ctv  Eva Avila performs for fans in Toronto

Updated Thu. Nov. 13 2008 11:20 AM ET

Sheri Block, CTV.ca

Eva Avila treated fans to an intimate showcase in Toronto Tuesday night sharing songs from her brand new album "Give Me The Music."

The Canadian Idol winner from Season 4 had a crowd of contest winners cheering in adoration as she performed the chart-climbing title track, as well as new favourites like "No More Coming Back" and "Damned" off her sophomore release.

Backed by a six-piece band, Eva moved confidently around the stage, dancing to the beats and showcasing her powerhouse vocals.

Taking a break between sets to answer the audience's questions, Eva explained she was working at a post office in her hometown of Gatineau, Que., prior to Canadian Idol and said if she hadn't auditioned for the show, she wouldn't be where she is today.

"The whole Idol thing was the best opportunity ever because it led me to my dream job, now I do this job full time and I'm so blessed. It's thanks to all of you here right now so I can't thank you enough," said Eva.

She talked about how her family keeps her grounded but dodged a question about her love life.

"Umm...right now I'm in love with promoting the album," said Eva with a smile.

Megan Nelson, 19, from Sudbury, Ont., was one lucky fan who won her way into the showcase.

"Ever since she started with Canadian Idol, I've followed her. I went to see her concert in North Bay and it was absolutely amazing. She's such a wonderful person. She's so down to earth and she inspires me," said Nelson.

Christine White, 22, from Hamilton, Ont., likes the new mature sound Eva has emulated on her record.

"It sounds a lot better than the first album that she had out for sure. It seems like it's a little more her own, a little less commercial," said White.

It's just what Eva wants to hear.

"It's a relief," said Eva. "I'm nervous. I'll tell you. I've been reading some reviews by media people, not just fans, and there's a lot of mixed stuff. Some of them are really good, some of them are harsh ... (but) that's one person's opinion. I have all these fans that come to me and say, 'Oh my God I love your album, I liked it way better than the first one.'"

Eva said it's comments like these that validate all the hard work she put into the album, which was recorded in both Toronto and L.A. and produced by Matt Wallace of Chantal Kreviazuk and Maroon 5 fame.

The album has been gaining steady steam since its release on Oct. 28th.

"It's not like the day it comes out, everybody rushes to buy it. Gradually people might start hearing about it, hopefully people like it and tell their friends and blah blah blah. I think it's the kind of album that deserves a second listen," said Eva.

She was pleased with the crowd's response at the Toronto showcase.

"You completely feed off the audience. There were people in the front, a group of fans that were just looking at me and smiling. It just gave me energy and it made me want to perform even better," said Eva.

She will continue to promote her new album before starting rehearsals for an upcoming spring tour.

"I'm enjoying it right now," said Eva. "I'm happy with the process. I'm happy with everything."