Canadian Idol: Canada Day

The remaining 20 Canadian Idol hopefuls kicked off Canada Day festivities on Monday night by sitting in an auditorium, singing songs and being scrutinized. Lakes, beer and fireworks are overrated anyway.

As always, there were some good and some not so good moments from both Monday and Tuesday nights. For me, the first not so good came with judge Jake Gold saying he wasn't surprised that Shaun Francisco was kicked off last week. He said Francisco was too bland for the show. I completely disagree. I also don't think that every Idol needs to be a pop diva princess or prince, but I guess that's why I'm not judging the show.

The mini-biographies were another negative for me. Each contestant was asked to reveal their sob story for the camera. I'm not sure if the motive is to have the crowd sympathize with the contestant so they pick up votes, or feel a deeper connection to them, or both. I think it's a lame tactic either way. It also doesn't make it easier for the judges to critique a contestant after hearing they've lost a mother or brother, or are performing for their great uncle, lost dog, favourite hat lost at the playground, etc. I understand the show wanting to connect competitors and viewers, but come on. You don't have to try and make us cry to feel something.

On to the competition. Mark Day was first up for group one. His sob story involved him being bullied when he was younger and how he developed comedy relief as his defence. He was alright. I'm just not sure if this competition is for him. But since he's from Newfoundland, where folks love to vote for their own, he'll probably make it pretty far.

Drew Wright, the hailed "rock star" of the show (though I'm not entirely sure why), performed Neverending White Lights' "The Grace." The judges weren't too impressed and Zack Werner said, as a rock star, he was boring.

Mookie Morris stole the rock star title from Wright with his performance of The Kooks' "Naive." There was some hesitation about his obscure song choice, but everyone agreed he was great. I don't fully understand the pressure to perform familiar songs. Sure, pop songs are catchier and more recognized, but a good song is a good song. If the person singing has talent, I don't see what the problem is — especially since this is a singing competition.

Night two showcased more talent. I'll start with Adam Castelli because I liked the song he picked, and not so much because of his performance. Wyclef Jean's "Gone Till November" is a difficult number to wrap yourself around, but Castelli did it. Werner said it wasn't Jean's best song, and it wasn't Castelli's either. Listen, Werner: Your job is to judge these contestants. Leave my Fugee alone!

Theo Tams' performance of Howie Day's "Collide" was really good. He's an astounding pianist, and I was even more impressed when he said he was self-taught.

Omar Lunan gave another great Motown performance with Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine." Werner suggested Lunan perform something more timely next week, but the other judges disagreed. First, Lunan worked the intro to give it a fresh vibe. Second, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Oliver Pigott totally creeped me out last week, but this time he came back with a stellar performance of Elton John's "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word." There was no hip-thrusting or uncomfortable dancing this time, just him and his guitar. Kudos to Pigott for taking criticism and applying it to better himself.

Wednesday will bring another high-intensity elimination show. Don't forget to tune into the excitement at 7:30 p.m.