Kiss proves affair no Idol chat

By Sydney Confidential's Holly Byrnes

August 29, 2007 12:00am

AUSTRALIAN Idol contestant Jesse Curran has turned to her boyfriend James Blundell for support as the fallout from publicity surrounding their newly revealed relationship continues.

As Curran learned last night she was not in the viewer's top two to progress in the show, Blundell was on hand to shield her from the negative publicity that has abounded since the pair's romance came to light.

The Mildura singer's future on the show now rests with the judges who have the power to select her as one of their wildcard entrants.

Curran faced scrutiny from the talent show's judges and fans over the relationship on Monday night's show.

The young singer's beau - who is 20 years her senior - was seated in the front row for her performance in a show of strength.

As these exclusive photographs show, Blundell is making no secret of his feelings for the Mildura singer, whom he left his wife and two children for last week.

Blundell - who only confessed his affair with the budding star to his wife of nine years, Lidia, in April - stunned drinkers at a bar near the Idol stage at Fox Studios with a very public display of affection.

The Way Out West singer nuzzled Curran's neck, posed for photos and toasted her appearance on the Channel 10 show. Earlier, he sat front row for her performance, which was tainted by the scandal over the pair's relationship.

While Curran's Idol rivals defended the singer yesterday, long-time fans of Blundell continued their scathing criticism of the couple, particularly the age gap factor.

The youngest contestant on Idol Matt Corby, 16, said scrutiny of Curran had "tainted her unfairly".

"She didn't deserve (the scrutiny) or publicity that's happened coming into the competition. She's a good person," he said.

A Channel 10 spokeswoman confirmed the network "had been aware of Jesse's relationship since the top 24 was known" but "as is customary" declined to comment on "what is a private matter".

Idol's website removed leaks about the affair last week. An online discussion about rumours Curran was dating Blundell was blocked by moderators on August 20, after publicists were told of the romance.

"The comments on Curran's private life were blocked and redirected to the Jesse thread. There was certainly no censorship," a spokesman for Fremantle Media, which operates the website on Ten's behalf, said.

It is understood Blundell is yet to tell his sons Briar, 9, and Travis, 5, of his new relationship.

James Blundell seems Idolised

By Holly Byrnes

August 29, 2007 02:00am

yes, this bald git is causing the ruckus - some one hit wonder cuntry singer

IDOL contestant Jesse Curran has turned to her boyfriend James Blundell for support as the fallout from publicity surrounding their newly revealed relationship continues.

As Curran awaited her Idol fate last night, Blundell was on hand to shield her from the negative publicity that has abounded since the pair's romance came to light.

Curran faced scrutiny from the talent show's judges and fans over the relationship on Monday night's show.

But, the young singer's beau - who is 20 years her senior - was seated in the front row for her performance in a show of strength.

As these exclusive photographs show, Blundell is making no secret of his feelings for the Mildura singer, whom he left his wife and two children for last week.

Blundell - who only confessed his affair with the budding star to his wife of nine years, Lidia, in April - stunned drinkers at a bar near the Idol stage at Fox Studios with a very public display of affection.

The Way Out West singer nuzzled Curran's neck, posed for happy snaps and toasted her appearance on the Channel 10 show.

Earlier, he sat front row for her performance on the elimination show, which was tainted by the scandal over the pair's relationship.

While Curran's Idol rivals defended the singer yesterday, long-time fans of Blundell continued their scathing criticism of the couple, particularly the age gap factor.

The youngest contestant on Idol, Matt Corby, 16, said scrutiny of Curran had "tainted her unfairly".

"She didn't deserve the scrutiny or publicity that's happened coming into the competition. She's a good person," he said.

Meanwhile, a Channel 10 spokeswoman declined to comment "on the private lives of contestants" yesterday, as it was revealed the show's website removed leaks about the affair last week.

An online discussion about rumours Curran was dating the married singer was blocked by online moderators on August 20, after network publicists were apparently informed of the romance.

A spokesman for Fremantle Media, which operates the official website on Channel 10's behalf, later gave reasons for the removal of the posts.

The spokesman said while the site "encouraged discussion about the various facets of the competition and the program, it is not appropriate for the website forums to retain comments that may be defamatory, misleading, abusive or inappropriate".

"The comments on Curran's private life were blocked and redirected to the Jesse thread. There was certainly no censorship," he said.

She must be blind or after his money:

Jesse was on the last episode I watched. Didn't like her at all and I'm not surprised she'd hit that mess, look at her.

How stupid is he, for turning up to the show? What a dickhead.

He had one hit here, "Way Out West", like ten or so more years ago. Does the cuntry circuit with the fake twanging shit.

I hope his wife screws him over

Nandesu-ka?!

That is just -- awwwwwwwwwwwwwful.

Maybe we should be watching this trainwreck when CI ends.

I tenatively agree.

Quote "Smartie":

Does the cuntry circuit with the fake twanging shit.

Australian Jaydee!

So, ne.

There's a 17 year old girl called Lana who went into the top 12 a few nights ago, she actually looks like Lana from Smallville.

I don't think that any of them are that great this year - at least last year I already liked Damien.

That's what I thought when I saw Lana, although Smallville's Lana is much prettier (before she decided she was in need of dropping 20 pounds ) She's really horrible though so I love her and I agree with everyone not being great, although I'd go as far as say this is worse than CI5 so far. I'm loving it.

She's pretty enough for a youngin', I think she just needs some work and some song selection tips.

This is the year of recycling other contestants; Jacob Butler was on our X Factor three years ago, made the finals and quit so another person could stay on.

Rosie whatever who was on last night's ep was on Pop Idol in the UK and came sixth. I would've thought making it so far in one country would stop you from going elsewhere. Clearly I thought wrong.

I think they've stacked it for a guy to win again this year - out of our four winners, the two guys have been by far the most successful.

Lana needs to suck as hard as she does now, because that's all she's going for her. She's more bland and generic than the infamous Wookie.

Speaking of Rosie though, something neither she nor Oz Idol wants you to know. A VFTW masterpiece before its time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im26L9LszhQ

Quote "thefunnystone":

Quote "Smartie":

Does the cuntry circuit with the fake twanging shit.

Australian Jaydee!

:omg

That sounds hilarious!

AusI gets a wildcard?! NO FWAIR!!

If only CI made one this season. Montana and Tyler could have been resurrected.

Sorry guys but the cuntry singer is NOT on the show. He's merely schtupping one of the contestants.

Aus Idol is shit - not even funny/shit. Just shit.

Fug Aus Idol finalists - apparently 6 are chosen so far out of the top 12.

JF and anyone else watching this crapfest, you should post the links for anyone else wanting to watch it - it's truly shitty stuff! I believe the weekly budget is two bucks!

16-year-old surfer and skater Matt from Cronulla in Sydney's south was the very last auditionee for Australian Idol this year. Greatly impressing judges with his acoustic rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition", his natural charisma and popstar good looks didn't go unnoticed either. "Put your tongues back in girls," Dicko told his daughters via national TV. Matt's favourite movie is The Princess Bride and he hopes he'll go far enough in the comp to perform with the big band. "It's flippin' awesome singing with an entire ensemble," he enthuses.

I first realised I wanted to become a professional singer when? I got pushed up on stage in Year 2 to sing a 'Sister Act' song.

What is your favourite genre of music? Please tell us why you love that particular style. Acoustic Melodic - just because it's simple and beautiful.

Which previous finalist do you find most inspiring and why? Bobby Flynn- because I believe he completely changed Aussie Idol.

Have you auditioned for a previous series of Australian Idol? If so, how far did you progress? What motivated you to audition this year? No - my main motivator was my friends.

Describe your feeling at your first audition? Excited and anxious.

Obviously, it's important to have a strong voice, but what other aspects give a performer star quality'? Personality - so the public can relate.

Idol shows often follow a special theme like Disco, Rock or Big Band. What would your 'dream theme' be and why? I would love to sing Big Band because its flippin' awesome singing with an entire ensemble.

What would you call your debut album? I don't know, it'd be work in progress.

Why do you think Australian Idol is an important part of our local music industry? Because it unearths all kinds of brilliant musicians.

Which artist (dead or alive) would you most like to perform a duet with and why? Elvis because he is God.

What's the best thing about being on Australian Idol? Being seen and sharing with Australia what I've got

Who is your favourite judge and why? I love them all.

How do you prepare yourself before a performance? I tend to go to the toilet.

What's the best bit of advice someone has given to you? Open your eyes.

If you win, who would you thank first? My family and church.

church my ARSE - Australians as a whole are pretty well not church going folk, we're rather indifferent to it. Those who believe in it, that is.

Jacob Butler has been a favourite with judges since he made the Top 100 back in 2005. Following his Idol experience Jacob, 25, headed to the UK and a deal that "went pear". He spent the last year working on his songwriting, and impressed the panel with his growth upon returning to the audition room. A lover of indie rock and pop, Jacob is a bit of an anglophile when it comes to music. "I find that they do it the best time and time again," he says of Brit artists, who seem to have also inspired his hairstyle! Jacob loves Mexican food and says he couldn't live without his bike.

I first realised I wanted to become a professional singer when? I saw Van Halen's "Jump" on the TV aged three. David Lee Roth blew my mind and I knew I wanted to do that. Awesome.

What is your favourite genre of music? Please tell us why you love that particular style. Indie Rock-Pop. Particularly the English bands. I find that they do it the best time and time again.

Which previous finalist do you find most inspiring and why? Bobby Flynn. Because he changed the rules.

Have you auditioned for a previous series of Australian Idol? If so, how far did you progress? What motivated you to audition this year? 2005 - I bombed out in the Top 100 group stage. I auditioned this year to prove to myself I could take it further.

Describe your feeling at your first audition? Absolutely petrified on the inside - reasonably calm on the outside... until I couldn't get my guitar in tune.

Obviously, it's important to have a strong voice, but what other aspects give a performer 'star quality'? A great haircut - something Gallagheresque. A mod style, that sort of thing is always good.

Idol shows often follow a special theme like Disco, Rock or Big Band. What would your 'dream theme' be and why? Rock always works for me! The only problem that I would have is choosing a song! There are too many to choose from?

What would you call your debut album? It's already recorded and cost me an arm and a leg. I'd like to call it, "For all the Wrong Reasons."

Why do you think Australian Idol is an important part of our local music industry? Because it gives those who my not have previously had the opportunity, to showcase their talents in front of a national audience.

Which artist (dead or alive) would you most like to perform a duet with and why? John Lennon - because he is God. Nobody is better than Lennon.

What's the best thing about being on Australian Idol? Having the opportunity to perform my own work in front of a national audience.

Who is your favourite judge and why? Mark - because he always tells me as it is and he has always believed that I could

make it to this stage.

How do you prepare yourself before a performance? Lots of quiet time, cup of peppermint tea, bit of DVD, maybe some music - all in all, a good vibe always helps!

What's the best bit of advice someone has given to you? To let my confidence grow - that was Holden recently. It has been a tough couple of years but I'm back! YAY!

If you win, who would you thank first? My amazing and beautiful girlfriend, Paula. She is always there for me in the best possible way.

When slightly-built, one-time receptionist Tarisai entered the Idol audition room, the judges had no idea what was about to hit them. The softly spoken 20-year-old blew them away with her amazing rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing". "There's a lot of people loving what you just did then," said Kyle Sandilands, without even conferring with the panel. A lover of the movie Dreamgirls and R'n'B in general (she lists Ms. Houston and Tina Turner as inspirations) Tarisai says that, as well as her amazing set of pipes, she brings both her personality and an ability to mean what she sings to the competition.

I first realised I wanted to become a professional singer when? I was eight years when I became serious about being a singer. Watching Whitney Houston on television letting that voice out made me cry to God about how I wanted to become a precious woman and start singing professionally, leading to a long career.

What is your favourite genre of music? Please tell us why you love that particular style. I love R'n'B (Soul) music. All feelings coming from that style, including the beats, make my mind go wild. The feelings and the passion in that style makes a difference in my life everytime I listen to or sing R'n'B. They provide certain meanings which usually relate to me.

Which previous finalist do you find most inspiring and why? I find Guy Sebastian the most inspiring finalist. He is a very humble artist, who is sincere and that draws his audience closer when he's performing. They feel the sincerity when he is singing, which makes them connect together.

Have you auditioned for a previous series of Australian Idol? If so, how far did you progress? What motivated you to audition this year? No, I have not auditioned for any previous series of Australian Idol.

Describe your feeling at your first audition? Ummm damn, I was just feeling nervous most of the time, and basically I spent most of my day praying to God to lead me through. I was really nervous.

Obviously, it's important to have a strong voice, but what other aspects give a performer 'star quality'? A strong voice is an advantage too but an artist needs EXTRAS to spice it up. 1st: PERSONALITY is essential. It reflects who you are as an artist and it shows how unique you are as an artist. 2nd: The ability to mean what you sing. It reflects how real you are and that helps to deliver the message of the song. Nothing is boring when meaning is delivered.

Idol shows often follow a special theme like Disco, Rock or Big Band. What would your 'dream theme' be and why? My dream theme is so weird but I would love it if they accommodated the theme "Musicals". Musicals include a lot of acting which provides meaning to songs and they are pretty entertaining.

What would you call your debut album? Wow. I think I would call it "The Hidden Secrets of Tarisai."

Why do you think Australian Idol is an important part of our local music industry? Australian Idol is very important to our local music industry because it provides artists an opportunity to show themselves and their talent to the world and the contestants every year teach other musicians a lot. The contestants also learn to be individuals in the show by performing to the public.

Which artist (dead or alive) would you most like to perform a duet with and why? I would love to perform with Miss lovely Tina Turner. Tina Turner inspires me because she performs with elegance and has passion and soul in every song that she performs. SHE ROCKS!

What's the best thing about being on Australian Idol? The best about being on Australian Idol is that I DON'T GET TO GO TO UNI. Hahaha. I'm just joking. I love being on Australian Idol because I learn a lot from other contestants and I get the opportunity to share my passion with my audience and fans. So beautiful.

Who is your favourite judge and why? Ummm. I love all of the judges. Honestly. But Mark Holden and Marcia Hines are so cute. They encouraged me to show my personality, which helped me to get through the auditions. Kyle and Dicko taught me to stand my ground and let it out more. They are the kinda judges that toughen you up, because of the way they are tough. They rock too.

How do you prepare yourself before a performance? For my performances I rehearse a lot. I plan the songs that show my personality - something that entertains my audience. I work out a bit just to get fit. I sleep to get rest and I pray to ask God to help me deliver the best to my audience.

What's the best bit of advice someone has given to you? The best bit of advice I've been given: 'Always believe in yourself and in God. All plans have the last say with God but FAITH is the root to success.'

If you win, who would you thank first? If I win I would thank God first. Without him I wouldn't exist to be a contestant. Not forgetting the fans supporting me. They are a blessing.

enough with the religion bullshit

Lana Krost discovered her passion for performing at a tender age and was just six when she took to the school stage. She continued with a passion for musical theatre. The 17-year-old, who avoids sport and loves McDonalds, confesses she has never been as scared in her life as she was at her Idol audition. "I was shaking and the feeling of being watched all the time was intimidating," she admits. A big fan of Jewel, Lana hopes to connect not only with the audience but also with other great performers in her time on Idol.

I first realised I wanted to become a professional singer when? I first performed on stage when I was at a performing school at the age of six.

What is your favourite genre of music? Pop/Folk songs - because they suit my voice.

Which previous finalist do you find most inspiring and why? Reigan. 'Cause she was herself and had a big personality.

Have you auditioned for a previous series of Australian Idol? If so, how far did you progress? What motivated you to audition this year? No.

Describe your feeling at your first audition? Never been so scared in my life. I was shaking and the feeling of being watched all the time was intimidating.

Obviously, it's important to have a strong voice, but what other aspects give a performer 'star quality'? How they connect to the audience. The purpose of performing is to make the audience feel something and connect with the song.

Idol shows often follow a special theme like Disco, Rock or Big Band. What would your 'dream theme' be and why? Big Band. Because it would be a huge experience.

What would you call your debut album? Self-titled.

Why do you think Australian Idol is an important part of our local music industry? Because it acts as a stepping stone for people who are just beginning their career or for those at the end of it.

Which artist (dead or alive) would you most like to perform a duet with and why? Jewel. Because she struggled to become who she is and I admire her determination. Plus her music inspires people.

What's the best thing about being on Australian Idol? Being exposed to the talent and meeting new and fantastic people.

Who is your favourite judge and why? All of them!

How do you prepare yourself before a performance? I faint!!

What's the best bit of advice someone has given to you? Live for the day.

If you win, who would you thank first? My family and friends.

B I M B O

FYI - for some unknown reason, season one of Aus Idol they wouldn't disclose the entrants surnames.....

chickenhead hairdos are all the rage here at the mo.....look, it's Liam from CI!

Singer/filmmaker 17-year-old Ben, from the NSW Central Coast*, proved to be a real surprise package at his audition. In fact, at face value, it's fair to say the judges didn't think much at all. That is, until he dazzled them with his take on John Mayer's "Daughters". "I was expecting something lame," admitted Kyle. "But that was very surprising and very good." Kooky Ben worked at Woolworths, loves his computer, lists his favourite music genre as dance/electronica and wants to duet with Brooke Fraser. Expect more surprises from Ben as the competition progresses!

I first realised I wanted to become a professional singer when? I first started singing, which was when it all began really. So many years in the making!

What is your favourite genre of music? Please tell us why you love that particular style. Dance/Electronica.

Which previous finalist do you find most inspiring and why? Guy - simply beause of his amazingness.

Have you auditioned for a previous series of Australian Idol? If so, how far did you progress? What motivated you to audition this year? No - I have not.

Describe your feeling at your first audition? The first audition was completely exciting in every way - wooo!

Obviously, it's important to have a strong voice, but what other aspects give a performer 'star quality'? Being unique. Individuality. Style.

Idol shows often follow a special theme like Disco, Rock or Big Band. What would your 'dream theme' and why? "Originals." It would be so rad to hear everyone's different styles.

What would you call your debut album? "Wall."

Why do you think Australian Idol is an important part of our local music industry? Because it provides a huge opportunity for talent all around Australia - and of course, musical entertainment.

Which artist (dead or alive) would you most like to perform a duet with and why? Brooke Fraser! Our voices would go so well together - and we would work so well.

What's the best thing about being on Australian Idol? The fact that it's bloody real. It's right here and I'm part of it this time. YEW!

Who is your favourite judge and why? Mark - simply because of the way talks to me? haha. It's so exciting to hear what he's got for me but.... arghh!

How do you prepare yourself before a performance? I calm down by telling myself things. Yes, this sounds delusional.

What's the best bit of advice someone has given to you? "If you fail to prepare - prepare to fail."

If you win, who would you thank first? God.

* NSW Central Coast - aka hippy drug fucked bong smoking neighbourhood

Keen surfer* and snowboarder Marty admits he was "pretty ordinary" when he first started singing with his guitar, but that he has improved greatly since then. The Australian Idol judges obviously agreed, immediately and unanimously sending him through to the Idol Top 100 at his audition. "Marty Simpson, welcome to Australian Idol!" cheered judge Kyle Sandilands, following his performance. Marty lists his favourite movies as The Shawshank Redemption and Scarface and hopes there is a reggae theme night this year.

I first realised I wanted to become a professional singer when? I began singing with my guitar. I was pretty ordinary at the time, but I've most definitely improved a little.

What is your favourite genre of music? I love all Rootsy-feeling music.

Which previous finalist do you find most inspiring and why? Bobby Flynn, of course.

Have you auditioned for a previous series of Australian Idol? If so, how far did you progress? What motivated you to audition this year? No, just this year. My Mum was always nagging me, so I guess she was the motivator.

Describe your feeling at your first audition? A lot of anxiety from the long hours of waiting. It's all been overwhelming. There were so many cool cats but everyone helped me deal with the emotions we were all going through.

Obviously, it's important to have a strong voice, but what other aspects give a performer 'star quality'? A bright personality will definitely help in this program. I've been really drawn into some of the Idol's musicianship. Some of them can really rip on the instruments.

Idol shows often follow a special theme like Disco, Rock or Big Band. What would your 'dream theme' be and why? Reggae. I think it would be great seeing everybody in the crowd skanking to some Bob Marley.

What would you call your debut album? "Walking Out The Door" or "The Way We Are." At this stage anyway!

Why do you think Australian Idol is an important part of our local music industry? It promotes Aussie artists, very talented Australian artists, who otherwise wouldn't be noticed.

Which artist (dead or alive) would you most like to perform a duet with and why? Jeff Buckley - because I love his voice and he's very unique with his guitar.

What's the best thing about being on Australian Idol? Growing and learning as an artist. The great people I've met. Being given the opportunity to get my stuff out there and be noticed.

Who is your favourite judge and why? I think Kyle, but I haven't got much feedback out of him yet.

How do you prepare yourself before a performance? Trying to keep relaxed by playing the guitar over and over. I usually drink tea before a performance to help my voice.

Whats the best bit of advice someone has given to you? "No good musician ever turns down a gig."

If you win, who would you thank first? All the people I've had the whole experience with.

* surfer aka doesn't wash. I bet several rats live in this grots hair

God this show is shite.

Top 24

Fugarama!

There are some videos on the site too. And they have a forum.

here's one delusional section:

biggest names?

well DER moron. Never WAS a singing competition!

that was the most interesting thread on there, in a small amount of threads/posts, most of which are arselicking the contestants.

*snore*

good god the forum is just as boring as the show

I love how they balance out the genders with the semis, and then stack the wildcards so heavily to the guys... 6-2 this year, I think it was 6-2 or 5-3 last year.

The Prince Wannabe is in the wildcard again, which pisses me off, he sucks and no-one liked him.

Though, now they've changed the rules so that anyone who has made semis can come back next year, same rule applies for anyone who made semis in the past. I guess the producers were watching CI, huh?

Rosie was robbed. I really wanted to make fun of her all the way through the show. Poor ole Rosie! :manbearpig

I actually really like Brianna, as I have since her audition. I'm very glad she got through.

Can't stand Tarisai, incredibly annoying black religious diva women should only be allowed to audition for AI

And I think that nothing could ever be worse than CI5. Ever.

It definitely is worse. On CI5 you have entertaining trainwrecks like Carly or Jaydee, but on OzI5 you have boring people who suck at singing.

And for the record Brianna should just quit the competition and run as fast as she can. She's wasting herself on a show where people like Lana go far.