Canadian Idol Update: Idols Step It Up For The '60s

The '60s were one of the greatest decades in music, and Monday night's '60s episode was one of the greatest Canadian Idol shows this season. Go figure.

While covering Del Shannon's "Runaway," Jaydee Bixby had a sloppy beginning from which he never fully recovered. There were traces of yodelling in his voice and his timing was uncharacteristically off. Seriously, what in tarnation was that? Bixby is a golden-voiced demigod with superb musical sensibilities. Could someone have paid him off to throw this competition? Please don't screw up again. Canadian Idol needs you. I need you. You're the only reason that I'm still watching this show (well, Jaydee plus the astronomical sums of money I'm earning from Chart for writing these updates).

"I felt that, off the top, you weren't in the pocket with the band," said judge Jake Gold.

A glammed-up Tara Oram lit up the auditorium during the Elvis Presley hit "Suspicious Minds," moving around the stage like a country music veteran. There was some energetic and very competent singing the whole way through. Oram didn't always nail her big notes, but she consistently earned an A+ for effort.

"That was the best performance I have seen from you, by far," raved judge Sass Jordan as Oram wiped away a single, dainty tear.

"That was fierce," exclaimed judge Jay Manuel -- no, sorry, Zack Werner.

And then came Matt Rapley. While singing the Allman Brothers' "Whipping Post," he revealed a side of himself that we hadn't previously seen. It's been clear from the get-go that the guy has a huge voice, but holy hell! Gone was Rapley's trademark sweetness. Gone was the sweet, dimpled, cuddly bear. Here was an angry, impassioned, brutish young man who brimmed with raw emotion. It was bluesy. It was gospel-y. It was powerful. It was unfreakingbelievable. Rapley, a kid who had previously flown under the radar, had delivered the strongest performance of the season.

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god," repeated Jordan.

"This is a whole new game, kids," said Werner.

In stark contrast was Dwight D'Eon's version of The Guess Who's "Undun." It's a fantastic song, but it was a shame about its performance. D'Eon's voice is thinner than Burton Cummings' hair. And those Raine Maida-esque "un-nah un-nahs" were positively ridiculous. Are you still buying this, Canada?

"I thought at times you were a little pitchy, but I thought you brought it home at the end," said Gold.

"That's the most in tune you've been," added Jordan.

Carly Rae Jepsen seemed nervous while singing "Georgia On My Mind." I guess that's what happens when you know that your pretty little neck is on the chopping block. Her cocked head and liquid eyes seemed tentative this week. It was kind of like watching a puppy do neat tricks, hoping to please its master so as not to get kicked again. It was a little bit heartbreaking, truth be told. But it was also very pretty and super-dee-duper cute. What else is new?

"You had some really intriguing stylistic choices -- you're getting yourself a signature style, my love," declared Jordan.

Brian Melo was next with "Bold As Love." It takes a special talent to make a Jimi Hendrix tune sound like an all-out wuss fest. It was boring. I was bored. Also, would somebody please tell me what the deal is with the dog tags that he and D'Eon wear? Is it a tribute to those who fought in Vietnam? You weren't there, man! You don't know!

"Your phrasing was immaculate there," said judge Farley Flex.

Khalila Glanville's performance of "Natural Woman" was mature and poised. Her one huge note was a little strained, but she otherwise owned it. And I wish I could wear true red lipstick the way she does. Sadly, I'm worried that Glanville is in trouble this week.

"You made me feel like a very natural man -- fantastic -- that was black velvet," said Flex with piles and piles of vaguely creepy enthusiasm.

Clad entirely in black, Greg Neufeld sang "Long Black Veil" more like Dave Matthews than Johnny Cash. Shocker. But it's good to see him getting back to doing what he does best. And his warm, slightly raspy voice was like delicious creamery butter.

"That was so smooth and so calm and so together," said Gold. "You're a pro."

I've finally made peace with Martha Joy. Forced to set aside her precious Celine Dion, she floored me by picking one of the greatest songs ever written (in my humble opinion). Her rendition of Diana Ross & The Supremes' oft-covered "Love Child" made me stop hating her. It was good. She did very well. Excellent job.

"I don't think you should be singing songs like that," said a terribly misguided Gold.

"I thought that was the best thing you've done so far," sang Jordan.

Wednesday: Warm, fuzzy charitable things -- and an elimination! Even though it should be D'Eon, I bet it won't be.