Brian Melo (born August 15, 1982) is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Hamilton, Ontario who was the winner of the fifth season of Canadian Idol in 2007. His first studio album, Livin' It, achieved Gold Status in Canada. His second album, The Truth, was released October 2010. Biography Early life Brian Melo was born in the East End of Hamilton, Ontario to Maria and Augusto Melo, immigrants from São Miguel, Portugal. He is a graduate of Cathedral High School. He professionally trained vocals at the Royans School for the Musical Performing Arts, which also featured Our Lady Peace frontman Raine Maida. In 1997, Melo sang back-up for Shania Twain as part of a choir and from 2003 he was the lead singer for Hamilton, Ontario alternative/indie band Stoked with guitarist Joe Cacioppo, bassist Rick Fazendeiro, and drummer Paul Fontes. Canadian Idol 2007 At the time of his Idol audition, Melo was still living in Hamilton and working as a construction worker. He had auditioned for previous seasons of Canadian Idol but had never made it past the judges. In early 2007, he was encouraged by both his best friend Kevin Craig and his brothers Larry and Dave Melo to try again in Toronto. His audition was the first one shown in the television broadcast. During the finals of the competition, the judges all praised Melo for his emotional performances and his command of the stage. After his performance of "Karma Police" by Radiohead in the Top 5 episode, the audience and judges gave him a standing ovation, with Jake Gold remarking, "I just hope the people at home understand what they just saw. One of the most magic [sic] moments ever on this show." Zack Werner added, "Mr. and Mrs. Melo, your son very well may be the next Canadian Idol. You [Brian] give credibility to the whole damn franchise." Many of the special guest judges spoke very highly of Brian Melo during the show: Brian May of Queen was very impressed with up and coming star. "Brian Melo is the real deal", he commented live on the show. Grammy Winning Vocalist Enrique Iglesias said "It feels as if Brian Melo already has millions of fans out there." Kelly Clarkson was overheard saying she "loved the raspiness in his vocals." On September 11, 2007, Melo won Canadian Idol, despite having been considered the "dark horse" at the start of the competition,