Ripley Alexander Australian Idol 2024 audition blows judges away
A young soulful vocalist from Redlands has exclusively dished the details on his eerie Australian Idol audition and how it mesmerized the nation. SEE THE VIDEO
Hailing from the Redlands, the charismatic and smooth crooner vocals of Ripley Alexander have mesmerized Australia during his ongoing performances on the 2024 season of Australian Idol.
Ripley, 19, has progressed to the competition’s top 30 contestants and continues to impress the judges, hoping to make the cut for the live shows starting later this month.
Ripley’s heartbreaking and eerie rendition of ABBA’s Mamma Mia at his audition has gone viral online, with listeners demanding he uploads a full cover to streaming platforms.
Ripley said his introduction to music was during high school at Ormiston College and once he graduated in 2021 he started gigging at various pubs and clubs around Brisbane to gain performing experience.
“I tried to develop my own sound, I describe myself as a 70s soft rock singer who has been transported into 2024 and my vibe is to change up a song,” Ripley said.
“My audition in front of the judges was in October last year and I just wanted to be me, in my everyday life and in the music industry I don’t see a lot of guys who look like me.
“People see my tattoos and nail polish and immediately think Harry Styles but I just wanted to show Australia me,” he said.
Ripley said his social media blew up after his audition went “viral” on TikTok and Instagram.
“I’ve gone from about 100 TikTok followers to 85,000 which has been pretty crazy, all my friends keep saying to get off their For You page,” Ripley said.
“So many famous TikTok artists have covered my audition song which has been pretty amazing.
Ripley said he was most nervous about how the country would perceive his personality in his audition.
“In my audition I wasn’t worried about vocals because if you make it in front of the judges you know you can sing,” Ripley said.
“I’m not everyone’s cup of tea and people either hate me or love me as I’m quite jarring, I grew up in an English household so I have that directness and humour, but with an Australian accent which make it come off more serious.
“I’m very honest, I don’t beat around the bush and say it how it is,” he said.
Ripley, who auditioned for Australian Idol’s 2023 season but didn’t progress to the broadcasted auditions, said he is relieved he is on the 2024 season.
“I’m nearly 20 now and it’s a good thing I had the time to gig around and establish myself more as an artist, my heart goes out to all of the underage contestants,” Ripley said.
“It’s a lot to deal with and such a huge experience, all of the younger contestants are smashing it as you have to grow up pretty fast in this industry,” he said.
Ripley said he is looking forward to showing the audience more of his vocal range if he progresses to the top 12 contestants who will compete for the 2024 title.
“During my audition I actually had tonsillitis and my throat was dying but because I gig regularly I’ve learnt to sing despite my throat being sore and knowing when to hold back the rasp,” Ripley said.
“I am keen to experiment more with my falsetto.
“I’m quite hard on myself so if I make the top 12 singers and perform in the live shows that will prove to myself that I can really do it,” he said.
Ripley said he would like to give a special shout out to his mother Donna and brother Kai for all their support and encouragement on his Australian Idol journey.
“They are my biggest supporters, I am super close with my mum so being away from her and my pets has definitely been the most challenging part,” Ripley said.
“I’m so lucky my big break has come while I’m 19 but I encourage anyone who is singing and auditioning to keep going and don’t stop trying,” he said.
