Martha Joy- Results July 24, 2007

It's 5:00 pm on Tuesday July 24, 2007. I call my aunt on her cell phone to tell her I'm running late, she says not a problem but she sounds pre occupied. I can totally relate, having spent a number of hours working the phones with family members on Monday night, the general feeling was "we love Martha". It's natural to react to the responses of the judges and if anyone is familiar with the term "judges" it's Sonia. It's the first time that most of the praise went to everyone but Martha, I have to admit it wasn't easy for me to listen to. Martha made a calculated decision, on how the judges and Canada would react to a song where Martha did not showcase her beautiful vocal range and guess what, everyone wants to hear those vocals again. Good on you Martha!

Martha has such a great heart, that when she was summoned to the stage as being the first contestant to be in the bottom three, all she could think about was Khalila. Hoping that the host, Ben Mulroney would not say such a name, it was all for naught. As Khalila made her way to represent the second competitor of the bottom three, Martha was fighting back the tears for Khalila. Across the stage in Row O seat 24 and 25, Sonia had the look of worry, it's that same worry every parent has for a child. As I whispered into my aunt's ear advising her not to worry, I could here sobs a few rows behind me. Hoping my aunt would not hear what was being said behind us, I graciously provided her with an interesting fact, I told her that previous idols have been in the bottom 3 before, and this is to be expected.

Ben Mulroney announces Brian Melo which was not a shock to me considering, that he has made that trip before. As Ben attempts to transition to commercial, he announces Martha is "safe". Now sitting in John Bassett Theatre with 2 cameras in your face in front of millions of people is not a cake walk either. I am proud of Sonia and how she held up through the whole process. Sonia is one tough customer and it doesn't take too long to realize why Martha can put on a brave face in the midst of adversity.

As we make our way to the stage after the performance, Martha is still very upset that one of her fellow competitors' Khalila Glanville is leaving them. After all that has just happened in the last 10 minutes, Martha knows, that even though the camera's are off there are many who line up at the foot of the stage for her autograph and picture. Martha understands this and puts her emotions about her friend Khalila, mother and even her trip to the bottom 3 on hold as she tends to the fans.

For those of us in our family, who has journeyed every week to John Bassett theatre, we know the drill after each performance. The idols do photo shoots and sign autographs. We all decide let's get something to eat and make our way to an excellent restaurant on College street in the heart of Toronto's Portuguese community. As I make my way into the restaurant, in the window of course, is a beautiful picture of Vote For Martha Joy on Canadian Idol.

Seated in a beautiful backyard patio, with perfect weather, we're all waiting anxiously for Martha and her dad to arrive. At the table are some friends of Sonia and also big fans and soon after Martha arrives she is immediately recognized by patrons and is requested for an autograph, she happily obliges (even though today was a tough day at the office). We order from the menu and eat our meal with no reference to tonight's show.

We talk shop, share thoughts and offer advice. I get different perspectives on theories such as: Why are all the girls getting eliminated? Why has it been 5 girls and 1 guy in the bottom 3?

I chalk it up all to "great television". You have to credit John Brunton, Barb Bowlby and Sue Brophie they are seasoned producers who know what its all about.

Next week it's Canadian Idol's "unplugged" and those vocals of Martha that Canadians missed this week are going to come through your speakers LOUD AND CLEAR. Crank up your surround sound because you don't want to miss this!

Don't forget to support the "Help the Idols Build a House" by purchasing the song from http://www.puretracks.com/catalog/details.aspx?pid=sony_888880254191

Canada You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet!!!