It's hard to imagine how Josh Palmer found the time to write five songs since joining Canadian Idol's Top 10. With their hectic schedule, days off are unheard of. But like a true music junkie, Palmer was determined to get his fix.

"In the middle of the night, it gets lonely. That's why I brought my guitars. And a pad of paper and a pen are your only friends," says the Saskatoon singer/songwriter who admits to missing his family.

"It's a highly irregular situation. I never thought I'd be cooped up in a mansion with nine other singers and having to do commercials and working our little butts off all day long."

However, Palmer says he's grateful for the opportunity and, therefore, vowed not to waste any minute of it.

Even while performing, the 22-year-old was determined to make every second count. With less than two minutes to show off his talent, Palmer has learned to own the spotlight by getting right to the essence of the song.

"You have to find out what it is, connect with the lines of the lyrics of the song that you're singing and convey that," he says. "Every week, I got better and more comfortable at doing that."

Ironically, Palmer found his true defining experience after he was eliminated from the competition. During, his final performance, the aspiring rock star strapped on a guitar and delivered the last few riffs of Eric Clapton's "Layla."

"I felt like I was in my natural element," Palmer recalls. "And it felt like, finally, I can show Canada exactly who I am."

"There could've been no more perfect out for me than what happened [Wednesday] night."

While a feeling of finality seems to bring sadness to many competitors, Palmer chose to enjoy his elimination.

"Let's have a great time. It's a celebration; it's not a mourning. I'm still going to be around," he says. "Let's celebrate this new beginning."

After a summer packed with priceless perks and intense pressure, Palmer is moving on from Canadian Idol with a head full of life lessons.

"I've really learned to take care of myself and love myself. In stressful situations, in this intense journey, it is so easy to get down on yourself," he says.

While Palmer feels that performing on Idol is like being put under a microscope, he believes it's important to appreciate your best, given the situation.

"You really just accept it. Look at the results. Learn from any mistakes that you did, if any, and continue to grow. Don't look back and dwell on things."

Eye on Idol