On Sunday evening (Nov 11th) I, along with two friends, attended Martha’s concert which was held in the George Weston Recital Hall of the Toronto Centre For The Performing Arts. Since I’ve seen and heard Marha perform live many times and have become a big fan my view of the show can be expected to be favourable. I was interested to hear the views of my two friends who have never seen or heard Martha sing before. More on that later.

I have to admit I had become somewhat worried in the weeks leading up to the show as according to checks on ticketmaster there seemed to be no movement of tickets. Even just hours before the show first row seats were available. I was quite pleasantly surprised to arrive and see a crowd waiting to get in and by the time the show started there was a very good sized showing. According to the website this hall seats 1036 and I’d say looking from my viewpoint it was 70-80% full. Given there was virtually no mainstream advertising of Martha’s concert (even the CTV website doesn’t advertise her shows in their ‘Idol Calendar’ page) I’d say that’s impressive.

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If you'd like to hear Martha Joy sing live you can. Martha will be appearing live in concert at The Toronto Centre For The Arts on Sunday November 11th. Proceeds from the show will be donated to the Sunnybrook Hospital Veterans Wing. Also appearing will be tenor Larry Tozer and the Cardinal Carter Choir.

Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.ca

Get yours soon. It will be a great show.

Sunday September 16th was Terry Fox Run day in Toronto and all across Canada. Martha Joy was invited to sing for runners and supporters at the Wilket Creek Park in Toronto. She began her set at 10:00 am just as runners were arriving back to camp having completed their runs.

She sang a set of songs that included such standards as Hero, The Greatest Love Of All, Wind Beneath My Wings and The Prayer. She also included one of my favourite songs from her self-titled 2006 CD; Angel Watching Over Me. Though I’ve listened to Martha sing live quite a few times now, none of those times was she in such fine voice as this day.

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Saturday September 1st was Filipino Day at Canada’s Wonderland. The main event of the proceedings was the evening concert at the Kingswood Theatre. On the bill; dancers, contest winners, Martha Joy and Elise Estrada.

I arrived early enough to enjoy some fine and colourful performances by several very skillful Filipino dancing troupes.




Martha gave another of her signature powerhouse performances. She wowed the crowd with a four song set highlighted by crowd pleasing versions of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Have Nothing (her audition song on Idol) and Celine Dion’s ‘The Way It Is’ (one of her better performances in the competition). She left to a very appreciative round of applause from the gathered crowd.

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Closing the show was another rising Filipino singing star, R&B singer Elise Estrada who had a recent hit with her song ‘Insatiable’. She delivered a very upbeat and energetic performance. Thanks to my friend Nanette from [Idol Martha Joy] I had the privilege of meeting Elise for a moment backstage between songs. She was happy to take a moment to pose for a photograph.



Martha’s next public appearance will be as part of the Canadian Idol finale show airing on September 11th on CTV.

I received a tip late Friday afternoon that Martha would be performing the next day at Mabuhay Philippines which was to be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

When I arrived at about 8:00 pm for the evening concert the house was packed. It appeared that there wasn’t an empty seat in the concert area as it had just begun and everyone had moved in for the show. Martha’s turn on stage wouldn’t come for a while though as there was a full lineup of performers.

Martha followed a lively rock band that had the crowd worked up with their set of Queen covers (among others). She was introduced by CITY TV reporter Chris Reyes who was the MC for the event. Accompanied by keyboard and violin she treated the crowd to a beautiful rendition of Dionne Warwick’s ‘I’ll Never Love This Way Again’. Next was a song in Filipino. I don’t know the language so I didn’t understand the words. It sounded great though and seemed moving. I know the crowd loved it as they started cheering half way through the song. At the end many stood cheering and calling for more. As I understand it, Martha was a late addition to the roster and was only allotted time for two songs but upon checking with the organizers she was allowed to sing one more song. Another Filipino language song and the same response from the crowd.

After exiting the stage Martha was met with a steady stream of fans, young and old, waiting for autographs and a chance to have their picture taken with her.

A good show, short but a small glimpse of things to come. Good job Martha!



Your next chance to see Martha perform live will be at Canada's Wonderland on September 1st.

“She’s got such a lovely voice for a 16 year old. Imagine when she’s 25, she can definitely conquer the world.”

So says Enrique Iglasias. Unfortunitely, the voting public in Canada wasn’t able to recognize that and chose to send home one of the most talented singers ever to appear on the show. Shame.

Farewell Martha Joy, but only from Canadian Idol. Your future will be bright and this is just a stepping stone along the path.