We're halfway through the heats.  Already qualified are Brandy Callahan, Joshua Sellers, Kaleb Simmonds and Kaleb Porter.  Tonight, who will step it up?

(roll titles)

Does anyone notice the very cheesy lines that Ben has to say?  They're... twisted.  Does this happen on AI? Gordon?

First to sing is Constant Bernard from Rockland, Ontario.  Last year he made it half way through the top 100; this year it's the big show.  His choice is "Me and Mrs. Jones".  He's able to hit all of the key notes in the song.

Jake: That was unbelievable.
Farley: You've always been good at interpreting the songs.

Constant says he has the whole town rooting for him.

After the break is required Jon Dore sketch.  This week he breaks into the hotel restaurant and makes KD. Hilarity ensues.

Jerrica Santos is from Surrey, BC.  Along with still being in high school she is a Polynesian dancer.  She sings a ballad that I'm not familiar with but it's done pretty well.  Until the end, that is.

Sass: I thought that was really impressive.
Zack: I thought that was remarkable.

Jerrica comments that her hair has never been cut short.

OH MY WORD, NOW I CAN GO ON WITH MY LIFE.

Sarcasm aside, player number three is Andrew Broderick, and he's from Sharon, Ontario.  In his first audition, he was very nervous but he overcame it.  He croons a
tune that has some jazz flavour to it but halfway through he goes off key.

Jake: You did a fine job.
Sass: You sang it quite well.

Andrew reveals to the nation that he practices his dance moves in the mirror!

Fourth up is Valérie Jalbert and she's from Saint-Jerome, Quebec.  She is always happy and optimistic.  She sings "Open Arms".  She has a good range and is very nice to listen to!

Zack: You have ZERO charisma.  You can't sell it.
(Jake: Maybe we can sell you!)
Farley: You nailed the look.

Ben wants to know how to get one of the buttons that are supporting Valérie.

Leading off the second half is Bernard Quilala from Edmonton.  He's a nursing student.  He was very surprised that he made it this far.  His choice is "Angel" and it's beautifully done.

Jake: Bad song selection.
Zack: You are stiff as a board!

Bernard said his song choice was based on his desire to showcase his individual skills.

Number six is Diane Archer from Woodstock, Ontario, who is a music/psychology student.  During her first audition she gave it her all and obviously it worked. She sings "Nobody Does It Better".  It's very well done, and it doesn't seem forced.  Which is good.

Farley: There were parts that were shaky.
Sass: It wasn't what I know you could do.

Diane states that the best part of the whole CI process has been meeting everyone.

Second last is Jacob Hoggard who is a carpenter from Abbotsford, BC.  He's a nutbar.  Complete nutbar.  He belts out "Only the Good Die Young".  His voice is more raw than the others but that will most likely work for him.  He moves around a lot too.

Sass: You are a bonafide star.
Zack: The French love Jerry Lewis - Canada will love you.

I should explain that while Ben reads out the phone number to call, the competitors are encouraged to hold up the appropriate fingers (as in five for singer #5).
Today, Jacob jumps behind the couch and puts on a puppet show.

Last up is Teresa Sokyrka and she hails from Saskatoon, SK.  She's a musician who sold her first guitar so that she could have spending money for the top 100.  She
sings "Summertime" and it's like Norah Jones herself is singing.

Farley: There is soul in Saskatchewan!
Zack: I think you're the best. my fave singer of the past two years.  This is a long show - DON'T YOU DARE CHOKE!

Teresa finds that it's tough to deal with all of their praise.

Results (ON CANADA DAY!)

Each member of the group is wearing a button supporting someone else.  And today, the role of Sass Jordan will be played by. Jon Dore?  Sass is away rocking out in Halifax.  So we've just got the guys on the panel. That being said, Jon does an eerily good Sass.

Speaking of which, Jon Dore took the idols backstage at Hairspray in Toronto and met Vanessa Olivarez (formerly a competitor on AI).  They pepper her with questions. Jon also mocks Ben.  What's new?

Anyway. the standings.

Teresa: Top 3
Valérie: NO
Constant: NO
Andrew: NO
Bernard: Top 3
Diane: NO
Jerrica: NO
Jacob: Top 3

And advancing are. Teresa and Jacob!

Next time: Group 4.  Bet you didn't see that coming.