JB- That was the first time you really let loose and, well, shook your cod cheeks. Why did you wait so long? Why wait until that point?

MD- I don't really know. The songs in the top 24, top 20, top 16, I wanted to do them when I did them. I did (Heart's) Alone. It was always my dream to do that song on a big stage so I said, "Nothing's guaranteed after this week" so I wanted to do that song and make sure I did it. I did I'm in Love with A Girl because I wanted to see if a pop-rock genre was something that I could do and I enjoyed it and had a good time but it probably wasn't the best song choice for me and the judges mentioned it. When I did Against All Odds, I wanted to go for that big ballad. I went, like the judges said, I went sharp a couple times because I was so nervous and excited and I had so many emotions in preparation for the top 10 show. But when I finally got into the top 10, that was realizing my dream. I wanted to make it to the big live audience stage. That's the finals. So when I saw the theme and saw Dancing in the Streets was a song that I could possibly do, I went for it.

JB- You mention the sharp notes. Do you know you're hitting them when you hit them or is it something you hear when you're watching it back?

MD- Oh, I realized when I was singing it I hit them. But it was nothing I could do about it. I wouldn't go back and change it. Knowing that, it made me realize I had to be more conscious of the performance and not think about the emotions in the song. My first time with a live band was when I did Alone that first week. I came in with not a lot of experience compared to some of the others. So all of that helped me grow as both a person and an artist. Going sharp is not something I'm embarrassed about because it's something people do. It's a real side of me. It can happen to anyone. And going sharp and having the judges talk me out of it was very refreshing because it made me realize that, yes, I do have to pay more attention and focus at the task at hand and not let the possible results and what's going to happen throw me off.

JB- Give me one word to describe working with Tom Jones.

MD- Incredible. A dream fulfilled. I've got to say he was absolutely phenomenal. Getting to sing one on one with Tom Jones was definitely a dream come true. He's an amazing performer, he's had such a long and massive career, so to be able to sing for him is absolutely unreal.

JB- Maybe it's just me, but I could totally envision you singing It's Not Unusual. Did you consider doing a Tom Jones song this week?

MD- I did. I actually said to my mom last night right after the show that I'd love to do a Tom song like It's Not Unusual live some day. It's such a fantastic song.

JB- Do a little bit of it right now.

MD- (singing) It's not unusual to have fun with anyone / It's not unusual to be loved by anyone. There you go. (laughing) I love that song. CLICK FOR AUDIO

JB- That's another one you could go out there and shake it to.

MD- Shaking my little cod cheeks. (laughing)

JB- It hasn't even been 24 hours since being voted off the show. Have you been thinking ahead? What's the next step for you?

MD- I've thought ahead a little bit but I've only thought ahead to when I get home to see my family. I'm really excited to see everyone I haven't seen for about two months now. What's next for me could be anything - some acting, some theatre, some more singing whether it be in my shower or on a big stage. I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and continue being the person that I am and hopefully people can respect me for that and enjoy what I do in the future.

JB- What is your ultimate goal?

MD- I have so many ultimate goals. I'd love to win an Oscar, I'd love to win a Grammy, I'd love to win a Tony Award. All I can say is I see myself being really happy because whatever I end up doing I'm going to be really happy doing it if it's what I'm meant to do.

JB- Well all the best to you. Mark Day from Canadian Idol. Thanks so much for joining us today.

MD- Thank you very much. It was a pleasure talking to you.