The fourth season of ''

Australian Idol ''Australian Idol'' is an Australian singing competition, which began its first season in July 2003 and ended its initial run in November 2009. As part of the ''Idol'' franchise, Australian Idol originated from the reality program ''Pop Idol' ...

'' began on 6 August 2006 and concluded on 26 November.

Overview

Format changes

Changes for the fourth season of ''Australian Idol'' included the cancellation of "Inside Idol", "streamlined" semi-finals (replaced with a variant of the 12 females, 12 males format popularised by '' American Idol''), and the contestants were able to bring instruments with them on stage for some of the final shows. The fourth season's television promos promised a change in the viewers' role in the show, which was revealed to be an

SMS Short Message/Messaging Service, commonly abbreviated as SMS, is a text messaging service component of most telephone, Internet and mobile device systems. It uses standardized communication protocols that let mobile devices exchange short text ...

service called 199-JUDGE which allows viewers to SMS their opinions on the judges' reactions.

Ratings

The show opened with average ratings (1.4 million) that were on the whole up from the previous year's ratings. The semi-final shows averaged 1.5 million viewers per night; the ratings remained consistent until the Top 8 show, which averaged 1.89 million viewers, much higher than any of the Top 12 shows the previous year, making it the most watched show on Australian television for that week. The Top 7 Show, which was "acoustic night", was watched by 1.92 million and the final by over 2.1 million people, with the audience peaking at 10.13pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) attracting 2.4 million viewers.

Auditions

The auditions for the fourth season of ''Australian Idol'' started in March 2006 in Mount Isa, Queensland, and concluded on 4 June 2006 in Sydney. Auditions were held in thirteen towns and cities across Australia: Adelaide, Albury-Wodonga,

Alice Springs Alice Springs ( aer, Mparntwe) is the third-largest town in the Northern Territory of Australia. Known as Stuart until 31 August 1933, the name Alice Springs was given by surveyor William Whitfield Mills after Alice, Lady Todd (''née'' Al ...

, Brisbane,

Broken Hill Broken Hill is an inland mining city in the far west of outback New South Wales, Australia. It is near the border with South Australia on the crossing of the Barrier Highway (A32) and the Silver City Highway (B79), in the Barrier Range. It is ...

, Byron Bay,

Hobart Hobart ( ; Nuennonne/Palawa kani: ''nipaluna'') is the capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. Home to almost half of all Tasmanians, it is the least-populated Australian state capital city, and second-small ...

, Melbourne, Mount Isa, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney, and Townsville. Many of the audition sites had a much smaller population than previous seasons' sites, and producers declared that they wanted to "unearth" rural talent in 2006. The auditions identified 124 hopefuls who then participated in a culling process in Sydney. After group performances and a solo performance from each contestant, the judges cut down the number of contestants to 24. For the first time, contestants were told face-to-face and usually by themselves whether they had made it through to the semi-finals (in contrast to previous years when contestants were divided into groups of three, two of whom got through). The fourth season's broadcasts began on Sunday 6 August 2006 with the broadcast of four audition shows and two shows for the Sydney round.

Semi-finals

The semi-final process consisted of two male groups and two female groups of six contestants over four days, who performed in front of a live audience for the first time (this being the first season in which the semi-finals included a live audience). The semi-finals began on Sunday 27 August 2006 and ran daily until the results show on Thursday 31 August 2006. Two contestants were selected by audience vote each show. Eight contestants were then selected by the judges for another semi-finals show the following week D.ring the following results show, each judge selected a favorite wildcard contestant, who joined a single wildcard contestant selected by audience vote and the previously selected eight contestants to make up the Top 12.

Top 24 boys

''GROUP 1 ~ Sunday 27 August 2006'' * '' Chris Murphy'' - " Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen * '' Nathaniel Willemse'' - " Vertigo" by U2 * ''Paul Vercoe'' - " Hanging by a Moment" by Lifehouse * '' Damien Leith'' - " You Are So Beautiful" by

Joe Cocker John Robert "Joe" Cocker (20 May 1944 – 22 December 2014) was an English singer known for his gritty, bluesy voice and dynamic stage performances that featured expressive body movements. Most of his best known singles were recordings of son ...

" * ''Brendan Boney'' - " Higher Ground" by

Stevie Wonder Stevland Hardaway Morris ( Judkins; May 13, 1950), known professionally as Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, who is credited as a pioneer and influence by musicians across a range of genres that include rhythm and blues, Pop musi ...

* '' Dean Geyer'' - " If You Could Only See" by Tonic Advancing to the Top 12: Damien Leith and Dean Geyer Wild Card Contenders: Chris Murphy, Nathaniel Willemse & Brendon Boney ''GROUP 2 ~ Tuesday 29 August 2006'' * ''Mikey O'Neill'' - " I Can Hear Music" by The Beach Boys * ''James Steele'' - " Kryptonite" by 3 Doors Down * ''Chris Graffiti'' - " I Don't Want to Be" by

Gavin DeGraw Gavin Shane DeGraw (born February 4, 1977) is an American singer-songwriter. DeGraw rose to fame with his song "I Don't Want to Be" from his debut album '' Chariot'' (2003); the song became the main theme song for The WB drama series ''One Tree ...

* '' Bobby Flynn'' - " Under the Milky Way" by

The Church Church may refer to: Religion * Church (building), a building for Christian religious activities * Church (congregation), a local congregation of a Christian denomination * Church service, a formalized period of Christian communal worship * Chris ...

* '' Joseph Gatehau'' - " Let Me Love You" by Mario * '' Guy "Mutto" Mutton'' - " Meant to Live" by

Switchfoot Switchfoot is an American rock band from San Diego, California. The band's members are Jon Foreman (lead vocals, guitar), Tim Foreman (bass guitar, backing vocals), Chad Butler (drums, percussion), and Jerome Fontamillas (guitar, keyboards, back ...

Advancing to the top 12: Bobby Flynn and Joseph Gatehau Wild Card Contenders: Ricky Muscat, Chris Graffiti & Guy Mutton

Top 24 girls

''GROUP 1 ~ Monday 28 August 2006'' * ''Lyndelle Palmer-Clarke'' - " Would I Lie to You? by The Eurythmics * '' Klancie Keough'' - "

Not Ready to Make Nice "Not Ready to Make Nice" is a song co-written and performed by American country music trio Dixie Chicks. It was released in March 2006 as the first single from the band's seventh studio album, '' Taking the Long Way''. The Dixie Chicks wrote th ...

" by The Dixie Chicks * '' Jessica Mauboy'' - " I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston * ''Atlanta Coogan'' - " My Immortal" by Evanescence * ''Amanda Streete'' - " Trouble" by Pink * '' Reigan Derry'' - " I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker" by Sandi Thom Advancing to the top 12: Jessica Mauboy and Reigan Derry Wild card contenders: Klancie Keough and Amanda Streete ''GROUP 2 ~ Wednesday 30 August 2006'' * '' Raechel Lee'' - " Dumb Things" by Paul Kelly * '' Lavina Williams'' - "

Natural Woman "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" is a 1967 single released by American soul singer Aretha Franklin on the Atlantic label. The words were written by Gerry Goffin from an idea by Atlantic producer Jerry Wexler, and the music was compo ...

" by

Aretha Franklin Aretha Louise Franklin ( ; March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Referred to as the " Queen of Soul", she has twice been placed ninth in ''Rolling Stone''s "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". With ...

* ''Rebecca Pearce'' - "

Show Me Heaven "Show Me Heaven" is a power ballad written by American singer and songwriter Maria McKee, Eric Rackin and Jay Rifkin, and recorded by McKee for the soundtrack to the Tom Cruise film ''Days of Thunder'', released in June 1990. Produced by P ...

" by Maria McKee * '' Jess Griffin'' - " Fighter" by Christina Aguilera * '' Lisa Mitchell'' - " Diamonds on the Inside" by Ben Harper * '' Lydia Denker'' - " One Moment in Time" by Whitney Houston Advancing to the top 12: Lavina Williams and Lisa Mitchell Wild Card Contenders: ''none''

Wildcards

* ''Brendon Boney'' - "

Lonely No More "Lonely No More" is the first single from Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas' debut studio album, '' ...Something to Be'' (2005). It was released on February 14, 2005, and became his biggest solo hit to date. The song peaked at number one in H ...

" by Rob Thomas / " This Love" by

Maroon 5 Maroon 5 is an American pop rock band from Los Angeles, California. It currently consists of lead vocalist Adam Levine, keyboardist and rhythm guitarist Jesse Carmichael, lead guitarist James Valentine (musician), James Valentine, drummer Matt ...

* ''Nathaniel Willemse'' - " My Girl" by The Temptations * ''Klancie Keough'' - " Redneck Woman by Gretchen Wilson * ''Chris Graffiti'' - " I Wish" by

* ''Guy "Mutto" Mutton'' - " Black Fingernails, Red Wine" by

Eskimo Joe Eskimo Joe are an Australian alternative rock band that was formed in 1997 by Stuart MacLeod, on lead guitar, Joel Quartermain, on drums and guitar, and Kavyen Temperley, on bass guitar and vocals, in East Fremantle, Western Australia, Austral ...

* ''Amanda Streete'' - " On My Mind" by Powderfinger * ''Ricky Muscat'' - "

Caught Up Caught Up may refer to: * ''Caught Up'' (Millie Jackson album), 1974 Millie Jackson album * ''Caught Up'' (film), 1998 Darin Scott film * ''Caught Up'' (soundtrack), the soundtrack to the 1998 crime film * "Caught Up" (Usher song), 2004 Usher song * ...

" by

Usher Usher may refer to: Several jobs which originally involved directing people and ensuring people are in the correct place: * Usher (occupation) ** Church usher ** Wedding usher, one of the male attendants to the groom in a wedding ceremony ** Fiel ...

* ''Chris Murphy'' - " Holy Grail' by

Hunters & Collectors Hunters & Collectors are an Australian rock band formed in 1981. Fronted by founding mainstay, singer-songwriter and guitarist Mark Seymour, they developed a blend of Pub rock (Australia), pub rock and funk, art-funk. Other mainstays are John ...

Advancing to the top 12: Ricky Muscat, Guy Mutton, Klancie Keough and Chris Murphy

Weekly song themes

* Shows in which the contestants brought instruments onto the stage with them.

The Top 12 contestants

Damien Leith

Damien Leith (born 18 January 1976) was the winner for 2006. Originally from

Dublin, Ireland Dublin (; , or ) is the capital and largest city of Ireland. On a bay at the mouth of the River Liffey, it is in the province of Leinster, bordered on the south by the Dublin Mountains, a part of the Wicklow Mountains range. At the 2016 cen ...

and raised in

County Kildare County Kildare ( ga, Contae Chill Dara) is a county in Ireland. It is in the province of Leinster and is part of the Eastern and Midland Region. It is named after the town of Kildare. Kildare County Council is the local authority for the county, ...

, he moved to

Sydney Sydney ( ) is the capital city of the state of New South Wales, and the most populous city in both Australia and Oceania. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Sydney Harbour and extends about towards the Blue Mountain ...

, prior to Idol. He and his Australian born wife, Eileen, have two sons. Leith scored four of Mark Holden's Touchdowns over the course of the series and was the only contestant in the show's history to score two in one night when he scored one for each of his top 4 performances. :''Audition'': "

The Blower's Daughter "The Blower's Daughter" is the debut single by Irish musician Damien Rice, released on 21 September 2001 through 14th Floor Records. It was released as the lead single for Rice's debut studio album '' O''. It was written and produced by Rice and ...

" by Damien Rice :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': "

Hallelujah ''Hallelujah'' ( ; he, ''haləlū-Yāh'', meaning "praise Yah") is an interjection used as an expression of gratitude to God. The term is used 24 times in the Hebrew Bible (in the book of Psalms), twice in deuterocanonical books, and four tim ...

" by Leonard Cohen :''Top 24'': " You Are So Beautiful" by

:''Top 12'': " With or Without You" by U2 :''Top 11'': "

Creep Creep, Creeps or CREEP may refer to: People * Creep, a creepy person Politics * Committee for the Re-Election of the President (CRP), mockingly abbreviated as CREEP, an fundraising organization for Richard Nixon's 1972 re-election campaign Art ...

" by

Radiohead Radiohead are an English rock band formed in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke (vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards); brothers Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboards, other instruments) and Colin Greenwood (bass) ...

:''Top 10'': " If Tomorrow Never Comes" by

Garth Brooks Troyal Garth Brooks (born February 7, 1962) is an American country music singer and songwriter. His integration of pop and rock elements into the country genre has earned him popularity, particularly in the United States with success on the co ...

:''Top 9'': " Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" by

Elton John Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is a British singer, pianist and composer. Commonly nicknamed the "Rocket Man" after his 1972 hit single of the same name, John has led a commercially successful career a ...

:''Top 8'': "

Celebration Celebration or Celebrations may refer to: Film, television and theatre * ''Celebration'' (musical), by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, 1969 * ''Celebration'' (play), by Harold Pinter, 2000 * ''Celebration'' (TV series), a Canadian music TV serie ...

" by Kool & the Gang :''Top 7'': " Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak ''TOUCHDOWN'' :''Up Close & Personal'': "Sky" ''(own composition)'' :''Top 6'': "

High and Dry "High and Dry" and "Planet Telex" are songs by the English rock band Radiohead. They were released as a double-A side single from their second studio album, ''The Bends'' (1995), on 5 March 1995. "High and Dry" was recorded as a demo during ...

" by

and Jamie Cullum :''Top 5'': " Message to My Girl" by Split Enz :''Top 4'': " Crying" by

Roy Orbison Roy Kelton Orbison (April 23, 1936 – December 6, 1988) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his impassioned singing style, complex song structures, and dark, emotional ballads. His music was described by critics as ...

''TOUCHDOWN'', "

" by Leonard Cohen ''TOUCHDOWN'' :''Top 3'': " Nessun Dorma" by Giacomo Puccini, " Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers ''TOUCHDOWN'' :''Top 2'': "Never Meant to Fail" by Alex Lloyd, "Waiting on an Angel" by Ben Harper, " Night of My Life" ''(winner's single)''

Jessica Mauboy

Jessica Mauboy (born 4 August 1989) was the runner-up for 2006. Hailing from

Darwin, Northern Territory Darwin ( ; Larrakia: ) is the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia. With an estimated population of 147,255 as of 2019, the city contains the majority of the residents of the sparsely populated Northern Territory. It is the smalle ...

, a high school student, she auditioned in

. Mauboy received the first Touchdown of the year from Mark Holden for her performance of " Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera during the Top 10-week. She received a second Touchdown during the Top 5-week for her performance of " Words" by The Bee Gees. :''Audition'': " I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': " Impossible" by Christina Aguilera :''Top 24'': " I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston :''Top 12'': "

Stickwitu "Stickwitu" is a song recorded by American girl group the Pussycat Dolls for their debut studio album '' PCD'' (2005). It was written by Franne Golde, Kasia Livingston and Robert Palmer and produced by Ron Fair. A pop ballad with soul influence ...

" by The Pussycat Dolls :''Top 11'': " Walk Away" by Kelly Clarkson :''Top 10'': " Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera ''TOUCHDOWN'' :''Top 9'': " Another Day in Paradise" by

Phil Collins Philip David Charles Collins (born 30 January 1951) is an English singer, musician, songwriter, record producer and actor. He was the drummer and lead singer of the rock band Genesis and also has a career as a solo performer. Between 1982 and ...

Bottom 3 :''Top 8'': "

On the Radio On the Radio may refer to: * "On the Radio" (The Concretes song), 2006 * "On the Radio" (Donna Summer song), 1979 *'' On the Radio: Greatest Hits Volumes I & II'', a 1979 album by Donna Summer * "On the Radio" (Groove Coverage song), 2006 * "On the ...

" by

Donna Summer LaDonna Adrian Gaines (December 31, 1948May 17, 2012), known professionally as Donna Summer, was an American singer and songwriter. She gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s and became known as the " Queen of Disco", while her mus ...

:''Top 7'': " Have You Ever?" by

Brandy Brandy is a liquor produced by distilling wine. Brandy generally contains 35–60% alcohol by volume (70–120 US proof) and is typically consumed as an after-dinner digestif. Some brandies are aged in wooden casks. Others are coloured with ...

:''Up Close & Personal'': " What the World Needs Now" by

Burt Bacharach Burt Freeman Bacharach ( ; born May 12, 1928) is an American composer, songwriter, record producer and pianist who composed hundreds of pop songs from the late 1950s through the 1980s, many in collaboration with lyricist Hal David. A six-time Gra ...

& Hal David :''Top 6'': " Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé Knowles :''Top 5'': " Words" by The Bee Gees ''TOUCHDOWN'' :''Top 4'': " Butterfly" by

Mariah Carey Mariah Carey (; born March 27, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. Referred to as the " Songbird Supreme", she is noted for her five-octave vocal range, melismatic singing style and signature use of the whi ...

, " Karma" by Alicia Keys :''Top 3'': " When You Believe" by

& Whitney Houston, " To Sir, with Love" by Lulu :''Top 2'': " Impossible" by Christina Aguilera, " Together Again" by

Janet Jackson Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreog ...

, " Night of My Life" ''(winner's single)''

Dean Geyer

Dean Geyer (born 20 March 1986) finished in third place. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Geyer auditioned successfully in Melbourne. :''Audition'': " Walking in Memphis" by Marc Cohn :''Top 24'': " If You Could Only See" by Tonic :''Top 12'': " For You I Will" by Teddy Geiger :''Top 11'': "

Shimmer Shimmer may refer to: * ''Shimmer'' (play), a 1988 play by John O'Keefe * Shimmer (comics), a DC Comics super-villain * ''Shimmer'' (novel), by Eric Barnes * '' Shimmer Magazine'', or ''Shimmerzine'', a speculative fiction magazine * "Shimmer" ...

" by

Fuel A fuel is any material that can be made to react with other substances so that it releases energy as thermal energy or to be used for work. The concept was originally applied solely to those materials capable of releasing chemical energy but ...

:''Top 10'': " Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls Bottom 2 :''Top 9'': " You Give Love a Bad Name" by

Bon Jovi Bon Jovi is an American Rock music, rock band formed in 1983 in Sayreville, New Jersey. It consists of singer Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, guitarist Phil X, and bassist Hugh McDonald (American musician), Hugh McD ...

:''Top 8'': " Turn the Beat Around" by Vicki Sue Robinson :''Top 7'': "

On the Way Down "On the Way Down" is the debut single of American musician Ryan Cabrera, released from his 2004 studio album, ''Take It All Away''. Cabrera co-wrote the song with Curtis Frasca and Sabelle Breer and produced it with Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rz ...

" by Ryan Cabrera ''TOUCHDOWN'' :''Up Close & Personal'': "Change" ''(own composition)'' :''Top 6'': " Mustang Sally" by Wilson Pickett Bottom 2 :''Top 5'': " Every Time You Cry" by

John Farnham John Peter Farnham Officer of the Order of Australia, AO (born 1 July 1949) is a British born Australian singer. Farnham was a Teen idol, teen pop idol from 1967 until 1979, billed then as Johnny Farnham, but has since forged a career as an Adu ...

& Human Nature Bottom 2 :''Top 4'': " Dare You to Move" by

, " Saving Me" by Nickelback Bottom 2 :''Top 3'': " Waiting on the World to Change" by

John Mayer John Clayton Mayer ( ; born October 16, 1977) is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Born and raised in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Mayer attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, but left and moved to Atlanta in 1997 with ...

, " I'll Be" by Edwin McCain ''TOUCHDOWN'' Eliminated

Chris Murphy

Chris Murphy (born 25 March 1976) finished in fourth place. Auditioning in his hometown of Perth, Western Australia, Murphy, like his younger brother, Courtney Murphy (from Season 2), was unanimously invited through to the theatre rounds. :''Audition'': "

She Talks to Angels "She Talks to Angels" is a song by American rock band the Black Crowes. It is the eighth track on their first album, '' Shake Your Money Maker'' (1990), and was the fourth single released from the album in 1991. The song reached number 30 on the ...

" by The Black Crowes :''Top 24'': " Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen :''Wildcard'': " Holy Grail' by

:''Top 12'': " Wish You Well" by Bernard Fanning :''Top 11'': "

Is It Just Me? "Is It Just Me?" is a song by British rock the Darkness, taken as the second single Single may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media * Single (music), a song release Songs * "Single" (Natasha Bedingfield song), 2004 * "Single" (New Kid ...

" by

The Darkness Darkness is the absence of light. Darkness or The Darkness may also refer to: Film and television * ''Dark'' (TV series), a 2017 German-language TV series produced by Netflix * Darknss, a character from the film ''Legend'' (1985) * ''Darkne ...

:''Top 10'': " Against All Odds" by

:''Top 9'': " Life in the Fast Lane" by The Eagles :''Top 8'': " Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry Bottom 2 :''Top 7'': " No More Lonely Nights" by Paul McCartney :''Up Close & Personal'': "Diamond Days" ''(own composition)'' :''Top 6'': "

You Shook Me All Night Long "You Shook Me All Night Long" is a song by Australian hard rock band AC/DC, from the album ''Back in Black''. The song also reappeared on their later album ''Who Made Who''. It is AC/DC's first single with Brian Johnson as the lead singer, repl ...

" by

AC/DC AC/DC (stylised as ACϟDC) are an Australian Rock music, rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by Scottish-born brothers Malcolm Young, Malcolm and Angus Young. Their music has been variously described as hard rock, blues rock, and Heavy metal ...

:''Top 5'': " Evie" by Stevie Wright ''TOUCHDOWN'' :''Top 4'': " Something Beautiful" by Robbie Williams, " Mean to Me" by

Crowded House Crowded House are a rock band, formed in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, in 1985. Its founding members were New Zealander Neil Finn (vocalist, guitarist, primary songwriter) and Australians Paul Hester (drums) and Nick Seymour (bass). Later ban ...

Eliminated

Ricky Muscat

Ricky Dean Muscat (born 19 October 1983 in

Darwin Darwin may refer to: Common meanings * Charles Darwin (1809–1882), English naturalist and writer, best known as the originator of the theory of biological evolution by natural selection * Darwin, Northern Territory, a territorial capital city i ...

), from Werribee, Melbourne, Australia, placed fifth. Of

Maltese Maltese may refer to: * Someone or something of, from, or related to Malta * Maltese alphabet * Maltese cuisine * Maltese culture * Maltese language, the Semitic language spoken by Maltese people * Maltese people, people from Malta or of Malte ...

descent, Muscat lives with his mother, and works at a chemical factory. From age 9, he would often accompany his father, a

drummer A drummer is a percussionist who creates music using drum The drum is a member of the percussion group of musical instruments. In the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system, it is a membranophone. Drums consist of at least one mem ...

, to the local pub where he would sing '60s hits for the locals. Muscat sang Shai's " If I Ever Fall in Love" at the Melbourne auditions, winning the judges over to make the Top 124 in Sydney. Following a controversial falling out on day two of the theatre round with trio member Jorge Bec, Muscat gained a place in the Top 24. During the first semi final round, he did not accrue enough votes to advance but was later chosen by the judges as a wildcard. :''Audition'': " If I Ever Fall in Love" by Shai :''Top 24'': " So Sick" by Ne-Yo :''Wildcard'': "

" by

:''Top 12'': " Walking Away" by Craig David :''Top 11'': "

Take Me Out A take is a single continuous recorded performance. The term is used in film and music to denote and track the stages of production. Film In cinematography, a take refers to each filmed "version" of a particular shot or "setup". Takes of each s ...

" by Franz Ferdinand Bottom 2 :''Top 10'': " Hard to Say I'm Sorry" by Chicago :''Top 9'': " Down Under" by Men at Work :''Top 8'': " Get Down on It" by Kool & the Gang Bottom 3 :''Top 7'': " Feel" by Robbie Williams Bottom 3 :''Up Close & Personal'': "

Off the Wall ''Off the Wall'' is the fifth studio album by American singer Michael Jackson, released on August 10, 1979, by Epic Records. It was Jackson's first album released through Epic Records, the label he recorded under until his death in 2009, and t ...

" by Michael Jackson :''Top 6'': " I Saw Her Standing There" by The Beatles Bottom 3 :''Top 5'': " To Love Somebody" by The Bee Gees

Lisa Mitchell

Lisa Mitchell (born 22 March 1990 in Canterbury, England), came in sixth place. Originating from Albury, New South Wales, Miller immediately wowed the judges with her unique voice and talent. :''Audition'': " Collide" by Howie Day, "See it in Your Eyes" ''(own composition)'' :''Top 24'': " Diamonds On the Inside" by Ben Harper :''Top 12'': " Fall at Your Feet" by

:''Top 11'': " Dancing with Myself" by Billy Idol :''Top 10'': "

A Thousand Miles "A Thousand Miles" (originally titled "Interlude") is the debut single by American pop singer Vanessa Carlton. Produced by Curtis Schweitzer and Ron Fair, the song was released as the lead single for Carlton's album ''Be Not Nobody'' (2002). F ...

" by Vanessa Carlton :''Top 9'': " The Joker" by Steve Miller Band Bottom 2 :''Top 8'': " Heart of Glass" by Blondie :''Top 7'': "See You Soon" by Coldplay Bottom 2 :''Up Close & Personal'': "Too Far Gone" ''(own composition)'' :''Top 6'': " Revolution" by The Veronicas Eliminated

Bobby Flynn

Bobby Flynn (born 22 January 1981 in Brisbane, Queensland), finished seventh. :''Audition'': "The Boy Had Trouble" ''(own composition)'' :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': " Beautiful Day" by U2 :''Top 24'': " Under the Milky Way" by

:''Top 12'': "When the War Is Over" by Cold Chisel :''Top 11'': " Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon :''Top 10'': "

Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" is a song performed and co-written by American singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, which was the main theme for the 1981 film ''Arthur'' starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli. The song won the Oscar fo ...

" by

Christopher Cross Christopher Cross (born Christopher Charles Geppert; May 3, 1951) is an American singer-songwriter from San Antonio, Texas. He won five Grammy Awards for his eponymous debut album released in 1979. The singles "Sailing" (1980), and "Arthur's T ...

:''Top 9'': " Under Pressure" by Queen & David Bowie :''Top 8'': " Super Freak" by Rick James ''TOUCHDOWN'' :''Top 7'': " Rhiannon" by

Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Mac are a British-American rock band, formed in London in 1967. Fleetwood Mac were founded by guitarist Peter Green, drummer Mick Fleetwood and guitarist Jeremy Spencer, before bassist John McVie joined the line-up for their epony ...

Eliminated :''Up Close & Personal'': "The Boy Had Trouble" ''(own composition)''

Lavina Williams

Lavina Rose Williams (born 13 June 1978) finished eighth in the contest. She is of Samoan descent and the older sister to Season 3 runner-up Emily Williams. In high school, she became a member of the New Zealand R&B girl group, Ma-V-Elle with hits that charted successfully in New Zealand. As a professional stage performer, Williams played the role of Shenzi in '' The Lion King'' from 2004 to 2006. In February 2007, Williams took over

Ricki-Lee Ricki-Lee Dawn Coulter (born 10 November 1985), also known mononymously as Ricki-Lee, is a New Zealand-born Australian singer, songwriter, television, and radio presenter. She was born in Auckland, New Zealand, grew up on the Gold Coast, Qu ...

's spot in Young Divas temporarily while Coulter went overseas to record her second studio album. In 2009, Williams featured on her brother, J.Williams single, "

Stand With You "Stand with You" is the fourth single from J. Williams' first studio album, '' Young Love''. The song features Williams' sister, Lavina Williams. Music video The music video was financially supported by New Zealand On Air. The music video sta ...

" charting successfully well in New Zealand. :''Top 24'': "

(You Make Me Feel like) A Natural Woman "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" is a 1967 single released by American soul singer Aretha Franklin on the Atlantic label. The words were written by Gerry Goffin from an idea by Atlantic producer Jerry Wexler, and the music was compo ...

" by

:''Top 12'': " If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys Bottom 2 :''Top 11'': " Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence :''Top 10'': " Don't Leave Me This Way" by Thelma Houston Bottom 3 :''Top 9'': " Too Much Heaven" by The Bee Gees :''Top 8'': "Best of My Love" by The Emotions Eliminated

Guy "Mutto" Mutton

Guy Mutton (born 17 October 1976) nicknamed "Mutto", finished in ninth place. A rock enthusiast, Mutton was teaching but with his bandSoulframe rising in popularity and gaining national recognition, he was encouraged to focus on music. :''Audition'': " All I Want Is You" by U2 :''Top 24'': " Meant to Live" by

:''Wildcard'': " Black Fingernails, Red Wine" by

:''Top 12'': " Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2 :''Top 11'': " Clocks" by Coldplay Bottom 3 :''Top 10'': " The Reason" by Hoobastank :''Top 9'': " Dream On" by

Aerosmith Aerosmith is an American Rock music, rock band formed in Boston in 1970. The group consists of Steven Tyler (lead vocals), Joe Perry (musician), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (musician), Tom Hamilton (bass), Joey Kramer (drums) and Brad Whi ...

Eliminated

Klancie Keough

Klancie Keough (born in 1982 in Mount Isa, Queensland,), placed tenth. At the Mount Isa auditions, Keough was the first successful contestant into the Top 124 in

, and later the top 24. She did not initially make the top twelve, but returned for the wildcard show and was chosen by the public vote. Keough is a farm hand and jillaroo on her sister's farm. Before auditioning for Idol, she completed senior studies at The Cathedral School in Townsville and studied Commerce at The University of Queensland in Brisbane. After working in

finance Finance is the study and discipline of money, currency and capital assets. It is related to, but not synonymous with economics, the study of production, distribution, and consumption of money, assets, goods and services (the discipline of fina ...

, she returned to work as a governess on her sister's property. In December 2006, Keough was signed by the man behind Keith Urban's success, Greg Shaw, to a management deal. :''Audition'': " Always on My Mind" by Elvis Presley / Willie Nelson :''Top 24'': "

" by the Dixie Chicks :''Wildcard'': " Redneck Woman" by Gretchen Wilson :''Top 12'': " Jolene" by Dolly Parton :''Top 11'': "

Keep Your Hands to Yourself "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" is the debut single by American Southern rock group the Georgia Satellites. The song was written by the band's lead singer, Dan Baird, and was released in November 1986. The single reached number 2 on the ''Billboard' ...

" by The Georgia Satellites :''Top 10'': "

(If You're Not in It for Love) I'm Outta Here! "(If You're Not in It for Love) I'm Outta Here!" is a song co-written and recorded by Canadian country music singer Shania Twain. It was released in November 1995 as the fourth single from her second studio album, '' The Woman in Me'' (1995). Wri ...

" by Shania Twain Eliminated

Reigan Derry

Reigan Elisse Derry (born 19 September 1988) finished in eleventh place. Born in

Maida Vale, Western Australia Maida Vale is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, located within the City of Kalamunda. Kalamunda Road runs through the suburb. Its first European settler was William Henry Mead, who arrived in 1873, buildt a home in the Ridge Hill area and es ...

, Derry attended Perth Modern School on a vocal scholarship. Prior to Idol, she was a member of a duo called ''Djreamz'' with Justin Low. Her eclectic musical tastes include jazz and drum and bass, and she is an enthusiast of music from the 1960s. It has been perceived that her elimination on 18 September was the result of a too obscure song choice. :''Audition'': "I Know You by Heart" by Eva Cassidy, " Life Ain't Easy" by

Cleopatra Cleopatra VII Philopator ( grc-gre, Κλεοπάτρα Φιλοπάτωρ}, "Cleopatra the father-beloved"; 69 BC10 August 30 BC) was Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC, and its last active ruler.She was also a ...

:''Top 24'': " I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair)" by Sandi Thom :''Top 12'': " Breathe in Now" by George Bottom 3 :''Top 11'': " Themata" by Karnivool Eliminated

Joseph Gatehau

Joseph Gatehau (born 30 March 1988 in New South Wales), finished in twelfth place. Of Tongan and

New Caledonia ) , anthem = "" , image_map = New Caledonia on the globe (small islands magnified) (Polynesia centered).svg , map_alt = Location of New Caledonia , map_caption = Location of New Caledonia , mapsize = 290px , subdivision_type = Sovereign st ...

n descent, he is the oldest of seven children. From the age of 8, Gatehau has played acoustic guitar and sung, but as the family was not able to afford formal music lessons until he was 14, he is essentially self-taught. Gatehau later released an album called "Move On" made with Donald Tauvao aka Boy Shy from The X Factor winning band Random" in 2005. He was also a contestant on The X Factor in a group called Three Wishez. :''Audition'': "Pretty Girl" ''(own composition)'' :''Top 24'': " Let Me Love You" by Mario :''Top 12'': " Right Here Waiting" by

Richard Marx Richard Noel Marx (born September 16, 1963) is an American adult contemporary music, adult contemporary and pop rock singer-songwriter. He has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Marx's Richard Marx (album), self-titled debut album went tri ...

Eliminated

Grand final

The ''Australian Idol'' Grand Final was held on 26 November at the

Sydney Opera House The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney. Located on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, it is widely regarded as one of the world's most famous and distinctive buildings and a masterpiece of 20th-century architec ...

. The show included performances by Shannon Noll,

Anthony Callea Anthony Cosmo Callea (born 13 December 1982) is an Australian singer-songwriter and stage actor who rose to prominence as the runner-up in the 2004 season of '' Australian Idol''. Callea's debut single, a cover of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocel ...

, Marcia Hines, Deni Hines, Guy Sebastian, Young Divas and ''Australian Idol'' 2006 finalists. Damien Leith was voted the winner, with Jessica Mauboy the runner-up. Leith's first single " Night of My Life" was released soon thereafter.

Elimination chart

Idol Backstage

Origin and production

In 2006, Fremantle Australia's digital media division launched ''

Idol Backstage The fourth season of ''Australian Idol'' began on 6 August 2006 and concluded on 26 November. Overview Format changes Changes for the fourth season of ''Australian Idol'' included the cancellation of "Inside Idol", "streamlined" semi-finals ( ...

'', a companion show to ''Australian Idol'' distributed by Telstra and promoted in clips on the main show. It followed the pranks, gags and interviews of host Josh Zepps as he roamed behind the scenes of the Australian Idol set while the show went to air. ''Idol Backstage'' marked a clear break in style from the rest of the Idol franchise, appealing to a young, tech-savvy audience. The clips were edited overnight each Sunday and Monday into roughly one commercial half-hour per week (22–24 minutes) over four episodes. There were 54 episodes in total, with additional content available on mobile phones and on BigPond's Idol Backstage Online website.

Reaction

''Idol Backstage'' was a popular success, with viewer numbers climbing strongly week-on-week and total Idol web video downloads reaching a record 2.5 million throughout the season. Traffic to the Idol website was up 40% on the previous year with more than 26 million page impressions, and ''Australian Idol'' became the most popular television program website in the country.eNews article: Idol ratings

References

External links

Official Australian Idol website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Australian Idol (Season 4) Australian Idol 2006 Australian television seasons