With such a great Top 3 battling for the title of Australian Idol, it seemed like a win/win situation, but finally it’s time to farewell one of the competitions true all-rounders.
Last year it was a punk and two divas that stood on the Australian Idol stage and awaited a nation’s verdict to find out which duo would become our Final 2. This year it’s a completely different dynamic. For those who aren’t die-hard fans of one particular finalist, it certainly seems like a win/win situation. No matter what the result, two outstanding singers will compete for the title of Australian Idol.
Not many people can truly say that they understand what our talented trio are going through right now, but one man who can rightfully claim to understand is Guy Sebastian, our very first winner. The Fro is back to bless us with another brilliant live performance. Can’t Stop A River is an album track but it certainly sounds like a future single. With just a little guitar and bass added to Guy’s voice, the track sounds sublime and it’s just a little reminder of why Guy is back in the ARIA Album charts, debuting at #4. Much to the appreciation of the audience, Idol fans discover that The Fro will be performing his latest single Elevator Love at our Finale.
Not to be upstaged, our Top 3 arrive on stage to give U2 & Mary J. Blige's One a shake. Dean delivers a verse with strong vocals before he’s joined by Damien, who loves this track. Jess joins the dapper lads and 6 back-up vocalists add a wall of sound to the rendition. It’s an inspiring tribute to a band that is currently in the country, enjoying another popular tour of Oz. The trio finish the song on an amazing note much to the approval of the audience who have risen to their feet.
It all seems like an entertaining way to procrastinate and avoid the terrible verdict that none of us – least of all the Idols – are waiting for. At least our hosts haven’t lost their sense of humour. “Tonight,” James says solemnly, “Dean, Jessica, Damien, you are all in the Bottom 3”. The audience appreciates the gag but James soon makes our contestants feel a little better: “but at the same time you are all in the Top 3”.
One by one, the contestants are brought to the stage. “Personally, it seems to have gone by so quickly,” Mark says, and it’s true that the season has flitted by. “I just want to say it’s been an extraordinary Idol,” Marcia announces while Kyle tries to put the performers’ efforts into perspective. “Just realise,” he reminds them, “that you have made it to the Top 3 out of this year, out of the whole country”.
For one finalist, the suspense will end as we discover the first contestant to progress through this week to become a sure-fire contender. “There’s only 2 spots on the steps of the Opera House and there’s 3 of you guys standing here,” Andrew says with a justifiable amount of seriousness. ”The first person through to the grand final into the final 2 of the competition for this year is Damien Leith!” With the nations’ eyes focused on the elated character, he chimes in with a perfect comment. “I’m speechless,” he says, “which is a terrible thing for an Irish guy!”
So who will join Damien at the Sydney Opera House? “I think Dean can sell a lot of records,” Kyle decides, “But I really think Dean’s going home tonight”. Dean puts his arm around Jess as they wait for Andrew to make an historic announcement: “Australia has decided that after months and months of handwork, of passion, enthusiasm and growth, so close to the Opera House, tonight the Idol journey ends for Dean Geyer. Jessica you are through to the Opera House!”
The hearts of teenage girls around the nation shatter and distraught supporters are silenced. Dean looks shocked yet triumphant and he seems sincerely happy for the Final 2. “I had the best time,” he admits, “I never expected to get here. It would have been nice to get to the Opera House. These guys, I have so much respect for them.” Watching Dean’s journey on the big screen is quite amazing viewing; he really had developed into quite an outstanding all-round package and surely has a massive future.
If possible, his farewell rendition of Waiting For The World To Change is even more soulful than last night’s version. He seems so relaxed and at ease with the audience. Jess and Damien clap along as Dean lets loose. He sings to his devastated fans and the crowd is on its feet. Dean gets the audience to sing along with him. His eyes are glistening as he ends the song with a smile and two thumbs up.
There’s no need to mourn the loss of Idol’s heartthrob; he’ll be back with the whole gang at the Sydney Opera House in two weeks time. But which remaining finalist will be our ultimate winner. The crucial performance show is next Sunday night, when the studios will fill with screaming fans for the last time this year. Don’t miss the last performance show of Idol’s greatest season, when Australian Idol continues on Network Ten.
