Okay, so I’ll admit it: I had a rough week when it comes to Canadian Idol. First, during the performance show, I was moving into my residence room, and had no access to it. And then, since I didn’t see the performance show, I was unfortunately unaware it had switched times, so I missed it. And so, I’m going to play some catchup.
Kelly Clarkson: Mentor
She was as charming as ever, and more importantly seemed to make a personal connection with the Idols unlike Maroon 5 last week. I don’t know how her performance was, but she was great as a mentor. Thumbs up.
Performances
Jaydee Bixby – Elvis Presley’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You”
My Thoughts: Ummm…yeah? I’m with Zack: let him keep doing that, but I really would rather not have to be a major radio station if he wins this thing and releases something. Because I do not seeing this going over well with mainstream Top 40 Radio.
Carly Rae Jepsen – Rickie Lee Jones’ “Chuck E’s In Love”
My Thoughts: She’s charming, she’s engaging, and she really is the most memorable contestant right now in a non-Sanjaya/Jaydee fashion. It was a cute song, performed well…can I argue with that? I really can’t. Plus, I love Kelly Clarkson’s reaction: how do you KNOW this song? Heh.
Dwight D’eon – Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses”
This must be awkward for Dwight when he’s older than Clarkson, I think, and yet is getting “advice” from her. As for the song choice, I guess I just find it hard to be inspired by something so, so cliched. I honestly think this song was when Bon Jovi jumped the shark, but that’s not the point: Dwight’s voice sounds good on the song, but he’s stretching at some points and the piano thing didn’t really fit for me. That being said, not a terrible rendition of the song.
Brian Melo – Radiohead’s “Karma Police”
I didn’t get to see this one, and it’s not on YouTube…but props to Brian for the tres awesome song selection. He sounded good in his rehearsal with Kelly, I was impressed. And impressed with Kelly being all happy about it.
Matt Rapley – Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground”
I sadly was only able to watch his intro with Kelly, but I do know that this song was definitely not his cup of tea: he has never quite been able to really engage these high energy songs, and it’s especially rough because of how high energy Stevie Wonder is…while sitting down. And Matt likely couldn’t match that standing. And that’s a tough act to follow, if you will.
Results
…which is why I’m not surprised that Matt went home. While I like Matt in some ways, his performance level never picked up. Now, we’re left with three performers, and Jaydee, who have some sort of idea who we are. I, unfortunately, didn’t get to see the show to be able to judge Clarkson’s performance, but the Dwight/Matt Bottom Two seems like not a bad plan in my book.
So the Top 4…isn’t terrible. I’d probably put Greg in over Jaydee, but really based on that Top 10? As best as we could ask for.
Cultural Learnings 