RICKI-Lee Coulter is the most famous of all Australian Idol contestants to leave the show early - but it hasn't mattered.
The 20-year-old yesterday was awarded four nominations in the Nickelodeon kids awards in Sydney, proving she has come a long way since exiting Idol early in 2004.
Coulter's early exit, and also Paulini Curuenavuli the year before, has prompted producers to introduce a new initiative that will let viewers keep Idols once this year's finalists are chosen.
An Idol insider said the new initiative won't be a "save" instead of "get rid of" vote line, which Big Brother started this year with some success.
Exactly how viewers will be able to save hopefuls will be announced soon.
Coulter was in Sydney yesterday for the nomination announcements for the awards show, which is growing in reputation.
"I'm excited to be nominated as Fave Aussie Artist, up against some of my own idols," she said.
"I presented this awards to Guy (Sebastian) last year, so it's extremely flattering to be nominated in this category."
The nominations announcement in Sydney was attended by Lara Bingle, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and International singer Nick Lachey.
The awards will be in Sydney on October 11.
