AS THE Australian Idol juggernaut warms up for another year - the program is set to air tonight on Channel 10 for the fifth consecutive season - last year's hopefuls have had mixed fortunes in their quest for pop stardom.

The 2006 top 12 encompassed a broad range of musical styles from country, with tearful crooner Klancie Keough, to folk with the dreamy stylings of Bobby Flynn and Lisa Mitchell.

Last year's top 12 have been busy making headlines and getting on with life after their 15 minutes of fame.

Their experiences have been varied - Damien Leith and Jessica Mauboy enjoying chart success for their debut albums, while hopefuls such as Guy "Mutto" Mutton have returned to obscurity.

Lavina Williams, older sister of Idol 2005 runner up Emily, stirred controversy when drug allegations were levelled against her on the Melbourne set of The Lion King. She was accused of lacing muffins she baked for the cast with marijuana. She denied the incident.

Dean Geyer spent his time dating a pop star and working the party circuit.

Young wannabe-singer Lisa Mitchell went back to school in her home town of Albury. Other unsuccessful contestants pursued the dream, but returned to their old jobs and home towns.

In previous years, Idol finalists have had measured success. The first winner, Guy Sebastian, enjoying a solid career and a renewed contract with record label Sony BMG, but 2004's winner Casey Donovan's career quickly nose-dived.

This year's Idol sees the return of nasty judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson and his harsh brand of criticism. Crude shock-jock Kyle Sandilands will also whip the current crop of Idol wannabes into shape.

LISA MITCHELL
Folksy teen favourite Mitchell is set to release her debut independent EP, Said One to the Other. She blames Idol's style for not succeeding on the program. Plans four 30-minute gigs with punk-rocker Sandi Thom via the internet from her backyard.

RICKY MUSCAT
Last year's lovable larrikin, Muscat left his job as a Werribee chemical factory worker to pursue the Idol dream. Despite not being signed to a major label, he's in the recording studio working on his debut single with the Young Divas' producer.

LAVINA WILLIAMS
The Idol behind the hash muffin controversy, Lavina Williams, recently moved overseas after winning the contract to play Shenzi in the German production of The Lion King.

DEAN GEYER
Idol's heart-throb, resident virgin and the first of last year's troupe to release an album. Rush made its debut at No.9 on Aria charts. Set to release the third single off the album and is dating fellow popster Lisa Origliasso from The Veronicas.

JESSICA MAUBOY
Rumours abound that Idol runner-up Mauboy will join the Young Divas on the heels of Ricki-Lee Coulter's departure. Her Idol journey album was certified gold and she's in the studio working on a follow up.

DAMIEN LEITH
Winner of last year's Australian Idol, Leith released the single 22 Steps off his debut album, to be released through Sony BMG. He plans to sing on, despite sluggish sales. Recently welcomed birth of second child Jagger Ramone.

BOBBY FLYNN
Avant-garde folk-rocker Bobby Flynn - touring Australia with The Omega 3's - takes a grass roots approach to fame. Played sold out shows at local rock bastions The Corner Hotel.

CHRIS MURPHY
Rocker Chris Murphy is working on a tour and album with his brother Courtney in their band Murphy's Law.