Toronto, ON (June 20, 2005)
Eight more candidates go before voters in a bid to become elected to the elite Top 10 when Canadian Idol continues this Tuesday, June 21 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV. The competitors -representing Duncan, Victoria, Saskatoon, Barrie, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Nackawic, New Brunswick -go head-to-head in an eight-song,
hour-long musical showdown.
Following the show, Canadians will vote for the competitor they wish to advance to the Top 10, with the results to be announced live (tape
delayed in the West) the next night, Wednesday, June 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV. Voting details can be found on the Canadian Idol Web site at
idol.ctv.ca.
Last week, Canadians cast 1.2 million votes following Canadian Idol’s first Top 32 performance episode, sending Daryl Brunt and Ashley Leitao into the Canadian Idol Top 10. The stakes continue to be high in this Wednesday’s Episode Eight. Competitors have one chance – and one chance only – to impress the judging panel and viewers at home. A misjudged song, a faltering performance – and it’s all over: there are no re-takes.
Meet Canadian Idol’s second Group of Eight:
·Vince Benenati, 25, Toronto, ON, Automotive Technician
The third time is the charm for Toronto’s Vince Benenati, who previously auditioned for Seasons One & Two of Canadian Idol. Benenati comes from
a close-knit Italian family who taught him to sing at the age of four. An automotive technician and Centennial College student, Benenati likes to sketch, paint and draw and play hockey.
·Alinka Chambers, 25, Barrie, ON, Children’s Theatre Instructor
Alinka Chambers was “discovered” by her brothers at the age of 10. While
in university, Chambers received a nine-month contract to sing aboard a cruise ship in the Greek and Turkish islands. Now, she’s an aspiring
children’s theatre producer and has started up her own theatre company called Infinity Arts Studio.
·Casey LeBlanc, 17, Nackawic, NB, High School Student
Casey LeBlanc says she auditioned for Canadian Idol to “bring some happiness and good news” back into her community of Nackawic, which
recently suffered the closure of its only industry. She works as a cashier
at a local store during the school and has grown up at Kings Landing Historical Settlement during the summer.
·Dave Moffatt, 21, Victoria, BC, Singer/Songwriter
Dave Moffatt tasted fame as part of 90s teen sensation The Moffatts, but is now hoping to chart out a new course. “Even though I have been a part of a successful band, I think is a great opportunity for me to start something new for myself,” he says. “I want this more than anything, and I will work my butt off to get it.”
·David Mongar, 22, Duncan, BC, Credit Administrator
David Mongar says he auditioned for Canadian Idol only to hold a spot in line for his girlfriend. Mongar first started to sing when he was cast in a high school production of Oliver! Mongar likes to knit, read and cook, and says his Canadian idol is David Suzuki. He hopes to one day become a pediatrician or a veterinarian.
·Josh Palmer, 22, Saskatoon, SK, Musician/Songwriter
Josh Palmer was the last person to be seen by the judges in Saskatoon. The 22-year-old musician/singer/songwriter sang with his father on stage at the age of eight and became a professional musician when he was 13. Palmer, now tours the Blues scene across Western Canada with his band.
·Julie Tellier, 25, St-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC, Customer Service Rep.
Julie Tellier was encouraged to audition for Canadian Idol by her boss after hearing Julie sing at the company Christmas party. The customer
service representative began singing at the age of seven and has performed at weddings, funerals and local bar gigs. She says the best day of her
life was when she met her idol, Celine Dion.
·Emily Vinette, 17, Ottawa, ON, High School Student
Vinette’s most memorable performance was in the House of Commons for Canadian veterans on the Sixtieth Anniversary of D-Day. Last year, Vinette
won the youth category at the Canadian Open Country Singing Contest and placed second in the youth competition at the Central Canada Exhibition.
Credit: CTV
