Canadian Idol – Top 9 Recap

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.


Leonard Cohen Inducted to the Hall of Fame

Leonard Cohen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Monday, and the 73-year-old singer said that he had never let himself imagine receiving the honour.

“This is a very unlikely occasion for me,” he said in his acceptance speech. “It is not a distinction that I coveted or even dared dream about.”

Lou Reed read a selection of the former poet’s work at the ceremony, and said simply in his own words, “We’re so lucky to be alive at the same time Leonard Cohen is.”

During his stunning career, Cohen wrote such songs as Suzanne, First We Take Manhattan and Hallelujah.

He was born in Montreal.


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