Top 11 Females Shake Things Up - Canadian Idol 4, Episode 7
The Top 11 Women Want Your Votes
After the consistent success of the male talent last night, expectations are held high. The guys pulled in 1.1 million votes. It’s time for the females to show Canada their talent and get those fingers dialling.
I don’t know why, but Ben Mulroney receives a standing ovation before he introduces the judges. In any case, my jazz cat Farley is taking the night off work to be at his daughter’s graduation, but Jake, Zack and Sass are strapped in their seats anticipating a night of talent from the eleven ladies. Next, Ben welcomes back the idol pianist, Mark, whose last name I still can’t find ANYWHERE on the idol site (I think it’s important to give him some credit, so let me know if you can find out how to spell his name).
Ben announces the top eleven ladies, and one by one, they do their ritualistic greeting for the camera. Whether it is a hair toss, a curtsey, or the traditional wave “hello”, they all look like stars as the file into their seats at the side of the stage.
Ashely Coles, a 16 year old from Caledonia, ON, is first to emerge on the stage after she tells all about her nervousness and expectations. This cabbage-patch-doll faced teenager has cute blond bangs and her 80’s style outfit is funky to boot. She performs “Alone” by Heart, and demonstrates how screaming can actually sound good sometimes. Jake thinks her song choice would have been better suited for a later performance in the competition when she had a band to back her up. For Sass, it isn’t the back-up music she has a problem with, but Ashely’s vocals that are not capable to do a song like that yet. Zack affirms that she still deserves to be in the competition, but I’m already forgetting the sound of her voice.
Following Ashely’s act is 26 year old Kati Durst from Goderich, ON, whose family is watching her on their TVs back home. She calmly approaches the stage and looks comfortable in her sheer and shimmering green bohemian style top with spaghetti straps. Her mellow aura lulls me into a soothing place when she sings “Drift Away” by Dobie Gray. She charms the audience with an honest smile while she perfects each note. Sass acknowledges that Kati definitely shone in that performance, but also notes that she’s capable of even more. Zack respects the hippie chick within Kati and Jake is impressed by how she turned it into a folk song. Although she has over 70 foster siblings to vote for her, I doubt that she’ll be short of votes from all over Canada.
From Calgary, AB, Alyssa Klazek, 17, shares her romantic idol experience. Not only has the idol journey taught her life lessons, but it has also given her the opportunity to fall in love with Matt, an eliminated competitor. There is no possibility of hiding her inner joy, not even behind her hideous patchwork frock, as her positive energy breaks through in the form of a warm smile. With her dreads pulled high up at the back of her head, we get a clear view of her face. What you see is what you get: A calm straight-up girl who serves organic emotions on a delicious platter when she sings India Arie's “Ready for Love”. Zack likes the honesty of her song, but feels that vocally, she fell short. Jake thinks she took the soul out of the song, but he doesn’t know anything anyways (Yes, I finally said it!). Sass appreciates the feral child within Alyssa and how she sings with the faith of her convictions.
Eliminated two years ago in Saint-Jerome QC, Valerie Jalbert, now 21, is back after travelling and improving her talents. She sings “Remember Me This Way” by Jordan Hill and decorates her performance with expressive hand motions and facial expressions. Unfortunately, I won’t remember her for her singing or overemphasized gestures because I was too distracted by her dramatic zebra stripe highlights and orange-hued tan. Of course, the guy that knows nothing (Jake!) is glad to have her back. Sass wants her to tone down some of the whiny edges in her singing while Zack wants her to tone down the acting. She doesn’t have my vote, but at least her little sister is her biggest fan.
Next up, is a 17 year old from Ottawa, ON. Cuter than a button, a ladybug or a ladybug’s babybug, is Steffi D. She sums up her wardrobe style in three words: pearls, frills and bows. She hops on stage wearing an adorable white bow in her carefully flipped hair. When she sings “I Only Have Eyes For You” by Ella Fitzgerald, she steps sweetly and be-bops energetically to the piano’s notes. Sass adores her, but would like to see some versatility in the future. Zack is convinced that she has a real future and Jake thinks that it was important for her to show Canada who she is tonight. She certainly showed us and hopefully, she’ll be voted through for at least another week.
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