Bangalow musician, painter Dylan Wright auditions for popular TV show Australian Idol

Painter by day and singer by night, an up-and-coming Byron Shire musician has auditioned for Australian Idol - and sung his heart out for his late mum. Here’s his story.

Bangalow musician Dylan Wright, 30, singing his heart out on stage. Picture: Supplied

Painter by day and singer by night, an up-and-coming Byron Shire musician has auditioned for popular TV show Australian Idol - and sung his heart out for his late mum.

Bangalow’s Dylan Wright, 30, faces a “nerve-racking” wait for his audition to premiere on free-to-air TV channels Channel 7 and 7Plus on January 29.

He has reflected on the “amazing” experience - and performing in memory of his much-loved mother Anne Denis, who tragically died when he was just 21.

Bangalow musician Dylan Wright, 30, will appear on Australian Idol on January 29, 2024. Picture: Provided

He became Ms Denis’ primary carer when he was just 16, supporting her through a battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) and leukaemia.

Back at age five, Mr Wright spotted an Elvis Presley statue in a shop. From that moment, he knew he wanted to be an artist and pursued his dreams from there.

Come age 10, Mr Wright was writing songs in a notebook, inspired by The Beatles.

“It’s always been a big dream of mine to be a musician,” he said.

Dylan Wright's mum Anne Denis inspires him to perform. Picture: Supplied

With the support of his wife Georgia and daughters Piper, 3, and Rivi, 10 months, Mr Wright seized the opportunity to audition in front of a national audience on Australian Idol.

The show is a global sensation which has helped launch numerous successful careers in the music industry, including those of Jessica Mauboy and Guy Sebastian.

“When you’re (auditioning) in front of such big names including (judges) Kyle Sandilands, Amy Shark and Marcia Hines, it feels pretty special to see their emotion from my music,” Mr Wright said.

Mr Wright performed an acoustic interpretation of the Crowded House hit Better Be Home Soon, dedicating it to his mum, who loved opera music and was a singer.

Following the performance, the judges became quite emotional.

“(That was) one of the most heartfelt performances I’ve seen, because you are singing it to someone you love. That’s how I felt about my mum,” Hines told him.

Dylan Wright and his late mother Anne Denis. Picture: Supplied

Sandilands said: “I don’t usually cry in the presence of other men. What a sweetheart you are.”

Shark was also full of praise: “I think you’re a superstar.”

Mr Wright said his mum encouraged him to work on his music, pushing him to take to the streets to busk when he was a teenager in hometown Gymea, Sutherland Shire.

“She would push me to do singing and guitar lessons,” he said.

“She passed away so young.

“Music was a journal for that time period. It’s a good outlet to play on stage in front of people.

“Hopefully the community can get behind the show and me and enjoy that Australian Idol is back for 2024.”

Originally published as Bangalow musician, painter Dylan Wright auditions for popular TV show Australian Idol