From a media release:
Legendary Songstress Anne Murray to Mentor and Perform on Canadian Idol
- The Top 5 to perform songs from the Anne Murray songbook August 18 on CTV
She has sold more than 50 million albums and is one of Canada’s most enduring national treasures – and she’s coming to Canadian Idol. CTV announced tonight that multiple Grammy and JUNO Award winning singer Anne Murray will become the latest powerhouse mentor to share her considerable expertise and work with the Canadian Idol finalists as they perform selections from her legendary songbook on Monday, August 18 at 9 p.m. ET on CTV. Murray will then perform on the Canadian Idol results episode on Tuesday, August 19 at 8 p.m. ET when the remaining Top 4 are revealed (visit idol.CTV.ca to confirm local listings).
Murray joins an extensive list of accomplished musicians, including Bryan Adams, Tom Jones and Simple Plan, working with this season’s crop of Canadian Idol finalists. Tonight, former Bush front man Gavin Rossdale performed live on the program after mentoring the competitors for this weeks “Unplugged” episodes.
Recognized worldwide, Anne Murray’s signature voice has graced the airwaves for over 40 years. With a catalogue of hits, including, “A Little Good News”, “You Needed Me”, “Love Song”, “Could I Have This Dance” and “Snowbird”, Murray’s career continues to be the benchmark for longevity and professionalism.
The EMI recording artist has garnered countless accolades, including four Grammy Awards, numerous Country Music Association Awards and a record number of JUNO Awards. Her latest CD, Anne Murray Duets: Friends & Legends, was certified Platinum in three weeks and double Platinum in six weeks. It was her highest album debut in over 20 years. Murray recently completed a highly successful “Coast to Coast – One Last Time” Canadian tour and plans are underway for the release of a special holiday album at the end of September.
“Anne Murray is an icon and one of television’s biggest draws,” said Susanne Boyce, President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc. “What a treat for both Canadian Idol’s audience and for the competitors who will have the opportunity to learn from a legend.”
“We have been trying to land Anne Murray for years and we are thrilled to finally have her join us,” said Executive Producer John Brunton. “She is a true Canadian superstar and it will be a tremendous honour to have her mentor this year’s finalists.”
