:An Irish chemist creates the winning formula:
Nov 27, 2006 3:05:34 GMT 10
Post by dededom on Nov 27, 2006 3:05:34 GMT 10
An Irish chemist creates the winning formula
November 27, 2006
He is not yet an Australian, but last night an Irish singer, Damien Leith, was named the Australian Idol for 2006.
In one of the closest contests in the program's history, the chemist, 30, from County Kildare, via Newtown, was a surprise winner on the reality television singing show, beating the bookies' favourite Jessica Mauboy, 17.
Looking shocked and dazed, Leith hugged and praised Mauboy as fans screamed and cheered. He called the victory unbelievable.
"All I can say is this has been the greatest time of my life. I've been on this show and everything that has come my way through this show," he said.
"I'm speechless. I should have thought of something to say."
Leith, who has never had formal music lessons but tackled Puccini's Nessun Dorma regardless, is an Australian resident and plans to become a citizen early next year. He won a car and a recording contract with Sony BMG.
At the media conference after the show Leith said that initially he had thought being an Irish citizen might mar his chances.
"[Australia is] like everyone says, 'Give them a go'. Since I've been here I've been given a go and never been judged in any way."
Leith was not the only one to emerge victorious. Last night the Australian Idol franchise, which had appeared destined to expire after a sharp ratings drop last year, seemed to have resuscitated itself.
Asked about reviving audience numbers - expected to reach more than 2.5 million last night - the judge Mark Holden said: "The Australian audiences had Viagra this year. They are tough, they are hard, they are rock solid."
Last night's final was an unorthodox one. Both contestants were a stylistic odd couple - Leith is a father of one who sings operatic rock, while Mauboy is a schoolgirl with a diva edge.
Only an average 1.9 million viewers across the mainland capital cities watched Kate DeAraugo win the final last year, compared with the 3.3 million who saw Casey Donovan win in 2004, making the show the highest-rating program of that year. The year before, 3.3 million watched Guy Sebastian win.
More importantly, voting was not translating into album sales for the previous winners. Sales of DeAraugo's album, A Place I've Never Been, were weak, and Sony BMG ditched Donovan.
However, over the past three weeks Idol has won its audience with its Monday night "verdict" episodes, with numbers of 1.4 million to 1.55 million viewers. Over the year the show has attracted an average audience of 1.6 million.
As early as 4pm yesterday hundreds of excited teen devotees blocked the entrance to the Opera House, queuing for the free outdoor concert. About 6000 fans attended a show with performances by Anthony Callea, Marcia Hines and her daughter, Deni, Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll. Screaming 15-year-olds waved mobile phones and digital cameras in the air, snapping their heroes as they walked the red carpet.
November 27, 2006
He is not yet an Australian, but last night an Irish singer, Damien Leith, was named the Australian Idol for 2006.
In one of the closest contests in the program's history, the chemist, 30, from County Kildare, via Newtown, was a surprise winner on the reality television singing show, beating the bookies' favourite Jessica Mauboy, 17.
Looking shocked and dazed, Leith hugged and praised Mauboy as fans screamed and cheered. He called the victory unbelievable.
"All I can say is this has been the greatest time of my life. I've been on this show and everything that has come my way through this show," he said.
"I'm speechless. I should have thought of something to say."
Leith, who has never had formal music lessons but tackled Puccini's Nessun Dorma regardless, is an Australian resident and plans to become a citizen early next year. He won a car and a recording contract with Sony BMG.
At the media conference after the show Leith said that initially he had thought being an Irish citizen might mar his chances.
"[Australia is] like everyone says, 'Give them a go'. Since I've been here I've been given a go and never been judged in any way."
Leith was not the only one to emerge victorious. Last night the Australian Idol franchise, which had appeared destined to expire after a sharp ratings drop last year, seemed to have resuscitated itself.
Asked about reviving audience numbers - expected to reach more than 2.5 million last night - the judge Mark Holden said: "The Australian audiences had Viagra this year. They are tough, they are hard, they are rock solid."
Last night's final was an unorthodox one. Both contestants were a stylistic odd couple - Leith is a father of one who sings operatic rock, while Mauboy is a schoolgirl with a diva edge.
Only an average 1.9 million viewers across the mainland capital cities watched Kate DeAraugo win the final last year, compared with the 3.3 million who saw Casey Donovan win in 2004, making the show the highest-rating program of that year. The year before, 3.3 million watched Guy Sebastian win.
More importantly, voting was not translating into album sales for the previous winners. Sales of DeAraugo's album, A Place I've Never Been, were weak, and Sony BMG ditched Donovan.
However, over the past three weeks Idol has won its audience with its Monday night "verdict" episodes, with numbers of 1.4 million to 1.55 million viewers. Over the year the show has attracted an average audience of 1.6 million.
As early as 4pm yesterday hundreds of excited teen devotees blocked the entrance to the Opera House, queuing for the free outdoor concert. About 6000 fans attended a show with performances by Anthony Callea, Marcia Hines and her daughter, Deni, Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll. Screaming 15-year-olds waved mobile phones and digital cameras in the air, snapping their heroes as they walked the red carpet.
