Since stepping on to the Canadian Idol stage four weeks ago, Daryl Brunt has quickly transformed from a regular high school student from Sudbury, Ont. to a nation-wide teen heartthrob. But like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, the process isn't pretty.

For the timid-looking kid of 16, the fan adulation -- consisting of screaming girls who seek his autograph and who proudly display their multi-coloured posters bearing his name -- has been "overwhelming."

"I feel like I'm affecting their lives in a way. I feel like a role model," Brunt says.

While others may be reluctant to accept this newfound status, he seems comfortable with the thought of others looking up to him.

"I really embrace that idea. I think it's great," he says. "That's something that everyone wants to do, you know."

He does confess it will feel "kinda weird" to be recognized in the streets of the Nickel City, where residents have thrown their full support for the hometown hero.

But to have that sweet taste of fame, Brunt has had to publicly endure some sour comments from Canadian Idol's harshest critics, the judges.

Zack Werner called him "a talented guy in a parallel universe" and Jake Gold emphatically declared his Standards-night performance as one of the "cheesiest" he's ever seen on the show.

Brunt admits he gets very nervous listening to the judges, as his uneasy facial expressions are unmistakably captured on television. However, he says he doesn't let their opinions affect how he chooses his songs.

"I usually pick a song because I'm comfortable with it and I know I'll try my hardest to sing it," he says.

Finding comfort in the midst of public expectations and self-imposed pressure can seem difficult for anyone, let alone a young teen. However, Brunt thinks a 16-year-old can handle the demands of Canadian Idol just as easily.

"I think all of us being here, between 16 and 26-years-old, we basically all have the same maturity level. The judges chose us to be in the Top 10 altogether," he says.

After tackling four different genres of music in the competition, Brunt says his favourite performance on the show occurred during the Stevie Wonder theme night, in which he sang, "Superstition."

"It was really funky and I could get into it and really have fun with it."

Though no longer competing, his Idol hangover won't be going away any time soon. He'll be back on stage in September with the rest of the Top 10 at the show's grand finale.

Moreover, he'll have a reminder of his unforgettable summer with the August release of the Top 10's compilation CD, "High Notes," featuring his cover of the song, "When You Believe."

Brunt says he's excited about the CD but says he won't be listening to his own song.

"I'll listen to it once and I'll be, like, 'Damn'," he jokes. "But, I'm definitely buying it though."

Eye on Idol