Australian Idol season 5
| Company type | Television series season |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | August 5, 2007 |
| Fate | Concluded |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Website | www |
| Australian Idol (Season 5) | |
| Contestants | |
| Natalie Gauci | Champion |
| Matt Corby | Second Place |
| Carl Riseley | Eliminated 12 November |
| Marty Simpson | Eliminated 5 November |
| Tarisai Vushe | Eliminated 29 October |
| Daniel Mifsud | Eliminated 22 October |
| Ben McKenzie | Eliminated 15 October |
| Jacob Butler | Eliminated 8 October |
| Mark Da Costa | Eliminated 1 October |
| Lana Krost | Eliminated 24 September |
| Brianna Carpenter | Eliminated 17 September |
| Holly Weinert | Eliminated 10 September |
The fifth installment of Australian Idol began airing on 5 August 2007 via Network Ten, concluding on 25 November.
Modifications to Format
Returning hosts Andrew G and James Mathison reprised their roles, accompanied by the judging panel of returning judges: Ian "Dicko" Dickson, Mark Holden, Marcia Hines, and Kyle Sandilands. This season continued the approach introduced in Season 4, permitting contestants to present original compositions and play instruments during both auditions and live performances, thereby fostering greater artistic freedom.
Viewership
The premiere episode in 2007 drew an audience of 1.65 million, representing the show's second-largest opening night and exceeding the previous year's debut by 270,000 viewers. Initially, the program ranked within the top ten most-watched broadcasts but later slipped to approximately the 18th or 19th position due to stiff competition from Channel Seven's Kath & Kim. Although ratings were somewhat lower than those in Season 4, they rebounded during the Top 5 performance episode, climbing back into ninth place.
Audition Tour
Auditions for the fifth season took place between March and May 2007 across numerous Australian locations:
- Kalgoorlie – 3 March
- Bunbury – 6 March
- Coffs Harbour – 10 March
- Dubbo – 14 March
- Canberra – 18 March
- Wollongong – 20 March
- Newcastle – 25 March
- Launceston – 31 March
- Hobart – 1 April
- Wagga Wagga – 3 April
- Darwin – 14 April
- Rockhampton – 19 April
- Brisbane – 21-22 April
- Perth – 29 April
- Mildura – 4 May
- Adelaide – 6 May
- Melbourne – 12-14 May
- Sydney – 19-21 May
Theatre Week at Seymour Centre
The intense Theatre Week stage was held at Sydney's Seymour Centre, consisting of three elimination rounds. The opening round required contestants to perform an a cappella piece of their choosing, after which judges decided who would proceed.
During the second round, groups composed of two males and two females performed together—a first for Australian Idol. These group performances determined which participants moved forward.
In the final round, each individual delivered a solo performance before judges and fellow contestants. Based on these presentations, participants were notified whether they had earned a spot in the Top 24 or faced elimination.
Semi-final Stage
Mirroring the fourth season’s setup, semi-finals involved four groups of six contestants performing solo live shows from Sunday through Wednesday. On Thursday, eight individuals advanced straight into the Top 12, while another eight were selected for a Wildcard round—offering a second opportunity to secure one of four remaining places in the Top 12. Wildcard performances took place on Sunday, with results revealed on Monday.
The semi-finalists for this season included:
| Female Contestants | Male Contestants |
|---|---|
| Brianna Carpenter | Lyall Adonis |
| Jesse Curran | David Andrews |
| Cheray Doughty | Jacob Butler* |
| Natalie Gauci | Jack Byrnes |
| Morgan Hosking | Matt Corby |
| Lana Krost | Mark Da Costa |
| Sarah Lloyde | Ben McKenzie |
| Madison Pritchett | Daniel Mifsud |
| Rosie Ribbons | Carl Riseley |
| Sally Van Der Zwart | Marty Simpson |
| Tarisai Vushe | Husny Thalib |
| Holly Weinert | Junior To'o |
- Jacob Butler had previously participated in The X Factor Australia; Channel Ten authorized his audition for Australian Idol.
Weekly Song Themes
| Date | Theme |
| 10 September | Contestant's Selection |
| 17 September | Rock Genre |
| 24 September | Disco Era |
| 1 October | Acoustic Performances |
| 8 October | Brit Pop Style |
| 15 October | Songs from Your Birth Year |
| 22 October | Judges' and Contestants' Choice |
| 29 October | Australian Compositions |
| 5 November | Big Band Classics |
| 12 November | Audience and Contestants' Choice |
| 25 November | Grand Finale Event |
Carl Riseley
Carl Riseley (born 21 December 1982) hails from Sydney and was 25 years old when he reached the final twelve through the Wildcard round, receiving a "touchdown" accolade from judge Mark Holden. Prior to his Idol journey, Carl served as a trumpeter in the Royal Australian Navy Band. He was the penultimate contestant eliminated on 12 November 2007, with Natalie Gauci and Matt Corby advancing to the Grand Final. Signed with Universal Records, Carl planned to release his debut album titled The Rise in April 2008. Known as the "swing king," his musical style has drawn parallels to Tom Jones. Following Mark Holden's departure in March 2008, Carl publicly expressed his support for the judge.
- Top 24: "Home" by Michael Bublé
- Wildcard Show: "Bye Bye Love" by The Everly Brothers
- Top 12 (Contestant's Selection): "Waltzing Matilda" by Banjo Paterson
- Top 11 (Rock Genre): "Clocks" by Coldplay
- Top 10 (Disco Era): "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
- Top 9 (Acoustic Performances): "It's Alright with Me" by Harry Connick, Jr.
- Top 8 (Brit Pop Style): "Can't Buy Me Love" by The Beatles ~ Bottom 2'
- Top 7 (Songs from Your Birth Year): "Turn Your Love Around" by George Benson
- Top 6 (Judge's Choice):: "It's Not Unusual" by Tom Jones – (Ian "Dicko" Dickson) ~ TOUCHDOWN!'
- Top 6 (Contestant's Choice): "Jealous Guy" by John Lennon
- Top 5 (Australian Compositions): "Reminiscing" by Little River Band
- Top 4 (Big Band Classics): "Just Kiss Me" by Harry Connick, Jr.
- Top 4 (Big Band Classics): "Me and Mrs Jones" by Billy Paul
- Top 3 (Audience Choice): "You Give Me Something" by James Morrison
- Top 3 (Contestant's Selection): "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder
Marty Simpson
Marty Simpson is a 21-year-old artist originating from the Central Coast, New South Wales, recognized for his skills in guitar and songwriting. Mark Holden described him as a genuine "bloke's bloke." Prior to Idol, Marty worked alongside his father as a bricklayer. He secured fourth place after being eliminated on 5 November 2007, having appeared four times in the bottom group. Although initially doubted, he was later identified among those impacted by vote-rigging allegations. Post-elimination, Marty disclosed that Sony BMG had shown interest in offering him a recording contract.
- Top 24: "Over My Head (Cable Car)" by The Fray
- Top 12 (Contestant's Selection): "Can't Stand Losing You" by The Police
- Top 11 (Rock Genre): "Jenny Don't Be Hasty" by Paolo Nutini – Bottom 2'
- Top 10 (Disco Era): "You Sexy Thing" by Hot Chocolate
- Top 9 (Acoustic Performances): "Open Your Eyes" by Snow Patrol
- Top 8 (Brit Pop Style): "Naïve" by The Kooks
- Top 7 (Songs from Your Birth Year): "Now We're Getting Somewhere" by Crowded House ~ Bottom 3'
- Top 6 (Judge's Choice):: "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley – (Marcia Hines)
- Top 6 (Contestant's Choice): "Last Kiss" by Pearl Jam ~ Bottom 3'
- Top 5 (Australian Compositions): "These Days" by Powderfinger
- Top 4 (Big Band Classics): "Light My Fire" by The Doors
- Top 4 (Big Band Classics): "American Baby" by Dave Matthews Band
Tarisai Vushe
Tarisai Vushe (born 29 March 1987) is a vocalist originally from Zimbabwe who auditioned in Sydney, New South Wales. Prior to her participation in Idol, she was employed at her family’s retail business and pursued psychology studies at university while regularly attending Shirelive Church, affiliated with Hillsong. Renowned for her commanding vocal ability, she earned a touchdown from judge Mark Holden but was eliminated on 29 October 2007 amid debates regarding accusations of being "inauthentic." Once considered a strong contender alongside Matt Corby, she appeared at prominent events such as the Sydney New Year's Eve concert and toured with the South African group Malaika as well as performing in Macao. Her first single, "Head Over Heels" (2010), garnered nominations and victories at the Afro-Australian Music and Movie Awards for Best Single and Best Vocalist. Subsequently, she featured on American television programs Killer Instinct and Deadly Women and is currently signed with Disney, performing in the Australian production of The Lion King.
- Audition: "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston
- Top 24: "River Deep - Mountain High" by Ike & Tina Turner
- Top 12 (Contestant's Choice): "If I Was Your Woman" by Alicia Keys
- Top 11 (Rock): "Hard to Handle" by The Black Crowes
- Top 10 (Disco): "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer ~ Bottom 2
- Top 9 (Acoustic): "Kissing You" by Des'ree
- Top 8 (Brit Pop): "Somebody to Love" by Queen ~ TOUCHDOWN!
- Top 7 (The Year You Were Born): "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" by Aretha Franklin and George Michael
- Top 6 (Judge's Choice): "Can't Get Enough of Your Love" by Taylor Dayne – (Marcia Hines) ~ Bottom 2
- Top 6 (Contestant's Choice): "I Believe in You and Me" by Whitney Houston ~ Bottom 2
- Top 5 (Australian Made): "When It All Falls Apart" by The Veronicas
Daniel Mifsud
Daniel Mifsud, aged 23 and a native of Sydney, reached the final twelve through the Wildcard Show. Previously a primary school music educator, he secured one touchdown from Mark Holden before his departure on 22 October 2007.
- Top 24: "Tip of My Tongue" by Diesel
- Wildcard Show: "Lay Your Love on Me" by Roachford
- Top 12 (Contestant's Choice): "Cry Me a River" by Justin Timberlake
- Top 11 (Rock): "Fire" by Jimi Hendrix
- Top 10 (Disco): "Miss You" by The Rolling Stones ~ Bottom 3
- Top 9 (Acoustic): "I Was Made for Lovin' You" by Kiss ~ TOUCHDOWN! ~ Bottom 3
- Top 8 (Brit Pop): "Message in a Bottle" by The Police ~ Bottom 3
- Top 7 (The Year You Were Born): "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
- Top 6 (Judge's Choice): "Fragile" by Sting – (Mark Holden)
- Top 6 (Contestant's Choice): "From the Sea" by Eskimo Joe
Ben McKenzie
Ben McKenzie (born 24 July 1990) comes from Gosford on NSW’s Central Coast. Widely regarded as a frontrunner, his elimination on 15 October 2007 led judge Marcia Hines to threaten resignation due to his ousting and perceived unfair treatment from fellow judges. Despite allegations of "vote-rigging" made falsely against him by Today Tonight, Ben had never appeared in the bottom three prior to his exit. He took part in Sydney’s New Year's Eve concert in 2007 and has written original compositions performed across Sydney, the Central Coast, and Melbourne. His film company, Dreams Unleashed Productions, produced his debut feature film Submerged (2011), a horror-supernatural thriller inspired by The Ring and Silent Hill, which was released on YouTube in January 2012 with an accompanying soundtrack featuring his own music.
- Audition:
- Theatre Week (Round 1):
- Theatre Week (Round 3):
- Top 24: Mad World by Tears for Fears
- Top 12 (Contestant's Choice): "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5
- Top 11 (Rock): "Bodies" by Little Birdy
- Top 10 (Disco): "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson
- Top 9 (Acoustic): "Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap
- Top 8 (Brit Pop): "Wonderwall" by Oasis
- Top 7 (The Year You Were Born): "Higher Ground" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Jacob Butler
Jacob Butler initially tried out for Australian Idol in 2005 but did not progress beyond the Top 100 Group Performances stage. In the same year, he secured sixth place on Australia's version of The X Factor. Returning to Idol in 2007, Jacob showcased enhanced songwriting skills and musical talent, which earned him a place in the Top 24. He became the second contestant from Australia to reach the Top 12 after delivering a rendition of Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars." His journey ended on 8 October 2007 following his performance of The Beatles' "Let It Be" during Brit Pop night. At the close of 2007, Jacob appeared at Sydney’s New Year's Eve Concert alongside Ben McKenzie and Tarisai Vushe. After Idol, he launched his debut album Reason throughout Europe, including Germany, with an official release in Australia and New Zealand in August 2013.
- Audition: "Don't Look Back In Anger" by Oasis
- Theatre Week (Round 1): Chocolate by Snow Patrol
- Theatre Week (Round 3): Across the Universe by The Beatles
- Top 24: Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
- Top 12 (Contestant's Choice): When You Were Young by The Killers
- Top 11 (Rock): "Morning Glory" by Oasis
- Top 10 (Disco): "Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai
- Top 9 (Acoustic): "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane ~ Bottom 2
- Top 8 (Brit Pop): "Let It Be" by The Beatles
Mark Da Costa
Mark Da Costa, aged 28 and hailing from Sydney, was the oldest contestant among the finalists and secured his spot in the final 12 through the Wildcard round. He exited the competition on 1 October 2007, placing ninth overall. Following his time on Idol, Mark resumed regular performances and toured with his band during 2008. Later, he was named in allegations of vote manipulation reported by Today Tonight.
- Top 24: "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin
- Wildcard Show: "Evie (Part 1)" by Stevie Wright
- Top 12 (Contestant's Choice): "Vertigo" by U2
- Top 11 (Rock): "High Voltage" by AC/DC
- Top 10 (Disco): "Nutbush City Limits" by Ike & Tina Turner
- Top 9 (Acoustic): "Yellow" by Coldplay
Lana Krost
Seventeen-year-old Lana Krost from Western Australia auditioned in Perth. She was adopted; her biological mother was a Vietnamese opera singer who toured China. Lana was eliminated on 24 September 2007. Following her participation, she completed her education at St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls and is currently studying contemporary music at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
- Top 24: "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie
- Top 12 (Contestant's Choice): "Shiver" by Natalie Imbruglia ~ Bottom 2'
- Top 11 (Rock): "Come On, Come On" by Little Birdy
- Top 10 (Disco): "Sing It Back" by Moloko
Brianna Carpenter
Brianna Carpenter, aged 21 and hailing from Brisbane, Queensland, pursued music production studies at the Conservatorium prior to her participation in Idol. Her journey ended with elimination on 17 September 2007.
- Audition: "Jacqueline" (original composition)
- Top 24: "Fidelity" by Regina Spektor
- Top 12 (Contestant's Choice): "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys ~ Bottom 3
- Top 11 (Rock): "The Logical Song" by Supertramp
Holly Weinert
Holly Weinert, born on 23 April 1987, is a 20-year-old contestant from Mildura, Victoria. Before appearing on Idol, she was employed at a bar. She was eliminated on 10 September 2007, securing the 12th position.
- Audition: "Sunday Morning" by No Doubt
- Theatre Week (Round 3): "Blackbird" by The Beatles
- Top 24: "Easy" by Commodores
- Top 12 (Contestant's Choice): "Standing in the Way of Control" by Gossip
Elimination chart
| Female Contestants | Male Contestants | Top 12 Stage | Winner |
| Safe | First Safe | Last Safe | Eliminated |
| Stage: | Finals | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Week: | 10/9 | 17/9 | 24/9 | 1/10 | 8/10 | 15/10 | 22/10 | 29/10 | 5/11 | 12/11 | 25/11 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place | Contestant | Outcome | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Natalie Gauci | Bottom 2 | Winner | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Matt Corby | Bottom 2 | Runner-up | ||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Carl Riseley | Bottom 2 | Bottom 2 | Eliminated | |||||||||||||||||
| 4 | Marty Simpson | Bottom 2 | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom 3 | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom 3 | style="background:#8ab8e6;" | Eliminated | style="background:#919191;" colspan="10" | | |||||||||||||||
Performing for a Cause
On 19 October 2007, Australian Idol broadcast a special episode titled "Doing It For The Kids", aimed at generating donations for Ronald McDonald House and Telstra Child Flight. Modeled after the American Idol event "Idol Gives Back", the Top 6 finalists showcased their talents alongside various guest performers.
Top 6 Performers:
- Carl Riseley – rendition of "Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
- Daniel Mifsud – cover of "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer
- Marty Simpson – performance of "I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty
- Matt Corby – interpretation of "Bedouin Song" by Lior
- Natalie Gauci – version of "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley
- Tarisai Vushe – rendition of "Ooh Child" by Five Stairsteps
- Top 6 Group Number – "Kids" originally by Robbie Williams & Kylie Minogue
Guest Artists:
- Damien Leith – performed "Songbird," a classic from Fleetwood Mac
- Shannon Noll – sang "In Pieces"
- Young Divas – delivered "If I Can't Have You," originally by Yvonne Elliman
- Darren Hayes – performed "Me, Myself and (I)"
- Vanessa Amorosi – presented "Kiss Your Mama!"
- Rogue Traders – performed "Don't You Wanna Feel"
- Katie Noonan – sang "Send Out A Little Love"
Performances During Results Shows
- Featured Performance – "22 Steps" by Damien Leith
- Top 12 Contestants – rendition of "Kids" by Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue – (Contestants' Selection)
- Top 11 Contestants – cover of "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple – (Rock Genre)
- Featured Performance – "Undiscovered" by Anthony Callea, originally by James Morrison (singer)
- Top 10 Contestants – performance of "Can You Feel It" by The Jacksons – (Disco Theme)
- Top 9 Contestants, joined by Ian Moss, performed "Choir Girl" by Cold Chisel – (Acoustic Style)
- Featured Performance – rendition of "Never Again" by Kelly Clarkson
- Featured Performance – "All I Want Is You" by Damien Leith
- Top 8 Contestants – cover of "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks – (Britpop Theme)
- Top 7 Contestants – medley including "I Shot The Sheriff" by Eric Clapton and "Psycho Killer" by Talking Heads – (Year Born Theme)
- Featured Performance – rendition of "What's Next to the Moon" by Chris Murphy (Australian singer), originally by AC/DC
- Top 6 Contestants – performed "Kiss" by Prince (musician) – (Chosen by Judges)
- Featured Performance – "Turn Me Loose" by Young Divas, originally from Loverboy
- Featured Performance – rendition of "Love Is All Around" by Ricki-Lee Coulter, initially by Agnes Carlsson
- Top 5 Contestants – performance of "April Sun in Cuba" by Dragon (band) – (Australian Hits Theme)
- Featured Performance – appearance by Guy Sebastian
- Top 4 Contestants – cover of "I Saw Her Standing There" by The Beatles – (Big Band Style)
- Featured Performance – rendition of "Believe Again" by Delta Goodrem
- Featured Performance – performance of "Everybody Hurts" by Marcia Hines, originally from R.E.M. (band)
Grand Finale Performances
- Featured Performance – "Turn Me Loose" delivered by Young Divas, originally from Loverboy
- Featured Performance – rendition of "All I Want Is You" by Damien Leith
- Featured Performance – "In Pieces" performed by Shannon Noll
- Featured Performance – cover of "Boys in Town" by Divinyls
- Featured Performance – winner announcement for Pascall My Mum Rocks Competition
- Featured Performance – "I Never Liked You" performed by Rogue Traders
- Featured Performance – "All Night Long (All Night)" with vocals from Lionel Richie, accompanied by Top 12 contestants and State Schools Singers Choir
- Top 12 Contestants Medley, including "Hands Open," originally recorded by Snow Patrol
- Matt Corby, delivering "Bitter Sweet Symphony," a classic from The Verve
- Natalie Gauci, performing "Here I Am" and "Man in the Mirror," originally sung by Michael Jackson
Commercial Releases
After the conclusion of the Grand Finale, Season 5 Australian Idol champion Natalie Gauci launched her winning single, Here I Am. The track entered the ARIA Charts at position No. 2, trailing behind international musician Timbaland. Initial sales were relatively modest, with approximately 8,000 units sold during the first week. In its second week, the single held steady at No. 2 while sales increased to nearly 11,000 copies, bringing cumulative sales to 19,000 and achieving Gold status. Subsequently, the single dropped to No. 7 in week three, then further to No. 18 in week four and No. 29 in week five, before experiencing a minor rebound to No. 27 in the sixth week.
On 8 December 2007, Natalie released her debut album, The Winner's Journey. It started at No. 12 on the charts with just over 11,000 copies sold and received Platinum certification for distributing 70,000 units, although actual sales fell short of projections. In its second week, the album climbed to No. 11 with total sales surpassing 18,000 and maintained this rank in the third week with nearly 20,000 copies sold. However, it slipped to No. 18 in week four and further declined to No. 19 in the fifth week.