Australian Idol Last Night on Channel 7 – No One is Safe

There was a big surprise from the judges on Channel 7’s Australian Idol last night. The final six would all be up for the public vote.

Last night, Australians had the final say as Idol viewers’ choice week determined the songs the Top 6 would sing in their battle for a spot in the Grand Finals next Sunday on Channel 7 and 7plus.

Ben Sheehy, a 24-year-old rocker from Queensland, was given the song (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones. Amy Shark liked Ben’s singing but said she was disappointed with the arrangement since she had hoped to hear less cover band and more originality.

Harry Connick Jr agreed with Amy but observed Ben looked the part and was comfortable in his “zone”. Ben may very well be “the guy that revived rock music,” as judge Kyle Sandilands admitted, despite his previous scepticism of rock’s economic viability.

Fifteen-year-old Phoebe Stewart sang “People Help The People” by Birdy. Harry remarked, “fantastic as always,” praising her development from a “wide-eyed little girl” to a self-assured performer with a mature tone.

Sixteen-year-old Amali Dimond covered “Fly Away” by Tones and I. Harry praised Amali for using her artistic skills to alter the arrangement and encouraged her to do something new and “stripped back” in her next performance.

Kyle Sandilands, one of the judges, disagreed with Harry and questioned why, at this point in the competition, an artist would abandon their unique aesthetic. Harry retorted that the music itself wouldn’t alter, only the performance.

20-year-old Josh Hannan performed Olivia Rodrigo’s worldwide hit, Drivers License.

Harry praised Josh’s performance, noting that Australia had selected a terrific song choice for him. Kyle agreed, stating that he had a “real shot” at winning the challenge.

19-year-old girl Anya Hynninen sang “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus. Amy remarked on Anya’s maturing voice but remarked that she was surprised by the arrangement. The advice Harry gave her to “take or leave” was that he wanted to see more of her artistic expression.

Kyle, frustrated by Harry’s remarks, pointed out that Anya was competing in a singing contest and that the point wasn’t to “show off,” but rather to give the audience something to which they could sing along.

Given the song’s prominence on the airwaves at the moment, judge Meghan Trainor admitted, “I feel like you got trapped” when asked if she felt sorry for Anya.

Royston Sagigi-Baira, 23, thrilled the judges with his performance of True Colors by Cyndi Lauper, the final song of the night. “There’s a lot of love for you on this panel and show,” Amy assured him. “You’ve really come into your own on this show. That was fantastic.”

The judges surprised the final six contestants by stating they would not be shielding an artist from the public vote; the fate of the competition was now in the hands of the Australian public.

Voting is open for tonight’s episode of Australian Idol. Idol judge and ARIA Award winner Amy Shark performs “High On You” with Sam Fischer as Australia chooses its three finalists.

Australian Idol airs Monday 20 March 2023 at 7.30pm on Channel 7.

Image credit: Channel 7