“I was a very independent kid,” recalls Ashleigh Toole. “I played by myself and never really had many friends – I always saw the world differently. Looking back, Mum sees that determination from a very young age and it hasn’t changed.”

Growing up in a musical family, Ashleigh performed with them on the streets of Tamworth during its yearly country music festival and her family has recorded two family albums. Her brother is also following his own musical dream with his band and Ashleigh says, “I’ve got a really supportive family, I’m very lucky.”

Ashleigh’s focus on music has meant she has worked hard on developing on her vocal talent and although this 18-year-old liked school – “you need that time to grow up” – she’s happy to now fully concentrate on music.

Some of Ashleigh’s favourite artists are Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey. Ashleigh admires both their amazing talent and the fact they’re “independent women that aren’t afraid to get out there and give it a go and do their best.”

“I’m not that confident, I’m really not,” admits Ashleigh, who lives in NSW. “I get so terrified performing before I go on stage, but singing’s something that when I’m in it, I’m in it – I can sort of let go a little bit.”

Ashleigh’s dream is to be an “international superstar” like the women she admires and make music which people connect to. “There’s always times when you have great times and sad times. When people listen to music, it’s a peaceful sort of way of feeling better,” muses Asheligh. “I think that’s something great I can give.”

As for being part of Australian Idol’s Final 12 in 2009, Ashleigh hopes “to be able to build my confidence up, definitely, and really grow and learn. All I can do is try!”