Canadian Idol vs. American Idol: this year the U.S. wins so far

Last night's Canadian Idol, which featured eight of the current 16 contenders for next week's top 10 show, revealed that the pickings are slim this year. While most singers were passable with decent voices and an inkling of how to perform on stage, none had the star quality that was evidenced in the most recent U.S. version of the show.

American Idol's two Davids, the top two young guys who thrilled audiences with soulful crooning and charismatic performances had viewers on the edge of their couches wondering which of these brilliantly rising stars would win (David Cooke did, by the way). No such competition is in sight for the Canadian contenders this year. Aside from willowy but strong-voiced Katelyn Dawn and the Pigott brothers, Sebastian and Oliver, who are macho stage grabbers but not the best singers, not one contestant stands out from the crowd. And even these three lack the star power seen on American Idol this year.

Too bad. Previous years' Canadian Idols outshined the American wannabees by far. Let's hope some Canadians hone their stage personas as this year's competition rolls along . Let's hope our Canadians can rise toward the idol pedestal, if not from the outset, then from the practice they get along the way.