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.^[1] He professionally trained vocals at the Royans School for the Musical Performing Arts, which also featured Our Lady Peace frontman Raine Maida.^[2] 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."^[3]

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, and having landed in the "Bottom Three" three times. He beat Jaydee Bixby for the title, who had never been in the bottom three throughout the entire series.^[4]

The finale was viewed by more than 2 million Canadians, and approximately 5 million votes were cast, the most in Canadian Idol history. Brian won by a landslide, with a CTV official stating about the vote difference, "With respect to Brian and Jaydee, the margin is significant enough that out of respect for Jaydee we will not release it."

His first single, "All I Ever Wanted", was released at 12:00 am on September 13, 2007. The song is also featured on his debut album, Livin' It, which was released on November 27, 2007.

Canadian Idol performances

2007–2008: Livin' It

• 2007: Was the winner of Canadian Idol in 2007 which also led to the release of his first single, "All I Ever Wanted".
• 2007: His debut album, Livin' It, was released on November 27, 2007. Brian has 5 co-write credits on the album, more than any other Canadian Idol on their first album.
• 2008: He released his second single, "Shine" off his album Livin' It.
• 2008: On April 11 he released his 3rd single off his album, "Livin' It" called "Summertime".
• 2008: He made a cameo performing appearance on Faber Drive's video, "Sleepless Nights".
• 2008: He performed "Back to Me" on the Canadian Idol 6 finale, where it was confirmed as his 4th single.

2008–2009

• Late 2008: Announced new material is in the works.
• 2009: CTV announces he left Sony BMG to venture out on his own.

2009–2010: The Truth

• 2010: Brian Melo's second album, The Truth, will be released in 2010.^{[needs update]}
• Brian works with acclaimed music producer Harry Hess of Harem Scarem Fame at Vespa Recording Studios. Billy Talent and Three Days Grace have also recorded with Harry Hess at Vespa.
• Brian wrote songs and found inspiration in trendy music hotbeds of Nashville, Tennessee and Chicago, Illinois. Many of the album's songs were written in Hamilton.
• A number of the songs on Brian's albums were co-written with Tanjola and Universal Canada artist Shiloh, including the debut single 'Soundproof'
• March 2010: Melo holds a private listening party for his new album, suggesting it is completed.
• September 2010: Brian has started his own record label named "Rat Pack Records." He also signed to Fontana North and Universal Music Canada.^[5]

Albums

Singles