  Canadian Idol Top 4 finalist Suzi Rawn performs at the band-shell at the Ex. (SUN/Mark O'Neill) |
There was a whole lot of Idol worship going on at the Ex yesterday.
To the screams of hundreds of teenage girls, the final four Canadian Idol contestants -- Aaron Walpole, Rex Goudie, Melissa O'Neil and Suzi Rawn -- performed a 30-minute show at the Bandshell stage.
After signing autographs and thrilling fans, they headed to Memphis, Tenn. to record at Sun Studios, where Elvis Presley began his career.
Walpole, 26, said his life is a dream come true, adding while he was thrilled about playing in Toronto, he was even more excited about going to Memphis and seeing Elvis's grave.
"It's just another dream come true. I know I'll weep when I see his grave," said Walpole, who is from St. Thomas.
The lack of TV cameras -- and judges -- yesterday took the pressure off, making the show a lot more fun, Goudie, 19, said.
Performing Turn the Page by Bob Seger, Goudie said he likely would not have had the chance to perform if not for Canadian Idol.
"This is amazing to be able to do this," said Goudie, who hails from the small port town of Burlington, Nfld.
Rawn, 22, admitted to being anxious before yesterday's performance, but said the energy from the crowd helped her get into it.
"I'm not as restricted. It's the general public, not the judges," said the native of Kamloops, B.C.
O'Neil, the youngest contestant at 16, said the contestants don't really know what people think of them until they get to play live.
From the reaction of fans, who cheered and screamed, it was clear they are a hit.
Like the others, O'Neil said she is amazed at the opportunity she has been given.
"On what earth do you get thrown into the spotlight and live a dream?" said the Calgary native.
"Huge fan" Tori Ingram, 16, has followed Canadian Idol since it began. She said the concert was "the highlight of my summer."
Segments of yesterday's show will be featured in an upcoming episode.
Canadian Idol has been rated the most popular Canadian show in history.
