Damien Leith wins Australian Idol 2006

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November 27, 2006 12:05am

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EXPAT Irishman Damien Leith has won the fourth series of Australian Idol in one of the closest contests in the Network Ten program's history.

Leith sang two songs, including his new single Night Of My Life, written by Adam Reily, to defeat Northern Territory singer Jessica Mauboy in last night's concert at the Sydney Opera House.

The 30-year-old pharmacist, who lives with his wife Eileen and baby son Jarvis in the inner Sydney suburb of Newtown, was supported during the competition by his wife, his parents and brother.

Leith, originally from County Kildare in Ireland, quit his job at a pharmaceutical company only this week to focus on his musical career, joining fellow Australian winners Guy Sebastian, Casey Donovan and Kate DeAraugo.

Over the course of the competition, Leith has wooed judges Marcia Hines, Mark Holden and Kyle Sandilands with his operatic/rock edge vocal tones.

His unique style won him a record four touchdowns from Holden and the ultimate prize, a recording contract with Sony BMG.

His first single was available for digital download from 10pm (AEDT) last night and will be released commercially on November 28.

In a departure from previous years, Leith recorded the song using his own arrangements and gave creative input into song production.

This change is one of many to the program's 2006 format, including allowing contestants to showcase original songs during a special live performance program and use instruments.

Leith's debut album will be released in the coming weeks.

More than 25,000 aspiring singers auditioned for Australian Idol this year.

For the first time the national audition tour included Alice Springs, Broken Hill, Byron Bay, Mount Isa and Townsville.

The hopefuls were then whittled down to the top 12 - Ricky Muscat, Chris Murphy, Bobby Flynn, Dean Geyer, Lisa Mitchell, Guy Mutton, Joseph Gatehau, Reigan Derry, Lavina Williams, Klancie Keough, Mauboy and Leith.

Looking dazed but happy, Leith hugged Mauboy as fans screamed and cheered at the announcement he had won.
He was initially lost for words and apologised for not having thought about what he was going to say.

“Oh my God, this is unbelievable, I've said it all night,” Leith said.

“All I can say is this has been the greatest time of my life being in this show and everything that's come my way through this show.

“I'm speechless. I should have thought of something to say.

“All I can say is first of all to Jessica, she is the most beautiful, the most fabulous singer I've ever come across.

“I've been saying it all week, if I wasn't in the contest I would have been voting for her. I think she's absolutely amazing, and I really do mean that.”

Mauboy had a huge smile on her face as she congratulated her rival, saying: “Good on you, Damien, good on you.”

Leith also thanked his wife and baby for their support, as well the rest of his family, the fans and the Australian Idol crew