Our Jess gees up NT Idol hopefuls

By PHOEBE STEWART
15apr07

TERRITORY songbird Jessica Mauboy had one message for the dozens of Australian Idol hopefuls at TIO stadium in Darwin yesterday.

"C'mon Darwin, make me proud," last year's Idol runner-up said.

But from the number of sweaty brows and shaking hands waiting in line to sing, not much could be done.

The presence of 17-year-old Jess brought excitement to the auditions.

But despite her triumph on the Idol stage, only about 50 Territorians lined up early yesterday to try their luck.

When Idol auditions came to Darwin in 2005, 200 hopefuls were waiting outside.

Anula's Milo Tokotaua, 22, arrived at 4.30am expecting big crowds.

"I auditioned in Brisbane in 2005, and didn't get a chance to sing because there was so many people," he said.

"We slept in our car until 7.30am, then a few people starting turning up."

Idol camera crews also called upon contestants' friends and family members to film promos for the show, which will air in August.

But between the small numbers there were some dedicated Idol wannabes.

One Darwin nurse called in sick so she could sing her heart out. And a Byron Bay birthday girl stopped by to perform while in transit to a holiday in Asia.

Mr Tokotaua was revelling the spotlight, entertaining the crowd with his booming Maori voice. "It would be a dream to get through," he said.

A Darwin resident for just 12 months, he said he would be proud to represent the NT.

Canadian traveller, Mat Riva, 25, was also confident, taking his shirt off for the cameras to demonstrate Darwin's steamy weather.

But for Jessica Yokowo, 21, from Woodroffe, it was a different story.

"Am I nervous? That's an understatement," the country music lover said.

About 120 people tried out yesterday and Idol publicist Jane Negline said 30 made it through to the next round in front of judges Marcia Hines, Mark Holden, Kyle Sandilands and Ian 'Dicko' Dickson at Pee Wee's on Monday.

Larrakeyah data entry supervisor Janna Mercedes, 25, was excited she had made it through.

It is her second crack at Australian Idol fame.

"I get to bring my keyboard along and sing some originals," she said.

"I having nothing to lose."

Ms Negline said they were "ecstatic" with the auditions.

"We found some pretty amazing talent," she said.

"We can't wait to see what the judges think."