Idol Finalists Outsoft Each Other

09/09/08 11:38am

by Michelle Singerman (CHARTattack)

After 31 episodes, it's almost time to name this year's Canadian Idol. On the final performance night, Theo Tams and Mitch MacDonald battled it out through three different songs. Each contestant performed a song of their choice, their single (if they win) and a number chosen by the judges.

Monday's show started with a hilariously dramatic recap of the long journey each surviving contestant has taken this season. I love how slow-motion video coupled with a sympathetic song and lots of short, muted clips can create a sense of nostalgia and accomplishment. Thanks to the wonderful effects of the montage, this season actually appeared as if it were challenging.

After host Ben Mulroney's attempt to pump up the crowd with enticing catchphrases like "shaping up to be the biggest finale ever," he moved over to the judges to ask the usual round of questions. Jake Gold told the contestants to treat their mini-sets like their own personal concerts.

After spending a week in New York City with guest mentor John Legend, the two wannabes were ready to go.

MacDonald started off his last hurrah with Gordie Sampson's "Paris." Although he's one of the softest singers (in every sense of the word), this was probably his best performance of the season. Pathetically enough, if I was 13, I'd probably swoon for him. Gold and judge Sass Jordan were both impressed with his dynamics. Judge Farley Flex said MacDonald took "calm, comfortable ownership" of the song. While I agree that he took ownership, I reject the style of it.

MacDonald's second song, "Where We Begin," will be his first single if he wins this thing. Let's hope it's not too late to pick another track. The performance was probably the worst I've ever heard from him. The song did everything but compliment the singer. MacDonald was better able to find his comfort zone once the guitar parts picked up, but he has a lot of work to do if he plans to sell any records. The judges felt the song wasn't right for the contestant, and I completely agree.

MacDonald's third song was definitely a step up. The judges chose Bread's "If," and the only thing I noticed about the performance was that MacDonald took out his contact lenses during the commercial break and put on his glasses. I'm not sure, but this may have been a lame attempt to appeal to a few different viewer voters: those hot on specs, and those not. The theme that arose from the judges' circle was that MacDonald's flaws have become virtues.

Tams' trio of performances was more successful than MacDonald's. His voice is stronger and more impressive all around — even if he insists on singing female songs. He started off with his personal choice, Jann Arden's "Good Mother." I love this song, but didn't think Tams captured the emotion well. His voice was solid, as usual, but it was a bit too light for me. He performed acoustically alongside piano, and it worked really well. Gold was so floored by the performance that he thought it could have been done a cappella.

Tams' potential single, "Sing," was much better than MacDonald's. I don't know if Tams worked on the arrangements to better suit his style or if it was handed to him gift-wrapped, but he pulled it off well either way. Werner thought the contestant used "every trick in the book" during the performance. It had highs, lows, long notes, short ones, and everything else. Gold said the single needs some work, but doesn't doubt it will still get a lot of airplay.

Hedley, whose frontman Jacob Hoggard is a past Idol contestant, came on board for some last-minute coaching. They reminded Tams about the importance of a solid work ethic and remembering to have fun.

The final performance of the night was Tams singing Foreigner's "I Wanna Know What Love Is." It was definitely a good pick by the judges. Tams' start was a bit rough, but he warmed up a few notes in. If he wins, I can see this contestant speedily rising through the ranks to become Canada's most heavily played artist on adult-contemporary radio stations. Once again, the judges loved it. "You can't go wrong with anything you do," gushed Flex.

The winner will be announced on what's being hyped as the biggest and most exciting finale in Idol history. Mariah Carey and Legend will take the stage along with all the contestants who made the top 10. I now finally get to say for the last time that Canadian Idol will return for a two-hour "star-studded" finale on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Wow, that felt great.