” says Sass. “You come out here and execute a plan and it’s working. Canada is falling in love with you,” says Farley.

With “Lola” by The Kinks is Mookie Morris. “Definitely one of the coolest things we’ve seen on this stage,” says Jake. “What I love about you is you don’t just float your boat above the sea of the song, you dive into that sea,” says Sass. “I do a lot of traveling and everywhere I go, people are talking about you,” says Farley. “If I would have walked into a club and I didn’t sign you, I should be fired the next day,” says Zack.

Amberly Thiessen sings “Put Your Records On” by Corrine Bailey Rae. “I can’t believe you sing that good,” says Sass. “You’re using your athleticism and sense of competition to prepare going out on that stage,” says Farley. “It’s a fantastic song choice. The biggest thing I notice is the growth curve you’ve been on,” says Zack. “I don’t know if the people at home right before you started singing, you started to get into the groove before the music started. Your pitch is so spot on,” says Jake.

Closing the show is Earl Stevenson with “Change The World” by Eric Clapton. “I think this year alone, we found five of the best unsigned acts in this country,” says Zack. “I talked about rhythm and there’s four to me that are the best at it; Theo, Amberly, Mookie, and you,” says Jake. “I’m loving the mix of Quasimodo and Dave Matthews,” says Sass.

One more will face the music and go home tomorrow night on the results show, 8 p.m. EST on CTV.

The remaining 8 Canadian Idol hopefuls get intimate on this week’s show, performing unplugged. One might ask when exactly did the huge theatre in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre become a source of great acoustics or what exactly Gavin Rossdale is doing on Canadian Idol. But I digress.

Sebastien Pigott performs “Lucille.” “I think that was the best thing you’ve done in a long time,” says Sass. “Welcome back to the music business, good to have you,” says Farley. Zack ends the judges comments with “I agree that was much better than what you did the last couple of week and with any luck, you’ll be going home next week.” Normally this is the time that Zack would be met with a large boo from the audience but even the audience wants to stop beating (or listening, rather) to this dead horse. Sebastien’s nothing more than a pretty face.

Earl Stevenson chooses “Two” by Ryan Adams. Is anyone else tired of all these pseudo folk rockers that the top 8 has on mass supply? “That was Earl the Pro Stevenson, baby,” says Farley. “When I hear you sing, it feels like the soundtrack to my life. I’m happy to be on your show,” says Zack. “It’s becoming more and more clear to me that your instincts are so strong, especially the Idol audience and yet you make it sound great,” says Jake.

Seeing Mark Day on my television screen is the visual and audio equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. The facial expressions. The voice. The uncanny resemblance to Beaver Cleaver from Leave It to Beaver. He is so affected. It all makes me want to do something drastic. He sings “Stay” by Sugarland. “I thought that was a really good song selection for you,” says Farley. “I think I enjoyed that better than any of the other songs you’ve sung. That really suited you,” says Sass. Mark annoyingly responds to each judge after they comment with “Thank you, I appreciate it.” Ugh.

Up next is Mitch MacDonald, who sings “Oh, Atlanta” by Bad Company. “I question the song choice because I thought I was turning into some weird PBS show,” says Zack. “I think the performance was good but at this point now, it’s time for you to step up and show us that you’re a potential winner for this show,” says Jake. “I thought it kicked, as usual. There’s a charm that you have that transcends anything,” says Sass. “I think the safety zone you hover in is that likeable guy safety zone, but I agree with Jake. Step out, pick songs that challenge you and really show what you’re capable of,” says Farley.

Amberly Thiessen, the sole female singer left in the competition, sings “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson. “I’ve seen her perform that song but I’d rather see you perform that song than her,” says Jake. “Your pitch is fantastic. I will take you the way you are,” says Sass. “You look stunning. It was the perfect song for the tone you have,” says Farley. “You are one of the rarest finds we’ve had on this show and if you aren’t here next week, Canada will have jumped the shark,” says Zack. I think the show you judge for is a result of television in general of jumping the shark, so don’t be too surprised if Amberly lands in the bottom three again.

Mookie Morris, who Rossdale describes as a “rough diamond” is next with “Ophelia” by The Band. Like Earl, file Mookie Morris under the pseudo-bohemian-rocker-trying way-too-hard-to-be-indie category. “Toronto, where you’re from, is the biggest city in the country and these people should be embarrassed if they were to not come out in droves and vote for this guy right here,” says Zack. Something tells me that Torontonians have better things to do than to be on the telephone for two hours. “In terms of actual pure singing, without a doubt, that was the best singing you’ve ever done on this show,” says Jake.

Performing “Sunday Morning” by Maroon5 is Drew Wright. I’m more captivated by the back up singers than I am by Drew. “I think this has been a bit of an odd night and you choose what you choose and I think it may be the best you’ve sung so far and I don’t know what the heck you are,” says Zack. “I just feel that it was really safe, it doesn’t say much about you and I really think the way you’re dressed is just not working,” says Jake. “I know exactly what you are. You’re the bomb,” says Sass.

Closing the show with “Weak In The Knees” by Serena Ryder is Theo Tams. “That was the performance of the night,” says Zack. “On a night with some really great singing, I have to agree with Zack,” says Jake. “Every single time you perform you understand why you’re here. You haven’t made a mistake yet,” says Farley.

Tomorrow night one more Idol hopeful will get the axe at 8p.m. EST on CTV.

The Idols open the show with a medley of songs including “Kiss The Sky” and “A Little Less Conversation.”

We go through the typical recap of last night, with clips from the previous night’s performances.

Jaydee Bixby, the runner up from last season’s Canadian Idol, returns to the stage to sing “Old Fashioned Girl” from his new album, Cowboys and Cadillacs.

Simple Plan will help celebrate Canadian Rock, Gavin Rossdale on Unplugged, Bryan Adamson Bryan Adams week, Tom Jones on Best of Britain,

In a preview for the upcoming weeks themes and special guests, Ben announces that Simple Plan will help the Idols during Canadian Rock week, Gavin Rossdale for Unplugged, Bryan Adams for Bryan Adams songs and Tom Jones for the best of Britain.

And now it’s time to get to the results. After Theo and Earl are announced safe, Ben calls on Mark, Katherine and Drew. The men are safe and Katherine is the first member of the bottom three. Sebastien joins Katherine in the bottom three, along with Amberly.

Ben asks to hear from the judges. “It’s not a matter of blood and guts, it’s a lack of experience and a lack of ability. They haven’t demonstrated the potential to win the show,” says Zack. “For Katherine, it was a question of maturity. For Sebastien, it was more about being Sebastien. I don’t know it’s a tough call,” says Farley.

Amberly is brought back to the couch and is announced safe. It’s down to Sebastien and Katherine. In a surprise ending, Sebastien is safe and Katherine St-Laurent is eliminated.

Only 8 remain on Canadian Idol and they’ll be going unplugged with next week’s performances with special guest mentor, Gavin Rossdale, next Monday at 9 p.m. EST.

With nine left and the competition becoming more intense, the Idols tackle a theme that has one rule: sing a song by a dead rock ‘n’ roller.

Opening the show with “No Woman No Cry” by Bob Marley is Theo Tams. “There are some people who have said to me ‘He needs to get out from behind the piano.’ I don’t know if I agree with that or not but you getting out behind the piano tonight was a great move,” says Jake. “When you did get up, I wanted you to get up earlier. You need to gain some of that confidence on how to move around naturally. The vocal was John Legend-y and you look amazing on camera,” says Zack.

Mitch MacDonald is up next with “Angel Eyes” by Jeff Healey. “I can’t speak fro him, but I think he would have been really happy with that performance,” says Sass. “I thought it was a really smart song choice for you,” says Farley. “There is no question you have one of the most unique voices here and tonight I found it uniquely annoying,” says Zack.

“Light My Fire” by The Doors is Earl Stevenson. “So far for me, I’ve been really impressed with the song choices. You choosing that song is beyond appropriate. Really good,” says Farley. “I’ve never seen someone communicate so much without ever opening their eyelids. That was killer,” says Zack. “I think tonight you finally proved how smart we were in getting you here because Canada can’t deny how great you are,” says Jake.

Up next with “Love Me” by Elvis Presley is Sebastien Pigott. “I think you were really out of tune off the top. It did not sound good. I think you’ve made some bad choices with songs,” says Jake. “Out of tune. You do look good, though,” says Sass. “There comes a time in everyone’s life where you make choices and I suggest when you check your voicemail tonight, there will probably be movie producers but not record producers. You’re a superstar but just not in the music business,” says Farley.

Singing “Move Over” by Janis Joplin is Katherine St-Laurent. “I really felt that most of the notes were good, I don’t feel like you were in the moment or how angry as that song is,” says Jake. “That’s a tough song to sing. It was a brave effort and you look gorgeous,” says Sass. “If you have any sort of misunderstanding as to what those songs mean, just ask somebody so you can emote the proper emotion. All that was missing was maturity,” says Farley. “Your vocal was fantastic,” says Zack.

With “No Rain” by Blind Melon is Drew Wright. “It’s D.W. and D.W. did it again! I loved the way you did it. It ain’t J.T., it’s D.W.,” says Sass. “I kinda’ wish you had chosen to throw some more groove in there but I think vocally, you really did a great job,” says Zack. “Great that you came out and worked the stage, the room. You did a really admirable job,” says Jake.

Mookie Morris sings “I Feel Good” by James Brown. “You’re the hardest working man in the Idol business. You took it to where Mookie belongs. You entertained people, you did all the right things,” says Farley. “Doing James Brown, it’s so easy to come off as cheesy. I actually thought that was really cool,” says Zack. “We talk often about when you hit the stage, make it as if it’s your last song. Leave the blood and guts. And guess what? You did it,” says Jake.

With another Bob Marley hit, “Redemption Song,” is Amberly Thiessen. “There’s many things to say about that performance. To me, you remind me of the 60s in so many ways.. an ethereal touch. To use your voice as the purest instrument to interpret the lyric of the song. That was phenomenonal,” says Zack. “I was concerned whether or not you could interpret that song. Amberly is back where we want her,” says Jake. “It’s the clarity and purity of the tone in your voice. It was so appealing,” says Sass.

Performing last with “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross is Mark Day. He sheds a tear at the end of the performance. “What really bugged me about last week is that I know you’re a good singer. You sang it with heart, you hit every note, you’re a great singer,” says Jake. “I thought you did a beautiful job,” says Sass. “You just got a couple of votes outside of Newfoundland, good job,” says Farley. “I think it was very convincing and incredibly loveable,” says Zack.

Another Idol will face the axe tomorrow night on the results show at 8 p.m. EST on CTV.

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” proved to be more than just a classic nursery rhyme for a Nova Scotian radio personality.

Ann MacGregor of Pictou County, Nova Scotia’s CKEC 94.1 East Coast FM was crowned the ‘Media Idol’ winner, a national competition between members of the Canadian media with “The Twinkle Remix: Part II,” her own rendition of the classic song. MacGregor walked away with the title, the bragging rights and $10, 000 for the charity of her choice, the SPCA.

“Although I’m not the best singer in the bunch, I did it to raise awareness and money for the SPCA,” said MacGregor.

MacGregor, representing Halifax, was chosen during the 2008 Canadian Idol national audition tour. One member of the media was selected from each audition stop to form the top 10. The ten finalists won an expenses-paid trip to Toronto and got a taste of life as an Idol, rehearsing their songs with Canadian Idol and American Idol vocal coach Debra Byrd and style advice from Canadian Idol wardrobe consultants. The competitors’ performances were filmed and appeared on idol.CTV.ca for a public vote to decide the winner.

MacGregor was ecstatic about her win and the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Canadian Idol experience.

“I feel very loved right now,” said MacGregor. “I would not be here without the support of friends, family and our listeners.”

The other 2008 Media Idol regional finalists, who also took home $10, 000 for charities of their choice were:
Vancouver Media Idol: Al Ferraby, CFAX 1070
Calgary Media Idol: Ian MacKinnon, Energy 101.5 Calgary
Edmonton Media Idol: Tera Lee, KG Country 95.5
Winnipeg Media Idol: Kim Babij, Shaw TV
Montreal Media Idol: Phil Leithead, 94.7 HITS FM
Ottawa Media Idol: Jeff Morris, Morris Newspaper Group
Hamilton Media Idol: Laura Leigh Groppo, Niagara 105.1 The River and Cable 14
Newfoundland Media Idol: Paul Taylor, VOAR
Toronto Media Idol: Rudy Blair, AM 680 News

The Idol dream ends for one wannabe on tonight’s top 10 results show.

Last night, the 10 Idols fought for the public’s vote singing David Bowie hits. Before they get to the elimination on tonight’s show, the Idols sing a medley of David Bowie songs.

Jully Black appears again on tonight’s show with clips from her mentoring the Idols before they went on stage last night. Once again, she steals the show. Why is a fantastic musician Ben Mulroney’s sidekick again? Jully deserves better.

And now on to the results. Ben calls on Mitch, Earl and Mark. “Canada voted,” he says, “Mitch, you’re safe for another week. Earl, so are you. And that means that Mark, you’re also staying for another week.” He then moves on to Sebastien and Drew. Drew is announced safe and Sebastien lands himself in the bottom three.

Ben calls on Mookie and Amberly. And the second person to join Sebastien is Mookie. It’s then down to Katherine, Adam and Theo. Theo’s safe and Adam becomes the last to join the bottom three.

Ben asks the judges what they think of the results. “I think two of the three didn’t live up to the expectations I had for them. Adam gave a great performance, the other two could’ve done way better,” says Jake. “Straight up, Toronto’s got to get out and vote,” says Farley. “One of my favourites was Katherine and Earl and I loved Mookie,” says Sass. “Do not go out there and leave any idea unturned. Give it absolutely everything, be as desperate as you can be,” says Zack.

Of Adam, Mookie and Sebastien, the Idol heading home tonight is Adam Castelli. “I just want to thank everyone for all their support. It’s been a great ride,” says Adam.

Next Monday at 9:00 P.M. the top 9 will perform, with a classic rock theme in mind.