It’s the Tuesday after the August long weekend and we’re back with Canadian Idol. Last week, in somewhat of a shocker, Ashley Leitao (who was my pick to win) was eliminated. Melissa O’Neill continues to tread water, and this week could see her go unless her fanbase starts voting like mad. Josh the Teachers’ Pet tasted the bottom three for the first time, and we’ll see if he can stay out of there this week.
Speaking of fanbase, it appears Casey has quite the fanbase, as she’s managed to stay out of the bottom three despite showing a lack of emotion rivaling that of American Idol 2 contestant Julia DeMato.
This week, the theme is “Best of the 80’s”. Break out the big hair and cheesy synth, and keep watching this space for my recap of the show!!
Last week’s recap, and here’s Ben Mulroney. Pitter-patter, and here’s the judges.
Ben notes that last week was the first time this year that a front-runner was eliminated. He asks Jake Gold what that does to the remaining competitors. Jake notes that the people need to vote to keep their favourites in the competition.
Farley Flex hits us with some Maestro Fresh-Wes, and Ben finishes it by sliding his backbone.
Ben asks Sass Jordan about the moment people started recognizing who she was. She says you need to enjoy yourself.
Finally, we get a clip of Zack Werner doing some hair metal.
Now here are the Idols, and a somewhat Canadian view of the 80’s, set to “Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds. And speaking of the 80’s, it’s Snake from Degrassi Junior High!!
First up is Amber Fleury, singing Cher’s “Just Like Jesse James”. It’s ok, a little country, but not spectacular. Then again, it’s a Cher song, so spectacular might be asking a bit much.
Jake – You still haven’t gotten out of ballad mode, but I wish you’d show us something else.
Farley – I’d like to have seen you become more animated.
Sass – It was like I turned on the radio. Nice.
Zack – A questionable song, you never had a moment to kill. It was ehhhh.
Ben – is apparently teleprompted with puns relating to the 80’s. The less said about this particular one the better.
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Rex “Hatboy” Goudie is up, and he’s singing “Every Breath You Take” by The Police. He’s lost the hat (for an Axl Rose bandana), and perhaps his magic powers as well. The arrangement is really bad, and he only gets going during the bridge, which still wasn’t all that great.
Farley – You stepped out of your comfort zone, and you looked like a star.
Sass – Really good job, Rex.
Zack – Looked the part, and I wanted to be really positive, but you looked like the boy next door, and the boy next door delivers papers.
Jake – You stepped out of your comfort zone, but maybe you tried to step a little too high with that song.
Ben – The boy next door tends to become the Canadian Idol. And he pities the fool who tunes out now, because they’re heading to an
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We’re back, and next is “Mistress Roboto” Casey LeBlanc, singing Madonna’s “Like A Prayer”. And AGAIN, not much emotion, nowhere near enough power, but at least she moves around. And I’ve finally figured out what I don’t like about her – she’s way too karaoke for this competition. Please, people, do NOT vote for her anymore.
Sass – Great song choice, but it was stronger than your voice.
Zack – (has switched his shirt) Madonna can marginally sing, but has had a great career. You sound like you’re singing, “Welcome to New Brunswick”.
Jake – You nailed the beginning, but I wish you’d sell the song a bit more.
Farley – You’re not selling the lyrics of the song. Try to feel it a little more.
Ben – If Zack wanted to go to New Brunswick, he wouldn’t be welcome.
Darryl Brunt is next, and singing “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell. Darryl’s dressed like Urkel, and tries a R&B-tinged take on the song, and it’s actually not too bad. Good eye contact, and he sells the song. Good job.
Zack – “Holy Bronski Beat”. Really odd, but so are you, but you’ll be here next week.
Jake – That may be the best performance you’ve given.
Farley – You’re starting to evolve, you gave it all a boy could give.
Sass – You’re like the Jerry Lewis of the Idols, but your instincts are brilliant. It’s amazing to watch you.
Ben – You are growing each and every week.
It’s apparently a rare three-in-a-segment, as Suzi Rawn sings, “Heartbreaker” by Pat Benetar. Suzi is dressed rather scary tonight (despite wearing an evening gown), but she puts out a performance that’s worthy of Rock Star: INXS, even if the Canadian Idol band isn’t up to it – and assuming you could sing Pat Benetar on Rock Star. Another great job from Suzi.
Jake – You sell the song, and thank God someone wants to win this thing.
Farley – You’re raw, you’re there, you know who you are, you know what song to pick.
Sass – You never ever fail to impress me. You’re amazing.
Zack – I feel like you looked like this thing is getting to you at the edges, but if you released that song right now you’d sell a lot of records.
Ben – I feel sorry for anyone who messes with you after that song. Our most excellent adventure continues after the
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We’re back, and it’s Aaron Walpole, singing “Working For The Weekend” by Loverboy. Aaron’s sporting the “Beckham”, which last I checked isn’t an 80’s hairstyle. Oh, the song? It’s not too bad, not as good as the original (as sung on Hit Me Baby One More Time) and Aaron’s enthusiasm makes up for any deficiencies.
Farley – You’re a friendly sort of performer, and people like that.
Sass – Still doesn’t like the voice, but lots of movement.
Zack – Has apparently decided on a shirt to wear (a scary tight tee).
Jake – Who cares about the shirt, let’s applaud the great performance.
Ben – Let us never ever ever speak of that shirt again.
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We’re back, and it’s time for Jon Dore with a 20 second workout, and a time-wasting segment. The less said the better. And now to wipe that memory away (maybe), it’s time for
Josh “Teacher’s Pet” Palmer singing Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight”. Josh proceeds to butcher a very good song, but he does put effort into it. And I’ll again be in disagreement with the judges when I say that was just awful.
Sass – I’m impressed by your ability to choose songs that suit your quirky style. Good on you.
Zack – I think there was a lack of pretention in one of the most pretentious pieces of music on the plance, and that was cool. Good on you.
Jake – The key to the song is to deliver the pain, and you delivered it. (I agree – I was in pain listening to that craptastic performance).
Farley – You’re ready to be a recording audience.
Well, the judges are sure pimping the hell out of Josh. As I made mention of Saturday, the judges want him in the final three, and are giving him one hell of a push towards that.
Ben – That was haunting, that was fantastic.
One last performer, coming up after the
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One last performer – Melissa O’Neill, and she’s singing “Holding Out For A Hero” by Bonnie Tyler. And she nails the song, getting into the song at the end, although gripping the mic stand in the middle wasn’t a good idea.
Zack – (new shirt and cowboy hat) If they keep you around for a couple more weeks, you are the only one (besides Josh) who shows a spark of originality.
Jake – That should prove to everyone at home that you should NEVER be in the bottom three.
Farley – You have a knack for transposing yourself into the moment.
Sass – Despite the fact that I can’t stand that song, you won me over.
Ben – I hear that song and *I* want to be your hero.
Here’s the recap of the singers and numbers, and we’re outta here.
