Showing posts with label Canadian Idol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canadian Idol. Show all posts

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Canadian Idol Season 5 Finale Brian Melo Is The New Idol

Alt-rocker Brian Melo will be getting all he ever wanted and more as the newly crowned Canadian Idol, defeating rockabilly golden boy Jaydee Bixby and emerging from his initial image as the competition's dark horse.

After learning he'd earned the title in the final moments of a two-hour, star-studded finale, the modest Hamiltonian gave the crowd a taste of what they can expect of his victory lap as a signed singer.

His version of "All I Ever Wanted" closed out the show, and will hit the airwaves and multiple online music retailers at 12 a.m. on Sept. 13. It will be the gateway to at least a year in the spotlight, but if the judges' insights prove true, could turn into a lasting music career.

"When you think about the numbers of people who audition for this thing, it's a remarkable accomplishment to make it to this far," said judge Zack Werner, adding that Melo had grown more as an artist during his time on the show than anyone would have imagined.



In fact, Melo faced possible elimination more than many of the Top 10, landing in the weekly bottom three/two more often than almost anyone else on the show.

But instead of letting low votes discourage him, he seemed motivated to work harder each week, becoming one of the competitors with the steepest learning curve the show has ever seen.



The finale began with a Bon Jovi medley performed by the Top 10. Beginning and ending with "You Give Love a Bad Name," the singers moved like a well-oiled machine through a series of hits penned by the week's mentoring musical act.

Rockers Greg Neufeld and Dwight d'Eon brought their guitars along for the ride, once again showing fans they're more than just pretty faces with nice voices.



Next to grace the stage was Canadian-bred pop-punker Avril Lavigne, who sang two songs from her latest album "The Best Damn Thing": "Hot" and "When You're Gone." Belting into her token pink microphone, the internationally famous 22-year-old showed the competitors just how successful a young artist can be.



Next up was crowd-pleaser Bon Jovi, who played "Lost Highway," the title track from their recent album. It was followed by international hit "It's My Life," which earned a standing ovation from the crowd and even a bit of dancing.

The busy evening's third guest was Eva Avila, last year's Canadian Idol, who has since scored two hit singles and a modeling contract. Working the crowd like a pro, Avila was right at home on the Idol stage and even offered some advice for her soon-to-be-announced replacement.

"Just remember that you are so privileged and enjoy every minute but you never know how long it's going to last," she said.


The ever-modest Melo seemed ready to do just that, his generally wide grin beaming even larger than usual as he began to grasp what the next year of his life had in store for him.

"This is incredible" the overwhelmed singer told the crowd, then offering specific thanks to Idol vocal coach Debra Byrd. "I didn't think a year ago that I would be standing here. If it wasn't for the fans, my friends, my family and everyone in the Hammer... It's been amazing."

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Kelly Clarkson Performs in Canadian Idol 5

After coaching the Top 5 Canadian Idols for the show's "My Own Idol" theme week, Kelly Clarkson didn't have to stop for a second to think who she would have chosen had she been a competitor facing this particular theme.

"I probably would have picked a Reba (McEntire) song," the original American Idol told Ben Mulroney on CTV's "eTalk." "I love singing her songs. I know them so well. And it's good to sing a song on this show that you're so comfortable with you can make it your own."

After recently working with McEntire on an upcoming TV special, Clarkson admits to still getting a little bit star struck. But after being discovered on the original season of "American Idol" six years ago, Clarkson went from looking up to influences like McEntire to being one herself.

Her visit to Toronto saw throngs of fans waiting outside the Masonic Temple (home of "eTalk" and the MTV Canada studios) just to catch a glimpse of their hero.

Asked whether she saw herself that way, Clarkson had an interesting take on why she has become the most respected artists to emerge from the Idol franchise.

"I'm not special, I just knew what I wanted to do," she told Canadian Idol's cameras on the Top 5 performance show, noting that competitors often leave the competition without a specific musical style or career plan in mind.

But despite knowing where she wanted to go with her music, the hazel-eyed starlet says she had no idea that "American Idol" would propel her to such fame.

"Especially how our season was... we referred to it as ghetto idol," she said of the show's Season 1. "It was just us standing in a circle. We didn't have a band. It was very bare. Now it's got moving walls."

Her visit to Canadian Idol didn't help her perception of its American counterpart, either. Clarkson was quick to note how much she loved about Canadian Idol that just doesn't happen south of the border.

"Yours is so cool," she exclaimed after hearing about this season's weekly themes as well as the potential for competitors to play instruments on the show. "Your Idol is so much better. They don't let you near instruments on the American one!"

Friday, August 17, 2007

Maroon 5 Performs in Canadian Idol

A week after Greg Neufeld was eliminated at Top 7, his favourite bands will take to the Canadian Idol stage: the platinum selling Maroon 5. Talk about unfortunate timing.

The look on Neufeld's face when next week's act was announced on Tuesday's show clearly indicated his disappointment, and who could blame him. One of the most popular pop/rock acts in the world right now, Maroon 5 are known for soulful vocals, catchy hooks and a string of danceable hits.

Based in Los Angeles, Maroon 5 is made up of Adam Levine (lead vocals, guitar), James Valentine (guitar, backing vocals), Jesse Carmichael (keyboards, backing vocals), Mickey Madden (bass guitar) and Matt Flynn (drums).

Their debut album "Songs About Jane" features hits "This Love," "Harder to Breathe," "She Will be Loved" and "Sunday Morning." It hit quadruple platinum status and earned the band two Grammy awards.

Now, after a four year interim period, they are promoting their second album "It Won't Be Soon Before Long." Their first single from the new CD, "Makes Me Wonder," is currently number one in Canada on Nielsen SoundScan's Hits Chart.

"We love Canada and our Canadian fans and are really looking forward to performing on Canadian Idol," said a statement issued by the band on July 12, the day CTV first announced Canadian Idol's guest lineup for the season.

The band will perform on Tuesday's results episode and will also be featured in Monday's performance show where they will comment on the songs the Top 6 has chosen.

If song selection on the show so far is any indication, they'll be facing a sympathetic demographic. Two Maroon 5 songs have already been featured on Canadian Idol performance nights: "Sunday Morning" was sung by Andrew Austin on Top 18 week and Neufeld's took on "This Love" on Top 22 week.


Maroon 5 Performs in Canadian Idol Wake Up Call


Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine has no illusions about singers who use a show like Canadian Idol to find their way into the popular consciousness.

During his visit to the show for pop/rock week, the platinum-selling singer spent some time musing with host and friend Ben Mulroney about what he would have done if Idol had seemed like his only way into the music business.

"I might have (tried out) if things didn't work out this way," said Levine, who formed the precursor to Maroon 5, Kara's Flowers, with three of the band's current members while still in junior high. "I don't know if I would have been able to. I'd probably try. I do wear tight pants on stage."

In his interview with CTV's "eTalk" during the Top 6 results show, Levine expressed an viewpoint that is becoming increasingly common among members of the music business: a respect for artists who use Idol to find success.

"To be totally honest with you, Idol is great," said Levine, whose band was the first to perform on both Canadian Idol and American Idol during the same year. "I see no problem with it. It's a good thing to have: a talent competition for singers."

Levine and his band, which also includes James Valentine (guitar), Jesse Carmichael (keyboards), Mickey Madden (bass) and Matt Flynn (drums), played two songs on the show for pop/rock week -- "Wake-Up Call" and "Makes Me Wonder," hits from their recent album "It Won't Be Soon Before Long."

As a preview to next week's theme, "My Own Idol," Mulroney asked Levine to define his own personal heroes.

"Musically, Stevie Wonder," Levine replied. "He is the all-encompassing idol. Musically (he's) one of my favourites in the world. As a human being he's one of the best people to walk the earth. He's just an incredible person and I really worship him for that."

Levine was also quick to tip his hat to his non-musical heroes: educators around the world.

"I think teachers are the most amazing people because they get paid no money to do an incredible service," he said, though sheepishly adding he didn't "want to give one of those generic answers that everyone else gives because... when you talk about heroes and they're not musical you start to sound like a Miss America speech."

These days, Levine and his band have been establishing themselves as heroes in their own right. They recently announced a plan to make their upcoming concert tour carbon neutral. One dollar from each ticket will be donated to Global Cool, an organization that promotes energy conservation.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Canadian Idol Watch Top 9 Favorite Performances

After weeks of judge reprimands for choosing songs from eras past, Canadian Idol's Top 9 had a good excuse to rock the hits from the good old days - 1960s theme week. Choosing some of the decade's grittiest songs, the competitors showed their ability to relate to music well beyond their years.

They gave one of the best performance shows so far this year, and according to judge Sass Jordan after the show finished, the best show the series has ever seen in its five years.

Before the singing got started, judges Farley Flex and Jake Gold both noted how important it would be for the competitors to choose songs they could relate to considering none were alive in the decade the music was made.

"It was such a meaningful era," said Farley. "I hope each contestant buys into what the theme is all about. It's a great opportunity to show who you are and what is meaningful to you."

"I think the times today are a lot like the sixties in terms of political and social situations," added Jake. "At the same time I think they really have to connect to the lyrics. From the list I see in front of me, I think they're going to do really well tonight."

Greg Neufeld - Long Black Veil


After admitting earlier in the week that he'd had trouble choosing a song because he doesn't listen to a lot of 1960s music, Greg Neufeld settled on a song that had a recent life as well. Choosing "Long Black Veil," a song originally by Johnny Cash but later covered by Dave Matthews Band, he gave a subdued performance, emulating the Man in Black himself in a black shirt and dress pants.

"My guess is that was better on TV than it was for me," said Zack. "It sounded kind of uptight and really not in the pocket. Lucky for you, you're Canada's next Top Model, so it probably doesn't matter."

"That was so smooth and so calm and so together," added Jake. "It really showed your ability to be a pro, and that's what you are, a pro."

Brian Melo - Bold As Love

Brian Melo also seemed to finally be coming into his own with his performance, owning the stage during his performance of "Bold As Love," a song initially sung by Jimi Hendrix and more recently redone by John Mayer. He finished off his song by throwing the mic stand across the stand in perfect time with the final beats, earning him a somewhat stern talking-to from the show's concerned host.

"How much is the band loving you right now, getting to kick some Hendrix?" said a beaming Sass. "That was an excellent performance. I really enjoyed it."

"One of the good things I can say about tonight is that only one person goes home tomorrow," mused Zack. "Right now everyone is stepping up. Dude, that was the first time that I completely bought in. That was you being you. It was a real fierce performance."

Tara Oram - Suspicious Minds

Next up, Tara Oram kicked her country charm into high gear with an energized version of Dwight Yoakam's take on "Suspicious Minds," originally performed by Elvis Presley. The judges were highly impressed with the way she'd out their advice to be more physical to good use.

"It took you vocally a couple places I haven't seen you go," said Farley. "It showed a lot of things I haven't seen you do before."

"That was the best performance I have seen from you by far," added Sass. "Awesome, awesome energy."




Saturday, July 28, 2007

Rihanna in Canadian Idol

She's a seasoned professional now when it comes to handling fame, fans and interviews, but things weren't always so easy for 19-year-old R & B diva Rihanna.

While getting ready for her appearance on Canadian Idol, the Barbados-born songstress hearkened back to one of her first-ever experiences on television. It was a time when she was just getting used to being in the spotlight, something she's sure Idol's Top 10 can relate to.

"It was Regis and Kelly in New York," Rihanna recounted, moments after emerging from a Q & A advice session with the show's remaining singers, themselves still pretty new to the entertainment world. "It was the day my first album came out. I remember being extremely nervous. It was very nerve-wracking."

Fortunately, she's had lots of time since to practice being in the limelight. Her three albums have all seen massive success, with singles from each release hitting the top of the charts in countries around the world.

It makes her the perfect guest for Canadian Idol's "Number 1 Hits" theme week, where she'll perform her current hit "Umbrella" on the Top 10 results episode on Wednesday, July 18.

Two days after arriving in Toronto - a city she says she can't get enough of - the singer took some time to answer questions from the Idols, then sat down with the host of eTalk and Canadian Idol, Ben Mulroney.



Seeming a bit more flustered than his usual smooth self around the stunningly gorgeous dark-haired beauty, Mulroney quizzed the singer on why she wanted to appear on Canadian Idol.

"I thought 'if I can be an inspiration to these young people who want to be entertainers just like I am then it's a great cause,'" she said, adding that she also looks for any excuse to come back to Canada.

She remembers her first interaction with fame and the career inspiration that came with it.

"(It was when) I met Beyoncé... when she came out with 'Dangerously in Love,'" said Rihanna, who was initially signed to her record label by the man who would later become Beyoncé's main squeeze, Jay-Z. "I was like 'wow, I want to be just like that.' She's huge and just an inspiration and one of the artists that I admire a lot."

While Rihanna hasn't yet collaborated with her role model, she has worked with a serious list of A-listers including Jay-Z himself, Ne-Yo, Timbaland and Justin Timberlake. She is also slated to appear on Chris Brown's upcoming album and says she'd like to work with Joss Stone and Outkast's Andre 3000 in the future.

An artist who says she works as hard when she doesn't have a hit as when she's an international golden child, Rihanna hopes her performance on Idol will show off the vigour and dedication that's helped her produce so many number one hits.

"Tonight's just going to be great energy," she said. "It's all about being in the moment and feeling the song and just having fun with it."

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Canadian Idol Watch Top 10 Favorite Performances

Greg Neufeld - All These Things That I've Done

Greg Neufeld's biographical introduction showed him playing with his band DiMarco in front of a screaming crowd in his home town of Abbotsford, B.C. Despite weeks of singing songs the judges just couldn't get enough of, his version of The Killers' "All These Things That I've Done" earned what seemed like his worst review yet in both his years in the competition.

"I think that you broke out of the stuff you're been doing into stuff you shouldn't be doing,:" Zack admonished before moving into slight gibberish. "Your upper register was like chalk nails on a board."

Sass disagreed.

"I liked that a lot," she said. "You broke out of the stuff you've been doing normally and you really delivered it, that was a really good performance."

Martha Joy - The Power of Love


Before her rendition of her second Celine Dion song in a row, Martha Joy took the show's viewers to a large family gathering - one of many where she always seems to find herself singing. Her choice of "The Power of Love" was crystal clear, but left the judges wondering what else she could do.

"I thought vocally really strong but... I felt the arrangement of that song seemed deliberate and slow and it felt like you were just milking it instead of just going with it," noted Jake. "You can sing well. We already know that"

"I'm at the point now where I'm absolutely convinced of your skill set," added Farley. "You are undeniably amazing, straight up."

Tara Oram - You Win My Love


Tara Oram's bio took her back to her home island of Newfoundland, where she tearfully greeted a mob of fans upon getting off her airplane. Her version of Shania Twain's "You Win My Love" was likely enough to win her a spot in the Top 9, the judges thought.

"The performance was really strong like it always is from you and you know your voice and I think you do a great job with what you've got," said Sass.

"There are some limitations to your range and the top of what you do," said Zack, who then changed tactic by listing the ways Tara maneovers around her shortcomings with grace. "You cut off the note and you throw to the other thing or whatever. That was the first time since the 22 started that I actually really dug what you did."

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Canadian Idol Watch - Top 14 Favorite Performances

Greg Neufeld - Daughters

Greg Neufeld, covering new ground after making it as far as Top 18 in last year's incarnation of the show. After weeks of consistently strong performances, Neufeld pulled another rabbit out of his hat with an intimate, acoustic rendition of John Mayer's "Daughters" in which he sat on the edge of the stage and accompanied himself with acoustic guitar.

"The last three weeks you chose to do songs that were very much in your comfort zone," noted Zack. "If there's anything, you may be a little too perfect. You stood up like the man that you are and represented... You may be too perfect for the public."

"I think you can never be too perfect -- I feel like I am at the Greg Neufeld show," countered Jake, who then got the attention of the female competitors seated off to the side of the studio. "Ladies, that's your competition right there."

Mila Miller - Rehab

The last spot of the women's night went to soulful diva Mila Miller, who badly wanted to convince voters to put her in the Top 10 after two weeks narrowly escaping elimination. Singing Amy Winehouse's "Rehab" lying across the grand piano, her normally-massive afro smoothed down into a sleek wave, she impressed the judges with her unique brand of groove.

"You're one of my favourite performers on the show right now," said Sass. "I thought that was a really good... imitation. You're got a sense of humour I just love when watching a performer."

Farley, however, thought she'd put her own personal mark on the song, loud and clear.

"It's pedigree," he said. "You just felt that song. You did it in your own way. You took ownership of it and eminated soul."

Martha Joy - That's the Way It Is

Next up was Martha Joy, the velvetty-voiced belter from the opposite side of the musical spectrum. Giving a lively rendition of Celine Dion's "That's the Way It Is," she impressed the judges with her ability to kick it up a notch as well as her conisistently strong vocals.

"You played it very subtle, especially for someone who's 16," said Zack. "You are technically the best singer there. I didn't get as much fun out of that as probably you did, but it was Celine."

"The last half of that song may be one of the best things I've seen all year," added an enthused Jake. "You sang great. I felt how happy you were. I got chills... really good."

Khalila Glanville - For You I Will

Also hoping to keep out of this week's bottom four was Khalila Glanville, who had wowed the judges the first week but then chose a song much less to their liking for her follow-up. This time she went the R & B route with Monica's "For You I Will," earning mixed reviews for her efforts.

"I've seen a tremendous level of growth in you from the moment we met you," judge Zack Werner told her. "You may have come up a little flat around the edges (but) I don't think we've ever had anyone who's a mature, sophisticated, beautiful, strong woman in our Top 10 and I would love to see you there."

"There were a couple moments that sounded off for me," added Jake. "But overall, I felt it was really strong and I think you look great tonight."

Sunday, July 08, 2007

Canadian Idol Watch Season 5 - Martha Joy - Filipino

Martha Joy

Updated Wed. Jul. 4 2007 12:46 AM ET

Age: 16
Occupation: High School Student
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Audition City: London, ON
Place of Birth: Toronto, ON
Nickname: MJ or Martitty
Favourite Song: 'Wind Beneath My Wings' by Bette Midler
Couldn't Live Without: "My laptop"
Would Like to Meet: "My grandfather"
Motto: "Singing is not the only thing I can do...but it is the only thing that I want to do"

"Even though I might come across as a very shy girl initially, I want Canadian Idol viewers to know that I am an outgoing and funny person."

Having a European father and an Asian mother, Martha draws a lot of her inspiration from her family. "My mom has been one of the most inspiring people in my life. She has overcome many obstacles in her life to get me to where I am today. Both of my parents have been there for me from the beginning, through the good times and the bad."

Martha is currently a Grade 11 student at Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts in Toronto. She enjoys eating Chinese food, hanging out with her friends and playing with her two wiener dogs, Tootsie Joy and Peanuts.

Martha credits her selection to the Canadian Idol Top 22 to her years of vocal training and love for music. But it has been no easy ride. "I was most surprised by the rigorous schedule of the competition," says Martha. "On TV it seems so glamorous, but behind the scenes it can be emotionally and physically draining." Martha says she learned from the challenge of selecting the perfect song. "The hardest part was selecting the right song. With little sleep, it taught me how to work under pressure and perform at my best."

Martha has the ability to sing in six different languages, including Portuguese, Filipino, Italian, Spanish, French and English. However, even though she can sing in six languages, she only speaks Filipino and English.

What is Martha looking forward to about this season of Canadian Idol? "I feel most comfortable when I'm on stage singing in front of a big audience," she says. "Viewers can expect to see a solid performance (from me) every week."

Song List And Video Performance

Top 22 - I Don't Want to Miss a Thing (Regine Velasquez Version)


Top 18 - To Where You Are (Josh Groban)

Canadian Idol Watch Season 5 - Greg Neufeld

Greg Neufeld

Age: 23
Occupation: Singer/Songwriter/House Framer
Hometown: Abbotsford, BC
Audition City: Vancouver, BC
Place of Birth: Langley, BC
Nickname: Greggy
Favourite Song: "Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2
Couldn't Live Without: "My guitar. I never leave home without it."
Would Like to Meet: Dave Matthews
Motto: "Just go for it."

"If you put enough time and energy into something than you can accomplish a lot of your goals. Talent has a lot to do with it, but you have to have the desire and push to achieve those goals."

After making it into the Top 22 last season, Greg came up short of a Top 10 spot and has found "trying to forget about what happened to me last year" the most challenging part of this year's competition. "I know I should have done better and I just need to go out and prove to everyone that I deserve to go very far in this competition," he says.

A huge fan of the Dave Matthews Band, when Greg first started playing guitar all he wanted to learn was Dave Matthews' songs. Along with Matthews, he also admires John Mayer and Coldplay's Chris Martin because they have managed to sustain career longevity.

This year, viewers can expect a more polished and confident Greg Neufeld. "I am going to bring a lot of energy and upbeat songs that people can really get into," he promises. "This is something I have been working toward for a very long time and I want people to know that I'm a true musician. I have paid my dues. I've been there, I just need my chance."

Greg keeps active by playing hockey and basketball and he also wakeboards. In his spare time, you'll find him jamming with his band Dimarco, watching "Dumb & Dumber" (because it reminds him of his brothers) and rooting for the Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions and the Phoenix Suns.

The song that best describes him is "No Stopping Us" by Jason Mraz. To become the next Canadian Idol, Greg believes he just needs to be himself. "I have to bring it every week like it is my last song ever."

Song List and Performance Video

Top 22 - This Love (Maroon 5)


Top18 - Geek in the Pink (Jason Mraz) w/guitar

Canadian Idol Watch Season 5 - Khalila Glanville

Khalila Glanville

Age: 23
Occupation: Day Care Worker
Hometown: Dorval, QC
Audition City: Montréal, QC
Place of Birth: Montréal, QC
Nickname: Kiki or Kay Kay
Favourite Song: "Get Here" by Oleta Adams
Couldn't Live Without: "A bra"
Would like to meet: "My grandmother"
Motto: "Live in the moment!"

"The Canadian Idol competition has changed me for the better. I realize that my time here is short and I should take advantage of every opportunity in front of me. I am not as scared to try new things and I realized that I have a lot more confidence in myself."

Khalila wants viewers to know that she is funny, caring and understanding and she believes it is her combination of dedication, support and confidence in herself that has gotten her this far in the competition.

For Khalila, finding out she had made it into the Top 22 left her in shock, but she was also relieved. With her family supporting her through the entire audition process, Khalila is very proud of making it into the Top 22. She cites her father as her greatest inspiration. "When times were tough he always believed in me told me never to give up," she says.

The best day of Khalila's life came when she found out she made it into the Top 22. Khalila feels that Canadian Idol is extremely important to the development of young Canadian music talent. "Not only does it give people from all over the country the opportunity to follow their dreams but it also gives youth solid role models to look up to."

If Khalila was given the opportunity to meet one person it would be Mary J. Blige. "She is an extremely strong artist and has been through many difficult periods in her life both professionally and personally. She has always remained strong and has never let anyone bring her down. She continues to get stronger with age and I hope I can do the same."

When Khalila is not thinking about singing she enjoys watching "The Black Donnellys," playing with her dog, Princess, and cheering for her favourite international soccer team, Brazil.

Song List and Performance Video

Top 22 - Family Portrait (Pink)


Top 18 - I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) (The Four Tops)