Enrique Iglesias to workshop with Top 8 competitors

Updated Mon. Jul. 30 2007 11:28 AM ET

Eye on Idol

Latino legend Enrique Iglesias -- the biggest-selling Spanish-language singer in the world -- will join Canadian Idol's Top 8 competitors for this week's unplugged episode and live performance.

With sales of more than 40 million units around the world in little more than a decade, Enrique Iglesias is one of the world's most successful artists. At the age of 32, he has enjoyed 16 No. 1 Latin Billboard hits, more than any other artist in history.

Iglesias will join the competitors as they work on their performance songs for the July 30 "Unplugged" episode - the first ever on Canadian Idol in which some of the competitors will be accompanying themselves with their own instruments.

The following night, Iglesias whip Idol's live audience into a hip-shaking frenzy while performing two songs from his new album, "Insomniac." The Top 8 will also perform an "Unplugged" group number, with competitors once again having the option to accompany themselves on instruments.

Iglesias recently told CTV's eTalk that he's looking forward to joining Idol's budding vocalists, and sees the competition as a good way to break into the industry.

"[Canadian Idol] gives kids a chance and an outlet that they wouldn't have through a normal record company," Iglesias told eTalk. "So, I think it's a good thing."

The Canadian Idol Top 8 will perform unplugged adaptations of the following songs: 

"I'm Ready" (Bryan Adams)
"Torn" (Natalie Imbruglia)
"Every Breath You Take" (Sting)
"She Talks To Angels" (Black Crowes)
"True Colors" (Lea Salonga version)
"Time Of Your Life" (Green Day)
"Ain't No Sunshine" (Bill Withers)
"Heaven" (Bryan Adams)