Melissa O'Neil  (Audio CD) 
by Melissa O'Neil

In what may be the strongest release yet from the Canadian Idol talent competition, 17-year-old Calgarian Melissa O'Neil has put together a collection of rock-heavy pop destined to bring forth comparisons her to American Idol counterpart, Kelly Clarkson, with similarities in their broad vocal ranges, as well as in their looks and song styles. Not bad company to keep, and Canada's first female Idol should embrace such praise. O'Neil's fusion of straight up rock and pop also evokes thoughts of fellow Canadians Bif Naked and Avril Lavigne, virtually guaranteeing her an enthusiastic teenage audience. That said, she has a strength and edge all her own; her vocal delivery on the dramatic tracks "Just Like January" and "Driving Blind" shows a confidence and conviction worthy of a far more seasoned performer. With the right songs and the pipes to back them up, O'Neil's appeal could go well beyond the teen audience, and her rapidly growing fan base seems to indicate that many Canadians are already on board. If this new Idol continues to find her own, unique sound, and doesn't get pushed into a fluffy pop mould, she could--and should--break through to the American market.