Consummate crooner Paul Anka has tipped Brian Melo to take the "Canadian Idol" crown.
"Maybe Brian has an edge, but anything can happen," Anka said during an appearance on CTV's Canada AM, when asked by an audience member who he thought would win the show's title.
"Working with them I said, 'Look, this is not about winning or failing - you're all very good. Whatever happens, just take it in that light,'" Anka said.
The "Canadian Idol" finale, set for September 11, pits Melo from Hamilton, Ont. against Alberta's Jaydee Bixby.
Anka appeared on the show as a guest mentor a few weeks ago when four contestants remained. The experience seemed to bolster Anka's view of Canadian musical talent.
"There was a time when I started where it was very difficult to emerge as Canadian talent said the Ottawa-born Anka. "We exported a lot of it. But through the years, I mean we've got great representation and we should be very proud as a people of our talent."
Responsible for penning over 900 songs and 120 albums over his career, including perennial favourites such as "Diana," and "Put Your Head on My Shoulder," Anka is also known for writing the lyrics to "My Way," a song popularized by Frank Sinatra.
Anka released his latest album "Classic Albums My Way" on Tuesday to mark the 66-year-old's 50th anniversary in the music industry.
The record is a double-disc affair, with Anka exploring modern rock songs on one CD and a bonus disc featuring classic songs on the other. Anka continues a path he forged on his album "Rock Swings," where he covered songs by Oasis, Soundgarden and Nirvana.
On "Classic Songs My Way," Anka performs a new version of "My Way" with veteran rocker Jon Bon Jovi and covers "Mr. Brightside" by current rock favourites The Killers. However, when asked by an audience member whether he partied like a rock star, Anka stressed moderation.
"Those days are over for me -- happily so. I party in keeping with what my body is able to do and I don't go into excess." Anka said.
That being said, Anka is not showing signs of slowing down. In fact, he will be embarking on a 50th anniversary tour later this month. While he never thought he would be performing his songs five decades after getting into the music business, he has no complaints either.
"If you're loving it and you're into it, time goes by very quickly," Anka said.
"I think it's important for anyone not to really dwell on age because if you're keeping the mind active and you're healthy, then you can pretty much do anything, God willing, that you're capable of doing."
