Hubbry Logo
Rex GoudieRex GoudieMain
Open search
Rex Goudie
Community hub
Rex Goudie
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Rex Goudie
Rex Goudie
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Rex Goudie (born November 18, 1985) is a Canadian singer-songwriter and was the runner-up of Canadian Idol 3.

Early life

[edit]

Rex Goudie was born in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and moved back to his father's hometown of Burlington, Newfoundland, Canada with his family when he was a year old. His mother was born in Baie Verte, Newfoundland to a moderately affluent family. Goudie was studying mechanical engineering at Memorial University of Newfoundland as well as working as an auto mechanic part-time for his father's trucking company before Canadian Idol. He received his first guitar for Christmas 1996 from his grandmother.

Musical career

[edit]

Goudie's musical talents began in Sunday school, where he was encouraged by his grandmother Sophia to sing. By the time he turned sixteen, Goudie had formed a band with his friends, The Purple Monkey Bomb Squad, with a new rock/country focus. The band was moderately popular in Burlington, where they played in local bars after having received written permission to do so from his Grandmother. He was ousted from the band to make room for an older more "experienced" singer, Brandon Mitchell, when he was in grade 12. While frustrating, this inspired Rex to practice longer and harder, honing his skills that would eventually be used in Canadian Idol.

After all votes had been cast on Canadian Idol, Goudie finished as runner-up to winner Melissa O'Neil. On April 6, 2006, she and Rex confirmed in an interview with the CTV entertainment program eTalk Daily that he and O'Neil had been dating since the third week of Canadian Idol. They have since split up.

Although he has been criticized by some of the judges for his stiffness while on stage, a sports collision injury had caused him limited motion in both knees. Goudie missed a knee specialist appointment, in August 2005, due to his progress on Canadian Idol.

Record deal and debut album

[edit]

In September 2005, Goudie signed a major recording contract with Sony BMG. His debut CD Under the Lights was released on December 13, 2005, and debuted at No. 5 on the Canadian charts, selling 36,000 records in its first week. The album was certified gold in Canada 23 days after its release. In January 2006, Under the Lights was certified platinum by the Canadian Recording Industry Association.

Canadian Idol performances

[edit]

Songs that Rex performed on Canadian Idol include:

Week Theme Song(s) Artist(s)
Audition Contestant's Choice "Folsom Prison Blues" Johnny Cash
Top 32 Contestant's Choice "After the Rain" Blue Rodeo
Top 10 Canadian Hits "Born to Be Wild" Steppenwolf
Top 9 Songs of Stevie Wonder "Pastime Paradise" Stevie Wonder
Top 8 Eighties Music "Every Breath You Take" The Police
Top 7 Big Band "Feeling Good" Sammy Davis Jr.
Top 6 Week of Classic Rock "Turn the Page" Bob Seger
Top 5 Guess Who's Music It Is "No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature" The Guess Who
Top 4 Songs of Elvis "Blue Suede Shoes"
"If I Can Dream"
Elvis Presley
Top 3 BNL Week "Brian Wilson"
"Call and Answer"
Barenaked Ladies
Top 2 Idol Single
Contestant's Favorite
New Song
"Alive"
"Bulletproof"
"Superman (It's Not Easy)"
Rex Goudie/Melissa O'Neil
Blue Rodeo
Five for Fighting
Grand
Finale
Group Performance
Finalists' Duet
Favorite Song
"The Devil Went Down to Georgia" w/ Melissa O'Neil and Kalan Porter
"Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)"
"Feeling Good"
Charlie Daniels Band
Phil Collins
Sammy Davis Jr.

Post-Canadian Idol

[edit]

On August 29, 2006, Goudie made a special guest appearance on the Top 4 results show of Canadian Idol season 4. After performing his hit single "Run", host Ben Mulroney presented him with an award for his platinum album Under the Lights.

His official biography Idolized, written by St. John's author Kim Kielley, was released in September 2006.

His second album, entitled Look Closer was released on December 12, 2006. The album made its debut at No. 19 on the Canadian charts, and sold over 11,000 copies in its first week.[1] However, two weeks after its release, it fell off the top 100 chart.

In September 2006, Goudie, along with fellow Burlington native Shaun Majumder, started a foundation in their hometown to help raise money for medical needs. The Share Foundation has held several concerts, served with merchandise, and have raised over $50,000 Canadian dollars. The following month, Goudie appeared at the opening ceremonies of the 17th annual Provincial Student Leadership Conference of Newfoundland and Labrador, hosted by Laval High School, where he spoke about the importance of perseverance and getting involved in one's school.

In January 2007, it was revealed that Goudie would be travelling to the United States aboard a cruise ship, performing for the fans that decided to take a trip 'down south' with him. For a week, Goudie performed hits from his new album as well older hits from his platinum album Under The Lights.

In March 2007, he won a Canadian Radio Music Award for Best New Solo Artist (CHR) of the Year.

On Sunday, November 25, 2007, Goudie announced on his MySpace account the news that SONY BMG had indeed dropped him.[2] He stated:

Here's what's goin' on. As most of you probably know, I've been dropped off of SBMG's roster. No biggie, I can survive.

After announcing this, Goudie quickly added that he is in Nashville working on songs for his new album. The album 100 Pages Later was released in December 2010.

In 2011 Goudie guest starred in JHawk23's short comedic skit, Newfoundlander Vs West Side, where he played himself.

Goudie also performed for the St. Anthony Come Home Year in 2017. That same year, he performed the national anthem at the close of the 2017 Tim Hortons Brier held in St. John's.

Personal life

[edit]

In early 2010, Rex travelled to Afghanistan to play for Canadian troops.[3]

Rex currently works as a mechanic and is living life as a dad.

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Year Album details Peak Certifications
(sales threshold)
CAN
2005 Under the Lights
  • Released: December 13, 2005
  • Label: Sony BMG
  • Format: CD
5
  • CA sales: 100,000
  • MC: Platinum[4]
2006 Look Closer
  • Released: December 12, 2006
  • Label: Sony BMG
  • Format: CD, digital download
19
  • CA sales: 20,000
2010 One Hundred Pages Later[5]

Singles

[edit]
  • "Run" (2005)
  • "Lie Awake" (2006)
  • "You Got To Me" (2006)
  • "One Good Reason" (2007)
  • "Like I Was Dying" (2007)
  • "Undone" (2009)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Rex Goudie (born November 18, 1985) is a Canadian rock and country singer from Burlington, Newfoundland, who rose to national prominence as the runner-up on the third season of the series in 2005. Following his appearance on the show, Goudie signed a recording contract with and released his debut album, Under the Lights, on December 13, 2005, which achieved platinum certification in Canada shortly after release and debuted at number 5 on the Canadian Albums Chart. The album earned him a 2007 Juno Award nomination for Album of the Year, as well as a nomination for Artist of the Year, and he also received the Canadian Radio Music Award for Best New Solo Artist that year. Goudie followed up with his second studio album, Look Closer, released in December 2006, which debuted at number 11 on the Canadian Albums Chart and featured the single "You Got to Me". In 2010, after being dropped by his label amid industry challenges, he independently released his third album, One Hundred Pages Later, incorporating East Coast influences and personal themes, including tracks inspired by his breakup with fellow Canadian Idol contestant Melissa O'Neil. Prior to his music career, Goudie worked as an and briefly studied at Memorial University, and by 2015, he had completed a mechanical engineering technology program at the while performing sporadically, including his first full-band show in two years at the Eastbound Hoedown festival. Since 2023, Goudie has served as CEO of the Goose Bay Airport Corporation, while maintaining involvement in music.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Rex Goudie was born on November 18, 1985, in , , to parents with roots in . His family relocated to L'Anse au Clair, , shortly after his birth. Raised in the small coastal community of L'Anse au Clair, Goudie experienced a rural upbringing centered on family and local traditions in a tight-knit environment. His early years were influenced by the region's strong sense of community, where residents maintained close familial and social bonds amid the challenges of remote living. These foundational ties to Labrador's coastal lifestyle established Goudie's enduring regional affiliations.

Education and early musical interests

Goudie graduated from Mountain Feild High School in L'Anse-au-Clair, , before pursuing higher education in St. John's. He enrolled at , where he initially planned to study but ultimately completed a in Economics. During his university years, Goudie balanced his studies with work as an , reflecting his longstanding interest in automobiles. This practical experience as a self-described "car nut" provided financial support and a grounding influence amid his emerging musical pursuits. Goudie's early musical interests began in childhood with singing in , fostering a natural affinity for performance. By his teenage years, this evolved into a deeper passion for rock and , influenced by diverse artists ranging from classic crooners to bands; he received his first guitar in 1996, which ignited hands-on exploration of the genres through self-taught playing and local jam sessions with friends. At age 16, he formed his first band, The Purple Monkey Bomb Squad, with schoolmates, focusing on original rock-country fusion and performing at community events in , marking the start of his amateur stage presence before national exposure.

Canadian Idol

Auditions and competition performances

Goudie, drawing briefly from his earlier experience playing guitar in a local band, auditioned for the third season of during the cross-country tour in spring 2005. The auditions spanned 13 cities and drew thousands of contestants aged 16 to 28 seeking advancement to the semi-finals. Performing Johnny Cash's "" in St. John's, Newfoundland, Goudie showcased a gritty, country-inflected vocal style that aligned with his rock-leaning persona, earning him a golden ticket and a place among the top 32 semi-finalists. In the Toronto semi-finals, Goudie competed in one of four groups of eight, performing Blue Rodeo's "After the Rain" to secure advancement to the top 22. His song choices throughout the competition emphasized rock and country influences, setting him apart as a high-energy performer with a raw, emotive delivery that resonated with audiences favoring guitar-driven arrangements over pop ballads. This genre focus defined his contestant identity, often incorporating themes of rebellion and heartfelt storytelling. During the top 10 "Canadian Hits" night on July 19, 2005, Goudie delivered Steppenwolf's "," transforming the anthem into an electrified showcase complete with dramatic lighting effects. His powerful, raspy vocals and confident presence elicited the evening's loudest response, including a partial from the audience. Judges praised his authenticity: Sass Jordan declared him a "rockstar-in-training," Zack Werner predicted a "guaranteed record deal," Farley Followell called him a "natural," and Jake Gold humorously noted the absence of his signature hat while affirming his growth. The performance solidified his fanbase among rock enthusiasts and propelled him safely through to the next round. Advancing to the top 7 "Standards" episode on August 9, , Goudie tackled Nina Simone's "," interpreting the through a rock-tinged lens that emphasized soaring highs and emotional intensity. Though reviewers noted it as one of his weaker outings due to occasional strain in the upper register, the performance thrilled his young female supporters, who screamed enthusiastically throughout. The judges offered strong encouragement: Jake Gold hailed it as Goudie's best vocal to date, crediting his personalization of the song; Farley Followell appreciated his evident enjoyment and natural phrasing; described the night overall as impressively cohesive; and Zack Werner advocated for keeping all strong contestants. Goudie's genre-blending approach once again earned enough viewer votes to remain safe. Goudie's competition journey continued through subsequent themes, such as songs, hits, and , where he selected rock-influenced tracks like The Police's "Every Breath You Take" and 's "." His performances highlighted a consistent evolution in stage command and vocal control, building momentum toward the finale while reinforcing his reputation as the show's rock-country contender.

Final outcome and immediate impact

In the season 3 finale of Canadian Idol, held on September 13, 2005, Rex Goudie and Melissa O'Neil performed individual songs and a duet of "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins before a live audience at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario. The results show aired the following evening, September 14, 2005, where O'Neil was declared the winner after securing the majority of the 3.6 million votes cast by viewers, positioning Goudie as the runner-up. Goudie's strong showing in the competition sparked immediate media buzz across , particularly in his home province of , where he garnered fervent support that overwhelmed telephone voting lines and drew widespread coverage in local outlets. This rapid growth in his fan base, fueled by the show's national exposure and over 34 million total votes logged throughout the season, transformed the 19-year-old mechanic from Burlington into a household name overnight. The visibility from his runner-up finish directly accelerated Goudie's professional trajectory, culminating in a with Music Canada announced on September 22, 2005, less than two weeks after the finale. In the short term, this led to high-profile promotional appearances and the launch of his first cross-country tour in late 2005, where he sold out his debut major concert in St. John's, Newfoundland, drawing thousands of fans eager to see the Idol standout perform live.

Music career

Major label debut and early albums

Following his runner-up finish on the third season of in 2005, Rex Goudie signed with Music Canada, launching his professional recording career with immediate commercial momentum. Goudie's debut album, Under the Lights, was released on December 13, 2005, through . The record debuted and peaked at No. 5 on the Canadian Albums Chart and was certified platinum by in January 2006 for sales exceeding 100,000 units. The album's lead single, "Run," released in late 2005, became a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Canadian Top 20 Singles Chart and earning Goudie a SOCAN No. 1 Song Award. A music video for "Run," directed by Malandruccolo, featured Goudie performing in urban and rural Newfoundland settings, emphasizing themes of perseverance. "Lie Awake," the follow-up single in 2006, also received radio airplay and a accompanying video, supporting Goudie's first headlining tour across , which sold out his debut show in St. John's, Newfoundland, and included stops in major cities like and . Goudie's sophomore effort, Look Closer, arrived on December 12, 2006, via , debuting at No. 11 on the Canadian Albums Chart. The album showcased a more mature songwriting style, with Goudie co-writing several tracks. Its lead single, "Like I Was Dying," released in 2007, charted modestly and was promoted through a music video and additional tour dates, though it marked a slowdown in commercial momentum compared to his debut.

Independent releases and tours

Following his release from on November 25, 2007, Rex Goudie shifted to independent status, taking full control of his music career without major label support. This transition marked a period of uncertainty and adjustment, as the label drop created an unintended three-year gap in album releases, during which Goudie focused on personal growth and rebuilding his artistic direction. In December 2010, Goudie independently released his third studio , One Hundred Pages Later, through his own imprint, Rex Goudie Inc., with distribution handled by Fontana North. The project, developed over four years in various locations including and Newfoundland, allowed Goudie complete creative oversight, from songwriting to final approvals, resulting in a raw, introspective rock that he called his most honest body of work. Songs such as "Burn It Down" reflected personal struggles from past relationships, while "Save My Life" and "Get Out of My Head" incorporated narratives, emphasizing themes of resilience and self-discovery. Critics and Goudie himself noted the album's reception as a breakthrough for authenticity, helping him move beyond the polished image of his major-label era and reconnect with fans on a deeper level. Throughout 2008–2012, Goudie sustained his visibility through targeted live performances, including a summer 2008 tour across Newfoundland venues like Cobb's Pond Rotary Park in Gander and the Marystown Recreation Complex, where he delivered high-energy sets drawing local crowds. A notable highlight came in early 2010 when Goudie traveled to as part of a musicians' tour, performing for Canadian, Belgian, and other international troops stationed there, and even visiting a local market on base to interact with Afghan vendors. To support One Hundred Pages Later, he conducted a promotional tour in late 2010, featuring intimate shows at institutions such as , SAIT, and NAIT in , fostering direct engagement with younger audiences. These independent efforts underscored Goudie's adaptability amid industry challenges, prioritizing live connections over commercial pressures and solidifying his regional fanbase in .

Ongoing music involvement

In 2025, marking the 20th anniversary of his runner-up finish on 's third season, Goudie made media appearances reflecting on the show's enduring impact on his career and Newfoundland's music scene. During an interview on CBC Radio's On The Go on May 13, he discussed the parallels between his 2005-2006 experience and that of emerging artist Jacob Lewis, a fellow Newfoundlander competing in the finale of . Goudie, who knows Lewis from local circles in the province's tight-knit community, advised focusing on delivering a strong performance amid the high stakes of a $1 million prize, drawing from his own time under national spotlight. Goudie echoed similar sentiments in a interview on VOCM radio's Show, emphasizing the pressures of competitions while celebrating Lewis's journey as a potential "next generation" talent from the region. These appearances underscored Goudie's ongoing role as a mentor figure, connecting his Idol legacy to contemporary artists without pursuing new major releases since his 2010 independent album One Hundred Pages Later. Post-2010, Goudie's music involvement has been sporadic, centered on occasional regional engagements that affirm his enduring fan base in . For instance, he performed live sets at local venues like breweries, blending casual tunes with community interaction to maintain ties to his roots in Burlington, where music remains intertwined with provincial identity and traditions. These low-key events highlight his shift toward selective participation, prioritizing personal fulfillment over extensive touring while sustaining influence in the East Coast scene.

Professional roles outside music

Airport executive position

In 2023, Rex Goudie transitioned from a career in federal to aviation management, leveraging his studies and deep roots in to assume the role of at the Goose Bay Airport Corporation. With extensive professional experience in , Goudie brought local insight to the position, having previously served as Manager of Field Operations for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, where he focused on regional growth initiatives. His appointment on September 11, 2023, positioned him to oversee strategic direction and operations at an airport that serves as a vital economic driver for , supporting industries like , , and activities. As CEO, Goudie has emphasized the airport's role in fostering in the region, including enhancements and partnerships to bolster connectivity. A key focus of his leadership involves advocating for greater to mitigate high flight costs, which have risen 33 percent in since 2019—far outpacing the national average of nine percent—due to limited market options. In late 2024, he highlighted how a new energy agreement between and could potentially draw additional carriers to routes, thereby lowering fares that often exceed thousands of dollars for round trips to the island portion of the province. Goudie has actively engaged with provincial authorities on affordability measures, submitting repeated proposals for improved air services that were not adopted, and critiquing policies like a 2025 "air travel loop" initiative that excluded , estimating it could cost the region $1.2 to $2 million annually in lost support. He has also supported programs like the new Air Access Program, which caps subsidies at $20 per fare to address operational challenges without fully resolving competition issues. These efforts underscore his commitment to making more accessible, thereby enhancing 's economic vitality.

Community and board appointments

In September 2024, Rex Goudie was appointed to the for the 2026 , representing the culture and sector. This role builds on his longstanding commitment to 's community development, where he has contributed to regional events and initiatives since the . Goudie's prior involvement includes serving as a director for the 2000 , helping organize the that engaged communities across the region. He has also held leadership positions in key organizations, such as chairing the East Chapter of the Grenfell Foundation, which supports health and social services, and participating in the Rotary Club of for local service projects. These appointments reflect his heritage and utilize his public profile to advance cultural preservation and growth in the area. In May 2025, Goudie was appointed as a commissioner to the Independent Appointments Commission for a three-year term, providing merit-based recommendations for appointments to public entities in sectors such as and .

Personal life

Relationships and family

Goudie was in a romantic relationship with , the winner of the third season of , which began during the 2005 competition and lasted until 2006. Their partnership drew significant media attention, with the couple publicly confirming their romance in an April 2006 interview on CTV's eTalk Daily. The breakup inspired the song "Burn It Down" on his 2010 album One Hundred Pages Later. In 2013, Goudie began a relationship with Tia England, a resident of Middle Arm in . The couple welcomed their first child, son Eli James Goudie, on January 6, 2016. They married on June 5, 2018, in an intimate ceremony. Goudie and his family have resided in since his return to the region in 2010, where they maintain close ties to the Burlington community and participate in local events such as The Gathering festival.

Military and charitable activities

In 2010, Rex Goudie participated in a Canadian Forces tour to , performing for troops stationed in as part of a group that included Dilana and comedian . The tour, organized by the Canadian military, involved logistical challenges such as wearing bulletproof vests throughout performances and visits, highlighting the intense security environment. Goudie reflected on the experience as profoundly eye-opening, describing observations of local , including children selling goods in a base market for minimal amounts and living in mud-and-straw homes without access to schooling or healthcare, which left lasting impressions of the human cost of conflict. The Afghanistan trip directly inspired Goudie's charitable involvement with War Child Canada, an organization aiding children affected by war. Motivated by the poverty he witnessed, he joined the 2010 Busking for Change initiative in on International Peace Day, performing street music to raise funds—aiming for $500 personally, contributing to the program's over $100,000 total for supporting more than 200,000 children and families globally. This effort exemplified his use of his music platform for , focusing on troop and international humanitarian causes rather than domestic regional initiatives.

Discography

Studio albums

Rex Goudie's debut studio album, Under the Lights, was released on December 13, 2005, by Music Entertainment. It peaked at No. 5 on the Canadian Albums Chart and was certified platinum by for sales exceeding 100,000 units. His follow-up album, Look Closer, came out on December 12, 2006, under the same label. The record peaked at No. 19 on the Canadian Albums Chart and achieved sales of 20,000 copies. After being dropped by , Goudie transitioned to independent production for his third studio album, One Hundred Pages Later, released on December 7, 2010, by Fontana North. The self-managed effort explored themes of personal growth, love, loss, and resilience, earning praise as a mature and optimistic collection in music reviews.

Singles

Goudie's singles career began with strong radio support following his Canadian Idol exposure, leading to several chart entries primarily on Canadian charts. His debut single "Run" from the 2005 album Under the Lights marked his breakthrough, reaching number one on Canadian pop radio and ranking number 12 on the 2006 Canadian Top 40 year-end chart. The track, co-written and produced by Chris Perry, featured a that was widely aired on MuchMusic. The follow-up single "Lie Awake," released in 2006 from Look Closer, received significant promotion through radio campaigns by Music Canada, appearing on multiple airplay charts including the Radio & Records Canadian chart where it peaked around number 35 in mid-2006. Reception was positive for its introspective and rock arrangement, contributing to the album's initial sales momentum despite the project's eventual underperformance. "Like I Was Dying," another single from Look Closer issued in 2007, served as a poignant closer to Goudie's major-label era, co-written by Goudie himself as a reflection on . It garnered regional in , particularly in Atlantic provinces, but lacked national chart peaks amid his transition away from . Following this, Goudie pursued independent releases, with "Undone" emerging as a 2009 single that highlighted his shift to self-produced work, though it did not achieve significant chart success. From his 2010 independent album One Hundred Pages Later, notable singles included "Comin' Back For Good," which received limited regional promotion but no major chart entries, aligning with Goudie's focus on Newfoundland-based audiences and live performances. Other tracks like "Grandmother's Song" were highlighted in reviews for their personal storytelling, though they remained album cuts without formal single releases. Additional singles from Look Closer include "You Got To Me" (2006) and "One Good Reason" (2007), which received airplay in but did not achieve major national chart success.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.