Fifteen contestants to look out for as Australian Idol returns in 2023
From a singing sparky, a sheep farmer and dog groomer to a former Miss World Australia, here are 15 contestants to look out for as Australian Idol returns.
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It’s been two decades since a record 3.3 million viewers tuned in to witness Guy Sebastian crowned the inaugural Australian Idol.
The talent quest franchise introduced the nation to a long roll call of singers including Sebastian, Shannon Noll, Jess Mauboy, Courtney Act, Rob Mills, Anthony Callea, Casey Donovan and Ricki-Lee Coulter before it was rested in 2010.
But for every find who went on to establish a viable career in the music industry, there were plenty of Idol hopefuls whose car-crash auditions became YouTube legend.
“Because we haven’t seen Idol in 15 years, we forget there was a little bit of family fun because anyone can audition,” returning judge Kyle Sandilands says.
“On The Voice, for example, which is a great show, everyone who shows up has some sort of singing ability, whereas you still get your deluded types that come in that think they’re great, because anyone can audition, which is the beauty of this.
“So we still have the ones that come through that are just there for a laugh.”
From a singing sparky, a sheep farmer and dog groomer to a former Miss World Australia, here are 15 contestants to look out for as Australian Idol returns to our screens.
AMALI DIMOND, 16, NSW
Works at an ice-cream shop and hopes to trade sundaes for superstardom.
“Since I could talk I felt as though I was born to perform and entertain people. All my life I have been inspired by Australian Idol contestants such as Jessica Mauboy and Guy Sebastian, and I would love to inspire others with my music as they have inspired me. “
JOSHUA HANNAN, 20, VIC
Lives on a rose farm and studies physiology.
“My singing is definitely a reflection of my emotional side and I tend to draw inspiration from different moments in my life as I sing.”
BOBBY HOLMES, 17, QLD
Grew up in Japan but now calls Gold Coast home. Brother Angus is also auditioning for Australian Idol.
“Both my parents are musicians, so I was singing as soon as I could talk. My passions outside of singing include surfing, soccer, gym, and writing songs. I’ve entered Idol so I can spread my music to the world.”
CONNOR BULGER, 19, VIC
Works on sheep farm as a lamb marker, and gigs at the pub in his spare time.
“I mostly play music in my room, but have done a few gigs at the local pub, and have a few stubbies just before I go out.”
GEMMA ANN ROURKE, 25, VIC
Singing dog groomer from the suburbs of Melbourne.
“If I had the opportunity to do music full time, I’d absolutely take it. I love the dogs, but I get a sense of happiness when I’m singing.”
JAMES VAWSER, 28, SA
A singing sparky from Adelaide.
“I signed up for Australian Idol because I had a few guys at work ask me “Why are you on this work site and not on a stage somewhere?”
MICHAELA GEORGE, 26, QLD
Young mum who busks online for her adoring fans.
“I started singing as a kid when Idol was first on and pretended to audition in ad breaks. I would dream of getting a touchdown from Mark Holden. I met my partner on Twitch, a platform where we video chat, hang out, and play games together.”
SHARIN ATTAMIMI, 24, WA
Cafe worker and personal trainer
“I want to make my parents proud. Their happiness and joy means the world to me.”
NOORA H, 27, NSW
Singing travel agent from southwest Sydney.
“I have a look people will appreciate and hope to bring more diversity into the music industry. I also want to connect with people using my voice.”
TAIGH WADE, 21, WA
Former rugby player who turned to music after an injury.
“I signed up to Idol because I wanted to see how I stacked up against the rest of the talent in the country.”
ROYSTON SAGIGI-BAIRA, 23, QLD
23-year old youth worker from Far North Queensland.
“Other than singing, my other passion is community work, specifically with the young people in remote indigenous communities because I come from those places, and I know how important it is to have leaders in a small place.”
JASEY FOX, 25, NSW
25 year-old singer and dancer from inner-city Sydney.
“I grew up listening to everyone from Tom Jones to Snoop Dogg. Freddie Mercury to Billy Joel. I think I attempt to emulate all of the greats in some Frankenstein-like way.”
SASH SEABOURNE, 25, WA
25-year old surfer from Margaret River
“I’m an Australian folk and roots singer with a touch of rock influence. I started singing after falling in love with albums by Boy and Bear, Matt Corby, Fleetwood Mac.”
SUSANA DOWNES, 28, NSW
Miss World Australia 2019 who wants to make a career as an entertainer
“I don’t only want to be the Australian Idol, I want to be the World Idol – let’s go for that.”
ANGELINA CURTIS, 15, WA
Year 9 school student ready to share her natural talent with the world.
“I’ve played piano since I could walk and climb up to the piano stool! I wrote my first song at the piano at about eight or nine years old.”
Australian Idol, Monday, 7.30pm, Seven and 7plus
IDOL BANTER
* US musician and former American Idol judge Harry Connick Jr, singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor, controversial broadcaster and former Australian Idol judge Kyle Sandilands and ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Shark are the judging panel.
* Original Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines will feature as a guest judge.
* Ricki-Lee Coulter, who first came to our attention on the second season of the show, will host with Scott Tweedie.
* Aspiring artists aged 15-28 years showcase their talents in the judges’ audition rounds.
* Judges held auditions in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and the Gold Coast.
* The four went their separate ways to regional areas. Connick Jr to Scone and Newcastle, Trainor to Alice Springs, Sandilands to Canberra and Crookwell, and Shark to Mackay to find new talent.
* The thousands who auditioned were after the Golden Ticket which fast-tracked entry to the top 50.
* The top 50 perform for the judges to secure a place in the top 24, which is then cut to a top 12.
* The top 12 will feature in the live performance round of the competition, with one eliminated each week.
* Viewers can vote each week to decide who will be crowned the next Australian Idol.
* The winner receives $100,000 and a Sony Music recording contract.
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