Canadian Idol Final Showdown: Jaydee & Brian

Jaydee and Brian battled for the title of Canadian Idol this week, singing three songs apiece. Each guy performed a Bon Jovi song, this year's Idol original song and a song of their own choosing. It wasn't the best final we've ever seen, but it was a fitting end to this lackluster season.

Following is the It's Destiny! panel's take on the CI5 Top 2: Jaydee & Brian.

Jaydee Bixby "Who Says You Can't Go Home"
Tammy: Despite having chosen a Bon Jovi song that falls into the 'country' category, Jaydee looked decidedly uncomfortable with his first song, and his voice never really hit any sort of groove. He roamed the stage somewhat aimlessly, and appeared to be more than a little overwhelmed by the moment. Not good.
Score: 7.2
Liza: I agree. He brought very little to the song performance-wise despite picking possibly the ONLY Bon Jovi song he could have done justice to. The only justice that came happened when he stopped singing. He came in rushed and never fully recovered. The song was arranged too high for him, and that probably contributed to his lack of grit in this song.
Score: 5.0
Destiny: I agree. Not the best showing we've seen from Jaydee. He didn't sound terrible, but it wasn't finale-worthy by any means. He looked sooo nervous!
Score: 6.8

Brian Melo "This Ain't A Love Song"
Tammy: Brian's vocals sounded a little raspier than usual tonight, no doubt caused by the endless rehearsal for not only tonight's songs but for the show tomorrow as well. He stepped up to the plate, however, and totally committed to the song. It's not my favorite thing he's ever done, but he does have an energy about him that makes you watch to see what he does next.
Score: 8.3
Liza: I noticed the scratchiness in Brian's voice also. His voice was also a little inaudible in the beginning, but I really dug his interpretation and presentation of the song. It felt real, heart-felt and un-karaoke-like, unlike the first performance.
Score: 8.25
Destiny: This isn't my favorite Bon Jovi song, and I'm with Tammy in that it wasn't my favorite thing Brian has done. He did a decent job, but like Jaydee before him, Brian looked seriously nervous. I thought he might fall over at some point, the way he was clamoring for something to hold onto. The most disturbing thing, however, was the judges' need to slam Jaydee whilst praising Brian. When did Jake decide he would become Simon Cowell? His keeping score during the night and belittling his non-favorite contestant was nauseating. Ugh.
Score: 8.25

Jaydee Bixby "All I Ever Wanted"
Tammy: Oh dear. Jaydee's eyes were practically screaming 'HELP!' during this one. He did not sound good at all. Zack phrased it well. Crash and burn, indeed. Jaydee, who usually has a knack of putting his own spin on a song, seemed at a loss up there. Yikes. This was like watching a puppy getting kicked.
Score: 6.3
Liza: I think Jaydee made a tactical mistake by trying to sing this in a normal voice. Although I personally prefer that voice from him, I'm not actually someone who would ever in a million years vote for him. The legions of fans he has liked him for a reason, and he didn't give them that Jaydee with this song. I think straying from what he's supposed to be about and from what makes him stand out will hurt him.
Score: 6.5
Destiny: I can't figure out why Jaydee didn't strap on his guitar for this song and totally make it his own. He clearly shines when he does that, and this original song would have been the perfect way to incorporate that into the finals. I am really surprised he didn't command it in that Jaydee kind of way. Then again, we all know what kind of antics go on with Idol original songs behind the scenes, so who knows what restrictions he was under during this number. Though Jaydee was clearly not having a great night, the judges did not need to be so cruel. It's just mean and classless at this point in the competition.
Score: 7.0

Brian Melo "All I Ever Wanted"
Tammy: As Jaydee sang this song, I thought, 'ugh, another terrible Idol song'. But hearing Brian sing it made me change my mind. I could actually hear the verses as Brian sang, his lower range being considerably stronger than Jaydee's tonight. He sang the song as if he'd been singing it all his life, and totally owned both the moment, and the stage. There is no fear in this one tonight. And he is looking very Gavin Rossdale-ish tonight, which (for me) is never a bad thing.
Score: 8.9
Liza: Even with a few missed notes in the chorus, with that performance Brian managed to turn the usual craptastic coronation song into what will soon be a hit song for Mr. Melo. And one that I actually kind of like. This is his song. And this competition is turning into a rout. If Brian doesn't win this thing, there will be a riot tomorrow in that studio.
Score: 9.25
Destiny: This song fit Brian perfectly. Considering what kind of singer he is and what kind of songs Idol has churned out in the past, the fact that the coronation song actually suited him is a miracle in itself. It could have been rough for him. I agree with Tammy and Liza that this sounds like a radio hit.
Score: 9.0

Jaydee Bixby "It's Not Unusual"
Tammy: Oh man, there is just no redeeming him tonight. A terrible, hokey song choice, paired with weak, off-tempo vocals (running about the audience did not help) does not a good performance make. It's too bad. He's better than he was tonight. What a way to go out.
Score: 5.0
Liza: Bwahahahaha this should be hilarious. But sadly it's not even that. Jaydee can't even get that right. Vocally he sounded good, but where is the sense of irony and cheekiness that this song requires?! And where the heck is the Carlton dance?!!! Jake is SO over him.
Score: 5.5
Destiny: While I didn't particularly love the reply Jaydee made to Jake after this song, I did love the fact that it made Jake mad and irritated. Jake was out-of-line with his insults towards Jaydee tonight. Like I said before, there's just no need to crush the kid (or any contestant). As for the song choice, I, like Ben Mulroney, had to contain my laughter throughout. You've got to love Jaydee for the fact that he chose a Tom Jones' number for his big final number in the competition. And the fact that he did it seriously was just so Jaydee. This was definitely his best of the night, both in how he looked and sang. Too bad the audience wasn't full of young girls as it usually is. He would have really benefited from that. It's really too bad that Jaydee had such an off night. He may not be my cup of tea, but Jaydee has undeniable star quality and is seriously interesting. Like Tammy said, he is better than what he was this week. What a sad (and almost shocking) way to go out, indeed.
Score: 8.0

Brian Melo "Hallelujah"
Tammy: While not my favorite version of this song, I have to give Brian props, because it didn't sound like any other cover that I've heard. He was going for something that I'm not sure he ever really reached, but given some vocal rest, I have no doubt that he'd reach it. You could tell that he felt what he was singing, which sometimes is enough.
Score: 8.4
Liza: Bold song choice. And brilliant. Brian sang the crap out of this song. Check mate, Jethro!
Score: 9.5
Destiny: I love the song, but I have to say Brian's performance only left me pining to hear Josh Palmer's steller rendition. I am all about an artist interpreting and feeling a song, and Brian certainly seemed to do that. For some strange reason, however, it didn't all come together, and the performance fell a little flat. I wanted to be moved, and I could see that Brian was trying to move me, but it never really happened. That being said, Brian has a very appealing, distinct voice and personality, and good on him for having such a great run on this show.
Score: 8.0

Who Should Win
Tammy: Brian
Liza: Brian in a landslide
Destiny: Brian

Who Will Win
Tammy: Brian
Liza: Brian
Destiny: Brian

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We Asked You, "Who Is The Best Artist On CI?"
76% Brian, 15% Carly Rae, 7% Jaydee, 2% Dwight

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