Canadian Idol Top 3 Tour - Fredericton

I know this is a book blog, but I was at the Canadian Idol concert tonight, at the Fredericton Playhouse, and it was wonderful. Theo Tams is my hometown boy... went to the same school, same church, grew up the same way. I was at his first public performace, a school concert where he sang the first verse of the hymn 'Freely, Freely'. I remember looking at my fellow classmates, shocked that this eight-year-old kid could have such a mangificent voice. If you would have told me then that, fifteen years later, I'd be spending $40 on a ticket to see him sing again, I'd have believed you in a heartbeat. And it was worth every penny.

The Canadian Idol Top 3 are Theo Tams, Mitch McDonald, and Drew Wright. Theo won the competition, Mitch came in second, and Drew third. Canadian Idol was different this year, in that the contestants were allowed to bring in their instruments. Theo came on at the right time, because he's something absolutely magical on that piano. Watching him play tonight, his body, his shoulders, his arms, his hands, his fingers on the keys, was like watching silk, or water flowing over rocks. He joked about the instrument being his best friend, but the fact of the matter is, it's an extension of himself. He's pure grace, and it's a sight to behold.

The concert began with all three guys singing 'In My Life', which Mitch sang on the show. Over the weeks since the show ended, they've learned to harmonize even better, and it was apparent. Theo did an initial riff on the keyboards, which wasn't magnificent, but I think the instrument was on the wrong setting. His voice, of course, was gorgeous.

After the initial trio, Drew Wright did a set, which featured his signature hat and rock-n-roll style. He did a U2 song, Where the Streets have No name, which is one of my favourite, and Crazy by Gnarls Barkley, as well as a few others. Mitch joined him onstage for his last song, and then it moved into Mitch's set. I didn't like Mitch much as an Idol contestant; I found him boring, but he's interesting to watch live. His charisma shows through, and he really can work those guitar strings. He did a few rock-n-roll songs, though I do prefer the quiet, quirky ballads that formed his signature sound during the show. There was a funny moment, when an overwhelmed fan screamed 'I Love you, Mitch' loud enough for Mitch to hear, and he happily waved. Theo came on third, and, in my opinion, best. He did a few soul tunes, a genre I'd never really thought he could pull off, until I saw him hit that Joss Stone song 'You Had Me' during the Idol competition. He's classically trained, with a rich, buttery voice that can tear up and down the scales with impressive ease. Thankfully, he did a few of the power piano ballads that made him famous to begin with, including a rendition of 'Weak in the Knees' that literally made me want to do something I've sworn I'll never do again - fall in love. I've heard him called a young Elton John, and he really is. All he needs is that piano, and maybe a funny pair of sunglasses.

The guys ended with a soul medely that got the whole playhouse to their feet. I happily spent forty-five minutes waiting in line for their autographs; knowing the star of the show gave me a little shot of fame on my own, and I got to hold court, telling stories of the performances I've seen Theo give through his school years. And here is my shout-out to Steve, the absolutely gorgeous merchandise vendor at the concert, who sold me a poster and a t-shirt. Theo recognized me right away, and signed my poster, and gave me a sweet hug. He was glad to see me, glad that someone originally from his hometown was there at the kickoff concert of this tour. I was glad to be there.

It was a great night. I'm glad I could go, and witness the start of what I know is going to be a magnificent career.

Way to go, Theo.