Congrats to KRIS ALLEN!! The “Dark Horse” winner of American Idol 8!!

I know. I haven’t been around since last summer and I show up on AI8 finale night to finally chat up with y’all. Well, things have been very strange and crazy since last August. The short list of changes has been:

Mom in and out of hospital
I changed jobs (this one is the best of the last 8 years)
Hubby lost his job

May not seem like much but all this happened concurrently over the last 5 months and put a major crimp in my AI viewing time. Needless to say I had to miss chatting with you all about the BEST SEASON OF IDOL EVER!

Sad.

Anyway, I hope to revive my little corner of the Idol world in the weeks to come now that real life seems to have become a bit more calm. Sure, Season 8 is history but IDOL never really ends. There’s much to talk about until the Season 9 auditions begin so stay tuned and check back in about a week or two to see what I come up with. I’ll try to keep you entertained, amused and informed until January – and try not to let real life stand in my way of being Stuck in Idol with all of you.

See you soon!
J

CI6: The Top 5 sing the Fab 4

Another “down and dirty” Idol review this week, peeps, (I’m away from home and doing this on the fly), and it was the BEST Beatles show with spot on judges’ picks and some great performances. It’s gonna be a tight race to the finish since all the contestants are finally bringing their “A” games. Here’s what I saw on the laptop for this week (and might just watch again — it was THAT good!):

Earl Stevenson

With A Little Help From My Friends

Well if the “curse of the first” holds up, we should be saying “buh bye” to this boy finally! I will note that he actually sounded pretty good this week by channeling the Joe Cocker version of the song and he kept the stage prowling down to a respectable minimum so that actually could work in his favor. Great…NOT! I want him gone so I’ll predict some bottom dwelling for this boy this week.

Mookie Morris

Come Together

The more I see and hear this boy, he sure does remind me of a mellower Steven Tyler (who also covered this song with Aerosmith) but with the same stage charisma that draws the audience in. He has proven each week that he knows how to present the oldies to a new generation but his fan base is a trifle fickle. He also received the strangest judges’ comment of the night — “…a jumbo pot of umm, umm good?” Sass is as bad as Simon – what does that mean? Should be safe but one never knows.

Theo Tams

The Long and Winding Road

Perfect song choice for the piano man but, IMHO, it was just a tad over the top. No matter. Great vocals, great delivery, and — have you noticed — he’s getting that Idol makeover BIG time! This one is still my pick to GO.ALL.THE.WAY! Should be safe if Canada knows what’s good for them!

Mitch MacDonald

In My Life

Another perfect song choice for this high pitched honey and it quite the risk to do the first verse with minimal backup. He truly is a good, solid performer and very comfortable on stage. Good for him, even though I’m still not that keen on his sound. I think he just might go another week but I can’t be sure.

Drew Wright

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

I usually like this young man but a grunge version of this song just didn’t do it for me. Good vocals, not much screaming, fine guitar weeping but I guess I am more partial to the original. But, since the judges were all over him with accolades I will defer to them and say that he just might avoid the bottom this week. Who knew?

With all that said and done, I’ll declare that my choices to occupy the bottom of the totem pole this week are:

Earl Stevenson (because I’ve had enough of his theatrics) and

Mitch MacDonald (because his song wasn’t as flashy as the others and that might dissuade some voters)

with “das boot” going to Earl Stevenson just because I want him gone, gone, GONE! Will I be happy or sad this week? We’ll see…

Carry on!

J

CI 6 – The Results: Amberly gets ambushed!

One unhappy camper here, people!

The last woman standing on Canadian Idol has been dismissed before hitting the Top 5 and this American is definitely crying “foul!”  She certainly was not the worst in the vocal department this week and her performance was more outgoing and natural than in weeks prior.  So what happened?

Two things:  first, whoever suggested that outfit and look for her was dead WRONG!  While Zack’s comment was a tad over the top, it showed that the look casted a dark pall over her performance and I guess Canada felt that to be true.  Second, it’s another case of the curse of going first — with at least two other strong performances and a surprisingly good showing from our friend from NS, Amberly was all but forgotten because she didn’t stand out enough.  It’s too bad that this very talented vocalist could only make it to sixth place.

With five guys left and the Beatles songbook being tackled next week, this should prove interesting…

Carry on!

J

CI6: Top 6 Week: Simply Canadian

Sorry I’m a little late with my reviews this week but my normal Canadian video junkie was out of commission and I had to scramble and find a new supplier. Good thing I hit pay dirt at You Tube and was able to see the show but not in the correct order of performance. I was able to figure out who went first and last but the rest are a toss up so if you are one of my OCD fans, I apologize for the disorganization.

Anyway, it was a celebration of Canadian artists this week with Simple Plan as the mentors. They seemed like a decent group who wanted to help our contestants succeed and I think they must have given them some good advice because most of them appeared to up their game. I can’t say enough how much I’m enjoying CI and it’s very eclectic musical themes this summer. I don’t think I can look at AI again without noticing the BIG differences between them and wishing they’d get their act together.

So, without further ado, here’s the view from my trusty laptop this week with many thanks to another great Canadian poster:

Amberly Thiessen – 1, 2, 3, 4 (Feist)

I haven’t heard Brooke White sing this on the AI tour yet so this was a preview of the song for me. While not enamored with the piece, I thought this was the best performance this little lady has given so far in the competition. She looked relaxed and joyful, her voice was clear as a bright bell and she worked the stage well instead of hiding behind her guitar. I didn’t like how they dressed her and made her up to be a pop tart because I believe the “girl-next-door” vibe works for her so I hope this transformation doesn’t lose votes instead of gain them. Should NOT be in the bottom three but she did go first so ya never know. BTW, I think Zach is auditioning for Simon’s spot on the American show when he leaves…Elvira? Please. She didn’t look THAT bad.

Drew Wright – That Song (Big Wreck)

This one wants to be Canada’s answer to David Cook for sure. It was an OK performance, vocals were good when he wasn’t screaming over the band, but I felt he was concentrating too much on his playing the guitar and not enough in entertaining the audience. I’m not sure his cherub good looks are going to carry him unscathed to the Top 5 so look for him in the bottom three this week.

Theo Tams – Sweet Ones (Sarah Slean)

Other than the “lounge lizard” velvet jacket (which made him look a little cheesy), that was another great performance. The vocals (with just a hint of growl) were spot on, his musical treatment of the song was driving in places and “come hither” in others and I have to agree with the boys from Simple Plan, he makes singing and playing look effortless. If he’s not safe this week, Canada is just not as hip as I think they are. This boy is my pick for the top spot, definitely.

Mitch MacDonald - Love This Town (Joel Plaskett?)

Definitely an indie performer for sure, he does very well in his own genre but his vocal tone can be grating. Not tonight, however. It fit the song and he kept it simple so the performance was very sincere and likable. A props for choosing a song almost no one was familiar with. This could buy him another week in the competition and I’d like to see him stay after many weeks of calling for his departure. Good job.

Earl Stevenson – Little Bones (The Tragically Hip)

I guess I’m not hip because I just don’t GET this guy (and I really liked Taylor Hicks)! He sings OK but he always looks like he’s been hitting the bong before each performance. I like my Idols a tad more serious about what they’re doing and I just don’t understand WHY the judges love him to death. Canada, do me a favor? Send this boy home packing. I just can’t take him anymore.

Mookie Morris – Magic Carpet Ride (Steppenwolf)

I liked the scratching vibe that was added to this classic rock song and this boy definitely had the charisma to pull it off and draw the crowd in. I wasn’t as sold on his vocals because I thought they weren’t as good as I’ve heard him to be and I think that might hurt him with some of the more savvy voters. He needs more time to grow vocally but he’s got the performing side of it down pat.

So, the bottom dwellers for this week would have to be:

Mookie, (because he needs more work vocally and this IS a singing competition, isn’t it?)

Drew (because he tried too hard with the vocals)

and Earl, (for being just too Earl-ish this week)

with “das boot” probably going to Drew Wright because Canada doesn’t have the ***** to get rid of Earl or Mookie just yet. However, don’t be surprised if Mitch goes home because voters just might be done with him at this point. We shall soon see if I’m correct…or not…

Carry on!

J

CI 6: “The British are coming…and it’s not unusual for Canadians, I suppose…”

This is one of my quick, down-and-dirty reviews so let’s just get to it. With Sir Tom Jones giving them some sage advice, it looked and sounded to me that most of them listened and tried to switch it up a little this week.

So, how did I rate the contestants this week? Here are my observations, brought to you again from my trusty laptop and my equally reliable Canadian video supplier:

Mark Day - Bleeding Love (Leona Lewis)

Odd choice for an odd personality but he does sing rather well and actually did a decent job vocally. The performance was a little flat for me and I felt that while he did a good job vocally he really didn’t connect with the lyrics. Going first is usually the kiss of death so expect to see him among the bottom feeders this week and could be going home.

Mitch MacDonald - Jealous Guy (John Lennon)

For weeks I’ve had this guy pegged to leave and he’s still here – wassup with that? His voice IS unique but it’s just not my cup of tea and while his performances have always been high charged they just fall flat with me. Nice enough guy but with a less than enthusiastic reception from the judges this week, he just might make it to the bottom three — finally!

Drew Wright – Creep (Radiohead)

He sure is a versatile musician and singer but I just did NOT enjoy this particular song choice. I’m sure it appealed to the younger set but I felt it did nothing to show off either his personality or his true vocal abilities. Since the judges loved that he “brought it” to the stage this week, he should remain safe for yet another week.

Theo Tams – You Had Me (Joss Stone)

Three words: The. Complete. Package. And this boy was worried about working the stage? That was one killer performance with the requisite matching vocal to tie it up in a nice big bow. If this kid isn’t safe no one is! He is the one to beat for sure.

Mookie Morris – Lola (The Kinks)

This child is so retro and while it does work for him, he is still very young and needs a lot more vocal training. His lower register was very rough but when he kicked it up an octave it kicked butt big time. He won’t win the competition but he just might have enough life in him to make it to the Top 5. However, he could still be bottom dwelling this week but he probably won’t go home yet.

Amberly Thiessen – Put Your Records On (Corrine Bailey Rae)

I just love her voice — sweet, easy on the ears but quietly powerful all at the same time. This was a good song choice for her and getting out from behind the guitar was just what she needed to let her personality shine a little bit. She needed to change things up at this point and hopefully this will keep her out of the bottom three because she needs to be in the Top3 for sure.

Earl Stevenson – Change the World (Eric Clapton)

Dr. Strangelove gets the pimp spot this week and with a weak song choice and an equally strange performance he might just make the bottom three this week, if I could have anything to say about it. However, the judges are just so in love with him I have a feeling he’ll be safe yet again. Rats. Maybe I’m just too old to get where this guy is coming from and I definitely don’t want anything he might be smoking.

My choices for the cellar dwellers this week? They would have to be:

Mark, (for going first and being just a pitch off pitch)

Mitch (for a truly flat performance)

and Earl, (for really not living up to his usual hype this week – the performance was blah even for him)

with “das boot” probably going to Mark Day because I just believe his time is up in this competition. We heard the judges name four of the ones to beat and while there were no surprises there, Mark just doesn’t fit the profile they are looking for. Tomorrow night can’t come soon enough for me…

Carry on!

J

CI 6: Top 8 Results…and what a surprise!

Well, Canada got it right — even if it was a week late. Ladies, I’m sorry but Sebastian deserved to go. He did well enough to get into the Top 24 but after that it was a hit or miss effort with more misses than hits. I’m not sorry to see him go however I think he has a future if he rejoins his brother Oliver and they take their act on the road. Having been on CI will give them a renewed fan base and should open a few doors for them. Not a bad deal for a few weeks of TV exposure.

The bottom three were right on this week as well and I guess my own bias against Mitch is just coloring my predictions. I think that’s why I threw in Mark at the last moment because I felt he might not get enough votes due to his lack of real musical spark. Good voice, yes — showmanship, in spades — but Canadian Idol? Not so much. Both he and Mookie should be due to leave in the next two weeks — I hope.

Next week it’s the British Invasion lead by none other than SIR TOM JONES himself! All I can remember is my Mom playing his albums (that’s what we called them once upon a time) ad nausea with yours truly knowing all the words to both Delilah and It’s Not Unusual by the time I was nine.

But that’s another blog for another time…see ya next week!

J

CI 6: Top 8 Unplugged Week…and this blogger is getting sleepy…

I apologize for not getting this review done last night but I when I found myself falling asleep over my laptop after the sixth singer, I knew I had to get some sleep and finish it in the morning. Not that “Unplugged Night” was boring, because it wasn’t, but I hate trying to rush my comments just to be timely in my posting. Sometimes a good thing is worth waiting for…

Anyway, I suppose I’m just old enough NOT to know who Gavin Rossdale is but he seemed like a decent guy and I’ll be looking forward to hearing and seeing what he can do on the results show. The contestants didn’t demonstrate anything better or worse during their unplugged solo – just more of the same that they can do. It is that point in the competition for someone or two to start breaking out but that hasn’t happened — yet.

So, without further ado or falling sleep, here’s what I spied on my laptop from the land up north for this week:

Sebastian Pigott – Lucille (Little Richard)

He obviously likes the real bluesy oldies and I’ll give him props for a mean harmonica solo. His charisma has been carrying him for the last few weeks but this week he seems to have channeled his inner musician and came out with a half way decent performance. I can tell the Zack wants him gone and, frankly, so do I but I don’t see him going anytime soon. Should be on the bubble, particularly since he went first, but I doubt it.

Earl Stevenson – Two (Ryan Adams)

Ok, he was better this week but that was because he sat and played guitar the entire time. I just don’t get it, however – the judges gush all over him and I can’t hear or appreciate what they are digging. He just doesn’t do it for me – the voice is gravely but passable, he plays guitar well enough but I just don’t see the “specialness” about him. He’ll continue to be safe because I guess the Canadians like him a lot.

Mark Day - Stay (Sugarland)

For all of his tomfoolery he happens to have one of the better voices in this competition and tonight he chose a song that fit his voice and played it absolutely straight. He has the Newfoundland/Labrador vote locked in, along with that dastardly VFTW following, but this week he would have earned my vote if I could vote — and that means he done real good with both the vocals and the interpretation. Might be bubble bound but I wouldn’t pit him there.

Mitch MacDonald - Oh, Atlanta (Alison Krauss)

Well his performance this week was so good IMHO that I was able to forget all about his annoying vocals for once and get into the music. But it figures — I liked him and the judges trashed him. He wanted to represent his area and I think he succeeded. Bubble bound if the judges have any real

Amberly Thiessen – The Way I Am (Ingrid Michaelson)

Very animated, solid vocal stylings and no guitar – I really like this “last woman standing” and musically she deserves to remain in this competition to the bitter end. I don’t get why she was a bottom dweller last week but I truly hope she is not there again tomorrow. I totally agree with Flex that she has been picking great songs for her vocal abilities (I did question the Marley stuff from last week, however) and yet she seems to be struggling to find a fan base. Well, they’d better step it up and vote or she’ll be there again – or worse. Shouldn’t be anywhere near the bottom but this is Canada and they don’t seem to like the ladies this season.

Mookie Morris – Ophelia (The Band)

He is so retro it’s cool, I suppose. A very unique song choice but he seems to like the obscure oldies. He’s another boy I can’t warm up to but I will admit he’s better than Earl in my estimation. At 18 he’s musically mature for his age and yet he appeals to the teenage crowd. He’s been in the bottom before and could land there again but I don’t think he will this week. The performance was solid enough to buy him one more week.

Drew Wright – Sunday Morning (Maroon 5)

I’ve liked this boy from the beginning and if there is a dark horse it would be him. The vocals may not always be on par with others but he has managed to stay true to his pop self and brought it to the stage each week, this time being no different. I sometimes wonder of the judges are looking to make their money by having to come up with things to say each week in order to take the contestants down a peg or two. Safe does NOT equal boring most of the time and I didn’t find this singer boring at all. He worked the stage, he sang comfortably and mostly in tune and put his own spin on the song. Depending on how much the viewers at home agree with the male judges, he may not be as safe as I’d like him to be.

Theo Tams – Weak in the Knees (Serena Ryder)

IMHO the only true MUSICIAN in the bunch and that brand of training/gift carries through in every performance. Nice falsetto notes at the end without over-killing it (like some many others would be tempted to do), emotion charged interpretation without going over the top and good balance of singing and playing without either suffering for doing both. He would be my number one choice to GO-ALL-THE-WAY in this competition so if he’s not safe, no one else is.

So, curiously enough, after this set of performances I’m going with the same three bottom feeders this week that I chose last week: re:

Mitch, (no sure his song choice will play as well in Canada as it did with this American)

Sebastian (not sure he did enough this week to erase the last few attempts)

and Mookie, (I think his song choice was too “hip” for most)

with “das boot” probably going to Mitch MacDonald since the ladies are not about to give up on Sebastian yet – but I’d LOVE to be wrong on this one. There is an outside chance that Mark Day might have run his time out but that’s just a hunch I have as of this writing. Guess we’ll see soon enough…

Carry on!

J

The Results: One Woman, Eight Men…some odds…

…and I STILL don’t get this regional voting thing!  Sorry, ladies, but Sebastian has worn out his welcome and from the looks of it, may not even be trying that hard.  One week off one’s game is excusable, but two or more weeks leads me to believe that he is not cut out to go the distance in this competition.  But what do I know?  I’m just an observing American who has watched IDOL for years.

With Katherine now gone, Amberly is the lone woman left.  Please don’t tell me that there is not enough male viewers out there voting to keep her in the competition because that should not matter!  She has one of the best voices going and deserves to make at least the Top 5 if not the Top 3.  I guess its inherent but I hate the popularity contest aspect of this show.  Either the contestants have talent or they don’t and some definitely have more than others.  It’s that simple and I wish viewers could keep it that way.

Enough ranting…here’s looking forward to this week’s sing-off, even if I’m not familiar with the featured Canadian artist…

J

CI 6 – And then there were Nine…in Rock n’ Roll Heaven!

Since some of my fans were having a tough time finding the videos for this season, I decided to post them here and pray really hard that the “video Gestapo” would leave them be. These clips are being posted on other Idol sites and nothing has happened so far so I figured why not. Let’s hope my doing this is not the kiss of death.

Now, I love the title of this week’s theme: classic songs by artists who are dead! Gotta love it! Again, this northern franchise has shown that they are more unique than their southern counterpart and I hope that Canada is appreciating their efforts. I know I am.

So, without further ado, here’s what I saw on my laptop on this hot and steamy summer evening:

Theo Tams – No Woman, No Cry (Bob Marley)

What a waste of a great voice on a Bob Marley song! Ouch. This kid definitely outshone the original without sounding like a white dude trying to sing like a Jamaican. I guess he’s just showing his musical diversity. I like him. I want to see more. Should be safe again this week even if he did go first.

Mitch MacDonald - Angel Eyes (Jeff Healy)

Not familiar with the original artist but I did recognize the song. Was it me or was he off pitch in the beginning? Nerves? Monitor problems? Either way it threw things off for me and at least the judges made note of it. This boy just has such a different sound that while it doesn’t annoy me, I’m having a hard time warming up to him as a vocalist. Again, maybe safe — maybe not.

Earl Stevenson – Light My Fire (Jim Morrison)

Ya know, when he was sitting down center stage and singing, he actually sounded really good. But then he stood up and started to move…and then he got the goofy dancing going…and then I lost all respect for him as a performer again. I just don’t get what this boy is selling and sometimes wonder if he is really three french fries short of a happy meal or if it’s all an act. Problem is, everyone’s gotta gimmick and his is working overtime. Safe again this week (and I want some of what he’s on…).

Sebastian Pigott – Love Me (Elvis)

This kid ended up in the bottom three last week and I thought that might have been a fluke but after this performance I’m beginning to think that he might just have peaked early in the contest and doesn’t have much more to give – or it’s just another case of the bad song choice blues. I felt the song went nowhere, the vocal was weak at best and even his sexy delivery couldn’t pick this performance up off the floor. Might be making another trip to the bottom three this week unless his fans vote like crazy.

Katherine St-Laurent – Move Over (Janis Joplin)

Ok, someone had to cover Joplin but at least she didn’t choose Piece of My Heart – thank God for that! This chick can get her rocker edge going and really kick butt. While I think her vocals are way better than the material, she avoided screaming and gave it her rocker all. I liked it and I like her. Should be safe for this week at the very least.

Drew Wright – No Rain (Shannon Hoon)

Out from behind the drums tonight and working every corner of the stage, he sounded really solid and confident on this song. This kid’s got some real potential and I think he might just be starting to get some steam behind him. No bottom feeding for this fedora-man this week!

Mookie Morris – I Feel Good (James Brown)

Are you kidding me? This youngster taking on the Godfather of Soul? Not in a million years. I didn’t care for the modern spin on the song because I felt it lost its killer vibe as a result. I guess I don’t know Jack because everyone else seemed to love him. Oh well. Might not be in the bottom three again this week but let’s see how it played in Labrador.

Amberly Thiessen – Redemption Song (Bob Marley)

This little lady really makes some interesting and highly risky song choices yet somehow she pulls it off with her uniquely solid vocals. She’s got a little of the Brooke White vibe going for her as well. I really like her and can see her lasting through the Top 5 at least. Gotta be safe. Just gotta be.

Mark Day - Dance with My Father (Luther Vandross)

He’s got a dancing theme going on, doesn’t he? Ok, in all seriousness this goofy guy was on his vocal best tonight — sincere, straightforward and, according to Zach, lovable. He’s got a great instrument and Jake is correct that when he just sings he is at his best. Shouldn’t drop to the bottom but may not have been as strong as some others and could land there anyway.

And this week’s bottom feeders according to moi are:

Mitch, Sebastian and Mookie, with “das boot” probably going to Mitch MacDonald. Since I was so far off the mark last week and am still not familiar with how folks vote along province lines, I’m not holding out too much hope of getting it right. We shall see.

J

Canadian Idol 6: Your Top 10, eh? (and David Bowie, too!)

Hey Canada — are you happy with your Top 10? I was, with two exceptions: I didn’t feel that either Mark Day or Adam Castelli had done enough to make the finals. Mark is a tad too goofy to be taken seriously and I don’t feel that Adam’s vocal skills are up there with some of the others who did make the cut. If I were voting, I would have wanted to back Martin Kerr and Kaitlyn Dawn so that they could reach the Top 10 but, hey, I’m an American…what do I know? I can’t get my own picks here in the US of A to the finals sometimes!

Anyway, I thought that Jake gave some really sound advice to the finalists going into this week’s David Bowie night:

1. Pick great songs
2. Be memorable
3. Be lovable
4. Make an impact

From what I saw last night, some of them took than advice and ran with it and others, well, marched to the beat of their own drummer (and that is NOT a slam on Drew…you’ll see…) In any Idol competition, song selection makes or breaks a contestant with the latter happening more times than not. We singers love some songs that we should NEVER sing and in this type of a situation, one needs to be a little more objective when choosing what will win over the fans. The Music of David Bowie is a really tough songbook to work with because while it is not very challenging music-wise, it’s eclectic styles and sometimes downright weirdness can make a good singer sound bad and a so-so singer sound worst unless they play it up in the performance. I was afraid for the kids and after watching and listening, I was surprised at how most of them stayed away from the more familiar songs in favor of lesser known tunes.

Here’s what I experienced from my laptop for this round:

Drew Wright – Five Years

Tough to go first on the first night of finals and equally difficult to play the drums while doing it but this boy held his own very well and I actually liked it! The vocals may have suffered a little but, hey, it’s Bowie — don’t have to possess a great voice to pull it off. He looked comfortable, sang well and kept a steady beat — worked for me. I can understand what Jake and Farley were saying but I think his originality will win the day and buy him another week if not more.

Adam Castelli - Rebel, Rebel

Most unique entrance of any Idol ever and it will NEVER happen in America! Sass is correct that the song has little melody but it was perfect for this boy whose vocal qualities are limited at best. I wish I could warm up to him but it’s just not happening for me. However, others seem to dig the vibe so that and his originality should buy him another week at least.

Mark Day - Dancin’ In the Streets

I forgot that Bowie and Jagger covered this song. It’s also one of the most overused Idol songs — right up there with Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. Ok, this kid’s got a good voice but he’s a bit too much of a goof ball for me to take him seriously. He did choose a good song for his voice from the Bowie song pile and, yes, he did camp it up a bit but that’s his gimmick. How long it will sustain him in this competition is anyone’s guess. But he CAN sing. Might get him through this week if no one else feels like me.

Mookie Morris – The Man Who Sold the World

My hubby is much more familiar with the Bowie Collection than I am but he was hard pressed to remember this tune. I haven’t figured this young dude out yet but he has a unmistakable presence that helps him transcend his very different vocal tone. The young girls should carry him far into the finals for sure.

Amberly Thiessen – Space Odyssey

Interesting song choice for this young gal and not one I would have chosen for her, especially with all the changes in style. And she did the Natalie Merchant version? Didn’t know there was one. This is a case of bad song choice, even though I agree with Zack that she sang it well and did it in her own way. Could end up being a case of the “bad song choice blues” should she end up on the bubble this week. I’d hate to see her go because she is a good singer.

Sebastian Pigott – Let’s Spend the Night Together

Now, can you say great song choice? However, he DID mess up the delivery in a few places…ok, MORE than a few…OK, he goofed up big time. I don’t think it will hurt him much because this young man has charisma to spare and he’s already captured the hearts and votes of many a young Canadian maiden. I will say that he’d better clean up his act for next week or else – fans CAN be fickle. Should be safe in spite of it all.

Earl Stevenson – Rock and Roll Suicide

Well, this obscure little number was perfect for his vocals and his personality. Talk about the Jason Castro/Taylor Hicks of the North! I need more time to figure this one out and from the looks of it, he will be around for quite some time.

Katherine St-Laurent – Cat People (Putting Out Fire)

She has a tendency for screaming and tonight was no exception. I didn’t like the song on her however it looks like the judges did. She has a HUGE voice but I’d like to see her select something that shows it off rather than songs she feels she needs to ram down our throats. She’ll be safe, no doubt, but I want more SINGING from her. Please!

Theo Tams – Silly Boy Blue

I can tell you from experience that classical training is the best vocal conditioning for ANY type of singer. This alone puts this boy a cut above the rest vocally and it shows. Another edge he has is that he IS a musician and that comes through in every performance. Zack did feel the need to burst his bubble a tad but I don’t think that will slow him down one bit. Safe for a long time.

Mitch MacDonald - Moonage Daydream

I still can’t get past this boy’s thin über-tenor sound. It’s not cartoonish but it drives me a bit crazy. He is very comfortable on stage and has the right performance intensity but it’s the tone color that throws me off. Decent song choice, rocked the tune, good stage presence. Maybe safe. Maybe not.

Ok, I’m not sure if there is a bottom two or three north of the border so I’ll choose my usual three for “das boot” this week and then adjust as I need to. This week’s bubble dwellers, IMHO, should be Mitch, Mark and Amberly, though I really don’t want to see her there, with “das boot” going to Mark Day. Will I be correct for my first CI Top 10? Stay tuned…

J