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Australian Idol season 3

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Australian Idol (season 3)
Company typeTelevision series season
IndustryEntertainment, Television
FoundedJuly 26, 2005; 21 years ago (2005-07-26)
Headquarters
Australia
Area served
Australia
Australian Idol (season 3)
Contestants
(elimination dates)
Kate DeAraugo Winner
Emily Williams Runner-Up
Lee Harding 14 November
Dan England 7 November
Daniel Spillane 31 October
Anne Robertson 24 October
James Kannis 17 October
Milly Edwards 10 October
Roxane LeBrasse 3 October
Laura Gissara 26 September
Natalie Zahra 19 September
Chris Luder 12 September
Tarni Stephens 12 September

The third installment of Australian Idol debuted on 26 July 2005. The initial semi-final took place on 16 August, with three contestants advancing to the Top 12 the following day. A significant change this season was the replacement of former judge Ian Dickson by 2Day FM presenter Kyle Sandilands.

Overview

For the first time in the series, thirteen finalists competed in the weekly rounds instead of the usual twelve. This increase resulted from the Wildcard episode, which introduced three additional finalists—two chosen by the panel and one through public voting. On 5 September 2005, judges selected James Kannis and Emily Williams, while viewers voted in Daniel Spillane. Given that Daniel's margin over Roxane LeBrasse was less than one percent, the judges decided to include Roxane as well, expanding the finals to thirteen contestants. As a result, two participants were eliminated during the subsequent week.

The Grand Finale held on 21 November 2005 crowned Kate DeAraugo as the champion. Despite not being an early frontrunner, Kate leveraged her victory into commercial success with a chart-topping single "Maybe Tonight", a platinum-certified album, and multiple Top 10 hits under Sony BMG.

Runner-up Emily Williams was narrowly defeated by just one percent, marking the closest finale finish in Idol history. Initially signed as a solo artist with Sony BMG, she later became a member of the girl group Young Divas.

Third-place finisher Lee Harding secured a recording contract with Sony BMG, achieving a number one single and a platinum album. Following weaker sales of subsequent releases, he was dropped from the label in mid-2006 but continues to perform with his band Bedrock.

Fourth-place Dan England did not obtain a major label deal but released music independently and toured alongside Season 2 winner Casey Donovan and Season 1 runner-up Shannon Noll.

Anne Robertson, who finished sixth, entered talks with Sony BMG; however, concerns about her resemblance to Season 1 contestant Paulini Curuenavuli, who maintained a long-term contract with the label, reportedly impeded finalizing an agreement.

Numerous other contestants from Season 3 have pursued independent music releases and collaborated with various bands.

Significantly, winner Kate and runner-up Emily later joined the all-female ensemble Young Divas, which also featured former competitors Paulini Curuenavuli, Jessica Mauboy, and previously Ricki-Lee Coulter.

Ratings

Despite maintaining an average viewership near 1.5 million, the third season experienced a ratings drop of up to 40% in comparison to the first two seasons, which consistently drew over 2.5 million viewers during the competition's later stages. This decline created a notable obstacle for Ten, which broadcast three episodes of Australian Idol each week, resulting in the network providing complimentary commercial slots to sponsors anticipating stronger audience numbers. Experts linked the downturn to viewer fatigue and alterations in the judging panel, particularly with Sandilands taking over from the well-liked Dickson. Consequently, a comprehensive overhaul was implemented for Season 4, which ultimately became among the highest-rated installments.

Group 1

Top 12 Qualifiers: Anne Robertson, Chris Luder, Tarni Stephens
Wild Card Candidates: Daniel Spillane, Lindsay West, Chloe Zuel, Josh Williams, Irene Bosmans

Group 2

Top 12 Advancers: Kate DeAraugo, Milly Edwards, Laura Gissara
Wild Card Participants: Roxane LeBrasse, Michael Williamson

Group 3

Top 12 Selections: Dan England, Lee Harding, Natalie Zahra
Wild Card Nominees: Lauren Street, Emily Williams, James Kannis

Wildcards

Those moving forward to the Top 13: James Kannis, Emily Williams, Daniel Spillane, Roxane LeBrasse

Weekly Song Themes

Date Week Theme
11 September Top 13 Australian Made
18 September Top 11 The '60s
25 September Top 10 Rock
2 October Top 9 Contestant's Choice
9 October Top 8 Big Band
16 October Top 7 The '80s
23 October Top 6 Motown
30 October Top 5 The '70s
6 October Top 4 Elvis Presley
13 November Top 3 Number Ones

Top 13 – Australian Made

Order Contestant Song Outcome
1 Kate DeAraugo "Please Don't Ask Me" originally by John Farnham Safe
2 Dan England "Cryin' Shame" by Johnny Diesel Safe
3 Lee Harding "Holy Grail" by Hunters & Collectors Safe
4 Roxane LeBrasse "Forever Now" by Cold Chisel Safe
5 Anne Robertson "I Don't Want To Be With Nobody But You" by Absent Friends Safe
6 Tarni Stephens "(Baby I've Got You) On My Mind" by Powderfinger Eliminated
7 Natalie Zahra "Absolutely Everybody" by Vanessa Amorosi Safe
8 Emily Williams "Buses and Trains" by Bachelor Girl Safe
9 Daniel Spillane "Tucker's Daughter" by Ian Moss Safe
10 Chris Luder "Throw Your Arms Around Me" by Hunters & Collectors Eliminated
11 James Kannis "The Day You Went Away" by Wendy Matthews Safe
12 Laura Gissara "You're My World" originally by Cilla Black[/]Daryl Braithwaite Safe
13 Milly Edwards "Playing to Win" by John Farnham 'Bottom 3'

Kate DeAraugo

Anna Katherine "Kate" Jenna DeAraugo (born November 5, 1985) is an Australian vocalist who won the third season of Australian Idol in 2005. Despite never receiving a perfect score from judge Mark Holden, she consistently avoided landing in the bottom two or three. Kate has released an album certified platinum along with a chart-topping single. Additionally, she is a member of the multi-platinum selling group Young Divas, alongside Emily Williams, Paulini, and Jessica Mauboy.

Emily Williams

Emily Williams (born 8 October 1984 in New Zealand) finished as the runner-up and is part of the group Young Divas. Previously employed in a factory, she found herself in the bottom three just once and received three touchdowns from judge Mark Holden. On 1 November 2010, Williams independently launched her debut solo single titled Spellbound. She currently lives in Melbourne with her partner and their daughter.

Lee Harding

Lee Harding (born 8 June 1983) secured third place in the competition. Hailing from Frankston, Victoria, he formerly worked at a local AMC cinema multiplex.

Audition: "Better" by The Screaming Jets, "Let Me Entertain You" by Robbie Williams, "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding, "Run to Paradise" by The Choirboys
Theatre Week (Round 1): "Hard to Handle" by The Black Crowes
Theatre Week (Round 3): "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins
Top 30: "The Anthem" by Good Charlotte
Top 13: "Holy Grail" by Hunters & Collectors
Top 11: "I'm a Believer" by The Monkees
Top 10: "Roxanne" by The Police
Top 9: "Holiday" by Green Day
Top 8: "Straighten Up and Fly Right" by Robbie Williams
Top 7: "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
Up Close & Personal: "Plush" by Stone Temple Pilots
Top 6: "Ben" by Michael Jackson
Top 5: "My Sharona" by The Knack Bottom 2
Top 4: "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" and "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley
Top 3: "Faith" (Limp Bizkit version) and "Tainted Love" (The Living End version) Eliminated

Harding serves as the lead vocalist for his band, Bedrock.

Dan England

Dan England (born 22 August 1983), a former service station worker from Brisbane, gained recognition for his dreadlocks and soulful singing style. Before appearing on Idol, he was the frontman for Brisbane cover band Bejesus and attended St. Joseph's Nudgee College. His elimination on 7 November 2005, narrowly behind Lee Harding by just 27 votes, stirred controversy due to Queensland’s non-observance of daylight saving time, which may have affected voting hours—a matter that was even discussed in federal parliament.

Audition: "Long Train Runnin'" by The Doobie Brothers
Theatre Week (Round 1): "Father and Son" by Cat Stevens
Top 30: "Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding
Top 13: "Cryin' Shame" by Diesel
Top 11: "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
Top 10: "We Will Rock You" by Queen
Top 9: "To Be with You" by Mr. Big
Top 8: "(I Could Only) Whisper Your Name" by Harry Connick, Jr. Bottom 2
Top 7: "Broken Wings" by Mr. Mister
Up Close & Personal: "Rooster" by Alice in Chains
Top 6: "Reach Out I'll Be There" by Four Tops Bottom 3
Top 5: "Desperado" by Eagles ~ TOUCHDOWN!
Top 4: "Hound Dog" and "Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley Eliminated

Following Idol, Dan actively pursued his music career with extensive touring, including national support slots for Shannon Noll in 2006 and Chris Murphy throughout Southeast Queensland. His record-breaking live performance series, the “A Year on the Road Tour,” ran from late 2007 into early 2009.

In late 2006, Dan independently released a self-titled debut mini-album featuring the single “Reason to Fly,” which climbed to number five on iTunes charts and was featured in the Royal Australian Air Force’s promotional campaign in 2007.

Daniel Spillane

Daniel Spillane (born 29 February 1980) was voted out on 31 October 2005, finishing in fifth place. Following unsuccessful auditions in previous seasons, he took judge Mark Holden's recommendation to enhance his performance abilities over the course of a year. He departed from his family's real estate enterprise and relocated to Brisbane seeking fresh inspiration. His performance of "Gimme Some Lovin'" by the Spencer Davis Group impressed the judges, securing unanimous approval to advance.

Audition: "Gimme Some Lovin'" by Spencer Davis Group
Theatre Week (Round 1): "New York State of Mind" by Tony Bennett
Top 30: "I Don't Want to Be" by Gavin DeGraw
Wildcards: "Gimme Some Lovin'" by Spencer Davis Group
Top 13: "Tucker's Daughter" by Ian Moss
Top 11: "I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown
Top 10: "TNT" by AC/DC Bottom 3
Top 9: "If I Could" by 1927 Bottom 3
Top 8: "Feeling Good" by Michael Bublé
Top 7: "If You Don't Know Me by Now" by Simply Red Bottom 3
Up Close & Personal: "A Song for You" by Leon Russell
Top 6: "Shakey Ground" by The Temptations Bottom 2
Top 5: "Cold as Ice" by Foreigner Eliminated

Anne Robertson

Born on 7 March 1983, Anne Robertson is of Samoan heritage and was raised in Sydney’s South-West region. She earned acclaim as a participant in the 2005 season of Australian Idol, advancing to the final six without ever appearing in the bottom two or three groups until her eventual elimination.

Australian Idol

Audition: "Where Do We Go from Here" by Deborah Cox
Top 30: "Home" by Stephanie Mills
Top 13: "I Don't Want To Be With Nobody But You" by Absent Friends
Top 11: "When Something Is Wrong with My Baby" by Sam & Dave
Top 10: "Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2
Top 9: "Independent Women" by Destiny's Child
Top 8: "Minnie the Moocher" by Cab Calloway
Top 7: "Open Arms" by Journey
Up Close & Personal: "Dangerously in Love" by Beyoncé Knowles
Top 6: "If I Were Your Woman" by Gladys Knight Eliminated

After Idol

Anne has toured extensively throughout Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and Singapore. She has worked alongside leading Australian songwriters and producers and continues to perform live both in Sydney and across the country. In 2008, she became a member of Australia's girl group Sultry Sally, which released a debut single covering Crystal Waters' 2001 hit "Gypsy Woman."

In 2010, Anne issued her rendition of Jerome Grey's renowned anthem "We Are Samoa," which was made available on prominent platforms such as iTunes, Amazon, and Napster, with all proceeds directed toward tsunami relief initiatives. This track holds cultural significance for Samoa and was famously performed by Grey before President Carter and the United States Congress in 1980.

James Kannis

James Jay Kannis (born 5 November 1985) was the seventh contestant eliminated on 17 October 2005.

Audition: "A Dollar Away" (original composition)
Theatre Week (Round 1): "Don't Let Go (Love)" by En Vogue
Theatre Week (Round 3): "Walking in Memphis" by Marc Cohn
Top 30: "Change the World" by Babyface & Eric Clapton
Wildcards: "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray
Top 13: "The Day You Went Away" by Wendy Matthews
Top 11: "Hold On, I'm Coming!" by Sam & Dave In Bottom 3
Top 10: "Layla" by Eric Clapton In Bottom 2
Top 9: "Love the One You're With" by Luther Vandross
Top 8: "Sway" by Michael Bublé In Bottom 3
Top 7: "Truly" by Lionel Richie Eliminated

Milly Edwards

Amelia "Milly" Edwards (born 29 February 1988) was eliminated on 10 October 2005. Although she auditioned in Tasmania, she is based in Victoria.

Audition: "Something's Got a Hold on Me" by Etta James
Top 30: "I Just Wanna Make Love to You" by Etta James
Top 13: "Playing to Win" by John Farnham In Bottom 3
Top 11: "Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance)" by The Contours
Top 10: "Somebody To Love" by Queen
Top 9: "Sunday Morning" by No Doubt In Bottom 2
Top 8: "Get Happy" by Judy Garland Eliminated

Roxane LeBrasse

Roxane LeBrasse (born 26 August 1983 in Mauritius) finished ninth following her elimination on 3 October 2005. Although she initially did not make the final twelve, Roxane secured a spot in the final thirteen due to a very close voting result. This decision resulted in two contestants being eliminated the subsequent week.

Prior to auditioning, Roxane worked as a backing vocalist for Australian singer Jade MacRae. She also appeared on The Rockmelons' track "I Ain't Playin," which reached No.79 on the ARIA Charts in 2002, and lent her vocals to their album Rockies 3.

Audition: "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5 and "Saving All My Love for You" by Whitney Houston
Top 30: "A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin
Wildcards: "All by Myself" by Eric Carmen
Top 13: "Forever Now" by Cold Chisel
Top 11: "You Can't Hurry Love" by The Supremes
Top 10: "We Are the Champions" by Queen
Top 9: "The Voice Within" by Christina Aguilera Eliminated

After signing with Universal Music, Roxane released her debut single, "Sexy," produced and remixed by Sydney DJ Tony 'Super T' Vass and mixed by Sam Lamore in 2007.

Laura Gissara

Laura Gissara (born 14 March 1984) finished in tenth place, departing the competition on 26 September 2005.

Audition: Performed "All the Man That I Need" originally by Whitney Houston
Theatre Week (Round 1): Sang "Don't Play That Song" by Aretha Franklin
Top 30: Delivered "Don't Let Go (Love)" by En Vogue
Top 13: Presented "You're My World" by Cilla Black / Daryl Braithwaite
Top 11: Returned to "Don't Play That Song" by Aretha Franklin Bottom 2
Top 10: Performed "The Greatest View" by Silverchair Eliminated

Following her Idol journey, she secured a contract with Shock Records and launched the single "Ti Amo" on 31 July 2006.

Natalie Zahra

Natalie Zahra (born 24 April 1988) achieved eleventh place, eliminated on 19 September 2005. Hailing from Innisfail, Queensland, she worked as a vocal instructor prior to Idol.

Audition: Sang "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Judy Garland
Top 30: Performed "When You Believe" by Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston
Top 13: Delivered "Absolutely Everybody" by Vanessa Amorosi
Top 11: Presented "Dancing in the Street" by Martha and the Vandellas Eliminated

Chris Luder

Chris Luder (born 18 May) placed twelfth, leaving the show on 12 September 2005. He reached the Top 13 along with fellow contestant Roxane LeBrasse, but was voted out during the initial live elimination.

Audition: Performed "Tip of My Tongue" by Diesel
Theatre Week (Round 1): Sang "More than Anyone" by Gavin DeGraw
Theatre Week (Round 3): Delivered "Sign Your Name" by Terence Trent D'Arby
Top 30: Presented "Beautiful Soul" by Jesse McCartney
Top 13: Performed "Throw Your Arms Around Me" by Hunters & Collectors Eliminated

Tarni Stephens

Tarni Stephens (born 3 April 1978) was the first contestant among the Top 13 to be eliminated on 12 September 2005, alongside Chris Luder. Auditioning in Brisbane, she was recognized as the frontwoman of her band Tarni, noted for her rock-oriented sound.

Audition: Sang "Trouble" by Pink
Theatre Week (Round 1): Performed "Rush You" by Baby Animals
Theatre Week (Round 3): Delivered "La La" by Ashlee Simpson
Top 30: Presented "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
Top 13: Sang "(Baby I've Got You) On My Mind" by Powderfinger Eliminated

Elimination chart

Female Contestants Male Contestants Top 30 Stage Top 13 Stage Wild Card Round Winner
Did Not Perform Safe Safe Early Safe Late Eliminated
... [Subsequent rows follow similar patterns preserving elimination and placement details] ...
Stage: Semi-finals Wild Card Finals
Week: 17/8 22/8 29/8 5/9 12/9 19/9 26/9 3/10 10/10 17/10 24/10 31/10 7/11 14/11 21/11
Place Contestant Outcome
1 Kate DeAraugo Top 13 Qualifier Winner
2 Emily Williams Wild Card Entry Advanced to Top 13 In Bottom 2 Runner-up
3 Lee Harding Qualified Top 13 style="background:#b8dbff;" Bottom Two style="background:#8ab8e6;" | Eliminated colspan=10 rowspan=1 |


External links

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