THANK YOU RUDY BLAIR! WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!!!

Yes, I know you may have heard. Our pal Rudy Blair lost the National Media Idol crown to Ann MacGregor of 94.1FM in Pictou County, Halifax. She sang the Twinkle Star remix. Congrats to Ann. We hear it was very close with a few votes and Rudy came second. In my e-mail to him last night, I wrote.........

"Rudy, I am here smiling after my big AWWWW after I saw "The End" in the subject area of this e-mail! However close it was you made the point! You had the determination, made the point of the whole competition, Learned the highs and lows of competing and seeing what those kids go thru competing on Idol.

I just spoke to my girl Fantasia Barrino in Atlanta (who by the way voted for you) 'Tasia told me that every week during Season 3 on American Idol in 2004, it was a great high and low to strive to stay on the show weekly during the results show part especially when the top 10 was announced...... and we all remember she and Jennifer Hudson being in the BOTTOM 3!

Look at Hudson today... An Oscar, SAG, Golden Globe and a new album. We all have different routes in life and only the heavenly above knows.'Tasia went on to win Idol and look at what Simon said to Hudson on her farewell show that made her cry. Cowell later apologized after she got that Oscar. I was in Nigeria watching the whole thing unfold.

You inspired all of us, you encouraged us all about learning more about Alzheimer's. You constantly reminded me of my oldest son who showed me a lot in life. Having a 21 year old autistic son talk to Anderson Cooper on April 4th on CNN's World Autism Awareness Day coverage about his social skill struggles plus what his MySpace and Facebook has done for him made me proud. Portions of his social skills video was shown to the world on the Cable News Network

Aside from his high school female friends, he has met other friends in Toronto or online....social skills is what the experts say autistic people lack! For a child that could not talk till the age of 12, Now living independently, works after attending vocational school and doing things other parents of autistic children will never dream about is a blessing Rudy.

Your cause for people and families of Alzheimer's patients everywhere was immensely generous. You took time out, went to singing lessons, performed in the underground Rogers theater at 333 (that theater I loved by the way) and you won the regional title!!

Having a cause to educate others is a blessing and gift. Maybe next year I will run for Media Idol for 680 News as a friend of the station if you don't have a representative and my cause will be for the Autism Society of Canada by the grace of GOD. Thank you for being our friend and colleague and thank you for competing on Canadian Media Idol 2008. You will forever be the Toronto Media Idol which you WON!!!! I will update the sites in the morning and I have an idea for you and Brian Volmer.

Pleeeeeaze cut that song "Killing the Music" into a CD single. We wanna buy it and you should send the proceeds to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada! Don't you agree everyone?"

RUDY BLAIR made us proud! He was a GOOD SPORT and will forever be our Toronto Media Idol. Below is his e-mail thanking you ALL for voting!

"Hello everyone. Well from what I was told we came extremely close but a young lady from a Halifax station Ann MacGregor won this years title Media Idol Canada with her song "The Twinkle Remix: Part 2". So even though I didn't win I definitely learned a lot from this especially the high and low of winning and loosing. I wanted to say to EVERYONE who was part of this journey with me…THANK YOU. You all helped me take this as far as I could.

And the Alzheimer's Society of Peel was able to receive 1000 dollars. That in itself was worth getting in front of a camera and try to sing in front of a nation. Even though I don't think I'll be doing this again next year (hey if anyone is up to representing 680News in 2009 let me know) at least I know I've contributed one one important thing. A song no matter how bad a singer you are you'll sound like a star…KILLING THE MUSIC!.. Thanks yall…:) Rudy"

LESS THAN 4 HOURS FOR CLOSING AT THE MEDIA IDOL POLLS!!!! VOTE AGAIN NOW!!!

Let's face it folks, I'm full of anxiety! I can't even blog today!!! KJ had a "Spaghetti" Idol dinner party last night with 7 of his neighborhood pals complete with 7 chicken kebabs and lots of water!

The kids voted 100 times and they earned double popsicles for desert for refreshing the Media Idol browser another 100 times totalling 200 votes. While one will click Rudy's name the next will have their turn learning their alphabets by typing the Captcha spam thing.

Have you voted yet? Make Rudy the one that will be speaking to Anderson Cooper 360 tonight on CNN. I have already seen the future above! WIN OR LOOSE, Rudy has done a great job for the Alzheimer's Society. Don't you agree???? Now VOTE A FEW MORE TIMES!!! The winner of Canadian Media Idol will be announced tonight on Canadian Idol on CTV.

Kemi the Pharmacist Health Tip: Yesterday Doctors have discovered that using a thread mill regularly can actually decrease the onset of Alzheimer's as it seems to reduce shrinkage in the brain. That is your Alzheimer's health news today!! Rudy is doing this for a cause. The Alzheimer's Society. My maternal Grandma died of it.

POLLS CLOSE AT 5PM EASTERN, 2PM PACIFIC, 4PM CENTRAL, 10PM U.K TIME, 10PM NIGERIAN TIME.

Nigerian time? Oh I got people back home who just love Rudy's audition over there......LOL! My mom, sisters, sister's coworkers all voted LOTS of times. Even my grouchy dad voted on his Blackberry. (I'm too ashamed to say how many) DON'T be ashamed to vote for Rudy a million times!!! Stuff the ballots y'all! He was simply the best!

GOOD LUCK TO YOU RUDY! WE WILL BE WATCHING TONIGHT!

Kemi at Keminications Media
KJ Taiwo (Popular Culture Kid)

CANADA, TODAY BEGINS THE MEDIA IDOL FINALS DAY AND KEMINICATIONS MEDIA SUPPORTS RUDY BLAIR!

VOTE FOR 680 NEWS RADIO'S MUSIC REPORTER RUDY BLAIR BEGINNING 9AM TODAY MONDAY JULY 14TH TILL 5PM TUESDAY JULY 15TH 2008. RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED TUESDAY NIGHT. YOU CAN VOTE AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT!!!!!!!!

CAST YOUR VOTE NOW AT IDOL.CTV.CA AND VISIT 680NEWS.COM TO SEE MORE COVERAGE OF RUDY!!!

MY BOYFRIEND VOTED FOR RUDY BLAIR! DID YOU VOTE YET????

IN THE REGIONALS, MY BOYFRIEND VOTED FOR RUDY BLAIR 10 TIMES, MY EX BOYFRIEND 15 TIMES, MY EX HUSBAND 20 TIMES AND EVEN HIS CURRENT WIFE VOTED 10 TIMES! THEY ALL FINALLY FOUND SOMETHING COOL KEMI CAN RECOMMEND TO THEM. IT'S TORONTO MEDIA IDOL RUDY BLAIR OF 680 NEWS. HOW ABOUT YOUR LOVE TRIANGLE? HAVE YOU AND THEY VOTED YET?

GO RIGHT NOW TO CAST YOUR VOTE NOW AT IDOL.CTV.CA AND VISIT 680NEWS.COM TO SEE MORE OF RUDY'S WINNING ENTRY COVERAGE.

680 NEWS' RUDY BLAIR IS GOING FOR THE GOLD: THE CANADIAN MEDIA IDOL!

Canadian Media Idol National Final is here!!

Where:
He won your hearts and your votes during the regionals. Now, you get the chance to vote him in as your National Canadian (Media) Idol, as Rudy Blair once again sings his heart out for a great cause!

Rudy will take to the Idol stage and perform his signature piece, Killing the Music. Then, on July 14th and 15th, you get to vote! Stay tuned to www.680news.com for more information and get your voting finger ready as Rudy Blair attempts to take the title Canadian Media Idol! There's a $10,000 grand prize donation to the Alzheimer's Society of Peel up for grabs so vote early and vote often and help support a great cause!

Rudy Gets Fit For the Nationals

Rudy has decided he wants to be able to sing and dance at the same time. To do that, he'll need to be in better shape. So he has hired a fitness trainer.

Please stay by your computers for the final auditions as we are only going to be voting on Monday and Tuesday the 14th and 15th of July 2008. Now, as we are ready to all vote for Rudy again with the "Killing The Music" song, remember the Alzheimers Society, his favourite charity. You know he WAS THE BEST!!! SO LEAVE THE REST.....I will be reminding you all by e-mail on both those days to exersice your 680News civic duty---VOTE FOR RUDY BLAIR AT IDOL.CTV.CA BEGINNING 9AM 7/14-5PM 7/15!

Watch Rudy perform the hit song live on audition day April 11th 2008.

Rudy Blair auditions for Media Idol
by KeminicationsMedia

Watch my interview with Rudy after the Regional Toronto auditions in April.

HEAR THE FULL DETAILS OF WHY RUDY IS RUNNING FOR A CAUSE!

Rudy Blair explains in this snipett from 680 news about why he's running for Media Idol as well as CTV's Allie Page who explains the idea behind Media Idol.

Source: 680News

BREAKING NEWS: Rudy Blair of 680 News wins Final spot in Media Idol Finals!

"This is how we do it at 333 Bloor Street y'all!"...........Rudy Blair, Music Reporter at 680 News introducing himself as a contestant for Media Idol and showing the viewers the support of Rogers employees sitting behind him in the audience.

R-U-DY B-L-A-I-R IS OUR MEDIA IDOL!!! Keminications Media thanks all it's readers.

Canadian Idol Alert – April 16, 2008

Practice Makes Perfect: Toronto’s Rudy Blair Wins Final Spot in National Media Idol Finals
-- 680News Reporter wins $1,000 for charity by pulling out all the stops to become Toronto’s Media Idol --

CTV announced today that Rudy Blair, entertainment reporter for Toronto’s 680News, became Toronto’s 2008 Media Idol regional champion. The competition was fierce, but it was Blair’s show-stopping audition taped at the Velma Rogers Graham Theatre, complete with Toronto Argonauts cheerleaders and an energetic audience, that lead him to victory.

Blair’s supporters had been keen followers of his seven week on-air preparations for his Media Idol performance of “Killing the Music”, his own version of the Doobie Brother’s classic “Listen to the Music”. Blair went so far as to enlist the help of Helix singer and friend Brian Vollmer, a well-known vocal coach, to help him train for his performance.

The crowd in attendance for Blair’s audition was also treated to special surprise appearance by Canadian Idol’s newest cast member and JUNO Award-winning powerhouse, Jully Black, who offered Blair moral support and tips for his performance.

As part of his Media Idol prize, Blair has earned $1,000 for the charity of his choice, The Alzheimer Society of Peel. “This is a dream come true,” said Blair when contacted about his win. “I wanted to know what it was like to compete for Canadian Idol, and for seven weeks I took singing lessons and shared every bad note with our 680News listeners. Everyone came out to support me, but the biggest support came from all the 680News listeners who voted for me.” Blair becomes the 10th and final regional Media Idol winner who will get the chance to wow voters once again as one of the 10 Media Idol regional finalists heading to Toronto later this summer to experience Canadian Idol live and in-person.

The winning performance was watched online from coast to coast at www.idol.CTV.ca and featured heartfelt performances by other media including: Shannon Boodram of Rogers Television; Tom Brown of CTV News; Leanne Cater, “Lea” of Mookie & Lea on The New Country 95.3; Josie Dye of CosmoTV and 102.1 The Edge; Mary Jo Eustace of 103.9 PROUD FM; Bridget Foley of Star 93.3/107.9 The Breeze; Sharon Lem of the Toronto Sun; Chris Tindal of Metro News Toronto; Murtz Jaffer of Reality Obsessed; J Wyze of Flow 93.5; Lainey Lui of eTalk; Jacqui Skeete of CosmoTV; Wilder Weir of CosmoTV; Denette Wilford of TV Guide.ca and Paul the Intern of MTV.

With the Canadian Idol Audition Tour wrapped, Idol hopefuls who have sung their way to Gold Tickets are getting ready to perform for the judges once again this May in Toronto for the chance to vie for a coveted spot in the Canadian Idol Top 22. More information about Canadian Idol auditions can be found at www.idol.ctv.ca.

For More Information, please contact: Allie Page, Canadian Idol, 416.559.4365 or apage@ctv.ca

Rudy Blair speaks to Kemi after his Media Idol Audition.

Watch this video, then go vote here today please!!!!!! The very useless You Tube version of the video may say "no longer available". That's YouTube for you. It's just processing the raw file so check back and see a Media Idol who gave it all for the cause of Alzheimer's disease. Hit the Daily Motion video and watch NOW!

Rudy Blair's Media Idol interview with Keminications Media
Uploaded by KeminicationsMedia

Media Idol is TODAY! Canadian Idol tommorow!

Today is Media Idol, Eat your hearts out America! Only Canada is the only one that has this one. Maybe you could get Bill O'Reilly, Soledad O'Brien, Conan O'Brien and even CNN's Miles O'Brien to do the Irish songs next year. This is unique to Canada and sponsored by our CTV. I will be covering it for my blogs along with the TV station.

This morning, I'm attending the Roger's audition celebrating Rudy Blair's audition, 680 News' music reporter. Rudy has taken it to a whole new level. His audition is in a theater below the station and remember, he attended singing lessons with a pop star. Oh YEAH!!! Today's the day and tommorow Saturday is the beginning of the Canadian Idol auditions. I will be covering it all including sitting on interviews with Brian Melo, last year's winner and SONY/BMG Artist Natasha Bedinger! This year has a lot of radio station contestants. I just heard J-Wyze is representing hip-hop station Flow 93.5FM. Good luck to everyone!

Canadian Idol is Coming! Hot New Cast Member Helps Kick Off Canadian Idol Audition Weekend in Toronto.

My media colleague Ali Page of CTV sent this to me yesterday. Forget Simon and Paula! This is the "Idol" show to be at. It's called Canadian Idol!!!

The search for the next Canadian Idol culminates when the nationwide audition tour rolls into Toronto next weekend and debuts the fresh new face of its all-star cast --

What: Canadian Idol has crossed the country and is back in Toronto for the final city stop and a free concert at Yonge-Dundas Square. Catch all the action as the Idol hopefuls try out for a shot at stardom in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Who: Live performances by international superstar Natasha Bedingfield and reigning Canadian Idol champ Brian Melo on Saturday, April 12.

When: Concert: Morning of Saturday, April 12

Auditions: Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where: Yonge-Dundas Square. Toronto, ON

The Toronto Media Idol Challenge 2008 – Friday, April 11th.

Canada is the only one who has Media Idol. The participants will be among the first to meet and interview Canadian Idol’s new cast member while putting themselves in an Idol hopeful’s shoes when we travel to various outlets. The local finalist will win $1,000 for charity, experience Canadian Idol in person in Toronto this summer, and gain local infamy! Radio, TV and even print media personalities are contesting. I noticed most of the contestants this year are from radio! That's Faye Josue of the Calgary Sun papers last year.

There are a limited number of spots for interested participants. Just like with Canadian Idol, all Media Idol participants from Toronto and the surrounding area are welcome to audition a cappella or while accompanied by musical instruments. I will enter next year. Nada! My voice ain't ready after this first Canadian winter I just experienced! O'Canada!

Hey, if you haven't been keeping tabs with Media Idol, our favourite contestant Rudolph Blair of 680 News is gearing up for his singing debut. Check out how Rudy went to get ready by taking singing lessons and view his attempts to sing here! Oh Yeah!!!!

Rudy is 680 News' music reporter. See his entire bio here.

Toronto`s top music reporter Rudy Blair of 680News is live online now till 1pm

Live right now at 680news.com: We are following Rudy Blair on his quest to become the next Media Idol. For those of you in the States, this is an original CANADIAN thing! Send your questions to Rudy at news680@rogers.com. As you can see, I was even trying to compete with 680 News Music Reporter Rudy Blair. Me singing is like trying to spend the night in the White House Lincoln bedroom. IMPOSSIBLE! I can try in the shower.........LOL. Rudy replied my question about even trying to beat him on the contest. He said this is not about `beating`anyone. Find out why he`s really doing it and guess who his singing coach is going to be. It`s a big celebrity too. Read his answers here. Click here to see the other Media Idol Contestants.

Rudy Blair`s Bio (Courtesy 680news.com)

After graduating from Vaughan Road Collegiate, Rudy Blair majored in Radio Broadcasting at Humber College.

Soon after he was employed by several major market radio stations in Toronto, eventually landing at the number one AM music station All Hits Radio CFTR. Several years later the pop station evolved into Canada’s Number One News Station, 680News, where Rudy remains as a music and entertainment reporter.

Rudy enjoys chatting with stars like Jennifer Lopez, P Diddy, Phil Collins, Janet Jackson, Sting, Lionel Richie and many more.

In 1997 Rudy was honoured with the "HRRC Excellence in Race Relations Gold Medal." In 1999 he won the RTNDA "Dave Rogers Central Regional Award" and in 2001 along with the 680News Morning Team won the coveted ‘Edward R. Murrow Award’ for "Best Newscast in the World" on the US Elections ‘History on Hold.’

In 2002 Rudy won "The RTNDA International Award" for "Best Use of Sound" for the feature "A Tribute to the September 11th Victims and Heroes.’

His television appearances include Rogers Television "DayTime Toronto" where every other week Rudy reports on the latest album releases and music news, hosted a program(2002)called "Toronto Sessions" that featured local groups and solo musicians from across Toronto and the business side of the music industry , appeared several times on the nationally syndicated show "TSN's Off The Record with Michael Lansberg" and in 2003 Rudy was one of three hosts for the CBC national broadcast of "Urban Exposure 5-The Canadian Urban Music Awards".

And from 2000 to 2003 Rudy was the in house mc/host at Rogers Centre(Skydome)for the Toronto Blue Jays