http://www.macleans.ca/culture/music...27_89154_89154
September 27, 2004
Why I Got Idolatrous
Five things that made season two way more fun than the first
SHANDA DEZIEL
When the inaugural American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, and the runner-up, Justin Guarini, put out the vomit-inducing flick From Justin to Kelly, it became official: the Idol franchise must die! Of course, it didn't -- even Canada had jumped on the bandwagon, producing one Ryan Malcolm, a singing waiter whose manufactured music career has become a bit of a joke thanks to his schlocky debut CD and off-putting arrogance. Surely there was nothing the country needed less than a second Canadian Idol instalment. But this year, the show took a dramatic turn for the better. And here are five reasons why:
1. JACOB HOGGARD
Donning tight pants and a sweater vest for a tongue-in-cheek -- or, in his case, ring-in-lip -- version of Paul Anka's Put Your Head on My Shoulder, and a full-body blue leotard for his inspired performance of David Bowie's Space Oddity, Sir Hoggard (as knighted by host Ben Mulroney) is the first Idol contestant to push any boundaries. "You see these competitions and a lot of it is just making sure you sing good and look sad for the camera," says Hoggard, 20. "I didn't want to do that." As the true star of the show, Hoggard will have no problem getting a record deal, his own TV series or a big screen offer, and he will probably fare better (as a musician or actor) now that he doesn't have to put out one of those rushed, lame Idol albums.
2. MUSICIANSHIP
Looking a tad uncomfortable, six Canadian contestants together tackled Gordon Lightfoot's Canadian Railroad Trilogy -- with instruments. It was a franchise first and a step in the credibility direction for the show and its performers -- although it would have been an even bigger deal had they been allowed to use instruments while competing.
3. GORDON LIGHTFOOT
It's hard to imagine why this Canadian legend agreed to be feted by the idols -- except for the fact that he got his start in a Kiwanis festival singing contest. Unlike other guest stars, Lightfoot didn't gush over the mangling of his life's work. Showing dignity and professionalism, he gave the wannabe entertainers a lesson in artistry.
4. JON DORE
One day this brilliant comedian will be a guest on Saturday Night Live or The Tonight Show, and he'll look back and think, "Was I really Ben Mulroney's sidekick?"
5. CANADIAN HUMILITY
Unlike its American sibling, the more folksy Canadian Idol doesn't take itself too seriously. Mean judge Zack Werner occasionally shows emotion -- something his self-righteous U.S. counterpart, Simon Cowell, seems incapable of. Mulroney can take a joke (even one as disconcerting as getting a wet willy from Hoggard). And the contestants, especially Hoggard and winner Kalan Porter, show genuine, unabashed affection for each other. What the show lacks in musical integrity, it makes up for with heart.
For exclusive photos from the Canadian Idol finale, visit
www.macleans.ca/gallery
