Canadian Idol 6, August 26: One Bird Gets Grounded

Series host Ben Mulroney welcomes us to the show, tells us what’s ahead tonight, and introduces the judges. Recaps of last night’s performances follow, so let’s ignore that and muse this cheery thought instead: there’s only four months to Christmas and only four days of summer vacation left… what a magical time of year this is! (You’re welcome, kids.)

With the recap done, the top four next perform Anne Murray’s hit “Danny’s Song” while sitting on stools. It’s one of the better group numbers. The Idols then introduce Anne Murray and scoot out of the way so she can sing “Daydream Believer.” Her voice sounds a bit rough, so I must assume she cheered too loudly last night.

After the commercial, Anne sings “Could I Have This Dance?” It’s a shame she’s not in better voice tonight, but she was still a super coach to the Idols. She interviews that she stayed in Canada all her career because she’s a small town girl who knew she wouldn’t be happy in New York or Los Angeles. Anne also tells Ben she enjoyed coaching the Idols, because someone helped her out similarly when she was a young singer just getting started.

With two guest stars, Ben has to keep things moving along smartly, so out next is previous American Idol, Jordin Sparks, singing her hit single “One Step At A Time.” Jordin looks and sounds great. This infectious number is perfect for the young Idol crowd, and it’s obvious the crowd enthusiastically loves Jordin! Ben’s asks her if she has any advice for the remaining contestants, and she replies, “They’re doing something right because they’re still here, so they should just stick to what they’re doing. Song choice is very important, especially in this time of the game.” She adds, “I feel their nervousness!” Cute.

Alas, the fun times are over, and Ben has to deliver some bad news. There’s no “mini-groups” this week, as Ben reads comments for all four. With so little time left, I was hoping we would be skipping the BPRQs (Boring Predictable Response Questions) tonight, but I am not that lucky. He wants each judge to address a comment to one of the Idols.

First up, Ben asks Zack where he thinks Theo’s career is headed. He says Theo needs to stick to being the unique individual that he is, following in a Rufus Wainwright path, and not get caught in “the pop trap.”

Sass gets to address Mitch. She opines, “There’s a charming honesty to Mitch in his style and in his singing, and I think it just draws people in.”

Ben asks Farley about Earl, and he says, “Earl represents the new artist,” and, “It’s old soul meets rock and roll.”

That means that Jake has drawn Drew. Ben says that although Jake has been tough on Drew at times, the fans have kept him here, so what’s his connection with the audience? Jake says that obviously, he’s listening to what they say. I’m guessing that the elimination of three other Ontario-based acts might be a reason, too.

Time’s getting quite short, so after Ben tells us that last night, over 3.7 million votes were cast, he informs us the Idol receiving the fewest votes… is Earl Stevenson! Earl shouts out, “It’s all good! It’s been a great summer!” Earl’s funeral video is run, and Earl thanks his fans.

Ben tells us that next week, the Idols will be working with Bryan Adams and again perform two numbers.

Earl sings us out with “Space Cowboy.” He tries to get everyone to form a train, but it doesn’t happen. Earl bounces about like Ben just gave him lottery winnings, even going into the audience twice. We don’t get a lot of tight camera shots, because not even Earl knows where he’s going next.

We’re done! And wow, no one sang “Snowbird!”

I note that we have representatives from the east, the west, and the center of the country. That’s the fourth time in six seasons that has happened. Season 2 was a western affair, and last season we almost got there, but Dwight went home one week early. Draw your own conclusions about regional voting!

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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