The seventh 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 Ido ...

'' began on 9 August 2009, to determine who would succeed

season 6 A season is a division of the year based on changes in weather, ecology, and the number of daylight hours in a given region. On Earth, seasons are the result of the axial parallelism of Earth's tilted orbit around the Sun. In temperate and ...

winner,

Wes Carr Wesley Dean "Wes" Carr (born 14 September 1982), also recording as Buffalo Tales, is an Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, best known for winning the sixth season of ''Australian Idol'' in 2008. He released his first studi ...

. Beginning amid controversy, judge

Kyle Sandilands Kyle Dalton Sandilands (born 10 June 1971) is an Australian radio host and television personality. He is currently the co-host, with Jackie O, of the weekday morning radio program '' The Kyle and Jackie O Show'' on Sydney's radio station KIIS ...

was replaced by

Sony Music Sony Music Entertainment (SME), also known as simply Sony Music, is an American multinational music company. Being owned by the parent conglomerate Sony Group Corporation, it is part of the Sony Music Group, which is owned by Sony Entertainmen ...

record executive,

Jay Dee Springbett Jay Dee Springbett (1975 – 30 June 2011), was a British Australian record executive who appeared as a judge on the singing competition ''Australian Idol'' during the show's seventh season in 2009. Springbett was one of three judges, along wi ...

. It was the only season where all four final contestants were eighteen years old or younger. Stan Walker was declared the winner on 22 November 2009.

Overview

Format changes

Ian Dickson, and

Marcia Hines Marcia Elaine Hines, AM (born July 20, 1953), is an American-Australian vocalist and TV personality. Hines made her debut, at the age of 16, in the Australian production of the stage musical '' Hair'' and followed with the role of Mary Magdale ...

returned as judges; however, long-term judge

was sacked after causing controversy on his radio show prior to the premiere, although he was still present for the auditions as they had been pre-recorded some weeks earlier. On 23 August 2009, it was announced on the ''Idol'' show that the new judge taking over Kyle Sandilands' spot would be Jay Dee Springbett.

Andrew G Andrew is the English form of a given name common in many countries. In the 1990s, it was among the top ten most popular names given to boys in English-speaking countries. "Andrew" is frequently shortened to "Andy" or "Drew". The word is derive ...

returned as host, with assistance from

Ricki-Lee Coulter 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 ...

due to the departure of

James Mathison James Mathison (born 14 January 1978) is an Australian television presenter and former independent political candidate. Early life Mathison was born in Sydney, New South Wales and grew up in Northern Beaches suburb of Frenchs Forest. He att ...

. The first auditions saw guest judge

Brian McFadden Brian Nicholas McFadden (born 12 April 1980) is an Irish pop singer and television presenter who rose to fame in 1998 as a member of the Irish boy band Westlife. Following his departure from the group in 2004, McFadden released his debut solo ...

join the panel, and his fiancée

Delta Goodrem Delta Lea Goodrem AM (born November 9, 1984) is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actress. Goodrem signed to Sony Music at the age of 15. Her debut album, '' Innocent Eyes'' (2003), topped the ARIA Albums Chart for 29 non-consecutive wee ...

acted as a guest judge for the Sydney auditions. A further change was also decided for the Top 12 round eliminations. The Monday-night elimination show was axed in favour of a two-hour 'super Sunday' elimination/ performance show, in which a contestant was eliminated according to votes tallied the previous week, followed by performances.

Ratings

The first episode, which featured auditions in both Melbourne and Brisbane, achieved an audience of 1.3m. This was considerably lower than previous first episodes. In 2006, the premiere garnered 1.4m, the 2007 reached 1.65m and 2008 achieved 1.4m. The peak audience, however, of 1.77m was the biggest-seen in years. The show won the night in the 18–49 demographic.

Auditions

The auditions were held at the following locations: ^ ''Auditioning contestants were required to be between the ages 16 and 30 on 30 June 2009 (born between 1 July 1979 and 1 July 1993).''

Semi-finals

These aired on the week of 24 to 27 August, allowing viewers to vote. The "Wildcard" Performance Show followed on Sunday, 30 August, with live results revealed the following week, on 6 September.

Group 1

* ''

Hayley Warner Hayley Warner (born 23 January 1992) is an Australian singer-songwriter. In 2009, she finished as runner-up in the seventh and final ''Australian Idol'', and was noted for her high-energy performances and vast vocal range. In 2013, ''The Dail ...

'' – " Cryin' Shame" ''(

Diesel Diesel may refer to: * Diesel engine, an internal combustion engine where ignition is caused by compression * Diesel fuel, a liquid fuel used in diesel engines * Diesel locomotive, a railway locomotive in which the prime mover is a diesel engine ...

)'' * ''Seth Drury'' – "

You Found Me "You Found Me" is a song by American rock band the Fray. It was released in November 2008 as the lead single from their eponymous second studio album. Live performances of the song from concerts in Europe surfaced on YouTube in late 2007, whe ...

" ''(

The Fray The Fray is an American rock band from Denver, Colorado, formed in 2002 by schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King. Their debut album, '' How to Save a Life'' released in 2005, was certified double platinum by the RIAA and platinum in Australi ...

)'' * ''Jamila Ioane'' – "

For Once in My Life "For Once in My Life" is a song written by Ron Miller and Orlando Murden for Motown Records' Stein & Van Stock publishing company, and first recorded in 1965. It was written and first recorded as a slow ballad. There are differing accounts o ...

" ''(

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, sou ...

)'' * '' Toby Moulton'' – "

Yellow Yellow is the color between green and orange on the spectrum of light. It is evoked by light with a dominant wavelength of roughly 575585 nm. It is a primary color in subtractive color systems, used in painting or color printing. In ...

" ''(

Coldplay Coldplay are a British Rock music, rock band formed in London in 1997. They consist of vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer Will Champion and creative director Phil Harvey (manager), Phil H ...

)'' * '' Kate Cook'' – "

Your Mama Don't Dance "Your Mama Don't Dance" is a hit 1972 song by the rock duo Loggins and Messina. Released on their self-titled album '' Loggins and Messina'', it reached number four on the ''Billboard'' pop chart and number 19 on the ''Billboard'' Easy Listeni ...

" ''(

Loggins and Messina Loggins and Messina was an American rock-pop duo consisting of Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina, who achieved their success in the early to mid-1970s. Among their well-known songs are " Danny's Song", " House at Pooh Corner", and "Your Mama Don' ...

)'' * ''

Stan Walker Stan Walker (born 23 October 1990) is an Australian-born New Zealand singer, actor, and television personality. In 2009, Walker was the winner of the seventh and last season of ''Australian Idol''. He subsequently signed a recording contract ...

'' – "

If I Ain't Got You "If I Ain't Got You" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys for her second studio album '' The Diary of Alicia Keys'' (2003). Inspired by the 2001 death of singer Aaliyah, the September 11 attacks, and other events in th ...

" ''(

Alicia Keys Alicia Augello Cook (born January 25, 1981), known professionally as Alicia Keys, is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. A classically trained pianist, Keys started composing songs when she was 12 and was signed at 15 years old by Colu ...

)'' Advancing to the Top 12: Stan Walker & Kate Cook
Wild Card Contenders: Hayley Warner & Toby Moulton

Group 2

* '' Ashleigh Toole'' – "

Hurt Hurt may refer to: * Suffering, pain or injury Arts, entertainment, and media Films and television * ''Hurt'' (2003 film), a Canadian drama film * ''Hurt'' (2009 film), an American horror film * ''Hurt'' (2015 film), a Canadian documentary fi ...

" ''(

Christina Aguilera Christina María Aguilera (; ; born December 18, 1980) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. Known for her four-octave vocal range and ability to sustain high notes, she has been referred to as the " Voice o ...

)'' * ''

Adam Eckersley Adam James Eckersley (born 7 September 1985) is an English former footballer who played primarily as a full-back. He is the older brother of fellow professional footballer Richard Eckersley. He started his career with Manchester United in 20 ...

'' – " All Fired Up" ''(

Pat Benatar Patricia Mae Giraldo (''née'' Andrzejewski, formerly Benatar; born January 10, 1953), known professionally as Pat Benatar, is an American rock singer and songwriter. In the United States, she has had two multi-platinum albums, five platinum alb ...

)'' * ''Marijana Topalovic'' – "

It Must Have Been Love "It Must Have Been Love", originally "It Must Have Been Love (Christmas for the Broken Hearted)", is a song written by Per Gessle and performed by the Swedish pop duo Roxette. The power ballad became the duo's third number one hit in the United ...

" ''(

Roxette Roxette was a Swedish pop rock duo, consisting of Marie Fredriksson (vocals and keyboards) and Per Gessle (vocals and guitar). Formed in 1986, the duo became an international act in the late 1980s, when they released their breakthrough second ...

)'' * ''Lauren Street'' – "

You Oughta Know "You Oughta Know" is a song by Canadian singer Alanis Morissette, released as the lead single from her third studio album, '' Jagged Little Pill'' (1995) on July 6, 1995. After releasing two studio albums, Morissette left MCA Records Canada and ...

" ''(

Alanis Morissette Alanis Nadine Morissette ( ; born June 1, 1974) is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter, and actress. Known for her emotive mezzo-soprano voice and confessional songwriting, Morissette began her career in Canada in the early 1990s with two ...

)'' * ''

Casey Barnes Casey Barnes is an Australian country rock singer-songwriter from Tasmania, Australia who is best known as a contestant on the seventh season of ''Australian Idol'' in 2009. Barnes won the ARIA Award for Best Country Album in 2022. Barnes has ...

'' – "

Her Diamonds "Her Diamonds" is the lead single from Rob Thomas's second studio album, '' Cradlesong'' (2009). Thomas confirmed the single's release via a Twitter account he had created on March 11, 2009. The single premiered on April 22, preceding the relea ...

" ''( Rob Thomas)'' * '' Nathan Brake'' – "

Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" is a song written by English musician Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin. It was originally recorded by John for his eighth studio album, '' Caribou'' (1974), and was released as a single that peaked at ...

" ''(

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 ...

)'' Advancing to the Top 12: Ashleigh Toole & Nathan Brake
Wild Card Contenders: Lauren Street & Casey Barnes

Group 3

* ''Daniel Raso'' – "

You to Me Are Everything In Modern English, ''you'' is the second-person pronoun. It is grammatically plural, and was historically used only for the dative case, but in most modern dialects is used for all cases and numbers. History ''You'' comes from the Proto- ...

" ''( The Real Thing)'' * ''Aliqua Mao'' – "

I Will Always Love You "I Will Always Love You" is a song written and originally recorded in 1973 by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. Written as a farewell to her business partner and mentor Porter Wagoner, expressing Parton's decision to pursue a solo caree ...

" ''(

Whitney Houston Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer and actress. Nicknamed "Honorific nicknames in popular music, The Voice", she is Whitney Houston albums discography, one of the bestselling music artists ...

)'' * ''Nicole Banks'' – "

Viva la Vida "Viva la Vida" (, ; ) is a song by British rock band Coldplay. It was written by all members of the band for their fourth album, '' Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends'' (2008). The lyrics to the song contain historical and Christian re ...

" ''(

)'' * ''Jason Bartlett'' – "

Tears in Heaven "Tears in Heaven" is a song by English guitarist, singer, and songwriter Eric Clapton and Will Jennings, written about the death of Clapton's four-year-old son, Conor. It appeared on the 1991 ''Rush'' film soundtrack. In January 1992, Clapto ...

" ''( Eric Clapton)'' * '' Scott Newnham'' – "

Run It! "Run It!" is the debut single by American recording artist Chris Brown. It was produced by Scott Storch and written by Sean Garrett alongside guest artist Juelz Santana. The song appeared on his debut studio album, ''Chris Brown'', and was rel ...

" ''(

Chris Brown Christopher Maurice Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. According to ''Billboard'', Brown is one of the most successful R&B singers of his generation, having often been referred to by many contempor ...

)'' * '' Sabrina Batshon'' – " Hush Hush" ''(

Pussycat Dolls Pussycat or Pussy Cat may refer to: * Cat, a domestic feline Music Bands * Pussycat (band), a Dutch country and pop group * The Pussycats, a 1960s Norwegian rock band * The Pussycats, a group signed to Kama Sutra Records Albums * '' Pussy Cats' ...

)'' Advancing to the Top 12: Sabrina Batshon & Scott Newnham
Wild Card Contender: Aliqua Mao

Group 4

* '' Kim Cooper'' – "

Waking Up in Vegas "Waking Up in Vegas" is a song by American singer Katy Perry, released as the fourth and final single from her second studio album, ''One of the Boys'' (2008). Perry wrote the song with Desmond Child and Andreas Carlsson, and Greg Wells produced ...

" ''(

Katy Perry Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson (born October 25, 1984), known professionally as Katy Perry, is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. Known for her influence on modern pop music and her campy style, she has been referred to ...

)'' * ''Ed Zaidan'' – " Foreign Land" ''(

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, Austr ...

)'' * ''Lucie Johnson'' – "

Sweet Dreams Sweet Dreams or Sweet Dream may refer to: Music Albums * ''Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)'' (album), by Eurythmics, or the title song (see below) * ''Sweet Dreams'' (Sword album) * ''Sweet Dreams'' (soundtrack), from the 1985 film (see below) ...

" ''(

Beyoncé Knowles Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter ( ; born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Beyoncé's boundary-pushing artistry and vocals have made her the most influential female musician of the 21st century, according to ...

)'' * '' Tim Johnston'' – " Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" ''(

)'' * ''Tenielle Muslin'' – "

Love Story Love Story or A Love Story may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Genres * Romance (love) ** Romance film ** Romance novel Films * ''Love Story'' (1925 film), German silent film * ''Love Story'' (1942 film), Italian drama film * ''Love ...

" ''(

Taylor Swift Taylor Alison Swift (born December 13, 1989) is an American singer-songwriter. Her discography spans multiple genres, and her vivid songwriting—often inspired by her personal life—has received critical praise and wide media coverage. Bo ...

)'' * '' James Johnston'' – "

Crazy Insanity, madness, lunacy, and craziness are behaviors performed by certain abnormal mental or behavioral patterns. Insanity can be manifest as violations of societal norms, including a person or persons becoming a danger to themselves or to ...

" ''(

Gnarls Barkley Gnarls Barkley are an American soul duo, composed of singer-songwriter CeeLo Green and producer Danger Mouse. They released their debut studio album, ''St. Elsewhere'', in 2006. It contained their hit single "Crazy", which peaked at number two on ...

)'' Advancing to the Top 12: James Johnston & Kim Cooper
Wild Card Contenders: Ed Zaidan, Lucie Johnson, Tim Johnston & Tenielle Muslin

Wildcard

* ''Lucie Johnson'' – "

Boogie Wonderland "Boogie Wonderland" is a song by American band Earth, Wind & Fire with The Emotions, released in April 1979 on Columbia Records as the first single from their ninth album, ''I Am'' (1979). The song peaked at number 14 on the US ''Billboard'' danc ...

" ''(

Earth, Wind and Fire Earth, Wind & Fire (EW&F or EWF) is an American band whose music spans the genres of jazz, R&B, soul, funk, disco, pop, big band, Latin, and Afro pop. They are among the best-selling bands of all time, with sales of over 90 million r ...

)'' * ''Casey Barnes'' – " Never Say Never (Don't Let Me Go)" ''(

)'' * ''Aliqua Mao'' – " The Power of Love" ''(

Celine Dion Céline Marie Claudette Dion ( ; born 30 March 1968) is a Canadian singer. Noted for her powerful and technically skilled vocals, Dion is the best-selling Canadian recording artist, and the best-selling French-language artist of all time. Her ...

)'' * ''Lauren Street'' – " Low" ''(

Kelly Clarkson Kelly Brianne Clarkson (born April 24, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter, author, and television personality. She rose to fame after winning the first season of '' American Idol'' in 2002, which earned her a record deal with RCA. Her de ...

)'' * ''Tim Johnston'' – " Yesterday" ''(

The Beatles The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the most influential band of all time and were integral to the developm ...

)'' * ''Ed Zaidan'' – "

White Noise In signal processing, white noise is a random signal having equal intensity at different frequencies, giving it a constant power spectral density. The term is used, with this or similar meanings, in many scientific and technical disciplines, ...

" ''(

The Living End The Living End are an Australian punk rockabilly band from Melbourne, formed in 1994. Since 2002, the line-up consists of Chris Cheney (vocals, guitar), Scott Owen (double bass, vocals), and Andy Strachan (drums). The band rose to fame in 199 ...

)'' * ''Tenielle Muslin'' – " Kiss Me" ''(

Sixpence None the Richer Sixpence None the Richer (also known as Sixpence) is an American Christian alternative rock band that formed in New Braunfels, Texas, and eventually settled in Nashville, Tennessee. They are best known for their songs " Kiss Me" and " Breathe Y ...

)'' * ''Toby Moulton'' – "

With or Without You "With or Without You" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the third track on their fifth studio album, ''The Joshua Tree'' (1987), and was released as the album's lead single on 16 March 1987. The song was the group's most successful singl ...

" ''( U2)'' * ''Hayley Warner'' – " I Do Not Hook Up" ''(

)'' Advancing to the Top 12 through the Public vote: Toby Moulton and Hayley Warner
Advancing to the Top 12 through the Judges picks: Casey Barnes and Tim Johnston

Weekly Song Themes

Group/Guest Performances

The Top 12 Finalists

Stan Walker

Stan Walker was born in October 1990. Although residing in Australia for the past three and a half years, Stan grew up in Hamilton and

Tauranga Tauranga () is a coastal city in the Bay of Plenty region and the fifth most populous city of New Zealand, with an urban population of , or roughly 3% of the national population. It was settled by Māori late in the 13th century, colonised by ...

New Zealand New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 List of islands of New Zealand, smaller islands. It is the ...

. He works in retail. He has the

Māori Māori or Maori can refer to: Relating to the Māori people * Māori people of New Zealand, or members of that group * Māori language, the language of the Māori people of New Zealand * Māori culture * Cook Islanders, the Māori people of the Co ...

word ''ataahua'' (meaning "beautiful") tattooed on his neck. :''Audition'': "

Ordinary People ''Ordinary People'' is a 1980 American drama film directed by Robert Redford in his directorial debut. The screenplay by Alvin Sargent is based on the 1976 novel of the same name by Judith Guest. The film follows the disintegration of an upper- ...

" (''

John Legend John Roger Stephens (born December 28, 1978), known professionally as John Legend, is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and record producer. He began his musical career by working behind the scenes, playing piano on Lauryn Hill's " Eve ...

'') :''Theatre Week (Round 1)'': "

Jesus Loves Me "Jesus Loves Me" is a Christian hymn written by Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915). The lyrics first appeared as a poem in the context of an 1860 novel called ''Say and Seal'', written by her older sister Susan Warner (1819–1885), in which t ...

" :''Theatre Week (Round 2)'': "

Use Somebody "Use Somebody" is a song recorded by the American rock group Kings of Leon. It was the second single from the band's fourth studio album '' Only by the Night'' (2008), released on December 8, 2008. The single received heavy airplay in Scandinavi ...

" (''

Kings of Leon Kings of Leon is an American rock band formed in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1999. The band is composed of brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill, and their cousin Matthew Followill. The band's early music was a blend of Southern rock and ...

'') :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': " Let's Stay Together" (''

Al Green Albert Leornes Greene (born April 13, 1946), better known as Al Green, is an American singer, songwriter, pastor and record producer best known for recording a series of soul hit singles in the early 1970s, including " Take Me to the River", ...

'') :''Top 24'': "

" (''

'') :''Top 12'': "

Umbrella An umbrella or parasol is a folding canopy supported by wooden or metal ribs that is usually mounted on a wooden, metal, or plastic pole. It is designed to protect a person against rain or sunlight. The term ''umbrella'' is traditionally u ...

" (''

Rihanna Robyn Rihanna Fenty ( ; born February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman. Born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, Barbados, Rihanna auditioned for American record producer Evan Rogers who invited her to t ...

'') :''Top 11'': "

Nothing Else Matters "Nothing Else Matters" is a song by American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released in 1992 as the third single from their self-titled fifth studio album, ''Metallica''. The song peaked at number 11 on the ''Billboard'' Mainstream Rock Tra ...

" (''Metallica'') :''Top 10'': "Straight Lines (song), Straight Lines" (''Silverchair'') :''Top 9'': "Purple Rain (song), Purple Rain" (''Prince (musician), Prince and The Revolution (band), The Revolution'') :''Top 8'': "Dear Mr. President (Pink song), Dear Mr. President" (''Pink (singer), P!nk'') :''Top 7'': "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (''Beyoncé Knowles, Beyoncé'') :''Top 6'': "Circle of Life" (''

'') :''Top 6'': "We Will Rock You" (''Queen (band), Queen'') :''Top 5'': "Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen song), Hallelujah" (''Leonard Cohen'') :''Top 5'': "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (''Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell'') :''Top 4'': "The Climb (Miley Cyrus song), The Climb" (''Miley Cyrus'') :''Top 4'': "Let Me Love You (Mario song), Let Me Love You" (''Mario (entertainer), Mario'') :''Top 3'': "Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" (''Chris Tomlin'') :''Top 3'': "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" (''James Brown'') :''Top 3'': "Eye of the Tiger" (''Survivor (band), Survivor'') :''Top 2'': "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" (''Bee Gees'') :''Top 2'': "Superstar (Delaney and Bonnie song)#Luther Vandross version, Superstar" (''Luther Vandross'') :''Top 2'': "

" (''Beyoncé Knowles, Beyoncé'') :''Top 2'': ''"Black Box (song), Black Box"'' (Winner's Single) – ''Winner''

Hayley Warner

Hayley Warner was born on 23 January 1992 in Sydney. She was the lead singer of her band, Bleached Academy and worked in retail at a surf shop. She was also related to a young and upcoming New South Wales cricket player David Warner. :''Audition'': "Daughters (John Mayer song), Daughters" (''John Mayer'') :''Theatre Week (Round 1)'': ''N/A'' :''Theatre Week (Round 2)'': "Human (The Killers song), Human" (''The Killers'') :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': "Sober (Pink song), Sober" (''Pink (singer), P!nk'') :''Top 24'': "Cryin' Shame" (''

'') :''Wildcard'': " I Do Not Hook Up" (''

'') :''Top 12'': "Light Surrounding You" (''Evermore (band), Evermore'') :''Top 11'': "Misery Business" (''Paramore'') :''Top 10'': "Leave (Get Out)" (''JoJo (singer), JoJo'') :''Top 9'': "Dancing in the Dark (Bruce Springsteen song), Dancing in the Dark" (''Bruce Springsteen'') :''Top 8'': "Funhouse (song), Funhouse" (''Pink (singer), Pink'') :''Top 7'': "Tainted Love" (''Gloria Jones'') :''Top 6'': "These Days (Powderfinger song), These Days" (''Powderfinger'') :''Top 6'': "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)" (''Frankie Valli'') :''Top 5'': "Somebody Told Me" (''The Killers'') :''Top 5'': "Stone Cold Sober" (''Paloma Faith'') :''Top 4'': "I Don't Care (Fall Out Boy song), I Don't Care" (''Fall Out Boy'') :''Top 4'': "Heavy Cross" (''Gossip (band), Gossip'') :''Top 3'': "Bitter Sweet Symphony" (''The Verve'') :''Top 3'': "New Sensation" (''INXS'') :''Top 3'': "One (U2 song), One" ('' U2'') :''Top 2'': "

" (''

'') :''Top 2'': "UFO (Sneaky Sound System song), UFO" (''Sneaky Sound System'') :''Top 2'': "Don't Stop the Music (Rihanna song), Don't Stop the Music" (''

'') :''Top 2'': Hayley Warner, "Good Day" (Winner's Single) – ''Runner up''

James Johnston

James Johnston was born on 26 November 1990 in Wingham, New South Wales. He was a part of StarStruck (2005 TV series), Starstruck in 2005, performing in front of thousands. He prefers the acoustic/rock style of music. :''Audition'': "Your Body Is a Wonderland" by ''John Mayer'' :''Theatre Week (Round 1)'': "You'll Never Walk Alone (song), You'll Never Walk Alone" from the show ''Carousel (musical), Carousel'' :''Theatre Week (Round 2)'': ''N/A'' :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': "No Such Thing (John Mayer song), No Such Thing" ''John Mayer'' :''Top 24'': "

" ''

'' :''Top 12'': "How to Save a Life" ''

'' :''Top 11'': "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" ''Fall Out Boy'' :''Top 10'': "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" ''Train (band), Train'' :''Top 9'': "The Power of Love (Huey Lewis and the News song), The Power of Love" ''Huey Lewis and the News'' :''Top 8'': "Who Knew" ''Pink (singer), P!nk'' :''Top 7'': "Fever (1956 song), Fever" ''Peggy Lee'' :''Top 6'': "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" ''Queen (band), Queen'' :''Top 6'': "You'll Never Walk Alone (song), You'll Never Walk Alone" (''from the show Carousel (musical), Carousel'') :''Top 5'': "Mercy (Duffy song), Mercy" (''Duffy (singer), Duffy'') :''Top 5'': "

" (''

'') :''Top 4'': "Daughters" By John Mayer :''Top 4'': "This Is How a Heart Breaks" ('' Rob Thomas'') :''Top 3'': "More Than Words" (''Extreme (band), Extreme'') :''Top 3'': "Hold the Line" (''Toto (band), Toto'') :''Top 3'': "Learn to Fly" (''Foo Fighters'') – ''Eliminated on 15 November''

Nathan Brake

Nathan Brake was born on 27 July 1991 in Guildford, New South Wales, Guildford, Sydney. He was a student at the Australian International Performing Arts High School. He is the lead singer of his band, Ackolade. Nathan has since performed at a number of events including the 2009 Melbourne Christmas carols with Ricki Lee Coulter. Nathan Brake has an unofficial fan site Nathan Nation where upcoming events are mentioned and contains a forum for fans. :''Audition'': "Bohemian Rhapsody" (''Queen (band), Queen'') :''Theatre Week (Round 1)'': "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (''The Temptations'') :''Theatre Week (Round 2)'': "To the Moon and Back (Savage Garden song), To the Moon and Back"(''Savage Garden'') :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': "We Are the Champions" (''Queen (band), Queen'') :''Top 24'': "

" (''

'') :''Top 12'': "Stop and Stare" (''OneRepublic'') :''Top 11'': "Second Chance (Shinedown song), Second Chance" (''Shinedown'') :''Top 10'': "Since U Been Gone" (''

'') :''Top 9'': "Livin' on a Prayer" (''Bon Jovi'') :''Top 8'': "Just Like a Pill" (''Pink (singer), P!nk'') :''Top 7'': "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" (''Duke Ellington'') :''Top 6'': "Thriller (song), Thriller" (''Michael Jackson'') :''Top 6'': "The Music of the Night" (''from the show The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical), The Phantom of the Opera'') :''Top 5'': "Makes Me Wonder" (''Maroon 5'') :''Top 5'': "Mad World#Michael Andrews and Gary Jules version, Mad World" (''Michael Andrews (musician), Michael Andrews and Gary Jules'') :''Top 4'': "Red (Daniel Merriweather song), Red" (''Daniel Merriweather'') :''Top 4'': "Closer (Ne-Yo song), Closer" (''Ne-Yo'') – ''Eliminated on 8 November''

Toby Moulton

Toby Moulton was born in 1979 and worked as a primary school teacher, born in Melrose, South Australia. He teaches at St Joseph’s School Tranmere, South Australia. :''Audition'': "Exit Music (For a Film), Exit Music" by ''Radiohead'' :''Theatre Week (Round 1)'': ''N/A'' :''Theatre Week (Round 2)'': ''N/A'' :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': "Open Your Eyes (Snow Patrol song), Open Your Eyes" by ''Snow Patrol'' :''Top 24'': "

" by ''

'' :''Wildcard'': "

" by '' U2'' :''Top 12'': "Creep (Radiohead song), Creep" by ''Radiohead'' :''Top 11'': "Starlight (Muse song), Starlight" by ''Muse (band), Muse'' :''Top 10'': "Take On Me" by ''a-ha'' :''Top 9'': "I Want to Know What Love Is" by ''Foreigner (band), Foreigner'' :''Top 8'': "Please Don't Leave Me" by ''Pink (singer), P!nk'' :''Top 7'': "My Way" by ''Frank Sinatra'' :''Top 6'': "Exit Music (For a Film), Exit Music" by ''Radiohead'' :''Top 6'': "Somebody to Love (Queen song), Somebody to Love" by ''Queen (band), Queen'' :''Top 5'': "Don't Look Back in Anger" by ''Oasis (band), Oasis'' :''Top 5'': "A Rush of Blood to the Head, Politik" by ''

'' – ''Withdrew on November, 1''

Kate Cook

Kate Cook was born in 1983 and came from Lowood, Queensland. She worked as a meat cutter at an abattoir. Her mother, who was her biggest musical influence, committed suicide when Kate was 16. Cook wrote her first single release about her mother, "Make You Stay" (released independently and available to Australian radio in April 2010). She died on 3 March 2019. :''Audition'': "Make You Stay" ''(own composition)'' :''Theatre Week (Round 1)'': ''N/A'' :''Theatre Week (Round 2)'': ''N/A'' :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': "Hard Workin' Man (song), Hard Workin' Man" by ''Brooks & Dunn'' :''Top 24'': "

" by ''

'' :''Top 12'': "Stuck in the Middle with You, Stuck in the Middle" by ''Stealers Wheel'' :''Top 11'': "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by ''Jet (band), Jet'' :''Top 10'': "Landslide (Fleetwood Mac song), Landslide" by ''Fleetwood Mac'' :''Top 9'': "When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going" by ''Billy Ocean'' :''Top 8'': "Trouble (Pink song), Trouble" by ''Pink (singer), P!nk'' :''Top 7'': "Hit the Road Jack" by ''Ray Charles'' :''Top 6'': "Make You Feel My Love#Garth Brooks version, Make You Feel My Love" by ''Garth Brooks'' :''Top 6'': "Son of a Preacher Man" by ''Dusty Springfield'' – ''Eliminated on 25 October''

Kim Cooper

Kim Cooper was born on 29 November 1987 in Melbourne. At age 17, she moved to Townsville, Queensland, after her father was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. She works in fashion retail. :''Audition'': "Like It Loud" by ''Cassie Davis'' :''Theatre Week (Round 1)'': "Sorry (Maria Mena song), Sorry" by ''Maria Mena'' :''Theatre Week (Round 2)'': "Sex on Fire" by ''

'' :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': "Before He Cheats" by ''Carrie Underwood'' :''Top 24'': "

" by ''

'' :''Top 12'': "Best of You" by ''Foo Fighters'' :''Top 11'': "I Want You To Want Me" by ''Cheap Trick'' :''Top 10'': "Just Dance (song), Just Dance" by ''Lady Gaga'' :''Top 9'': "You Keep Me Hangin' On#Kim Wilde version, You Keep Me Hangin' On" by ''Kim Wilde'' :''Top 8'': "Family Portrait (song), Family Portrait" by ''Pink (singer), P!nk'' :''Top 7'': "The Man I Love (song), The Man I Love" by ''Ella Fitzgerald'' – ''Eliminated on 18 October''

Scott Newnham

Scott Newnham was born in 1989 and comes from Melbourne. He works as a bricklayer, and before Idol, had never sung in front of another person except his best friend. :''Audition'': "You Give Me Something (James Morrison song), You Give Me Something" by ''James Morrison (singer), James Morrison'' :''Theatre Week (Round 1)'': "Elevator Love" by ''Guy Sebastian'' :''Theatre Week (Round 2)'': "Rock with You" by ''Michael Jackson'' :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': "Isn't She Lovely" by ''

'' :''Top 24'': "

" by ''

'' :''Top 12'': "Come Together" by ''

'' :''Top 11'': "American Woman" by ''The Guess Who'' :''Top 10'': "Kiss from a Rose" by ''Seal (musician), Seal'' :''Top 9'': "Let's Groove" by ''Earth, Wind & Fire'' :''Top 8'': "So What (Pink song), So What" by ''Pink (singer), P!nk'' – ''Eliminated on 11 October''

Tim Johnston

James Johnston was born in 1981 and comes from Newcastle, New South Wales. He auditioned for The X Factor (British series 5), The X Factor, the fifth edition, while living in the United Kingdom. He advanced to the bootcamp round, but failed to make the cut for the Visit to the Judges' houses. He works as a barista. :''Audition'': "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by ''Marvin Gaye'' :''Theatre Week (Round 1)'': "Angels (Robbie Williams song), Angels" by ''Robbie Williams'' :''Theatre Week (Round 2)'': ''N/A'' :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': ''N/A'' :''Top 24'': " Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by ''

'' :''Wildcard'': " Yesterday" by ''

'' :''Top 12'': "Halo (Beyoncé Knowles song), Halo" by ''Beyoncé Knowles, Beyoncé'' :''Top 11'': "Jumpin' Jack Flash" by ''The Rolling Stones'' :''Top 10'': "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" by ''Justin Timberlake'' :''Top 9'': "Heaven (Bryan Adams song), Heaven" by ''Bryan Adams'' – ''Eliminated on 4 October''

Sabrina Batshon

Sabrina Batshon (born 26 October 1984) is an Australian-born singer, songwriter and actor from Rhodes, New South Wales, Rhodes, Sydney. She began singing and dancing at the age of two at the Johnny Young Talent School. She had roles on Australian television including ''Water Rats (TV series), Water Rats'', ''GP (TV series), G.P.'' and ''Home and Away''. She won several talent quests including the McDonald's Performing Arts Challenge. In 2000, she sang with The Australian Girls Choir and Paulini for the Qantas campaign CD, ''The Spirit of Australia''. She was understudy to Nikki Webster as Dorothy in a 2000/2001 stage performance of The Wizard of Oz (stage), The Wizard of Oz and was cast as the 'Little Girl' in the 2001 production of The Witches of Eastwick (musical) in Melbourne. She attended the Newtown High School of the Performing Arts and was named in November 2004 in Parliament by Andrew Refshauge as being one of Australia's best singers. During 2005 and early 2009 Batshon experienced chronic Major depressive disorder, depression, agoraphobia and panic attacks, and was admitted to hospital. Producer Stephen Tate said speaking "openly and honestly" about depression was the way forward for the media and community. :''Audition'': "Nature Boy" by ''Nat King Cole'' :''Theatre Week (Round 1)'': "Black Velvet (song), Black Velvet" by ''Alannah Myles'' :''Theatre Week (Round 2)'': "When I Fall in Love" by ''Nat King Cole'' :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': "Help! (song), Help" by ''

'' :''Top 24'': " Hush Hush" by ''Pussycat Dolls, The Pussycat Dolls'' :''Top 12'': "Earth Song" by ''Michael Jackson'' :''Top 11'': "Numb (Linkin Park song), Numb" by ''Linkin Park'' :''Top 10'': "When Love Takes Over" by ''David Guetta'' – ''Eliminated on 27 September''

Casey Barnes

Casey Barnes was born on 3 September 1978 in Tasmania. At a young age he became blind in his right eye after an infection. He has opened for Bryan Adams and played alongside

, Vanessa Amorosi and

during his career. :''Audition'': "Fire and Rain (song), Fire and Rain" by ''James Taylor'' :''Theatre Week (Round 1)'': ''N/A'' :''Theatre Week (Round 2)'': "Tiny Dancer" by ''

'' :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': ''N/A'' :''Top 24'': "

" by '' Rob Thomas'' :''Wildcard'': " Never Say Never (Don't Let Me Go)" by ''

'' :''Top 12'': "(Baby I've Got You) On My Mind, On My Mind" by ''Powderfinger'' :''Top 11'': "I'm Not Over" by ''Carolina Liar'' – ''Eliminated on 20 September''

Ashleigh Toole

Ashleigh Toole was born in 1991 and comes from Central Coast (New South Wales), the Central Coast, New South Wales. A student, she grew up performing in multiple music festivals with her family. :''Audition'': "Nobody Knows (Pink song), Nobody Knows" by ''Pink (singer), Pink'' :''Theatre Week (Round 1)'': "I Wanna Be Your Everything" by ''Vanessa Amorosi'' :''Theatre Week (Round 2)'': "Angels (Robbie Williams song), Angels" by ''Robbie Williams'' :''Theatre Week (Round 3)'': "River Deep - Mountain High" by ''Ike & Tina Turner'' :''Top 24'': "

" by ''

'' :''Top 12'': "Miss Independent (Kelly Clarkson song), Miss Independent" by ''

'' – ''Eliminated on 13 September''

Grand Final Performances

Elimination chart

*All four remaining contestants from Semi-final No. 4 were selected for the Wildcard show *Toby Moulton withdrew from the competition, keeping original eliminee James Johnston in the competition.

Notes

References

External links

Official Australian Idol website

Australian Idol news from the Daily Telegraph
{{DEFAULTSORT:Australian Idol (Season 7) Australian Idol 2009 Australian television seasons 2009 Australian television series endings