Big screen set up for Idol final


By EMMA GUMBLETON
17nov06


FANS of Territory singing sensation Jessica Mauboy will be able to watch their idol on a 37m screen for the final night of Australian Idol.

The Sydney Opera House Idol finale will be beamed to the Garden's Amphitheatre, where the large screen will be set up on Sunday, November 26.


The coverage will include several live crosses to her adoring crowd in Darwin, through an agreement secured by the Northern Territory Government.


The 17-year-old Wulagi school girl has captured the attention of the whole country, including in the Territory's Parliament House.


Chief Minister Clare Martin said Jessica had been a great ambassador for the NT, who has done more for tourism than any advertising campaign.


``We've spent a lot of money, done a lot of strategic work on how we can best market the Territory,'' Ms Martin said.


``But then comes this young woman, who's probably done the best marketing exercise for the Territory of anyone, so I think everyone should get behind her.''


Jessica's progression through the singing competition hasn't been without controversy, such as the now infamous ``jelly belly'' remark by judge Kyle Sandilands. ``She has the most extraordinary voice _ she's also shown a lot of courage,'' Ms Martin said.


``At times when you're told the things that she's been told as a 17-year-old, most of us would crumple and find it very difficult to come back the next week and do better.''


More than two million viewers are expected to tune in for the final show.


Southern Cross Television will be showing the finals live at 6pm in the NT.


Gates for the free event at the amphitheatre open at 4pm.