Canadian Idol 8/11 - Just For You, Canada!

Miss Filangi · 08-12-2004, 06:49 PM

Quick. Close your eyes and think of one of North America’s greatest entertainers. Okay, maybe don’t close them, but think really hard. Who would be on that list? Madonna? Michael Jackson? Cher? Wayne Newton? On second thought, it’s not the impressive list that I thought it was going to be, so maybe including Lionel Richie isn’t that big of a stretch.

It’s the week we’ve all been waiting for. The last week that Canadian Idol will be brought to you by Lionel Richie’s Just For You. I, for one, am thrilled. I would be thrilled if the Tanya Kim Mint Moment ads would go away, but I suppose beggars can’t be choosers. The one and only Lionel Richie is a special guest this week and the Top 7 will therefore select songs from his long solo career as well as his years as one of the Commodores. I suspect a few of these performers have even heard of Mr. Richie before he became known as Nicole’s dad. However, I’m grateful that Lionel Richie is slumming it with us Canadians, even if he is trying to sell a few CD’s.

As the show begins, I spot Joshua Seller, last week’s reject in the crowd. Maybe he’s back in hopes that he’ll get voted back in. Ben starts off with his usual forced banter. Zack compares performing to making love; it’s best when you show who you are and are proud to be naked. Ben is red in the face and giggling like a schoolgirl. After eliciting some banal comments from both Sass and Farley, Ben tells Jake that blue is a great colour for him. Jake doesn’t really know what to say, but takes the opportunity to shamelessly fawn about what a wonderful artist Lionel Richie is and how the contestants can’t go wrong with song selection when Richie’s songbook is the best there is. Well Jake, not everyone can sing Easy Rock/Light Hits with Lionel Richie’s panache, as we’re soon to discover.

The Boy With the Golden Curls
Over the course of the week, each Idol got the chance to meet and rehearse with Lionel Richie himself. Upon meeting Kalan, a skeptical Lionel comments on how young the blonde wonder is and doubts that he could pull off one of his songs. Upon hearing him sing, he changes his mind.

Kalan has chosen to sing Still, a hit before Kalan was even a glimmer in his father’s eye. Kalan starts off the song in what I’ve decide to call the Serious Moment Stool™, which Idols seem to pull out when they want to be taken seriously. Too bad the producers can’t find the stool for the results show, but that’s neither here nor there. Kalan sings as flawless as ever, but with a look of either intent concentration or constipation.

The judges are overjoyed with the performance, however. Jake is happy that Kalan listened to him last week and declares it his best performance to date. I take issue with that. Of course, I am not sure which performance would qualify, but I was not especially taken with this performance. Farley, who is all about alliteration, tells Kalan ‘Still, Sex Symbol, Superstar & Success’. Kalan’s priceless response is a frozen, deer-in-the-headlights type of smile. Sass says he’s gone from Good Boy to Dream Boy and Zack, still on his lovemaking kick, says it was a naked, honest and wonderful performance. Ben, oddly enough, has my favourite line of the night when he says Kalan has the voice of an angel and the shoes of Liberace.

Then we’re treated to a crowd shot, featuring yet another angle of Joshua Seller. Quick question. If Josh was voted off just last week, why do people think we want to see more of him this week?

Thank You, No, No, Thank YOU
As likely the only genuine ‘fan’ in the bunch, Theresa is so excited to meet Lionel Richie, she’s shaking. Lionel returns the compliment by musing that Theresa has a big, black jazz singer inside of her somewhere.

Theresa has selected one of his biggest hits, Hello. Theresa is without her contacts tonight, which is always a good look for her, and even infuses some skat into her performance. Both Farley and Sass are thrilled with the skat and each comment that it brings a bit more of who she really is into the competition. Zack says he felt she was a bit short on power, but loved it, because she’s such an emotionally affecting performer. Jake agrees and compliments her on her vulnerability. Theresa, thrilled to get praise after two rough weeks, just keeps repeating thank you. Whether she’s thanking the crowd, the judges, Lionel Richie, Ben or our own Bob, I do not know but Theresa’s giving out thank you’s like a pageant queen on speed.

The Bland, The Boring, The Technically Sound
Up next is Shane. During his meet and greet with Lionel, Richie comments that Shane is going in a different direction from the rest of the competition. If by different direction, he meant home, then yes, yes he’s probably correct. I’m not sure that Shane is the contestant that is most unlike the others, but whatever.

Shane is dressed in the tried and true suit jacket, blue jeans and 5 o’clock shadow. I’m sure he looks good, but I think he looks as if he’s trying too hard. Something about the eyebrows… In any case, Shane has chosen to sing a more recent hit, Angel. As it turns out, I do recognize the song, and remember why I didn’t bother to recall it in the first place. Shane should be given credit for taking a chance, but I can’t say I’m a big fan.
Sass says it’s one of the first times he’s left her slightly speechless. Zack says he did a credible job of representing, but Zack isn’t a fan. Jake says what Shane does works for millions of people and he liked it. Jake adds that he expected Shane to do a ballad and glad he found something up tempo to sing. Farley praises Shane for being one of the most technically sound performers in the competition.

Ben throws it to commercial using yet another ‘Just for you’ reference. This is what happens when Ben goes off the teleprompter. Parroting. Not good when it wasn’t witty or clever the first time.

That’s Smooth, Beautiful
Lionel Richie seems very impressed to meet Kaleb and calls him a quiet fire. Kaleb says he wants to do a good job for Lionel.

Kaleb takes to the stage with Truly. He started off, what I would call, a bit flat on some notes. Apparently some of the judges heard something different. Zack says it wasn’t his strongest performance as his character overshadowed the song, but he still loves Kaleb. Jake applauds him for making each song sound like it’s his own. Farley congratulates him on representing and his soft aggression, whatever that means. Sass says he’s a spectacular singer. Kaleb says, ‘Thanks, beautiful’. Smooth, Kaleb. Then Kaleb’s bizarre personality takes over as he joins Ben on the stools. He’s speaking some sort of sign language with the camera. I’m not sure if he’s giving signals to vote for him or if he’s trying to contact the mothership. I like Kaleb, but he’s a weird one.

Aren’t You Supposed to be on Thursdays?
After the break, we’re joined by Jon waste-of-time Dore dressed in an apron by a makeshift barbeque. In CTV’s never-ending quest to underwhelm, it turns out the Idols went absolutely nowhere this week. They had a BBQ at the Idol mansion, but I don’t really find that all that impressive as I suspect they are allowed to eat regular meals there throughout the week. Oh, and we’re told that Theresa wasn’t there because she was working. Working? I assume they mean for the show as Theresa’s from Saskatchewan and that’s a long commute. In any case, the segment is as lame as usual, but the Idols get a few good digs in when they imitate Sass and Zack during a jello competition.

He’s A Nut…Case
Of all the Idols, Lionel Richie looks most afraid of Jacob. He tries to turn it into a compliment, but it’s obvious Mr. Richie has no idea what to make of Jacob. Scared, comes to mind.

Jacob has selected the Commodore’s Brickhouse. You know the song, you love the song, you’ve thought about dressing up in 70’s chic and performing. Okay, maybe just me and Jacob. In any case, Jacob is living out my dream. Unfortunately he’s doing a pretty sad job about it. While Jacob seems to be trying hard to concentrate on his vocals, it doesn’t go over quite the same way as his previous performances had. Jake says for the first time it was a wee bit campy for his liking. Farley says there is a fine line between entertaining and singing and he needs to balance it out if he wants to win. Sass grabs and envelope and announces, “Entertainer of the year – Jacob Hoggard!” Very insightful critique, Sass, thanks. Zack tells him if he wants to win, he’ll have to do something real. I’m sorry, maybe I’m letting my bias show, but last week Zack tripped over himself praising Jacob for being real in a sea of wannabes. This week, he’s criticizing him for putting on an act, which I think we’ve established long ago is part of who he is. I guess it can’t be a good week for everyone.

Hold Me Closer, Fancy Dancer
Upon meeting the Lionel, Elena receives some powerful advice. He tells her to make the song her own. Wow, that’s certainly nothing that Paula Abdul couldn’t have counseled her on.

Elena has chosen to sing Fancy Dancer. I’m not familiar with the song and Elena doesn’t really give me a reason to familiarize myself with the original. I don’t hate her rendition, but it doesn’t do anything for me either. Elena sort of punks it out and does her thing. But did she make it her own? Judges?

Farley says she was able to let loose and she did a great job. Sass thanks her for not breaking her rule of the night. I’m not sure what that is, exactly, but I’m assuming it’s good news for Elena. Zack says he say in her the same thing that he first saw when she auditioned for them back in Vancouver. Jake agrees and says he saw in her tonight the thing that put her through in the first place.

Dimples Like A Cabbage Patch Kid
Closing off the evening is Jason. Upon meeting Jason, Lionel notes that he certainly isn’t suffering from a self esteem problem and identifies him as a power singer with great talent.

Jason sings Easy. I’m interested in seeing how Jason performs a song that doesn’t allow him to belt it out. In short order, I realize Jason has found a way to still belt it out and sing it like a rock anthem. It’s not horrible, but there is a short distance between rocker Jason and mellowed-out Jason.

Sass congratulates Jason and notes she didn’t break her streak. Perhaps her streak means her rule of the night was to say something positive about each performer. Who am I kidding? I haven’t a clue as to what she’s talking about. Zack says he did a great job. Jake thinks he pulled it off by singing the line, I wanna be free with lots of emotion and conviction. Farley rains on his parade suggesting it was a little overdone.

That’s it for the Top Seven. Tune in tonight to see who makes the Top Six. Chances are they’ll be Dancing On The Ceiling, All Night Long!. Look out Ben, looks like I’m more than able to take over your job!

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upnorth · 08-13-2004, 11:53 AM

Ha! Absolutely loved your recap! Too funny. Any chance you could maybe write for Jon Dore or even Ben? Now that might make things slightly interesting!

eny · 08-13-2004, 01:53 PM

Yes Miss F , lots of people want you to take over for Ben - please.

I can't believe I missed Jacob doing Brickhouse . My bad. Thanks for the grest recap!

**fluff** · 08-13-2004, 11:20 PM

Quote:

On second thought, it’s not the impressive list that I thought it was going to be, so maybe including Lionel Richie isn’t that big of a stretch.

I would be thrilled if the Tanya Kim Mint Moment ads would go away, but I suppose beggars can’t be choosers.

Ben tells Jake that blue is a great colour for him. Jake doesn’t really know what to say,

Kalan starts off the song in what I’ve decide to call the Serious Moment Stool™,

Ben throws it to commercial using yet another ‘Just for you’ reference. This is what happens when Ben goes off the teleprompter. Parroting. Not good when it wasn’t witty or clever the first time

That’s it for the Top Seven. Tune in tonight to see who makes the Top Six. Chances are they’ll be Dancing On The Ceiling, All Night Long!. Look out Ben, looks like I’m more than able to take over your job!

MissF for CI2 host, yes, I second that motion.

Great recap MissF

08-12-2004, 06:49 PM	#1
Miss Filangi Evil Slash Crazy Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Looking for a place to happen Age: 35 Posts: 11,376	Canadian Idol 8/11 - Just For You, Canada! Quick. Close your eyes and think of one of North America’s greatest entertainers. Okay, maybe don’t close them, but think really hard. Who would be on that list? Madonna? Michael Jackson? Cher? Wayne Newton? On second thought, it’s not the impressive list that I thought it was going to be, so maybe including Lionel Richie isn’t that big of a stretch. It’s the week we’ve all been waiting for. The last week that Canadian Idol will be brought to you by Lionel Richie’s Just For You. I, for one, am thrilled. I would be thrilled if the Tanya Kim Mint Moment ads would go away, but I suppose beggars can’t be choosers. The one and only Lionel Richie is a special guest this week and the Top 7 will therefore select songs from his long solo career as well as his years as one of the Commodores. I suspect a few of these performers have even heard of Mr. Richie before he became known as Nicole’s dad. However, I’m grateful that Lionel Richie is slumming it with us Canadians, even if he is trying to sell a few CD’s. As the show begins, I spot Joshua Seller, last week’s reject in the crowd. Maybe he’s back in hopes that he’ll get voted back in. Ben starts off with his usual forced banter. Zack compares performing to making love; it’s best when you show who you are and are proud to be naked. Ben is red in the face and giggling like a schoolgirl. After eliciting some banal comments from both Sass and Farley, Ben tells Jake that blue is a great colour for him. Jake doesn’t really know what to say, but takes the opportunity to shamelessly fawn about what a wonderful artist Lionel Richie is and how the contestants can’t go wrong with song selection when Richie’s songbook is the best there is. Well Jake, not everyone can sing Easy Rock/Light Hits with Lionel Richie’s panache, as we’re soon to discover. The Boy With the Golden Curls Over the course of the week, each Idol got the chance to meet and rehearse with Lionel Richie himself. Upon meeting Kalan, a skeptical Lionel comments on how young the blonde wonder is and doubts that he could pull off one of his songs. Upon hearing him sing, he changes his mind. Kalan has chosen to sing Still, a hit before Kalan was even a glimmer in his father’s eye. Kalan starts off the song in what I’ve decide to call the Serious Moment Stool™, which Idols seem to pull out when they want to be taken seriously. Too bad the producers can’t find the stool for the results show, but that’s neither here nor there. Kalan sings as flawless as ever, but with a look of either intent concentration or constipation. The judges are overjoyed with the performance, however. Jake is happy that Kalan listened to him last week and declares it his best performance to date. I take issue with that. Of course, I am not sure which performance would qualify, but I was not especially taken with this performance. Farley, who is all about alliteration, tells Kalan ‘Still, Sex Symbol, Superstar & Success’. Kalan’s priceless response is a frozen, deer-in-the-headlights type of smile. Sass says he’s gone from Good Boy to Dream Boy and Zack, still on his lovemaking kick, says it was a naked, honest and wonderful performance. Ben, oddly enough, has my favourite line of the night when he says Kalan has the voice of an angel and the shoes of Liberace. Then we’re treated to a crowd shot, featuring yet another angle of Joshua Seller. Quick question. If Josh was voted off just last week, why do people think we want to see more of him this week? Thank You, No, No, Thank YOU As likely the only genuine ‘fan’ in the bunch, Theresa is so excited to meet Lionel Richie, she’s shaking. Lionel returns the compliment by musing that Theresa has a big, black jazz singer inside of her somewhere. Theresa has selected one of his biggest hits, Hello. Theresa is without her contacts tonight, which is always a good look for her, and even infuses some skat into her performance. Both Farley and Sass are thrilled with the skat and each comment that it brings a bit more of who she really is into the competition. Zack says he felt she was a bit short on power, but loved it, because she’s such an emotionally affecting performer. Jake agrees and compliments her on her vulnerability. Theresa, thrilled to get praise after two rough weeks, just keeps repeating thank you. Whether she’s thanking the crowd, the judges, Lionel Richie, Ben or our own Bob, I do not know but Theresa’s giving out thank you’s like a pageant queen on speed. The Bland, The Boring, The Technically Sound Up next is Shane. During his meet and greet with Lionel, Richie comments that Shane is going in a different direction from the rest of the competition. If by different direction, he meant home, then yes, yes he’s probably correct. I’m not sure that Shane is the contestant that is most unlike the others, but whatever. Shane is dressed in the tried and true suit jacket, blue jeans and 5 o’clock shadow. I’m sure he looks good, but I think he looks as if he’s trying too hard. Something about the eyebrows… In any case, Shane has chosen to sing a more recent hit, Angel. As it turns out, I do recognize the song, and remember why I didn’t bother to recall it in the first place. Shane should be given credit for taking a chance, but I can’t say I’m a big fan. Sass says it’s one of the first times he’s left her slightly speechless. Zack says he did a credible job of representing, but Zack isn’t a fan. Jake says what Shane does works for millions of people and he liked it. Jake adds that he expected Shane to do a ballad and glad he found something up tempo to sing. Farley praises Shane for being one of the most technically sound performers in the competition. Ben throws it to commercial using yet another ‘Just for you’ reference. This is what happens when Ben goes off the teleprompter. Parroting. Not good when it wasn’t witty or clever the first time. That’s Smooth, Beautiful Lionel Richie seems very impressed to meet Kaleb and calls him a quiet fire. Kaleb says he wants to do a good job for Lionel. Kaleb takes to the stage with Truly. He started off, what I would call, a bit flat on some notes. Apparently some of the judges heard something different. Zack says it wasn’t his strongest performance as his character overshadowed the song, but he still loves Kaleb. Jake applauds him for making each song sound like it’s his own. Farley congratulates him on representing and his soft aggression, whatever that means. Sass says he’s a spectacular singer. Kaleb says, ‘Thanks, beautiful’. Smooth, Kaleb. Then Kaleb’s bizarre personality takes over as he joins Ben on the stools. He’s speaking some sort of sign language with the camera. I’m not sure if he’s giving signals to vote for him or if he’s trying to contact the mothership. I like Kaleb, but he’s a weird one. Aren’t You Supposed to be on Thursdays? After the break, we’re joined by Jon waste-of-time Dore dressed in an apron by a makeshift barbeque. In CTV’s never-ending quest to underwhelm, it turns out the Idols went absolutely nowhere this week. They had a BBQ at the Idol mansion, but I don’t really find that all that impressive as I suspect they are allowed to eat regular meals there throughout the week. Oh, and we’re told that Theresa wasn’t there because she was working. Working? I assume they mean for the show as Theresa’s from Saskatchewan and that’s a long commute. In any case, the segment is as lame as usual, but the Idols get a few good digs in when they imitate Sass and Zack during a jello competition. He’s A Nut…Case Of all the Idols, Lionel Richie looks most afraid of Jacob. He tries to turn it into a compliment, but it’s obvious Mr. Richie has no idea what to make of Jacob. Scared, comes to mind. Jacob has selected the Commodore’s Brickhouse. You know the song, you love the song, you’ve thought about dressing up in 70’s chic and performing. Okay, maybe just me and Jacob. In any case, Jacob is living out my dream. Unfortunately he’s doing a pretty sad job about it. While Jacob seems to be trying hard to concentrate on his vocals, it doesn’t go over quite the same way as his previous performances had. Jake says for the first time it was a wee bit campy for his liking. Farley says there is a fine line between entertaining and singing and he needs to balance it out if he wants to win. Sass grabs and envelope and announces, “Entertainer of the year – Jacob Hoggard!” Very insightful critique, Sass, thanks. Zack tells him if he wants to win, he’ll have to do something real. I’m sorry, maybe I’m letting my bias show, but last week Zack tripped over himself praising Jacob for being real in a sea of wannabes. This week, he’s criticizing him for putting on an act, which I think we’ve established long ago is part of who he is. I guess it can’t be a good week for everyone. Hold Me Closer, Fancy Dancer Upon meeting the Lionel, Elena receives some powerful advice. He tells her to make the song her own. Wow, that’s certainly nothing that Paula Abdul couldn’t have counseled her on. Elena has chosen to sing Fancy Dancer. I’m not familiar with the song and Elena doesn’t really give me a reason to familiarize myself with the original. I don’t hate her rendition, but it doesn’t do anything for me either. Elena sort of punks it out and does her thing. But did she make it her own? Judges? Farley says she was able to let loose and she did a great job. Sass thanks her for not breaking her rule of the night. I’m not sure what that is, exactly, but I’m assuming it’s good news for Elena. Zack says he say in her the same thing that he first saw when she auditioned for them back in Vancouver. Jake agrees and says he saw in her tonight the thing that put her through in the first place. Dimples Like A Cabbage Patch Kid Closing off the evening is Jason. Upon meeting Jason, Lionel notes that he certainly isn’t suffering from a self esteem problem and identifies him as a power singer with great talent. Jason sings Easy. I’m interested in seeing how Jason performs a song that doesn’t allow him to belt it out. In short order, I realize Jason has found a way to still belt it out and sing it like a rock anthem. It’s not horrible, but there is a short distance between rocker Jason and mellowed-out Jason. Sass congratulates Jason and notes she didn’t break her streak. Perhaps her streak means her rule of the night was to say something positive about each performer. Who am I kidding? I haven’t a clue as to what she’s talking about. Zack says he did a great job. Jake thinks he pulled it off by singing the line, I wanna be free with lots of emotion and conviction. Farley rains on his parade suggesting it was a little overdone. That’s it for the Top Seven. Tune in tonight to see who makes the Top Six. Chances are they’ll be Dancing On The Ceiling, All Night Long!. Look out Ben, looks like I’m more than able to take over your job! __________________ If you go through a lot of hammers each month, I don't think it necessarily means you're a hard worker. It may just mean that you have a lot to learn about proper hammer maintenance.

08-13-2004, 11:53 AM	#2
upnorth FORT Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 19	Ha! Absolutely loved your recap! Too funny. Any chance you could maybe write for Jon Dore or even Ben? Now that might make things slightly interesting!

08-13-2004, 01:53 PM	#3
eny FORT Fogey Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 10,476	Yes Miss F , lots of people want you to take over for Ben - please. I can't believe I missed Jacob doing Brickhouse . My bad. Thanks for the grest recap!