Rob James is the Next to Go from Canadian Idol

From CTV:

Winnipeg’s first and only Top 10 competitor has been eliminated from Canadian Idol. Songwriter/producer Rob James, 28, received the fewest votes following last night’s nationwide poll, it was revealed live tonight on CTV. In all, 2.6 million votes were cast following last night’s live tribute to Classic Rock. James was the oldest competitor remaining in the competition. Now, six remain as the hunt for Canada’s next Canadian Idol intensifies.

Peaking at 2.25 million viewers, Monday’s Canadian Idol episode was watched by 1.95 million viewers, up 10 per cent compared to last week among the key A18-34 demo and up 9 per cent compared to last week among A18-49. Canadian Idol remains not only the most-watched talent competition on television among all major demos, including total viewers (2+), A18-34, A18-49 and A25-54, but remains the most-watched program currently on television, period.

On tonight’s live results episode, the Canadian Idol Top 7 opened the show with a group performance of “Babe” with former STYX singer Dennis DeYoung as well as “Give a Little Bit” with Roger Hodgson, formerly of Supertramp. Later in the show, Hodgson played piano and guitar while performing “Dreamer,” “The Logical Song” and “Breakfast in America.” DeYoung followed, performing “Lady,” “Mr. Roboto” and “Come Sail Away.”

Then it was down to business when host Ben Mulroney revealed the names of the two competitors who received the fewest votes last night: Winnipeg’s James, as well as Steffi DiDomenicantonio, 17, from Orleans, ON. Despite never placing in the bottom group of performers in any Top 10 show before, James was ultimately eliminated and DiDomenicantonio was spared yet again. James closed the show with a reprise of his Monday night performance of Grand Funk Railroad’s “(She’s) Some Kind of Wonderful.”

DiDomenticantonio returns next week to perform in the world’s first Idol “Unplugged” episodes, featuring guest star Chantal Kreviazuk. The Canadian singer/songwriter workshops with the remaining six Canadian Idol competitors on Monday, August 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV (check local listings). Then, on Tuesday, August 15 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, Kreviazuk performs live on an all-new stage from CTV’s intimate Masonic Temple studios.

In addition to DiDomenicantonio, the remaining finalists are: Eva Avila, 19, Gatineau, QC; Ashley Coulter, 23, Emeryville, ON; Chad Doucette, 18, East Chezzetcook, NS; Tyler Lewis, 20, Rockglen, SK; and Craig Sharpe, 16, Upper Island Cover, NL.