Throng

The Top 100 in this year’s Australian Idol have all been getting the good news calls from FremantleMedia Australia producers.

They now have some decisions to make as to what songs to perform in order to proceed to the Top 24.

The Top 100 requirements specifies three rounds of singing, comprising an a-cappella, a ‘mystery challenge’ and a 90 second contestant-choice that best shows off their skills.

For this crucial stage of the competition, Idol allows for the use of instruments, but bans original material.

Selected songs must be “a hit from the last 30 years.”

Licensing requirements with APRA prohibits the changing of lyrics or song parodies. Some artists such as Missy Higgins and John Butler Trio compositions are noted as being extremely difficult in allowing their songs to be performed.

Saturday 16th May, Sunday 17th May, Monday 18th May 8.30am – 3pm

Australian Technology Park
Bay 4, Henderson Rd, Eveleigh

This is the last chance for aspiring singers to audition for Australian Idol 2009 in front of esteemed judges Marcia Hines, Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson, Kyle Sandilands, and special guest judge Delta Goodrem.

Network Ten, FremantleMedia Australia and 19 Entertainment today announce that Australian Idol will take on an exciting new shape in 2009, with both performance and eliminations to air in one major two-hour show each week on Sunday nights.

An international Idol first, the super Sunday episodes of Australian Idol will be jam packed with all the drama of the cliffhanging verdict and the excitement of the Idol's performances, and for the first time the voting lines will actually open during the show.

Hosted by Andrew G, the live two-hour shows will feature guest judges and industry mentors throughout the season alongside Dicko, Marcia and Kyle.

David Mott, Network Ten's Chief Programming officer says, "After six years on air, Idol has built a passionate following of viewers and it's important that we stay in touch with what people want from the show."

The Australian Idol journey is over for James Mathison after he quit the show he has co hosted for the last six years yesterday.

Network Ten were sad to see him go but have complete faith in Andrew G being able to carry the hosting role alone and wont be seeking a replacement.

James is taking a break from Television and has assured everyone that he won't be appearing on Dancing with the Stars.

It was no surprise when Wes Carr's name was read out at the Sydney Opera House last night as the sixth winner of Australian Idol.

69% of votes in our poll had the Sydneysider as the one to take out the crown and its jewels that include the record contract with SonyBMG, a $100,000 artist development grant and a brand new Mazda.

Wes Carr's winning single is called You.
Lyrics | Buy it from

From over 38,000 people who auditioned for Australian Idol in 2008, two finalists remain. Both idols will take to the stage, live from the Sydney Opera House and perform for the last time tonight before one of them is crowned Australian Idol 2008.

After 13 weeks on air and over 110 live performances, the two finalists have survived 10 verdict shows and now face their last challenge – each other.

Tonight we will find out who the final two for Australian Idol 08 are. After the elimination, the two finalists will each perform their winners single which has been written specifically for them.

The votes are in and the first person through to the grand finale at the Sydney Opera house is Wes Carr.

The second person to make it to the Grand Final is Luke Dickens. That means Mark Spano is going home. Mark sings Never Tear Us Apart before he leaves the stage for the last time.

Now for the performances of the night.

Luke Dickens

What are the lyics for Australian Idol finalist Wes Carr's winners single You

Buy it from

You

Could have guitars that I have never played
every Elvis album ever made
I got the cars that I should learn to drive
could have a house that would blow your mind

You can have what I got
cause I don't got nothing
worth havin I if I aint got you
You can take what you want
cause I don't want nothing
I'm nothing, if I don't have you

I’ve Been to places all around the world
Ive seen the faces of so many girls
never thought I would fall in love
and with the songs I write I’m not enough

You can have what I got

What are the lyics for Australian Idol finalist Luke Dicken's winners single When We Hear Hallelujah?

When We Hear Halleljuh

Somedays you feel it like a tonne of water
All the sons and daughters
It's a crying shame
Count your blessings as you're going under
how it makes you wonder
would it be the same

Fix the broken coffee cup
The never ending washing up
won't wait

Why do we cry
When we hear hallelujah
it does something to you
each and every life
so we all rise
and we all stand together
each and every one
somewhere we belong
'Til the sun goes down

Everybody needs someone to hold
Cause nobody told
it would be this way
if for a moment you could taste the glory
forget our worries
let the evening fade

Why do we cry
When we hear hallelujah
it does something to you
each and every life
so we all rise
and we all stand together
each and every one
somewhere we belong
'Til the sun goes down

bruised by every consequence

Tonight, the final three will perform for the chance at making it to the Sydney Opera House. Wes, Mark and Luke.

They'll each be performing two songs tonight. Any song that they want. Andrew and Mark assure us that this has been the closest competition since Australian Idol started.

Tina Arena has been coaching the final three this week and is in the studio to join the judging panel for the first time since the London auditions.

As Australian Idol enters the final two weeks for 2008, get your copy of 'The Most Memorable Songs From The Top 10' now in stores!

Featuring tracks from the Top 10 that have been memorable highlights for both the finalists and the audience, this release is unique to the 2008 series.

Track listing is as follows:
Sex on Fire - Mark Spano

Is it just me or has this season of Australian Idol turned into a giant snore fest?

The people at Ten must be wondering where the voting base has gone since I can't see any of the remaining contestants having their posters on the walls of any teenage girl in the country.

Oh well, I guess American Idol will be returning to Fox8 soon enough!