Mauboy clan tips our Jess for Idol

By BEN LANGFORD
15nov06


JESSICA Mauboy's family was always confident their daughter would do the Territory proud and make it into the final of Australian Idol.

Seventeen-year-old Jess, from Wulagi in Darwin, has sung her way into the final to be held at the Sydney Opera House.


Her mum Theresa told the Northern Territory News of the emotional scenes on Monday night when Jess made it through.


``She's over the moon _ it's her dream that she always wanted,'' Mrs Mauboy said.


``She actually cried, I cried, Dad cried, sisters and grandfather.


``We celebrated and we loved it.


``I always knew that Jess would get in.


``I said to her: `Mummy's got faith in you, Jessica _ so you've got to have faith as well and be strong'.''


She said Jess had been winning plenty of fans down in Sydney.


``She's got a beautiful soul Jessica, a beautiful heart,'' she said. ``Her heart's made of gold and I reckon that's what gets people.''


Jessica's father Ferdy said the family had been staying at Mount Druitt, deep in Sydney's west, and travelling about 50km to the city for the performances.


He said the family had been overwhelmed by all the support Jessica had received from people back home.


``Thank you and all the people in Darwin,'' he said. ``We can't do that without you people.''


Mr Mauboy said he was confident his daughter would win the final on Sunday week.


``She continued to improve then, now there's only two left _ I think she may be able to take the Idol home,'' he said.


``With the support of people we got so far _ I think she's heading home with the gong.''