Australian Idol dream within reach

Monday night on Australian Idol, Drea Onamade and Kiani Smith said goodbye, as the Top 6 secured their place.

Before hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie revealed who was safe and who would have one final chance to perform for their spot, the incredible Top 8 took to the stage for a joyful performance of Rush by Troye Sivan.

Australian Idol host Ricki-Lee also took to the stage with a spectacular performance of the title track off her brand-new chart-topping album On My Own.

Across Australia, 3.3 million votes were placed, putting Dylan, 30 from Bangalow; Denvah, 24 from Rockhampton; Drea, 26 from Perth; and Kiani, 17 from Bribie Island, in the bottom four.

After the announcement, judges Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy Shark reflected on Australia’s voting choices. All three were shocked Dylan placed in the bottom four after his incredible performance last night.

Kyle said: “That sucks, that’s wrong. There must be a recount. That’s some poor voting from home.”

As the bottom four artists took to the stage again, Drea admitted: “I’m ready to sing. No matter what happens, happens.”

Dylan proved his “real artistry” on Kings of Leon’s Use Somebody, leaving the crowd chanting his name, while Drea impressed with her edgy performance of Kylie Minogue’s Can’t Get You Out of My Head.

Denvah’s rousing rendition of Hold Back the River by James Bay left Kyle declaring: “One of my faves in the contest made me love a genre of music I thought was for losers!”

Kiani’s final performance of Feeling Good by Nina Simone reinforced a voice beyond her years.

Kyle called it “another beautiful performance”, as Kiani reflected on landing in the bottom four: “It does suck. It’s really sad, but we get to sing again, and I enjoy singing every time I’m on the stage.”

Marcia shared: “You’ve got such great musicality beyond your years. I love your voice and your choices in songs. You did beautifully.”

Amy admired the teen’s focus adding: “The way you apply yourself every week…this has really blown my mind to see you take this so seriously and take it to the top. I’m such a fan of you.”

On leaving the competition, Kiani said: “Thank you. It’s been a lifetime experience I will always cherish. Thank you for helping me get this far, it’s been amazing.”

After Drea’s elimination, Amy reflected: “It’s just really sad. I don’t want to see you go. I’ve enjoyed every single performance.”

Drea sent a shoutout to her family, friends and students declaring: “This is not the end of Drea, good luck you will be seeing me!”

Kyle encouraged both talented performers declaring: “Don’t think it’s over yet, life continues, we want to hear the music.”

Sunday 7.00pm on Australian Idol: It’s heroes and tributes week, where The Top 6 will fight for a life-changing spot in the Grand Final.

The Australian Idol Top 6: