Australian Idol on Channel 7 – Top 8 ready to shine. Tyler and TJ eliminated from Australian Idol.
Tonight, TJ Zimba and Tyler Hammill were eliminated from Australian Idol after the nation locked in their Top 8 artists live on Seven and 7plus.
The Top 10 came out of the gates with an electric group performance of Silverchair’s Straight Lines, before taking to the stage to hear who was safe and who would sing again for their spot in the competition.
Across the country, more than 2.1 million votes were placed, with TJ, 24, from Karratha; Tyler, 21, from the Sunshine Coast; Ivana, 20, from Victoria; and Kiani, 17, from Bribie Island landing in the bottom four.
Award-winning singer-songwriter and Australian Idol judge Amy Shark also took to the stage with a stunning performance of her new single Beautiful Eyes.
After hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie revealed the bottom four contestants, judges Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy gave their thoughts.
When asked if Australia got the voting right, Marcia said: “I don’t know. What is starting to become apparent is people are choosing their favourite. This is hard for us, we chose these guys, we just have to be hands off while Australia is hands on.”
Kyle said: “It’s the best year we have ever had as far as talent is concerned.”
Ivana showed off her “smashing” vocals on Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis, leaving the judges shocked she had placed in the bottom four again, while TJ’s final performance of Drake’s Hotline Bling proved his unique artistry.
Tyler’s performance of James Bay’s Let It Go had the audience mesmerised, while Kiani was applauded for her version of Vance Joy’s Riptide.
TJ was praised by the judges for his bold reinvention of Aussie classic You’re The Voice on Sunday’s show, but Kyle admitted it could have been too much for older voters.
TJ said: “I am really proud of my performance. It’s a song that deserved to transcend generations and I feel honoured to perform it for a new generation.”
Before TJ took to the stage for his final performance, Kyle bluntly reflected: ‘You were great at the audition but maybe this is all you’ve got. You’ve got to bring it up a notch. You are great but not superstar great. You’ve got to kick it up.”
Marcia admitted TJ polarised people but praised his individuality. “I dig you so much man, you are so different.”
On leaving the competition, TJ said: “Thank you so much to the judges who have helped craft me into an artist who is ready to take on the world. Everything you have done has meant so much to me. I feel like I walked through this door for people to be inspired. I want to leave it open for people to come through.”
Kyle implored TJ: “Put your record out. I’m sure it will do great.”
On Tyler’s elimination, Kyle declared: “You are great. We know we will see you again. If this is your last night on this stage, it’s certainly not your last night on a stage.”
Amy said: “Your voice is stunning. You really do belong on a stage.”
A grateful Tyler shared: “Thank you for betting on me as an artist and the amazing feedback. This isn’t the end. This has helped me exponentially with my career and what I love to do.”
Sunday 7.00pm: It’s viewers’ choice as the Australian Idol Top 8 fight for their spot in the competition with songs selected by Australia.
Australian Idol on Channel 7 and 7plus – Performance shows 7.00pm Sunday. Live Results 7.30pm Monday
Australian Idol on Channel 7
About the Show
Idol is calling. Australian Idol returns Monday, 29 January. This is where stars are made: welcome to Australian Idol!
Twenty-one years after Guy Sebastian pipped Shannon Noll to become Australia’s first Idol, the international star-making sensation returns to Seven and 7 and 7plus for a second big season on Monday, 29 January.
Radio king Kyle Sandilands and TV WEEK Logie Award winner and acclaimed singer Amy Shark will be joined by a new judge: Australian Idol OG and pop legend Marcia Hines. The trio will traverse the country to find the next Guy, Casey or Royston.
Set to be the toughest season yet, with only room for the best of the best, the judges are looking for the complete package: a singer with the sound and style to woo the nation.
Excited to be unearthing Australia’s next singing superstar, Marcia is looking for a strong, pure and melodic voice “that makes the hairs on your body stand up,” regardless of the genre.
The celebrated singer is also looking forward to re-joining Kyle and Amy on the judges’ desk following her guest judging role on the series last year.
“I consider Kyle a good friend and Amy is one-in-a-million and a real individual, without trying to be. Also, Kyle’s a Gemini, Amy’s a Taurus, and I’m the Cancerian in the mix and those three star signs get along very nicely.”
Returning to the Idol judges’ desk for his sixth season, Kyle admits there’s no definitive formula for the ultimate performer, but they have a presence and energy that’s hard to ignore: “The ultimate performer is someone that you admire for their talent, and they’ve got a little swagger or a pizzazz about them that just makes them stand out from the crowd.”
Amy added:
“I’m usually blown away if someone can potentially showcase their personality, voice, style and direction in the space of 10 minutes and leave me wanting more. If I want to learn more about you, I’m interested.”
During their audition, contestants will be on the hunt to score a Golden Ticket to progress to the next round, but with just 30 Golden Tickets across the whole auditions, only the most talented performers will claim their coveted spot in the Top 30.
A global success since 2001, the Idol franchise has launched the celebrated careers of Aussie hitmakers including Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Matt Corby, Ricki-Lee, Anthony Callea, Stan Walker, Casey Donovan and Courtney Act.
International music icons Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert also launched their brilliant careers on the Idol stage.
Australian Idol is hosted by multiplatinum-selling, ARIA Award nominated singer-songwriter Ricki-Lee – who was discovered on Australian Idol in 2004 – and internationally renowned entertainment presenter and former E! host Scott Tweedie.
Australian Idol on Channel 7
Australian Idol on Channel 7
Media Release – Seven
Australian Idol on Channel 7
TV Central Seven content HERE
Australian Idol on Channel 7
