After the show wrapped up and with confetti still falling down with fans as Kalan sang his “Awake In A Dream” lead single, I carefully worked my way down to the exit. While my seats certainly rocked (dead center), it was a bit of a problem getting out since everyone wanted to soak in as much of the atmosphere as possible.
I quickly made my way back over to the media room and took a seat in the second row. Flanked by journalists from around the country, I waited for the first guest to be introduced.
Ben Mulroney (the host of the show) came out and talked about the wonderful time that he had hosting. He then fielded questions from the floor.
Initially he spoke about the show’s production and commented that the code for Canadian has often meant cheap in reference to the Idol production. He said that this was a major misconception. I’d have to agree. Idol was a slick show this season and the production values definitely increased.
When asked about what he would be doing now that the show was over, Mulroney commented that he would be heading to Geneva and would be interviewing Shania Twain.
He also talked about the fact that Canada has technically gone through five Idol shows (including the three American editions) and the interest is still there.
“There is no reason we wouldn’t do it again,” said Mulroney. “That was the right top three, and the right top ten.”
After Mulroney had finished up, the three judges were introduced. Jake Gold, Sass Jordan, and Farley Flex took the stage and also fielded questions.
They talked briefly about the ratings and how the numbers were up 15% from last year. They also talked about how Canadian Idol gives an opportunity to people that they have not had before. Jake Gold commented that people often ask Theresa “‘you’re 23, why haven’t we heard of you?'”. The reason is that people in the smaller cities usually aren’t given a chance to showcase their talent. This makes sense since the finalists this time around were from Medicine Hat, Alberta and Saskatoon (Scott Keith country).
Jake also commented about how Popstars was a dubious example of what talent shows should not be. “This show is about real musicians and real entertainers.” He said that 70% of music on our radios is American and that musically the States is “beneath us.”
Somebody on the floor then asked Farley Flex if Canada chose the right person.
He said, “yes… entirely.” Sass then quipped “you can see why he won.” A veiled reference to Kalan’s voice, but I still think it was based on his looks.
Jake also added that Zack was away because of a Jewish holiday and wanted to set a good example for his kids. It was almost as if he wanted to quash any rumors about Zack’s no-show immediately.
The judges were then asked if they would be back for season 3.
Jake Gold spoke for all of them… “it’s not in our hands.” Later it was confirmed that the show would return for its third season.
Executive producer John Brunton was then introduced. He said that the theme of the show this year was to “try and have more fun.” He said that Canadian Idol was very different because it had to “compete against it’s own franchise.” Because CTV owns Canadian Idol and also owns the rights to American Idol, they have to differentiate the show. He said that this season of Canadian Idol had “more heart and soul.” When asked if Kalan would now compete for Canada in World Idol, Brunton said that there have been no discussions about World Idol at this point.
Brunton then introduced Theresa Sokyrka. She said that her plan was to check out Toronto and then “go back home to regroup.” When asked if she had a particular feeling about what was going to happen, she said that there was no way to predict the outcome. “It was going to be so close.”
Generally she seemed very happy.
After a speech by one of the CTV head honchos where the third season was confirmed, the man of the hour was introduced.
Kalan Porter took to the stage and said that he would like to focus on “light rock” for his first album. He said that Theresa and him were very comfortable and that they “were so excited for each other.”
When asked what the first thing was that he was going to do, he said that the only thing running through his mind was “oh crap, now I have to sing” which got a big laugh out of the crowd. He said that he originally went to school to commerce, but took a year off to pursue music. “I guess this is my year off” he quipped.
He ended by saying that he was his own worst critic.
He then signed his new recording contract and posed for pictures.
I went and finished off a Coke before making my way out of the building and home to give you all the scoop on Canada’s newest Canadian Idol.
