Idol stars who'll never be idle again

Though Australian Idol is criticised as an easy road to fame, Damien Leith and Jessica Mauboy might beg to differ.

Sure, tonight the Opera House stage will introduce the person crowned 2006 Australian Idol to 2 million-plus TV viewers and launch a virtually guaranteed No. 1 single for the winner.

But since being announced as the final two in the latest series of Australian Idol two weeks ago, Mauboy and Leith have been on a treadmill of rehearsals, vocal workshops, costume fittings, media engagements, meet and greets, fan events, workouts, and of course, the occasional wrestle with their own fears, doubts and what-ifs.

Mauboy said she realised that the really hard work was all ahead. If the 17-year-old takes out the title she will face the daunting prospect of trying to finish her schooling while pursuing a life in the pop spotlight.

Even if she doesn't win, the history of some Australian Idol runners-up having as big if not better careers than the winner indicates she might still face the dilemma.

"This week I've thought things over," said the Northern Territorian of Aboriginal and Indonesian descent.

"I'm nervous about what's going to happen after. I want to go back to school and finish year 11 and do year 12. But it's so hard. This is my dream come true and going back to Darwin - there's nothing to do with real big music there."

Leith, the Irish singer-songwriter and father-of-one who is married to an Australian, said taking advantage of the Idol opportunity was crucial.

"Guy Sebastian told me it's the next two years that count," he said.

"No truer word said. From here on in, it's about going for it and it's all about what we all do with what we've gained. This is exposure I never dreamt of; hoped for, but never really dreamt I'd get."

Up to 8000 people are expected in the Opera House forecourt where Sebastian, Anthony Callea, the Young Divas, Marcia Hines and Shannon Noll will perform. Channel Ten's telecast starts at 7.30pm.


http://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/never...4341452999.html

Great Article. I must have missed this one..