The Australian pop stars behind the new Idol singles as judges rate the grand final singers
Kyle Sandilands and his fellow Australian Idol judges share their thoughts on grand finalists Royston, Phoebe or Josh.
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Newly wed pop superstar Tones and I and rising singer songwriter Graace have penned the potential post-show singles for the three grand finalists of Australian Idol 2023.
Royston Sagigi-Baira has recorded a song featuring Toni Watson’s credit – Tones and I’s real name – which the 24-year-old singer will perform during Sunday’s grand final decider.
Both 15-year-old Phoebe Stewart and 20-year-old Josh Hannan chose to put their spin on a song, whose title will be revealed during the show, which was co-written by Grace Pitts, the artist known as Graace.
Graace has more than 150 million streams for hits including the platinum smash Numb with dance electronic music superstar Hayden James, and her own single Last Night, which achieved gold status.
Hannan said he had less than 24 hours to rewrite lyrics and tweak the arrangement of his “winner’s single” to make it “more masculine.”
But the favourite to win the title has his sights set firmly on taking control of his post-Idol career and heading to America to write his next single with established producers and hitmakers.
“I really just want to get the opportunity to record my original music and there’s a trip to America for the winner to work with producers there which would be unreal,” Hannan said.
Stewart has recorded the same song but it will sound different to her rival’s version.
The young singer who has blown Australia away with her natural vocal gift and maturity said the focus on her tender age – and her fellow teen contestants Amali Dimond and Angelina Curtis – had been a “blessing and a curse.”
“We are all so young yet have this amount of talent and the confidence to go out and do it even though we might not be at the same level or have the same skills as the older singers,” she said.
“I have wanted to do this since I was a little girl and I know I will make something huge from this opportunity.”
Sagigi-Baira’s Idol quest has been fuelled by an altruistic mission.
The 24-year-old has been the most vulnerable of the finalists on the Idol stage in 2023, proudly representing his Indigenous heritage to inspire young First Nations children in remote communities, and calling out homophobia and bullying.
He chose the Tones and I-penned winner’s single because it matched his vision to put out songs that are “inspiring and empowering.”
“It’s been hard being vulnerable on Idol because the more you open up about yourself, the more you put yourself in the way of people who want to critique your life; it’s a bit of a worry,” he said.
“But my whole reason for coming on the show was to represent. We don’t have a lot of Indigenous representation on national television and I wanted to inspire kids in remote communities with the arts, not just sport.
“My different stories and performances have helped Australia connect with me and while it was scary, it was really special to open up to people about my sexuality and whatever happens, I’m so proud of myself.”
The Australian Idol 2023 grand final airs from 7pm on Sunday on Seven.
THE JUDGES FORM GUIDE
HARRY CONNICK JR
Phoebe Stewart
Phoebe has a musicality that makes her choices unpredictable, which is exciting. She’s got a calm stage presence, but within her stillness is a power. For someone so young, she has an inner strength and maturity. Phoebe will be a pleasure to watch as she continues to learn and grow throughout what I’m sure will be a long, successful career.
Royston Sagigi-Baira
There’s a humility about Royston – a vulnerability that makes one yearn for more. His voice is powerful, and he has great command of it, but it’s his mysterious charm that’s most interesting to me. Each time he sings he reveals something new about himself; and each time I learn something new, I want to know more.
Josh Hannan
From day one, Josh has been a strong talent – vocals, piano, guitar, songwriting, he’s got a lot going on. And as well as he did in the week-to-week competition, it was that inner poise and talent as a singer/songwriter that allowed him to rise to the top. If he plays his cards right, he’ll stay on top for quite some time.
AMY SHARK
Phoebe
Her voice is nostalgic and mature. She has a stillness that is very captivating, and she is also from a small town, so her personality is sweet, funny and genuine – Aussies will love her.
Royston
Royston is a bit of an enigma and behind that massive smile, I feel there are many stories and feelings that will end up in his songs. I love everything Royston stands for and I think in the very near future his fan base will lean on his voice and look up to him for strength and confidence. I think he is going to be a very important figure in the Australian music industry!
Josh
Josh has one of the most calming demeanours – addictive to watch and be around, he’s so effortless cool and his style is going to create a huge buzz around the Australian music scene. There are some people who you know are just going to succeed and he’s one of them. So confident in his sound and the fact that he can play guitar and write original songs too, he’s going to go off.
KYLE SANDILANDS
Josh
Josh is the full package, he can play instruments, has a versatile vocal range, has written songs and – let’s be honest – he’s handsome. From what I hear, Josh is quite liked and respected by the other contestants, which is quite important because to be a great artist you have to work collaboratively with other creatives.
Royston
There’s no other contestant on Australian Idol who draws me into their performances as much as Royston. Every time Royston takes to the stage and sings you get this sense that everyone and everything on earth temporarily pauses and joins you in being mesmerised by Royston.
Phoebe
How on earth can someone so young have a voice that sounds like she’s lived 20 lives? The reality is, though, Phoebe isn’t just great for a 15-year-old, she’s great full stop. Phoebe’s got a booming voice that’s so versatile she can go from singing to Adele to ABBA. I watched the Top 24 episode where Phoebe performed Florence + The Machine’s ‘You’ve Got the Love’. About a third of the way through her performance the camera cuts to me where my jaw’s basically hitting the floor.
MEGHAN TRAINOR
Phoebe
I love her confidence on stage and how it sounds like you’re pressing play on the track when she sings live. I also love that she’s from a small town like I am – she reminds me of my younger self.
Royston
Royston has been through so much and the fact that he walks out on that stage every night, determined to make his dreams come true, is inspiring to so many. I always tell him he has a buttery tone because his voice is so smooth and beautiful … just like butter.
Josh
Every time Josh starts to sing, he immediately captivates the entire room and it feels like the world stops – I can see him selling out arenas already.
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