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Australian Idol season 4

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Australian Idol (season 4)
Company typeTelevision series season
IndustryEntertainment, Television
FoundedAugust 6, 2006; 20 years ago (2006-08-06)
FateSeason concluded on 26 November 2006
Headquarters
Australia
Area served
Australia
Australian Idol (season 4)
Contestants
(elimination dates)
Damien Leith Champion
Jessica Mauboy Second Place
Dean Geyer 13 November
Chris Murphy 6 November
Ricky Muscat 30 October
Lisa Mitchell 23 October
Bobby Flynn 16 October
Lavina Williams 9 October
Guy "Mutto" Mutton 2 October
Klancie Keough 25 September
Reigan Derry 18 September
Joseph Gatehau 11 September

The fourth installment of Australian Idol was broadcast from 6 August through 26 November 2006.

Changes in format

This season brought several modifications: the discontinuation of "Inside Idol," a revised semi-final phase featuring 12 female and 12 male contestants mirroring the format used in American Idol, and the introduction of performances where finalists could play instruments. Additionally, a new interactive SMS feature, 199-JUDGE, was launched to let viewers respond directly to judges' critiques.

Viewership

The premiere attracted an average audience of 1.4 million, exceeding the previous season's numbers. During the semi-finals, viewership averaged 1.5 million per night, climbing to 1.89 million for the Top 8 episode—ranking as Australia's highest-rated show that week. The Top 7 episode, themed "acoustic night," drew 1.92 million viewers, while the finale surpassed 2.1 million, peaking at 2.4 million viewers at 10:13 pm AEST.

Auditions

Auditions for the fourth season were conducted between March and June 2006 across thirteen venues, including regional locations such as Mount Isa and Byron Bay, aimed at uncovering talent beyond metropolitan areas. From these auditions, 124 participants advanced to Sydney for group and solo rounds. Judges then selected 24 semi-finalists, informing each candidate individually rather than announcing groups collectively as done in prior seasons.

The television coverage began on 6 August 2006 with four episodes showcasing auditions followed by two episodes featuring the Sydney rounds.

Semi-finals

For the first time in the series, semi-finals consisted of live performances before an audience with two groups of six males and two groups of six females competing from 27 to 31 August 2006. Public voting advanced two contestants from each show directly to the next stage, while judges chose an additional eight semi-finalists for a further round. Each judge then selected one wildcard contestant, complemented by a single wildcard chosen by viewers, completing the Top 12 lineup.

Female Contestants Male Contestants
Atlanta Coogan Brendon Boney
Lydia Denker Bobby Flynn
Reigan Derry Joseph Gatehau
Jessica Griffin Dean Geyer
Klancie Keough Chris Graffiti
Raechel Lee Damien Leith
Jessica Mauboy Chris Murphy
Lisa Mitchell Ricky Muscat
Lyndelle Palmer-Clarke Guy "Mutto" Mutton
Rebecca Pearce James Steele
Amanda Streete Paul Vercoe
Lavina Williams Nathaniel Willemse


Top 24 Male Contestants

GROUP 1 ~ Sunday, 27 August 2006

Moving forward to the Top 12: Damien Leith and Dean Geyer Wild Card Nominees: Chris Murphy, Nathaniel Willemse, and Brendan Boney

GROUP 2 ~ Tuesday, 29 August 2006

Advancing into the Top 12: Bobby Flynn and Joseph Gatehau Wild Card Candidates: Ricky Muscat, Chris Graffiti, and Guy Mutton


Top 24 Female Contestants

GROUP 1 ~ Monday, 28 August 2006

Selected for the Top 12: Jessica Mauboy and Reigan Derry Wild Card Nominees: Klancie Keough and Amanda Streete

GROUP 2 ~ Wednesday, 30 August 2006

Advancing to the Top 12: Lavina Williams and Lisa Mitchell No Wild Card contenders in this group

Wildcards

Moving forward into the top 12 were Ricky Muscat, Guy Mutton, Klancie Keough, and Chris Murphy

Weekly Song Themes

Date Week Theme
11 September Top 12 Contestant's Choice
18 September Top 11 Rock
25 September Top 10 Number Ones
2 October Top 9 Birth Year Hits
9 October Top 8 Disco
16 October Top 7 Acoustic*
23 October Top 6 Rock Swings*
30 October Top 5 Aria Hall of Fame*
6 November Top 4 Audience Selection*
13 November Top 3 Judges' Choice

* Indicates weeks when contestants played instruments during their performances.

Damien Leith

Damien Leith (born on 18 January 1976) emerged as the winner of the 2006 season. Originally hailing from Dublin, Ireland, and raised in County Kildare, he later moved to Sydney prior to participating in Idol. He and his Australian-born spouse, Eileen, are parents to two sons. Notably, Leith received four Touchdowns from Mark Holden throughout the competition, including the unique achievement of earning two in a single evening during his top four performances.

Audition: Performed "The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice
Theatre Week (Round 3): Sang "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
Top 24: Delivered "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker
Top 12: Presented "With or Without You" by U2
Top 11: Interpreted "Creep" by Radiohead
Top 10: Sang "If Tomorrow Never Comes" by Garth Brooks
Top 9: Performed "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" by Elton John
Top 8: Delivered "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang
Top 7: Presented "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak TOUCHDOWN
Up Close & Personal: "Sky" (original composition)
Top 6: Performed both "High and Dry" by Radiohead and a version with Jamie Cullum
Top 5: Sang "Message to My Girl" by Split Enz Bottom 3
Top 4: Delivered two songs: "Crying" by Roy Orbison TOUCHDOWN, and "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen TOUCHDOWN
Top 3: Performed three pieces: "Nessun Dorma" by Giacomo Puccini, "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers TOUCHDOWN
Top 2: Presented "Never Meant to Fail" by Alex Lloyd, "Waiting on an Angel" by Ben Harper, and his winner's single, "Night of My Life"

Jessica Mauboy

Jessica Mauboy (born 4 August 1989) secured the runner-up position in 2006. Hailing from Darwin, Northern Territory, she auditioned in Alice Springs while still attending high school. Mauboy received the first Touchdown of the season from Mark Holden following her Top 10 rendition of "Beautiful" and earned a second Touchdown during the Top 5 round for her performance of "Words".

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" 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 Bottom 3
Top 8: "On the Radio" by Donna Summer
Top 7: "Have You Ever?" by Brandy
Up Close & Personal: "What the World Needs Now" by Burt Bacharach & Hal David
Top 6: "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé Knowles
Top 5: "Words" by The Bee Gees TOUCHDOWN
Top 4: "Butterfly" by Mariah Carey, "Karma" by Alicia Keys
Top 3: "When You Believe" by Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston, "To Sir, with Love" by Lulu
Top 2: "Impossible" by Christina Aguilera, "Together Again" by Janet Jackson, "Night of My Life" (winner's single)

Dean Geyer

Dean Geyer (born 20 March 1986) achieved third place overall. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, he successfully auditioned 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" by Fuel
Top 10: "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls Bottom 2
Top 9: "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi
Top 8: "Turn the Beat Around" by Vicki Sue Robinson
Top 7: "On the Way Down" by Ryan Cabrera TOUCHDOWN
Up Close & Personal: "Change" (original composition)
Top 6: "Mustang Sally" by Wilson Pickett Bottom 2
Top 5: "Every Time You Cry" by John Farnham & Human Nature Bottom 2
Top 4: "Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot, "Saving Me" by Nickelback Bottom 2
Top 3: "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer, "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain TOUCHDOWN Eliminated

Chris Murphy

Chris Murphy (born 25 March 1976) secured the fourth position. Hailing from his native city of Perth, Western Australia, Murphy, much like his younger sibling Courtney Murphy, received unanimous approval to progress to the theatre rounds.

Audition: "She Talks to Angels" by The Black Crowes
Top 24: "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen
Wildcard: "Holy Grail" by Hunters & Collectors
Top 12: "Wish You Well" by Bernard Fanning
Top 11: "Is It Just Me?" by The Darkness
Top 10: "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins
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" (original composition)
Top 6: "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC
Top 5: "Evie" by Stevie Wright TOUCHDOWN
Top 4: "Something Beautiful" by Robbie Williams, "Mean to Me" by Crowded House Eliminated

Ricky Muscat

Born on 19 October 1983 in Darwin, Ricky Dean Muscat from Werribee, Melbourne, Australia, achieved fifth place. Of Maltese heritage, Muscat is employed at a chemical manufacturing plant and began performing '60s classics alongside his drummer father in local pubs. His rendition of Shai's "If I Ever Fall in Love" during the Melbourne auditions impressed the judges, allowing him entry into the Top 24 despite encountering controversy during theatre rounds. Although initially lacking sufficient votes in the semi-finals, he was granted entry as a wildcard.

Audition: "If I Ever Fall in Love" by Shai
Top 24: "So Sick" by Ne-Yo
Wildcard: "Caught Up" by Usher
Top 12: "Walking Away" by Craig David
Top 11: "Take Me Out" 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" 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) secured sixth place. Hailing from Albury, New South Wales, she captivated the judges with her unique vocal tone and original songwriting.

Audition: "Collide" by Howie Day, "See it in Your Eyes" (original song)
Top 24: "Diamonds On the Inside" by Ben Harper
Top 12: "Fall at Your Feet" by Crowded House
Top 11: "Dancing with Myself" by Billy Idol
Top 10: "A Thousand Miles" 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" (original song)
Top 6: "Revolution" by The Veronicas Eliminated

Bobby Flynn

Bobby Flynn (born 22 January 1981 in Brisbane, Queensland) finished in seventh position.

Audition: "The Boy Had Trouble" (original composition)
Theatre Week (Round 3): "Beautiful Day" by U2
Top 24: "Under the Milky Way" by The Church
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)" by Christopher Cross
Top 9: "Under Pressure" by Queen & David Bowie
Top 8: "Super Freak" by Rick James TOUCHDOWN
Top 7: "Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac Eliminated
Up Close & Personal: "The Boy Had Trouble" (original composition)

Lavina Williams

Lavina Rose Williams (born 13 June 1978) concluded the competition in eighth place. Of Samoan heritage, she is the elder sister of Season 3's runner-up, Emily Williams. During her school years, she was a member of New Zealand’s R&B girl group Ma-V-Elle, which enjoyed local chart success. Professionally, Williams portrayed Shenzi in The Lion King from 2004 to 2006.

In February 2007, she temporarily filled in for Ricki-Lee Coulter in the group Young Divas while Coulter focused on her second album. In 2009, Williams appeared on her brother J.Williams' single "Stand With You", which achieved notable chart performance in New Zealand.

Top 24: "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin
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), commonly known as "Mutto", achieved ninth place. A passionate rock music fan, Mutton shifted his career from teaching to concentrate on his band Soulframe, which was beginning to attract national attention.

Audition: "All I Want Is You" by U2
Top 24: "Meant to Live" by Switchfoot
Wildcard: "Black Fingernails, Red Wine" by Eskimo Joe
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 Eliminated

Klancie Keough

Klancie Keough (born 1982 in Mount Isa, Queensland), secured tenth place. She progressed from auditions held in Mount Isa to the Top 24 round in Sydney and later earned a wildcard spot through public voting to join the Top 12.

Keough's background includes working as a farm hand and jillaroo on her sister’s property. She completed her senior education at The Cathedral School and pursued Commerce studies at The University of Queensland. After a period in finance, she returned to the farm as a governess. In December 2006, she signed a management contract with Greg Shaw, noted for managing Keith Urban.

Audition: "Always on My Mind" by Elvis Presley / Willie Nelson
Top 24: "Not Ready to Make Nice" by the Dixie Chicks
Wildcard: "Redneck Woman" by Gretchen Wilson
Top 12: "Jolene" by Dolly Parton
Top 11: "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" by The Georgia Satellites
Top 10: "(If You're Not in It for Love) I'm Outta Here!" by Shania Twain Eliminated

Reigan Derry

Reigan Elisse Derry (born 19 September 1988) finished in eleventh position. Hailing from Maida Vale, Western Australia, she earned a vocal scholarship to attend Perth Modern School. Prior to Idol, she performed as part of the duo Djreamz alongside Justin Low. Her musical inspirations span jazz, drum and bass, and music from the 1960s. Her departure on 18 September was linked to an unconventional song selection.

Audition: "I Know You by Heart" by Eva Cassidy, "Life Ain't Easy" by Cleopatra
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) concluded the competition in twelfth place. Of both Tongan and New Caledonian heritage, he is the eldest among seven siblings. Although self-taught initially on acoustic guitar and vocals, he began formal lessons at age fourteen due to financial constraints within his family.

In 2005, Gatehau released an album titled "Move On" in collaboration with Donald Tauvao (Boy Shy) from the band Random, known from The X Factor. He also participated in The X Factor as part of the group Three Wishez.

Audition: "Pretty Girl" (original composition)
Top 24: "Let Me Love You" by Mario
Top 12: "Right Here Waiting" by Richard Marx Eliminated

Grand final

The Australian Idol Grand Final occurred on 26 November at the Sydney Opera House. The event showcased performances by artists such as Shannon Noll, Anthony Callea, Marcia Hines, Deni Hines, Guy Sebastian, alongside the 2006 finalists of Australian Idol. The winner was Damien Leith, with Jessica Mauboy finishing as the runner-up. Immediately following his victory, Leith's debut single "Night of My Life" was released.

Elimination chart

Female Contestants Male Contestants Top 24 Stage Top 12 Stage Wild Card Round Champion
Did Not Appear Safe Safe Early Safe Late Eliminated
... [Remaining chart rows unchanged for brevity] ...
Stage: Semi-Finals Wild Card Finals
Week: 28/8 29/8 30/8 31/8 4/9 11/9 18/9 25/9 2/10 9/10 16/10 23/10 30/10 6/11 13/11 26/11
Place Contestant Outcome
1 Damien Leith Top 12

style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom 3

style="background:lime;" | Winner

2 Jessica Mauboy

style="background:#8ab8e6"| Top 12

style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom 3

style="background:#8ab8e6;" | Runner-up

Origin and production

In 2006, Fremantle Australia's digital media branch introduced Idol Backstage, a supplementary program to Australian Idol distributed via Telstra and promoted through clips featured on the main show. Hosted by Josh Zepps, it provided behind-the-scenes footage including interviews and pranks, designed to engage a youthful, digitally-oriented audience. A total of 54 episodes were produced, edited overnight into four weekly half-hour segments (22–24 minutes each), complemented by extra material available on mobile platforms and BigPond’s Idol Backstage Online portal.

Reaction

Idol Backstage experienced significant audience growth, with overall Idol web video downloads hitting a record-breaking 2.5 million during the season. The website saw a 40% year-over-year increase in traffic, accumulating more than 26 million page views, establishing Australian Idol as Australia's most visited television program website.

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