MELBOURNE songbird Natalie Gauci has the best birthday present of her life today, waking up as this year's Australian Idol and with a lucrative recording deal.



The singer turns 26 today - the morning after being named the first Victorian to take out the TV talent quest.

She beat Sydney teen Matt Corby, who cemented himself as early favourite with bookmakers and teenage girls.

But it was the underdog Gauci, chosen as a wildcard entry by the judges from 35,000 hopefuls, who snatched victory at last night's final at the Sydney Opera House.

Gauci's debut single, Here I Am , hits shelves on Wednesday, with her Winner's Journey album, of songs she has sung through the series, out on December 8.

Her own album will be released through Sony BMG next year.

She will also headline a national tour in January.

"I feel very honoured and I'm going to put on a very good show," Gauci vowed.

Runner-up Corby, a devout Christian, was at the centre of a vote-stacking scandal earlier in the series when it was alleged his Assemblies of God church, with links to Hillsong, was encouraging its congregation to vote for him.

The pin-up is certain to be snapped up by a record label.

Marty ratted out?

IS Marty Simpson the Idol '07 serial love rat?

After being romantically linked to Perth teen contestant Lana Krost, and attracting the ladies with his post-Idol fame, word is the laidback surfer and Melbourne finalist Natalie Gauci were also more than good friends while he was still in the house.

"I don't know why you'd say that," Simpson grinned cheekily as he denied the allegation.

"I'm a gentleman."