Stevenson's Idol Train Derailed

The weird vibe that engulfed Canadian Idol on Monday followed the show like a bad fog into Tuesday, when Earl Stevenson was voted off the program.

The show started with the remaining contestants singing selected tracks from Anne Murray's catalogue of hits. Stevenson started the round-robin singing session with "Danny's Song." He passed the torch to Mitch MacDonald, who didn't handle the tune quite as well. Theo Tams kicked things up a notch, and Drew Wright latched enthusiastically brought it home.

The "Canadian Icon," as host Ben Mulroney refers to Murray, sang "Daydream Believer" and "Could I Have This Dance" for the teary-eyed, heavy-hearted mothers in the crowd. Maybe I'd appreciate Murray more if I had grown up with her, but I didn't. As a result, I've always struggled to take her seriously. Tuesday night was no different. Murray makes awkward expressions and twists her jaw into weird positions, and it makes me uncomfortable. My boyfriend said Murray "sounds like a frog." I couldn't have said it better.

Later, Murray told the audience how certain pointers she received early in her career have remained with her throughout the years. The "quintessential Canadian" (another Mulroney label) said she hopes her advice to the Idol wannabes will stay with them throughout their careers. What careers?

Another stellar voice graced the Idol stage on Tuesday night. American Idol Jordin Sparks performed her new single, "One Step At A Time." She then offered the contestants worldly advice: doing what you're doing and remember the importance of song choice. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

And then it finally came down to the results. Mulroney delivered them quickly and relatively painlessly. There was no bottom two or three, just a swift goodbye to Stevenson.

It was weird. The contestant who seemed to be one of the few to enjoy himself throughout the whole Idol experience was quick to say so long. Before Mulroney could even ask Stevenson for a response, he was already nonchalantly saying, "It's all good. It's been a great summer." Not that I really give a fuck about this show, but, even from my perspective, Stevenson's reaction was a huge slap in the face.

It got worse. Stevenson's final performance of the Steve Miller Band's "The Joker" failed miserably. He ran into the audience and focused all his concentration on trying to get the crowd to form a human train. This took most of his attention away from his performance. The lyrics became mumbles in between his shouts to the crowd to link arms.

I'm not sure what's going on with Stevenson, but at this point I'm kind of glad to see him go. Sure, he was one of the guys I enjoyed most, but Idol is bad enough as is. I don't need extra attitude getting on my nerves.

Another one bites the dust, leaving a trio of boys to try their hand at songs by next week's guest mentor, Bryan Adams. Make your Labour Day more laborious by checking out Canadian Idol on Sept. 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.