Jazz legend Tony Bennett receives a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award on Jan. 13, 2006 at the NEA Jazz Masters Awards Concert in New York. (AP / Jennifer Szymaszek)

Top 3 going to New York to work with Tony Bennett

Updated Thu. Aug. 24 2006 11:27 AM ET

Eye on Idol

Canadian Idol's lucky Top 3 will get advice on singing the standards from the perfect candidate: crooner Tony Bennett, a man who began his career on a live talent show and remains in the spotlight at age 80.

Before appearing as the show's guest star on Sept. 4 and 5 (his first appearance on an Idol show anywhere in the world), the legendary Bennett will welcome the remaining competitors to the Big Apple. Once there, they will use him as a sounding board in preparation for a performance dedicated to songs he made famous in his long career.

His hits include "Because of You," "Rags To Riches," "The Good Life," "I Wanna Be Around," his signature song, "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" and many more. Over the years, Bennett has introduced a multitude of songs into the great American songbook that have since become standards for pop music.

The iconic man of the stage has sold over 50 million records worldwide, has many gold and platinum albums to his credit and is the recipient of 13 Grammy Awards throughout his career.

The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner says he decided to participate in the show because he can relate to what the competitors are going through when it comes to the stress of putting on a widely broadcast performance each and every week.

"Back in the 1950s, I was just starting out with Rosemary Clooney and we were on a live talent show ourselves -- so we were the first Idols," said Bennett, who recently celebrated hits 80th birthday. "I am looking forward to working with the young talent that is in Canada and am thrilled to be making an appearance on Canadian Idol."

The special results episode which includes Bennett's performances will run for an hour instead of the usual half hour. CTV president of programming Susanne Boyce said the extra airtime will be easily filled by a man who has graced stages and screens around the world for decades.

"The Top 3 are only the latest performers to witness the incredible generosity of spirit that Tony Bennett has shown his fans and colleagues around the world throughout his illustrious career," she said.

The son of a grocer and Italian-born immigrant, Anthony Dominick Benedetto was born in Queens, NY in 1926. His big break came in 1949 when comedian Bob Hope noticed him working with Pearl Bailey in New York City.

Bennett's upcoming release, Tony Bennett: Duets/An American Classic, will be in stores on Sept. 26.

The CD features Bennett performing his best loved songs with many of the top names in music, including Bono, Michael Bublé, Elvis Costello, Dixie Chicks, Billy Joel, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, John Legend, Paul McCartney, George Michael, Sting, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor and Stevie Wonder.

Known as the singer's singer, he is one of a handful of artists to have albums charting in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and1990s.

"It's an honour and a privilege to have the Mr. Tony Bennett not only grace our stage, but also share his decades of experience at the top of the charts," said Idol executive producer John Brunton. "Having him on our show will be the thrill of a lifetime."