People throw around the term “phenomenon” too loosely. Nowadays, almost anything can be termed as something extraordinary. From a new cell phone app to a movie franchise based on best-selling books, it seems just about everything can be characterized as something inordinately impressive.
Even with that disclaimer, there is no denying the fact that Canadian Idol was a phenomenon. While it started as a Northern take on Simon Cowell’s groundbreaking British series in 2002, the show took on a life of its own and kickstarted the careers of not only its winners, but its finalists as well. Consider the current breakout success of Carly Rae Jepsen.
Old school pic of me and the first Idol, Ryan Malcolm in 2003
In addition to launching musical careers, the show is also solely responsible for not only my entire journalism career but for initially establishing my reputation as the world’s foremost reality television expert as well.
CTV aired 85 performance episodes and 76 result episodes of Canadian Idol from 2002 – 2008, resulting in a total of 161 live shows that took place at the John Bassett theatre over the course of six years. And I was at ALL of them… live. Well, I was at least until the last season of the show when I was off filming my television show but even in that case, I still made it to see Theo Tams crowned the show’s final victor.
You can check out the archive of my old show reviews and interviews HERE
Really, Canadian Idol was a fabric of our culture and certainly responsible for everything in my life and the lives of the younger singers who took to its stage.
Behind-The-Scenes At Canada AM
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Canada AM reunited the show’s six winners yesterday morning (Kalan Porter joined via satellite) to get an update on where they are now. They also discussed the best thing and the worst things (really, can there be any?) to happen to them because of the show.
Ryan Malcolm (Canadian Idol 1 Winner – 2003) – Still in music industry as member of Low Level Flight.
“It definitely takes a lot of time. It’s been nine years for me. With Low Level Flight, we have had the opportunity to tour overseas and I find that the stigma is obviously less over there because nobody really knows who I am so that’s kind of nice. It’s kind of weird being back in a situation like this because after so many years trying to forge my way as as a real artist, to be put back in a situation like this is kind of odd.”
Kalan Porter (Canadian Idol 2 Winner – 2004) – Still dabbling in the music industry but is now a student at the Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia (after shaving off his trademark locks from the show).
“The best thing was all the doors it opened for all of us. We have all had pretty good goes at music industry thing. Attending this school now, it is one of the best business schools in the world and I probably wouldn’t have had this opportunity had I not done Idol.
Melissa O’Neil (Canadian Idol 3 Winner – 2005) – Performed Jesus Christ Superstar in New York with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Hopes to get back in the music industry after now discovering who she is.
“I think for anyone that’s looking to get onto a reality show about talent, wait until you’re a little bit older. I think when you go into it and you’re really young, it’s hard to figure out who you are and to be in front of so many cameras, it’s hard to have so many different opinions coming at you.”
Eva Avila (Canadian Idol 4 Winner – 2006) – One of the more musically-active Idols, Avila is currently moving back to Toronto from Montreal. Working with the producer of her old Idol record on a new project. Also working on a new Christmas single. Also pursuing acting.
“The best thing that I take with me from Idol is the sense of community. The whole team was so supportive. We made some great friends along the way. Definitely one of the best summers of my life.”
Brian Melo (Canadian Idol 5 Winner – 2007) – Writing for a new project that will be released in 2013 and will be going on an acoustic tour in February and March.
“The launching pad was amazing and being able to have that opportunity was great. Sometimes, there is a stigma that is attached to it as well. From TV star to artist. Sometimes people are fans of the show but are not necessarily going to follow you throughout your career. It’s a fine balance so you have to start from grassroots after that.”
Theo Tams (Canadian Idol 6 Winner – 2008) – Started a country folk duo with Carly Jean (who he met on the show) and has a solo record coming out in February 2013.
“The best thing was the community surrounding the show. The fans. The crew. We were so supported and encouraged from day one. For me, the journey was so much more than just a musical journey. It was like this personal achievement coming from smalltown Alberta and now living in the biggest city in the country and making a living as a musician. Worst thing for me was trying to find a balance of who I was before the show and then the Theo Tams after the show. It was hard to tie the two together and I think that is something that I am still learning.”
Canada AM airs weekdays on CTV from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
