Australian Idol Top 8 ready to shine

On Tuesday night, TJ Zimba and Tyler Hammill were eliminated from Australian Idol after the nation locked in their Top 8 artists.

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.”