It’s week four of The Launch, the Canadian singing competition created and starring former American Idol judge Scott Borchetta.
In case you’re just joining us: The show airs on CTV and is only available to Canadian viewers. The talent on this show is pretty stellar. So, although I can’t watch a full episode, I’ll be posting videos here.
The show competition runs for 6 weeks. There are thirty total artists. In each episode, five acts vie for the opportunity to record a song. By the end of the episode, the winning act’s version of the song will then be released worldwide and launched immediately to Canadian radio. The process seen on the show takes about 48 hours.
FIVE artists vie for the opportunity to record this week’s single, “Soldier of Love” which will be produced by Stephan Moccio (Producer/songwriter “Earned it,” “Wrecking Ball” judge on Canada’s Got Talent). Pop star and Black Eyed Pea Fergie will mentor this week’s singers.
The auditions:
Sariyah Hines – Fifteen year old covers “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton and “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin. Fergie is moved to tears. However, while Scott notes Sariyah’s natural talent, the group feels she’s not right for the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vPL-hfx4ws
Jaryd Stanley – Twenty Four year old performs a cover of “Slow Hands” by Niall Horan and his original song “Want To”. Music has helped him deal with a struggle with depression. He’s starting to get notice on social media. His original song was an Ed Sheeran knockoff. Jaryd needs to develop his own style, Scott says in so many words.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=237i-MyQQ9Y
Faiza – She performs a “sexy” version of “Are You That Somebody?” by Aaliyah as well as her original R&B tune, “Body Babe”. Faiza was under consideration for the song, but in the end, she wasn’t chosen to record the song.
Ezra Jordan – Twenty three year old singer performs smooth and soulful renditions of “Unaware” by Allen Stone and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye. His parents are well known singer/songwriters. His dad wrote Rod Stewart’s “Rhythm of the Heart.” He discovered his singing voice at 18 after nearly losing his leg in an accident. His sings the first song in falsetto and it’s beautiful. He demonstrates his solid chest voice with the latter. He’s chosen to record the song.
Poesy – 22-year-old artist rocks out hard with her own take of the classic alt/rock song “Creep” by Radiohead. Her unique and haunting version wows the trio. She’s chosen to record the song.
First Listen: “Soldier of Love” Artist Demos – Poesy’s version is full bodied, while Ezra performs a subtler, stripped down version.
Poesy and Ezra in the studio, prepare for live performances
POESY is Scared in the Studio
Stephan Moccio Loves Ezra Jordan’s Silky Voice
Stephan Moccio to POESY: “Intensity’s Amazing!”
Ezra Jordan is Living Out His Dream
Can POESY Handle the Intensity of ‘Soldier of Love’?
Is Ezra Jordan Frontman Material?
Fergie’s Masterclass In Rocking The Stage
And the winner is…Poesy. Personally, I preferred Ezra’s tender, stripped down version. He seems realer than Poesy, who can appear pretentious at times. But I understand how Scott felt Poesy’s bold, quirky version would be more attention grabbing.
Download from iTunes Download from Amazon
Listen to the single on Spotify
