Australian Idol’s Vocal Arranger has every right to speak with authority when advising the nervous young stars of the series. To this gifted singer and vocal arranger, the trials and tribulations of the contestants must seem rather familiar.

Erana Clark (then Leef) was already hosting her own music show in New Zealand by the time she was 12 years old. Not content with the attention of the cameras, she recorded her first Top 10 single at the age of 14 and the following year she was a part of the Royal Command performance.

With 3 records garnering success in her homeland, she aimed for a larger market, crossing the Tasman to begin what would become an incredible career in Australia. Her strong voice and experience led to tours of Asia, Europe and the United States, singing with the likes of Thelma Houston, Tom Jones, INXS, Midnight Oil, Renee Geyer, Wendy Matthews, Kate Ceberano and our own resident diva, Marcia Hines.

Erana has performed on Good Morning Australia, Midday with Ray Martin, Midday with Kerry-Ann, The Don Lane Show and The Mike Walsh Show and in 1997 she won the European Singing Competition held in Turkey. Proving that Erana’s career continues to blossom, in 2005, she was awarded the Best New Artist at The Gospel Music Awards.

Erana was the musical director for Nerds FC, which aired on SBS in early 2006, is a regular performer at The Basement in Sydney and has a residency at The Transistor in Parramatta.

With producers, hosts and show experts all agreeing that 2006’ batch of Idol contestants is the most talented in the show’s brief history, Erana’s influence and gentle guidance could contribute to the development of yet another record-breaking solo star.