Canadian Idol 5, August 28: Top Four Results, Plus Paul Anka!

Series host Ben Mulroney opens the show by quickly introducing a group number from the remaining contestants. It’s all songs by this week’s guest coach, Paul Anka. First it’s “Puppy Love,” then they shift into “Diana,” and then Anka joins them on stage for “Put Your Head On My Shoulder.” I’ll rate this one as “highly satisfactory.”

Ben welcomes us to the show, introduces the judges, and cues a video recap of Monday night’s performances.

After a commercial, Ben brings back Paul Anka to sing a full version of “My Way,” a number made popular by Frank Sinatra but written by Anka. Classy. Ben thanks Paul and lets him plug his new album. A promo tour starts in the west in a couple of weeks, ending in Toronto at Massey Hall on December 4th.

With a bit of time to fill, we see the Idols sitting about the kitchen eating salad. The three elders talk about songwriting, then all express appreciation for the fan support and dedicate themselves to doing their best possible performances this week.

It’s now time for the results. No vote totals this week, so I guess they didn’t top the four million mark of last week. Ben asks the judges to offer advice to one specific Idol. Asked to speak to Carly Rae, Sass Jordan says, “I think you’ve touched a lot of Canadian hearts this summer, so whatever happens, you’re going to be great.”

Jake Gold tells Jaydee, “As young as you are, with proper development, in maybe a couple of years you could be a huge, not just Canadian star, but an international star.”

Zack has these words for Brian: “Very few people have ever grown through this process like you have. You show this confidence that’s incredible. You are walking the walk and talking the talk like the people’s champion. That humble attitude is what’s going to take you all the way in this thing.”

Farley Flex advises Dwight, “Squeeze every single ounce of this opportunity, and take it on your journey as a musician.”

These were all nice words, but the contestants are so nervous about the impending elimination that they barely acknowledge the comments, much less crack a smile.

There’s no separating Idols into groups tonight. Back from the final commercial, Ben quickly tells us, “Canada voted, and the Idol who received the fewest votes last night… is Dwight.” The audience is not overly surprised. Ben cues Dwight’s funeral video and he rocks us out.

Final Comments: Next week, the guest coach is the popular winner of Canadian Idol 2, Kalan Porter. Maybe those of us there will get a free copy of his new CD? Hint, hint…

The theme is officially the wordy “Judges’ Choice/People’s Choice.” The Idols will sing two songs each. One will be selected by the judges and the other by a fan vote hosted on the CTV website of songs from the following list:

Jaydee Bixby
Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash
Just Pretend - Elvis Presley
That's All Right Mama - Elvis Presley

Carly Rae Jepsen
Sunday Morning - Maroon 5
White Flag - Dido
Til It Happens To You - Corinne Bailey Rae

Brian Melo
Dig - Incubus
Lightning Crashes - Live
That Song - Big Wreck

I’m not in love with some of those choices, but whatever. Have fun voting! I’ll be back next week to tell you how it all plays out.

Born and raised in Toronto, Brian can be reached at uncle_bto@rogers.com. He’d like to hear your opinions and promises to respond to all serious email.

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