The Top Five Helps Us Forget About Country - Canadian Idol 4, Episode 25
Martina McBride Stops By
I never was a big country music fan. Mostly, it was the melodramatic crooning over cheating hearts or unrequited love that made me gag. So when country singer Martina McBride was announced as the guest this week, I was sceptical about the show. Would the top five be able to tweak my tastes with their talents? Or would they pump enough of their unique styles into the genre?
Maybe I’m just not a sentimental person, as Jake says that is what country lyrics are all about. Apparently, a country song with successful lyrics can be accomplished with only an acoustic guitar and a great voice. This means that song selection is crucial this week; The competitors must pick a song that they can dig into on an emotional level. Farley thinks that country is suited to all our singers, because as a genre, it offers a combination of blues and rock, touching all other music styles. Sass comments that Martina McBride is such a dominant force in country music because she observed in Nashville that she is beloved by her peers. What will it take for our singers to achieve that same sense of admiration from Canadians? For Zack, they must breakthrough the theme and come on top as their unique selves to win the competition.
Before we find out how our top five will bring out their individuality amidst achy-breaky country tunes, Elena Juatco commentates a week in the life of the competitiors. After a very achy-breaky good-bye to Ashely Coulter last week, the singers don’t have a lot of time for tears as they are quickly whisked off to the press for photos and interviews. After being powdered and primped for pictures, they squeeze in as much sleep that they can back at the Idol mansion so that they can wake up bright and early to begin preparing for next week’s performance. This week, as a tribute to the country theme, the singers take a trip to Nashville and receive first class treatment. After an exhausting mini-vacation, they return on Saturday, polishing up the final touches of their performance and choosing their wardrobe for the show. After their signing session with Martina McBride, there is more practicing until the big night.
Before the idols put their week’s effort on stage, another cheesy montage is called for. This week it’s a tribute to country allstars Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Kenny Rogers. Then, Martina McBride gets her public service announcement in support of country music. Although everyone can understand the simple lyrics that characterize country, the thing that makes people go beyond understanding and into loving the music is believability.
First up to keep me as a non-believer is over-actress Eva Avila. She sings Dolly Parton’s “Here You Come Again” with the same pretend-conviction as the rest of her performances. Well, at least she can sing. And she’s looking cute in a black cocktail dress that goes along well with the playfulness of the song. Jake thinks that she showcased her personality and Sass thinks that she controlled the stage well. Farley comments on her perfect balance between grace and confidence. I agree with Farley, she is balanced in grace and confidence, but in the same way that a Disney princess is. Zack sticks some reality back into dreamland and calls attention to the hardness of her singing and how Eva’s version was not quite country.
A very country voice is up next, Tyler Lewis, who Martina notices as a pitchy singer in the softer tones. When he sings an original Elvis song, “Suspicious Minds”, he sticks to the big notes and stays on key. Other than the adorable cowboy get-up (full blown hat, jacket and boots), the most satisfying thing about Tyler’s performance is being able to tell how important this song is to him. The music hypnotizes him and when he sings, it’s just him and the music, and the audience becomes mere onlookers of his experience. Sass relates the song to sweet potato pie and Farley observes that his bouncing to the beat allowed Tyler to finally “ride that invisible horse”. Zack notices that Tyler transformed this into an authentic hybrid country-rock performance. Jake recalls that he was confident in Tyler’s ability for this genre and that Tyler met every expectation he had.
Breaking expectations this week is Craig Sharpe, who has finally painted over his angelic blond hair and gone dark brunette. He performs Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind”, keeping in mind his music teacher who has inspired him and all the family members back home who he misses. Once again, the vocals are flawless, but the slow and repetitive pace of the song leaves my mind drifting elsewhere. Farley commends Craig for his maturity and ablity to emote. Zack can let go with the Michael Jackson comparisons and urges Craig to be more big and obnoxious (aka flamey). Jake admits that after two weeks of empty singing, he finally felt Craig in this honest performance. Sass cringes when she talks about how Craig was a little sharp, but quickly tries to cover up by emphasizing his lovable individuality.
Most lovable for me is Steffi D. Martina also has love for her balance between strength and playfulness. From their session together, Steffi learned about the honesty and simplicity of country music. When she sings Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Were Made For Walking”, she puts on a seductive and revengeful show as she puts on a pair of baby pink boots mid-song. Cheering her along the way, audience members wear bows in their hair in support. Zack thinks is was fun as a Vegas-show, but isn’t quite convinced about her ability to conform to a Canadian Idol. Jake says that he anticipates her performances every week and applauds her for choosing the perfect song. Sass is thrilled with Steffi’s unexpected high notes at the end and says that this was one of her favourite performances. For Farley, the performance was “sexy, sassy, sultry, and oh-so-Steffi!”
Last to have a go in the country genre is Chad Doucette, who has a family full of country lovers. Martina McBride calls his singing voice “riveting” and encourages him to connect even further with the lyrics. When he sings “If You Could Read My Mind” by Gordon Lightfoot, I lose my ability to take note of any aspect of his performance because he bears his soul on stage. With his distinct voice that grips me every time, he didn’t convert me to country-loving, but he did maintain me as a Chad fan. Jake asserts that Chad’s understanding of sentiments behind lyrics exceeds every other singer’s ability on the show. I’m not the only one who got lost, as Sass also forgot that she was in the theatre when he performed. Farley reiterates his excitement in knowing that he will recognize Chad’s captivating voice when he hears it on the radio. Zack, who was disappointed by the lack of “Chadisms” in the beginning of the performance, still remains a fan because like Sass and I, he forgot where he was when Chad sang.
Hopefully, Chad’s singing didn’t drift us too far away and make everyone forget to vote for their favourites! Tomorrow, it will be down to only four competitors after we find out who received the fewest number of votes. Who do you think should make it to the final four? Email me your thoughts: brianne@realityshack.com.
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