Canadian Idol 6, August 5: Thunderballed!

Series host Ben Mulroney welcomes us to the show and informs us that 2.5 million votes were cast this week. He introduces the judges and asks Zack how he feels the Idols handled the theme. He says that one of them handled it “just well enough to earn a ticket home.” Ben asks Farley what the highlight of the week was for him. He says it was Theo stepping out of his element, but Mookie and Earl were also fantastic.

Ben then calls for recap video from last night. Moving along…

The seven perform a medley next. Amberly, then Mark kick off “Green, Green Grass Of Home,” and Theo comes in to finish it up. Nice job all around. “Delilah” is started off by Drew and Earl, then Mitch takes a turn and Mookie closes it out. This one’s not as good and I can’t really identify a highlight.

This week’s guest coach, Sir Tom Jones, comes out next to perform his mega-hit, “It’s Not Unusual.” My research reveals this number was released 44 years ago when he was a Welch lad of just 24. Tom still has some skills, but he’s obviously not 24 any more!

After the break, Ben reintroduces Sir Tom Jones, who performs the world premiere of his new single, “If He Should Ever Leave You.” It’s nice, but not panty-worthy. Ben thanks him for appearing on Idol and mentions Sir Tom’s new album, coming out in October.

Jully Black is on hand next to advise the Idols about making a first impression. This had to be filmed last night. These clips are really rapid-fire, so I’m going to try and hit the highlights. Mark says that he only wears wardrobe items that he would actually wear, because he doesn’t want to give a false image. Then, Drew’s new haircut gets Jully’s approval. Next, Jully compliments Mitch’s booty, and he turns the tables and compliments her booty! Earl informs us isn’t real comfortable with make-up, but he doesn’t want to look gray on TV, either.

That’s all great fun, but back live, it’s serious time now. Ben tells us that the three Idols with the lowest vote totals will be called to center stage, with the one having the lowest total being sent home. Ben first addresses Drew Wright and Amberly Thiessen. Drew is safe. Amberly takes a couple of steps toward Ben before he tells her that she is also safe!

Next, Ben addresses Earl Stevenson and Theo Tams. Earl is in the bottom three, and Theo is too. Whuzzat?! Theo and Earl both in the bottom? I think there’s some vote-splitting going on!

This leaves Mitch MacDonald, Mark Day, and Mookie Morris, with one spot left at center stage. Mitch is safe. Ben then tells Mookie he’s safe, thus it’s Mark who completes the bottom three.

Ben turns to the judges for some opinions. He asks Jake if these three understand themselves as performers. Jake says, “Earl and Theo definitely do, but Mark is still finding himself.” Sass feels that the two who survive this vote need to find a way to connect with the audience in a way that will make them want to vote.

After the commercial, Ben addresses the three lads. Mark looks like a deer in the high beams, and sure enough, he is the one going home. He gets a standing ovation, even from the judges. Mark overcomes his disappointment well enough to thank his fans, the other competitors, and even the judges for their honesty and their support. He doesn’t feel insulted to be going home now. In his funeral video, Mark talks of the growth he’s experienced as an artist.

Ben reveals that next week, the theme is “Canadian Rock” and the group Simple Plan will be on hand as mentors. Mark sings us out while shaking hands with the judges, then hugging his mom. His disappointment is obvious, but Mark handles himself very well. And we’re done!

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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