So the economy has taken its toll on Canadian Idol, eh?

For those just joining me, CTV announced late Tuesday that Season 7 of the reality TV singoff will collect dust in 2009, instead of returning to the airwaves as usual in the late spring.

The network says it doesn't want to produce the costly series in a year when advertising revenues will likely plummet. This would allow CTV to hold on to some bucks while it prepares for recession.

Though rest assured, Theo Tams fans: Idol isn't cancelled. It's just taking a rest. I hope.

And to think, CanIdol was still quite the ratings hog.

After all, the folks at BBM tell us 1.37 million Canadians gathered 'round the telly to see Tams get the crown on the Season 6 finale in September.

That's a lot of people, right?

Well, yes. But not when you consider that American Idol's last finale in May pulled in a whopping 31.66 million American viewers -- along with 3.1 million Canucks. Now THAT'S a lot of people!

What does AmIdol got that CanIdol doesn't?

Simple: Simon Cowell. Oh, and of course, Paula Abdul's frequent mishaps make us eager to tune in and question the contents of her Coke cup.

Let's just face the fact that Canadians find American Idol more entertaining than their home and native land's version of the karaoke hit.

It has nothing to do with our singers -- who can be just as painfully unskilled during the audition process as theirs can.

It's that British guy who finds new, creative and therefore interesting ways to tell them that they suck.

Clearly no one is safe from the economic woes currently plaguing the country -- even seemingly shatterproof TV giants such as Canadian Idol.

Though I can't help but think the slump is a perfect excuse to ax -- sorry, suspend -- a show that might cost more than it's truly worth.