Canadian Idol: I’m Hooked
07 July 08
Sheesh. I have 16 new crushes. By crushes, I mean a mix of admiration and awe for their focus, and damn, they’re all so lovely and talented. What crush doesn’t usually convey, however, is respect, and truly, respect is a huge part of what I feel for our “Canadian Idol” hopefuls.
I met Marie-Pierre, Adam, Katelyn, Mark, Martin, Omar, Mitch, Gary, Mookie, Oliver, Sebastion, Earl, Katherine, Theo, Amberly and Drew at the “Idol” studios in downtown Toronto last week. The team at Gillette Fusion had invited me to serve as host for a series of wee grooming segments with the “Idol” guys, and to present the girls with Venus Embrace treat baskets as they all prepped for last week’s shows. (The segments will pop up during the broadcasts tonight and tomorrow night.)
What struck me about the group is how hard they’re working toward their goals. Days on the show are long and intense — rehearsals, interviews, promos, workshops, filming, live performances…. The sudden spotlight isn’t easy, even if it’s wanted, nor is the pace. As for putting it all on the line successfully or not, being critiqued in front of and by millions, then having to wait for the country to weigh in on who stays and who goes… I know I couldn’t do it. But despite the sudden immersion in a largely unfamiliar world, the “Idol” hopefuls appear to have found an easy camaraderie, and they know how valuable their experience is for their careers as well as artistic and personal growth. And I’m a sucker for people with determination and a sense of fun. (There’s a lot of laughter at those studios.)
I’ll not say much more. Watching them each week will tell you everything you need to know about each competitor.
Can we keep them all? Well, that’s how I’m voting.
Note: I know this is already a gushy post — I get like this sometimes. But I have to gush about the “Canadian Idol” crew as well — they were friendly and so patient with me! I suspect they play a large part in the easy, affectionate energy at the studios.
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08 July 08 at 12:24 am
The host for the Gillette segment that i saw was stunningly beautiful and natural
08 July 08 at 12:27 am
Tee hee! How lovely of you to say, Annette :-)
08 July 08 at 9:05 am
What a fantastic opportunity! It’s always interesting to see behind the scenes. I’ll have to tune in to Canadian Idol this season, but I have to say I’m very excited for So You Think You Can Dance Canada! Best of luck to the Idol hopefuls!
08 July 08 at 11:47 am
ohhh, I Tivo’d it, so when I watch I’ll have to make sure I watch for your segments Janine ; )
08 July 08 at 2:43 pm
Congrats Janine! You were the hostess with the mostess. Can’t wait to see tonight’s segment!
08 July 08 at 7:10 pm
Thanks for the comments, folks! I’m so nervous for the Idol folks — the pressure is so clearly ON, and seriously, I loved them all when I met them. Also, I’ve never seen so many beautiful pairs of eyes in my life. SHEESH!
08 July 08 at 9:46 pm
Janine! I’m just reading this post now, so I was completely surprised when I happened to have Idol on in the background this evening and heard your lovely voice coming from my television set.
You were so natural and stunningly gorgeous. I think TV may be your niche!
Congratulations. So proud. So happy for all your success.
08 July 08 at 9:56 pm
OMG, thanks so much Tammy! *beam*
08 July 08 at 10:51 pm
is your segment on youtube somewhere?
i wasn’t home, drat! and i wanna seeeee!
i bet you’re awesome on telly, you were charming as all get out in the apartment makeover show back in the day.
08 July 08 at 10:56 pm
Home to Go! I can’t find that tape! My favourite part is the segment where I have my hair scraped back in a tight pointy ponytail that was pointing at such a sharp angle… I call it Animé Hair!
And YOU, lady, are an aspiration on the teevee. Inspiration, too.
09 July 08 at 9:04 am
Lookit all these people saying nice things about you. It’s making me sick. Sick I tell ya! Sick!
I have to go now. I am convinced I need a Venus Embrace Razor with the 5 blades and magical moisturizing strip thingy. I’ll be at Shoppers Drug Mart so if you could call my cell and tell me what shave cream goes with, I’d really appreciate it.
Have a lovely, geeky day, you TV nerd!
09 July 08 at 10:48 am
I’ll call, and leave the info here, YLHT: Gillette Satin Care Alluring Avocado Shave Gel, which smells pretty and actually helps get a closer shave and leaves skin feeling smooooooth; $3.99