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by Andrea Maclam Published: September 19, 2006
I looked forward to this finale. With all the amazing guest artists that took part in this years show, I was expecting to see some incredible performances. Well, I was let down. Of course, you were expecting to see the usual spiel of the hometown crowds and family members via satellite telling the finalists how proud they are of them. That didn’t disappoint, and it was so sweet to see Craig be introduced to his newest nephew. That brought tears to my eyes, I will have to admit. And the fact that the child was wearing the tiniest “fan shirt” I’ve ever seen was adorable. Looking out into the audience, which was peppered, as usual, with Canadian media royalty, such as broadcaster Pamela Wallen, and CTV funny man Seamus O’Regan, you could sense the excitement and anticipation. Also in the audience was one of America’s sweetest actresses, Amanda Bynes, who is in our fair city to film Hairspray. We had such a great season, you would think that a great finale would be the perfect send off. Well, it wasn’t. In this reviewer's eyes, it was a giant flop. There were no signs of the brilliant coaches we saw throughout the show, save one by Canadian girl Nelly Furtado, and even THAT was questionable. Her performance of her newest single "Maneater" was, in one word, awful. The song is bad, not at all what I’ve come to expect from her. I know she was trying to go with a new sound ("Promiscuous Boy" is one of the best songs I’ve heard in a long time), but this wasn’t the sound to go with. I always thought that Nelly was a unique individual, and was truly her own being. In that performance, I saw someone trying to be a better version of BEP’s Fergie. And that just wasn’t cool. There was the obligatory performance by last year's Idol, Melissa O’Neil, who wowed everyone with her hit single "Speechless". In a scene depicting what they both hope to be their future, Craig and Eva presented her with a multi-platinum album for her Idol single "Alive", and a gold album for her debut CD. The best part of the evening for me was when Ben talked about One By One, and the wonderful work they’re doing to help children all over the world realize their dreams (www.onexone.org), and then brought out the African Children’s Choir to sing, at first alone, and then in the company of the top ten. It brought tears to my eyes to hear the wonderful harmonies, and it reminded me of what a roller coaster ride we’ve been on this year. On a side note, can someone PLEASE get rid of that stick, Elena Juatco? Note to her: Honey, there was a reason you were cut from Season Two and it wasn’t your voice; it was your personality. YOU DON’T HAVE ONE! Two wonderful surprises lay in store for the top two as they were standing, waiting, anticipating the results. First, via taped message, week three coach and music legend Cyndi Lauper offered her services to produce and perform on a song on the winners CD. That in itself was a major bonus. BUT, the best was yet to come, as via another taped message, Martina McBride offered a spot on the Canadian leg of her upcoming tour to the winner!! Coming off that high, it was time for Ben to reveal the winner. It was a tough one to call, I’ll be the first to say that. But in the end... Eva Avila takes the title home to Quebec, and also takes home a new boyfriend to meet mom and dad, as her and Chad Doucette FINALLY admit to the world that they’re an item (like it took a genius to figure that one out!). Well, it’s been an unbelievable season. This year, the talent was incredible and a note to those of you out there who will be auditioning for next season: step it up. After this year, you’ve got HUGE shoes to fill. I loved each and every contestant this year (not all the time, but mostly), and I hope ALL of them release albums, because I’d buy them all. See y’all next season (oh, and for those of you counting….only four months to go until American Idol starts up). :D |
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