Debra Byrd says she would love to be an ice-skater. That's why Canadian Idol's endearing vocal coach is thrilled that she's in "the land of skating."

"There's a freedom that comes with skating. I just want to skate," she says, tilting back her head and flashing a huge grin. "And I'm such a punk about it. Can I skate? No."

But the American songbird hasn't been flying north for the past two summers to get some ice time. Instead, she's been busy turning talented unknowns into polished professionals.

Byrd coaches the Idol hopefuls on all the essentials of performing: from hitting the right notes to conveying emotion on camera.

The veteran performer -- she's had stints as a recording artist, Broadway actor, musical director, and story narrator -- feels blessed passing down her expertise to a new generation of singers.

"It's an amazing feeling to watch someone grow before your very eyes," says the Cleveland, Ohio native.

Young powerhouses such as American Idol's Kelly Clarkson, Kalan Porter and just recently, Melissa O'Neil, have all benefited from Byrd's mountain of wisdom.

"Melissa's father, Tim, said, 'Thank you for watering my daughter... she couldn't have done it without you,' she says.

"That's amazing to me. That's what that feels like. It feels like I'm giving them things, I'm giving them information. I always say, 'Welcome to star school'."

Her lessons, however, go beyond the fundamentals of singing. Part life coach, part mentor, Byrd advises the rookies on how to handle real situations outside the confines of the Idol bubble.

She believes it's possible to have a career in the music industry just as long as aspiring artists educate themselves.

"This business is like none other," warns Byrd. "So you need to know the language, the ups and downs, the highs and lows. Know if someone is offering you something wonderful or if someone is offering you something that just plain sucks."

Yet, like any great teacher, Byrd doesn't spoon-feed her students. In fact, some Idols have had to learn the important lesson of picking the right songs the hard way.

She recalls feeling aggravated after O'Neil chose "Living for the City" for the Top 9's Stevie Wonder week.

"I remember when she walked out of the room I just banged my head on the table," Byrd admits. "It was just frustrating to me that she wanted to sing it and it just wasn't good."

"And you know what Melissa said to me later? She said, 'Oh I remember that. You were kind of mean to me then.' 'Really?' I said. 'Was I mean to you?' and she said, 'Yeah, I thought you were kind of mean to me.'

"I said, 'Wow, I was so frustrated because I could not tell you that that was an awful song for you'."

That performance nearly ended O'Neil's quest for the Idol crown.

However, the show prohibits anyone from choosing or suggesting songs for the competitors; therefore, Byrd must comply and work with the singer's preference.

"There are things that I do and say to get them to even consider other choices. Their decision is their decision and I have to surrender to that."

Tough love aside, the vocal coach says she is grateful and thrilled for Canadian Idol's first female champ.

"She's magnificent and when she first heard the new single she said, 'That's my song'," Byrd says. "I was watching it on the monitors and when Ben Mulroney announced who it was, I just started yelling, 'Sing your song Melissa. Sing your song'."

Byrd's brood of wannabes is often just as wildly enthusiastic for their guru. The Top 10 serenaded their teacher with the classic, "Dedicated to the One I Love," at the finale.

"I was so surprised when they sang to me at the end. It was amazing," she says. "All I kept thinking as they were singing was, 'I didn't teach them this song'. I've taught them every song there is but I didn't teach them this one."

She admits it sounded good. "I just felt the love."

After a combined seven seasons of behind-the-scenes coaching for American Idol, American Juniors and Canadian Idol, Byrd's turn at the spotlight was also overdue.

At the insistence of Executive Producer John Brunton, the music pro showcased her stage prowess and performed Dionne Warwick's "I'll Never Love This Way Again."

Delivering the show-stopping rendition is nothing new to Byrd; however, she admits she felt jittery during dress rehearsals.

"It was the high heels but that's okay," she jokes. "And then as I came out and I saw the 10 of them, sitting in front of me, then it was like, 'Don't cry. You will not cry'."

She adds, "At least I knew how it was going to affect me emotionally, because it just gripped me by the throat."

Ask any of the Idols about Byrd and you'll hear nothing but gushing praise. Yet this musical mentor insists she's just a sponge that, over the years, has absorbed lessons from many artists. Now she's giving it all back.

"I have been around amazing musicians, amazing teachers. My grandfather is an amazing teacher. So, I've taken them all and dragged them through my musical life," she says.

She credits everyone: from colleagues Barry Manilow and Roberta Flack to her choral directors and childhood vocal coach, with whom she studied for eight years.

Byrd may never get to fulfill her dreams of performing on ice. With her expertise in demand, it's clear she belongs on stage where she magically transforms raw singers into graceful artists. Just add "fairy godmother" to her long list of job titles.

Despite a career full of defining moments, Byrd hopes to be remembered simply for the essence of her life's work.

"I just want somebody to say, 'She helped me sing. She helped me perform.' You know, that's good enough."

Eye on Idol