(Posted 12:30 p.m., Aug. 24)
Steffi D's 'Idol' adventure finally comes to an end
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

Celebrity 'Canadian Idol' judges Zach Werner (left) and Farley Flex carry Steffi Didomenicantonio on their shoulders after it was learned that she had been voted off the show on Tuesday night. Photo courtesy CTV

Orléans 'Canadian Idol' hopeful Steffi Didomenicantonio's amazing journey came to an abrupt end Tuesday night, as the vivacious 17-year-old was voted off the popular television show after making it all the way to the Top 5.

And in true Steffi D. fashion she went out with a bang, singing her heart out and getting a thunderous ovation from the studio audience before being hoisted onto the shoulders of celebrity judges Zach Werner and Farley Flex.

"This has been the experience of a lifetime for me... This isn't the end. Thank you Canada, thank you so much," Steffi said before launching into Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made For Walking", but not before quoting one of the first songs she performed on the show, "There will be no white flag above my door, man."

During her send off performance, Steffi danced through the crowd and handed out hair bows (her signature style piece) to the remaining four contestants.

In an interview with OrleansOnline on Wednesday, Steffi said she was thrilled to get as far as she did and was ready for to finally go home and sleep in her own room.

"It's never fun being in the bottom three or the bottom two, but I was ready for them to say my name. I was very, very satisfied with how far I'd come and I was ready to blow the roof off of the place," said Steffi who is looking forward to some of her grandmother's homemade pasta.

"I think the first thing I'm going to do when I get home is go in my room, take off my shoes and lie on my bed and take in the accomplishment of what I have achieved. Then I'm going to start thanking all the people who have supported me so much. I have a lot of thank yous to give."

It's hard to believe that it's been a little over two months since Steffi left for Toronto for the live portion of the show as part of the final 22. In the ensuing 11 weeks, she's been in the bottom three six times despite being one of the most charismatic and original performers on the show according to all four celebrity judges including Zach Werner who predicted in Week 7 that Steffi would become the most famous person ever associated with the show.

"That was the one comment that has really stuck with me. It was so cool to hear him say that. It just inspires me to do even more and be even better," said Steffi who has one year remaining at De La Salle high school in Ottawa. "It's going to be a little weird going back to school, but it's going to be exciting too."

During her 11 week stint on the show, Steffi's persona and hairstyle constantly changed starting with her performance of Sixpence None the Richer's "Kiss Me" which got her into the Top 10. Her quirky song choices included "Alone In The Universe" by David Usher, "Miss You" by the Rolling Stones, "It's My Life" by Talk, Talk during which she wore massive hair extensions, and "Life on Mars" by David Bowie. Through it all she was the consummate performer.

Steffi is hoping the experience and exposure she gained on "Canadian Idol" will help her get into Julliards when she applies to attend the famous New York City school later this fall. Her goal is to one day perform on Broadway.

"I think this experience will help open up a lot of doors for me. Just from a confidence stand point, it's been unbelievable. I'm ready to take on anything that's put in front of me," said Steffi.

(This story was made possible thanks to the generous support of our local business partners.)

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