Braided is a musical group consisting of

Casey LeBlanc Cassandra Beth "Casey" LeBlanc (born November 4, 1987) is a Canadian recording artist, She was a contestant on the third season of the popular reality television show '' Canadian Idol'', and was the fifth-place finisher. Born in Woodstock, New Br ...

Ashley Leitão Ashley Leitão (, born December 6, 1986) Is a Canadian recording artist. She was the ninth-place finisher on the third season of the reality show ''Canadian Idol'' in 2005. CTV. Ashley Leitão'. Archived frothe originalon October 3, 2012. Calgary ...

, and

Amber Fleury Amber Fleury (born April 10, 1979) is a Canadian recording artist, and was the eighth-place finisher in the third season of '' Canadian Idol'', which aired during the summer of 2005. Born in Dauphin, Manitoba, she now lives in Calgary, Alberta whe ...

, who all competed on the third season of ''

Canadian Idol ''Canadian Idol'' is a Canadian reality television competition show which aired on CTV, based on the British show ''Pop Idol''. The show was a competition to find the most talented young singer in Canada, and was hosted by Ben Mulroney. Jon Dore ...

'' in 2005. They are the third music group to come from an Idol show in the world, after Young Divas from Australia and Feminnem from Croatia.

History

During the 2005, Canadian Idol contest, Leitao came in ninth, Fleury eighth and LeBlanc fifth. The three were brought together by producer and ''Idol'' accompanist Mark Lalama, at the suggestion of his brother Paul. The band's name was chosen because the group "braids" elements from across the country into one.Malchuk, Carlye (July 31, 2006). "Idol finalists, including NBer, releasing CD Tuesday: Casey LeBlanc part of Braided trio", ''

Telegraph-Journal The ''Telegraph-Journal'' is a daily newspaper published in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. It serves as both a provincial daily and as a local newspaper for Saint John. The newspaper is published by Brunswick News. The ''Telegraph-Journal'' i ...

'', p. D10. Braided began recording in Lalama's studio at his farmhouse in Fenwick, Ontario. The single "A Little Bit Closer" was released in June 2006. Their debut album, ''Casey, Ashley and Amber'', was released in August. Figure skater Elvis Stojko sang a duet with Leitao on the track "Before You". The group toured during 2006–07 to promote the album.

Critical reception

Bob Mersereau, writing in the ''

'', gave them a mixed review, writing that producer and songwriter Mark Lalama "gives them some cool 'girl-group' '60s material which is bright and fun. But there's also some schmaltz, ballad material that Celine Dion would pass on." Mersereau, Bob (August 9, 2006). "LeBlanc gets the Braided look", ''

'', p. D7.

Discography

Albums

*''Casey, Ashley and Amber'' (August 2006)

Singles

*"A Little Bit Closer"

References

External links

MySpace website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Braided Canadian Idol participants Canadian pop music groups