March 20, 2026 • 27 mins
In this episode of TV Reload, host Ben chats with Australian Idol contestants Lily Grace and Sophie. Lily opens up about her confidence and country music roots, sharing how her experience and supportive family helped her shine on the show. Sophie talks about her glamorous performances and her connection with judge Kyle Sandilands, who became her hype girl. They also dish about life behind the scenes, including friendships and drama among contestants. With their unique perspectives and stories, Lily and Sophie give listeners a glimpse into the Australian Idol experience.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
It's in the news today, but it was actually on
TV Reload the podcast. But to beg that line, get everyone,
welcome back to TV Reload. On today's chat, I've got
not one, but two interviews from Australian Idol, and honestly,
these are the kind of interviews that I love doing
because sometimes when contestants leave the competition, that's actually when
you get to hear the most out of them. First up,
(00:20):
you're going to hear from Lily Grace, who for me,
was one of the most naturally poised and compelling contestants
in this year's competition. She brought this really fresh country sound,
but more than that, she has this incredible confidence and
self awareness that made her such a fascinating person to
watch on screen. In our chat, we will talk about
where the confidence comes from, how she found her place
(00:41):
in country music, and what it was like behind the
scenes at Austrayan Idol, and the emotional weight that she
was carrying through her final performance. Then after that, I
catch up with Sophie, who I honestly thought was such
a star in this season, not just because she can sing,
but because she understands how to perform her style, movements,
age presence and all of that. She is one of
(01:02):
those contestants who felt like she had a real clear
sense of who she was as an artist and is
as an artist, I think, and I think audience is
also really connected with that. In Sophie's chat, we get
into her big, glamorous performance moments kyl Sander Lance becoming
obsessed with her and being her hype girl, what she
wishes she got more out of from the judges, and
(01:23):
what happens next now that she's out of the competition.
These are two very different artists, two really fun conversations,
and a great little behind the scenes look at a
Strain Idol this season from the perspective of the contestants
who absolutely have left their mark on audiences. Anyway, guys,
first up here is Lily Grace. Yes, hi, Hi, how
(01:44):
are you?
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Like?
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Are you recovering from your austrain Idol journey?
Speaker 2 (01:49):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:49):
No, I'm really good. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
What happens when you come off a show like that?
Did you go to bed thinking I've got to go
and talk to the world tomorrow or did you go
out like what happens?
Speaker 3 (01:58):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (01:59):
You know, I had a few looking testings around to
my room. We were just trying to hang out.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
I want to start off by talking to you about
this though, because I had this theory because once Australian
Idol came back and it was on Channel seven, I
had this knack of being able to pick people that
would win. I know this sounds really strange because you've
come out of the competition first, come out of the
Top twelve first, but I had you as my winner.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Oh that's so lovely man, thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
And I also said to my partner, I was thinking
about getting an all in one denim suit you I
dare you do it. The thing that really surprised me
that I loved about you throughout your entire time on
this series as it came down to the Top twelve
was when I was seventeen eighteen. I was so young
and I would not have been able to carry myself
(02:43):
the way that you have. Every opportunity where we've seen
you with a microphone, you've been able to articulate yourself
so well, and I just am in awe of your confidence.
Speaker 3 (02:52):
Well that's so lovely, Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
Does that come from someone? Like where do you get
confidence like that?
Speaker 3 (02:57):
Like?
Speaker 1 (02:57):
Can I buy that from a shop?
Speaker 3 (03:00):
I'm actually selling it. I'll do a ten percent discount, right.
Speaker 4 (03:02):
I've always kind of been pretty well spoken, I'd like
to say, and I mean I've been working professionally as
a musician for the last two or three years, so
I think it all just kind of comes down to experience,
and I mean, nothing can really prepare you for what
being on TV and being.
Speaker 3 (03:17):
Australian idol is like.
Speaker 4 (03:18):
But I feel that I do have, you know, quite
a lot under my belt for my age, Like I've
done a lot and.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
I've experienced things, and I think it's really helped me
throughout the journey.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
Do you have family that are like this, as like
your mom or your dad? Are people very confident and
well spoken.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
My mom's very well spoken, and so as my grandma.
Mom grew up in England and you know, it all
quite posha there, so most of my family is like that.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
I love strong women, and I love that you've got that.
And I love that you've just talked about your mom
and your grandma because that's so amazing. I think that's
that is where I assumed you must have been able
to get a lot of this confidence from. There must
have been someone some people raising you to be like that.
Speaker 4 (03:56):
Yeah, you know, Mum is my biggest supporter. She's my
best friend. It's just Mom and I and we are
just like such a solid team, you know. And I
wouldn't have been able to do any of this or
any of my music without Mum just being absolute backbone
and supporting me through it all. So you know, I'm
always really grateful to have that, you know. And it
does give you an extra rooster confidence when you know
(04:17):
that you have someone there that's really really backing you
no matter what.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
The backbone you need that for sure, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
For sure. So I'm very lucky, and I always.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
Want to know because I mean, I mean, I think,
like a lot of people, I listen to pop country,
so I probably listened to, you know, some Taylor Swift
when she was pop country. You know, I think I'm
only accessing pop country that way. Where I want to know,
for you, who has such a strong country sound to
your singing? When did you know that you were a
country music singer over you know, just an any other
(04:46):
sort of singing.
Speaker 4 (04:47):
It's a good question because I feel that, you know,
I've done music for a long time, like I've always
been singing and playing guitar and that kind of stuff.
And I feel as a young artist, especially for me,
you know, I've been in rock bands, I've done contemporary stuff.
You kind of looking for where you want to go,
and I've had lots of different influences growing up. But
when I was fifteen and twenty twenty three, I want
(05:08):
to say, I went to just kind of like God
recommended to me the Academy of Country Music out of
tamwinth And I was kind of just going in as
like not really haven't really found myself as an artist yet.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
And it's like this immersive course and like songwriting, performing
a whole bit.
Speaker 4 (05:25):
And I feel that that it really clicked, like something
really clicked to me.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
I really found my tribe.
Speaker 4 (05:31):
And I was like, oh my goodness, this is what
I want to do. This is who I am, you know,
Like I'm a songwriter. I love writing music and country
music storytelling is just beautiful.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
What do you think in terms of idle though do
you think it's harder to be in the competition when
you're up against singers that I might be singing more mainstream?
Do you think that country can be a difficult cell, Like,
what's your thoughts on that.
Speaker 4 (05:54):
Honestly, I think that country music is really kind of
it's been booming in the last kind of.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
Two three years, maybe five years.
Speaker 4 (06:02):
You know, like people are kind of starting to really
fall in love with country music, and I feel it's
big in America, but more in Australia starting to really
love it, and you know, like, yes, there is going
to be you know, if people are seeing songs that
maybe more of the population knows, that definitely comes into play.
But I really think that country music is finding its
way into more mainstream kind of parts of everything.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
Like there's you know, you've got artists like.
Speaker 4 (06:25):
Zach Bryan who are doing you know, like contemporary country,
and there's so many different genres within the country scene
that people can kind of find what they like in it,
which I think is really awesome. So you know, it's
not quite it's not quite there yet, like we haven't
got everyone sold. But you know, Jake Whitaker last year,
he did amazingly, you know, getting into Top six with
country music, and you know, I think it's really great
(06:46):
that the country artists have had a chance to kind
of come in and be like, look, we can we
can do this too. And I think it's I think
it's really awesome. You know, it's just getting it out
there more and more with every episode.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
Well, I would buy your music and I wouldn't even
put myself down as a you know, country music fan,
do you know what I mean? Like, I feel like
your sound is also quite accessible, and I think a
lot of people in Australia are probably listening to more
country style music without actually realizing it, you.
Speaker 3 (07:10):
Know, definitely.
Speaker 4 (07:11):
You know, I've had quite a few people come up
to me or message me and say I wasn't a
fan of country music until you on Idol, and now
I've fallen in love with it, which has been really
special and pretty awesome.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
And when it comes to choosing the music, because I
mean I thought the KT song was just so good,
but I mean that was so from my era Devil
Beez Praduct, like so great? Did you have ideas about
what some of the next songs would be?
Speaker 3 (07:32):
Like?
Speaker 1 (07:32):
What have we missed out on from you?
Speaker 4 (07:35):
I mean for Top ten it's Aussie Week and I
was really hoping to get to do Working class Man
by Jimmy But that's okay, you know, it's in my
repertoire now, I know, it, you know, people that will
come to my shows, hopefully we'll get to hear it there.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Well we should sing that together now I'm only kiving.
I can't sing, so I can't sing, so that would
be terrible. But I do think because you are an
artist that is touring, people will be able to see
you around Australia. Where are you going next? Like? Where
can people come and see you live?
Speaker 3 (08:08):
In all? Honest?
Speaker 4 (08:09):
Do like when I haven't had anything booked in just
because you know, you never know what's going to happen
on this show. So yeah, for you know the time being,
I don't have any solid dates yet, but I'm always playing.
I'm always around locally like people that live in the
Northern Rivers, you know, I'm always doing local shows and
I post and advertise where I'm going to be, so
as soon as stuff locked in on the socials is
(08:30):
where I can find you know what I'm doing.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
And where I'll be absolutely, I mean, I'm just following.
I'm already following you, so you can follow me back
if you like. Of course, it's not the whole podcast
is for It was just to get Lily Grace, just
to get you to follow me. What was it like
being able to stand up in front of those iconic judges?
I mean, I have grown up watching Australian idol So
Marshall Heinz to me is a god and I buy
Amy Shark's music and Kys Sandalance well, I used to
(08:54):
listen to him on the radio. But you know, obviously
that's that's a different story. What was it like to
stand up in front of those judges?
Speaker 4 (09:01):
You know, I think it is such an amazing opportunity
to be able to perform to people that have so
much experience and knowledge and success within the industry. You know,
like opportunities like that don't just come around every day.
Even if it's just like a little bit of feedback,
Like everything that the judges say, you just take on
and it's so valuable because you just don't get that,
(09:22):
like it just doesn't happen, you know, unless you are
already making it. So as like an artist that's paving
their way and you know, just breaking out in the industry.
It's so amazing to have that kind of it's invaluable.
Really likes, it's been amazing.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
It's weird because when they were talking about you standing
up on the sort of the extra stage. You know,
you're up a little bit higher, and then they were
saying that it took a little bit of time for
you to get into the song. I didn't notice that
at all. It's funny when you're watching things at home,
you probably see things differently when you hear feedback like that.
Are you like, oh, you got me, that's exactly what
was happening. I was a little bit nervous up there.
(09:56):
I was a little in my head about the steps
and how to get down. What actually was what's happening
without the judges putting that into your mind.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
Yeah, you know.
Speaker 4 (10:03):
I mean, I'm not sure if you watched the episode,
but in preparation for Top twelve, I did lose a
very special family member.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
I did.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
Yeah, you know, it was a really really hard week
for me.
Speaker 4 (10:15):
You know, like it was tough, and I think that
I just had a lot playing in my head and
going into it. You know, it wasn't easy, but I
was just I just wanted to give it my all.
But yeah, I think that I did have a.
Speaker 5 (10:25):
Lot on my mind.
Speaker 4 (10:26):
And I tell you what jews mess. I was seven
and a half and I'm usually like a night It was.
It was not easy getting down those stairs, and I
was most definitely also thinking about that.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
I'm sorry for the loss of your auntie as well,
like I thought. And also it was amazing incredible that
you were able to even articulate that to everyone. You know,
I thought that was a really I mean, I think
reality TV works best when people are just being authentically themselves,
and you just did that quite effortlessly, even talking about
the loss of your auntie.
Speaker 4 (10:54):
You know, I was doing that performance for her, and
you know, she was a big fan of the show.
She wasn't very well in her last kind of a
few weeks, but she'd always make sure if she was
having a naps at a time, I get the whole
family watching it. So she was a huge supporter and
I really just wanted to do her proud and you know,
make her proud of me for that performance.
Speaker 5 (11:11):
So that was that was fair.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
Why aren't you what an amazing thing that you've been
able to give her as well to see you at
this point, you know, being on Australian Idol getting your
music going. I think that she would be so proud.
Speaker 4 (11:23):
Yeah, no, I know she was very proud. So it
was very special and I got to do.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
That, and before you go, I want to know that
they got someone to know the tea from behind the
scenes with all of these young people, all of you
being together obviously being really supportive, is there anything going on? Like,
is there any relationships happening? Is there any fight? Its happening?
Like what's happening behind the scenes?
Speaker 4 (11:42):
You know, I will say that we have been I
feel like, as a collective, such an amazing group. Like
there's been no like arguments, no fighting, no cliquie groups
as like, as a collective, we have just been really
solid and supportive of each other, which I think has
made it. It's made it easier and it's made it
much better experience because you know, like at the end
(12:02):
of the day we can all go into someone's room
debrief the day.
Speaker 3 (12:05):
We're all in it together.
Speaker 4 (12:06):
We're all going through the same chaotic madness of a
TV show that's so new to everyone. And I think
having everyone being such just like such a good group,
it was really really special.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
It's weird that they've made you all get along like that.
You should be tearing each other's throats out.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
We don't should be.
Speaker 1 (12:24):
Well, they're my competition. I've got to cut them down. No,
I'm only kidding. Don't be like that.
Speaker 4 (12:28):
Like it was so funny, Like Harry and I when
we were up there to the other, it's like there's no
like there's no resentment, there's no kind of like, oh,
you know, I should have got through over him.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
It's like, I'm just so proud of you, mate, like
good job.
Speaker 4 (12:37):
And it's like we're like that with everyone, you know,
like we skipped off backstage and we're like, you've got this.
There's no kind of like highly competitive egos or anything.
Everyone's just super super great.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
Well they all look like.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
A life in pretty much everyone, so it's really special.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
I'm obsessed with that. Well, but the last thing I
ask everyone is a behind the scenes question, you know,
from the perspective of trying to get onto Idle and
making it like all the way to the top wealth,
which is insane, Like it's so impressive. It must have
been like living a dream. Now that you've experienced it,
is there something that you think, oh, people wouldn't know
this about being on Australian Idol.
Speaker 4 (13:10):
I mean, I think people don't realize how much work
goes into it, Like you know, you watch the show
and it's flows so smoothly and like it's just you know,
like an easy watch, but there is so much work.
Like we're in wardrobe fittings, we're doing hair and makeup,
we've got this going on, we've got this guitar, we've
got sound guys, we've got crew, we've got the who.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
Like it's a huge.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
Production, and you know, I feel like people don't necessarily
see that. You don't see what goes on behind the scenes,
can see how how hard people are working to make
the show what it is like without you know, all
the amazing people that are working behind behind the stage
and onset, like it just wouldn't be like we couldn't
do it without them. And I feel like that's something
that needs more acknowledgment because it's it's really incredible what
(13:51):
everyone's doing.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
I love this about you. This is the Lily grace.
This is what Marshall was talking about. You have the
grace to recognize something like that. Mate. I just want
to say how much I loved watching you from the
very first episode of Coming On and just so amazing
your performance and the way you've handled this whole thing.
I can't wait to see what you do with this
Austrain Idol journey and I can't wait to see what
(14:12):
you do with your career. I think you know you're
at the start of it.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
Well, thank you so much, Ben, I really appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
I'll let you go and enjoy chatting to everyone in
the media that would be just like me, excited to
chat to you and yeah, good luck with it all.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
So great to chat Ben, Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
All Right, that was Lily Grace. Now let's switch gears
and chat with Sophie, who also brought glamour, confidence and
some seriously big stage energy to Austrain Idol. So, guys,
here we go. This is my chat with Sophie. How
are you.
Speaker 5 (14:40):
I'm really good. Yeah, getting ready to pack up and
go home.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
How do you feel, though, when you're sort of setting
yourself up to do a show like this and you
don't know whether or not you're going to be there
for weeks, or whether or not you're going to be
there for one of it, Like, is that a strange
part of your brain to try and compartmentalize.
Speaker 5 (14:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
Absolutely, it's definitely the experience, But I think it's also
like kind of something that you prepare yourself going in.
Speaker 1 (15:04):
I wanted to see more of you because I was like,
your hair got better and better. Actually, you got more
beautiful every time I saw you on the screen. I
was like, when you first did your audition, I was like,
I like this chick. She's the sort of person i'd
hang out with. But you just looked amazing, I know.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
And I was kind of like talking to the team
because I was like, I like, well, my head's a
bit more out, like less puss behind my is. And
I thought they finally got the memo and then I
got voted off. I was like, oh, it's ridiculous.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
But I was dreaming about this is now ridiculous, but anyway,
but I was then dreaming about what your hair was
going to look like three episodes deep. I was thinking,
I'm going to get like get the hair extensions in.
Speaker 5 (15:37):
Like get the wig, yeah, extensions.
Speaker 2 (15:41):
They're very right with the whole glitz and glamour ipect
of it throughout. Hey, just give me more freedom to
do that.
Speaker 5 (15:47):
When I get home.
Speaker 1 (15:48):
Well, I'm a big fan of Moulin Rouge and I
want to ask you about something because I felt like
when they did your intro, they were like, you know,
you're doing this song good Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend,
which you know a lot of would say is Molon Rouge,
but you were like, no, it's the Marilyn Monroe film
some Like a Heart or whatever that film was. And
then Amy Shark brings it up as well. She's like,
(16:09):
I love Moulin Rouge, but you kept dodging it. Is
it because you don't like that song from Molon Rouge?
Speaker 3 (16:15):
No?
Speaker 2 (16:15):
I love it, And I actually got diamond Girls and
Time from burles in that movie as well with Christina Aguilera.
Speaker 1 (16:22):
That's what you did on stage. That's correct, this is
what happened. They were like, Mulon Rouge, we love that movie,
and you were like, yeah, I get that, but also Burlesque.
Speaker 5 (16:30):
Yeah, well, I guess that's kind of where I personally
drew it from.
Speaker 3 (16:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (16:33):
I don't know if I've actually seen the Milon Rouge movie.
I've seen the musical.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
I was picking this up. I was picking this up.
I was sitting there watching it and I was like,
she is dodging this.
Speaker 4 (16:42):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (16:42):
Well, also I remember.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
Like this the movie they assigned for me for Like,
the inspiration was definitely the Malon Monroe on the original Okay,
but I do take heavy inspiration from that movie and
like her whole style throughout that movie.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
So but that's what was happening. The style was there.
You did look like you were a nod to Setine
from Molon Rouge definitely, you know, was the colorings and
stylings and I don't know.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
Yeah, they really nailed that one, honestly, dream performance that one.
Speaker 5 (17:07):
So glad. I'm glad I got to do that.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
A lot of the other idols look like they struggle
with putting together the whole show where you no offense
to them, kudos, You're still in the show, so shut up.
Like you just could understand a stage better than anyone,
like just movement and rhythm. You had it going on
th fin Well, I'm disappointed. I don't know. We'll get
them to recount. We'll get them to recount at all
(17:31):
and put you back in the show next week.
Speaker 5 (17:33):
Well cal hopefully so.
Speaker 1 (17:35):
Kyle Sandlanz is in the media era. Everyone's talking about him,
but he's talking about you like he's obsessed with you.
Speaker 5 (17:41):
Oh, I love it.
Speaker 1 (17:43):
Is it weird that Kyle san Lanz is so obsessed
with you because like he like he's your hype girl.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
Yeah, I mean, I'm very grateful that I had a
judge that like, you know, specifically back to me. I
think that made me feel super reassured and that you know,
I'm here for a reason, especially going through like the
Top thirty can you know, getting up for elimination a
few times it was very much sometimes a moment to reflect,
like if there's better contestants. But you know, I think
he really saw my potential even from the start when
(18:10):
I came in.
Speaker 5 (18:11):
And sang a sad song. So I've been super grateful.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
Maybe the objective comment it's a little a little crazy, but.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
Hey, that's him.
Speaker 5 (18:19):
But it's exactly.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
It's so weird. Everyone at the moment is talking about
Carl Sanderlance and about you know, how outrageous he is
as a shock jock, where I've met him a couple
of times, like I've done his show a couple of times,
and he's so nice and so generous and so kind
and such a sweet man. And then when people say
nasty things about him, like today, people are writing about
it online and I feel bad, like I shouldn't say
I feel like I want to stick up for him,
(18:41):
but I also I know this podcast is arn So
I'm like, what happens if I say Carl san Lanz
is a god and then they cancel my podcast tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (18:50):
It's difficult.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Hey, what's your take home on the cars?
Speaker 5 (18:53):
I mean, he reminds me a lot of my dad.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
My Dad's very much the same, just maybe a bit outright,
could say things that potentially hits, but at the end
of the day, he's very true and intended and if
he loves you like he loved you, and he commits
a lot and looks out for you a lot, and yeah,
I see very similar traits in my dad with Kyle,
and I really want them to meet us. But I
think it's it's a reassuring type of brutal honesty and
(19:18):
sometimes you know truth that comes with Kyle in a
humorous way, which I just really connect with.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
And I find him a lot of fun.
Speaker 1 (19:24):
Well, Sophie, he's got a lot of free time now,
I reckon invite him to the family barbecue.
Speaker 5 (19:29):
I do want to try and reach out.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
Actually, isn't that strange though? When you watch the show, though,
you think all of the contestants getting personal attention from
the judges. But I've been to watch idle filmed a
number of times and literally you're just sort of getting
that interaction that you're getting on stage. Do you ever
want to go up and ask them for more critiques
once the show is over?
Speaker 5 (19:50):
Absolutely? Yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
I actually like that was kind of the one thing
I wish that came out of the show a little
bit more, was like more conversation and connection with the judges,
because sometimes it's kind of like they come and then
you're a little bit disconnected, like they kind of give
you advice and then you don't see them.
Speaker 5 (20:03):
Again and you want more. You can chat to them,
Do I really do want more?
Speaker 2 (20:07):
And you know they have a lot of experience, especially Kyle,
because I think he's got amazing connections here with managers
and everything, and you know, seeing people from young artists
that have potential becoming big stars. And I'd love to
just kind of sit down and have more of a
conversation about what he thinks I should do or who
should I work with over other people.
Speaker 1 (20:28):
He's got the contacts, but you've alsoly got the door open.
Can I say this to you now, this is the
advice that I'm going to give you, and I have
been I've done I've got my notebook out. Got the
notebook out. Okay, so I love the notebook. Different story,
Stay on track, Ben. The door is a jar when
you do reality television, Like I remember I did Big
Brother and I came off that and I thought that
(20:49):
the world was going to come and offer me to
host the Academy Awards. I was like, I'm I'm Ellen,
I've made it. I've made it. I'm a big deal.
But what I would go back to and say to
myself about that opportunity then, is that the door's a jar,
and you've kind of got this a moment that mind
feel like it's not enough that the door's just a jar.
But I'm telling you that light for someone like you,
(21:12):
who can sing and dance and command an audience, it's
time to just kick that door wide open. And you
have to ring people. You have to what contacts you have,
what when people say things too. This will happen as well, Sophie.
People will say, oh, you'd be great on you know,
talking heads on sunshine in the morning or something, the
sunrise in the morning. You know what I mean, say
(21:33):
to them, yes I would, And how to cow can
that happen?
Speaker 5 (21:35):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (21:36):
Because I feel like you've got the X factor different
singing show, but you've definitely got it.
Speaker 5 (21:40):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (21:41):
Yeah, I think that's very muchly unprepared for. Is kind
of that reaching out and the effort now that it
is on my end for sure.
Speaker 1 (21:49):
Yeah, just keep going with that.
Speaker 5 (21:50):
By this show's so great.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
You know, I've gotten a few more thousand followers and
you know, have a bit more credibility to kind of
reach out. You know, I've kind of got a bit
of a title to lead with now, and I'm so grateful,
so I'm going to definitely far out just to use
it up all the way to the top, hopefully.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
What did mum think? I was watching her mum, and
I thought that she looked so proud I had. I
almost felt a little tear coming out because I love
it when the moms are on these shows and they
say nice things about that children. I'm that person.
Speaker 5 (22:15):
Yeah, oh my god.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
She's not a very emotional person. So it was funny
this morning. She she just said that, oh, come here,
give me a hug, and she just bursted out crying,
and it was like a really beautiful moment. And then
she cried for like fifteen seconds and then just pretended
it never happened and carried on. But I feel like
that was just such a moment to realize, Oh, she
is really just so proud.
Speaker 5 (22:34):
Of how far I've come.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
And I can only imagine you're feeling yeah.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
Yeah, she must be feeling so amazing because you know,
she put me in the singing.
Speaker 1 (22:40):
Lesson though she knew.
Speaker 5 (22:42):
I think it's a yeah she.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Knew, And I think it was such a moment for
her of like all the all the money, all the
dropping her to school, and the lessons and the meltdowns
that I had after piano lessons and I couldn't play
piano for shit. It all kind of worked out in
the end, you know.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
I think you collect your things throughout life. You know,
you just collect your different things, especially if you're a creative,
and so you just keep up bringing all of these
things together because it'll all pay off in the end.
That's my that's my little thing. That's what I'm telling
you today. Before you go, I ask everyone for a
behind the scenes secret, so I want to know. I
(23:17):
want to know because I would love to go on
a strain. I spoiler alert can't sing, so it will
never happen. But what was something that you know, you
got on the show and you were like, wow, I'm
on this show and you would average people wouldn't know this.
Speaker 5 (23:29):
Okay, good question.
Speaker 2 (23:30):
Maybe that I'm in Mount Druitt, Sydney, you're in what
I feel like that is something I wasn't prepared for,
to be honest.
Speaker 5 (23:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:37):
Maybe also that, like, you know, you have so much
time it's been with the contestants outside of the show.
Speaker 1 (23:42):
I was asking just Lily Grace Elier, is there any drama?
And she gave me nothing. She was like, we all
love each other like the Partridge family. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:49):
Actually, you know Samela who's a bit older, she just
cooks dinner and we all come in and like what's
the movie? The episodes together like such a beautiful little
circle with camp and great connections as well.
Speaker 1 (23:59):
I feel if you've got to be friends with anyone,
just one person, just one person, who would you be
friends with forever?
Speaker 2 (24:05):
Ooh, good question?
Speaker 5 (24:07):
Can I name a few? Or no?
Speaker 1 (24:08):
It has to be go a few. I think it'd
be rude. We'll leave just one person out that will
then be really upset. But look, go for a few.
Speaker 2 (24:14):
Okay, I think someone that I really see myself like
partnering with a lot and collaborating with because we're similar
in age and living both.
Speaker 3 (24:21):
In Melbourne is one wooth Okay, I think.
Speaker 2 (24:23):
We are pretty aligned, like style wise and that kind
of soul jazzy vibe.
Speaker 5 (24:27):
So we're going to do a DJ competition in a
few weeks.
Speaker 1 (24:30):
Amazing.
Speaker 2 (24:30):
Well, yeah, I've already got some big plans with her
for collaboration. But also just like Harlan and Lily Gray, John,
I love John, Sadit, Samela, They're all just amazing.
Speaker 5 (24:40):
Everyone's amazing.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
I think, like a lot of Australians, where we get
to watch this story as it evolves. You know, the
Top ten is next week. People want to know who
is your pick to win Australian idol you've been watching
from the ground floor.
Speaker 5 (24:53):
I think a male Unfortunately.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
Why Unfortunately because women?
Speaker 2 (24:58):
I feel like women are the only ones that watch
the show and go out of their way to vote. Yeah,
so sometimes I think it kind of just falls into
place with the demand I want a woman to win, Okay,
I'm dying for it. I think in that sense, Kesher
has a really good chance, and maybe Samilla for the girls,
but maybe for the boys or it's tough. Potentially Trey
(25:22):
or Harlan.
Speaker 1 (25:23):
Yeah, my guess Okay.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
It's getting really tough now.
Speaker 1 (25:27):
It's wild.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
It's really at a point where I think anyone could
could take it.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
I thought last year, last year's talent was so good,
and then when this one started, I was like, where
are they finding these people? What are they feeding the
next generation?
Speaker 2 (25:38):
I feel like that second episode that I was part
of in the top twelve was just insane. You're like,
what is that like a paid concert show?
Speaker 5 (25:45):
It was crazy?
Speaker 1 (25:46):
Well, I will pay for it. Let me tell you
that I'm a big fan. I'll wait to see what
you do with this whole experience. Thank you so much
for even chatting with me today. Hopefully people will listen
to this and get to know you a little bit
better as well, so because that's a part of it.
Speaker 5 (26:00):
Caddy energy about you too.
Speaker 1 (26:02):
I love a chat.
Speaker 5 (26:03):
You're so successful in this.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
I'm the smokers area person, you know, the person that's
in the smokers area.
Speaker 5 (26:09):
I'm the laugh on at the party.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
Last one I love. My friend used to be upset
who I lived with because she was like, why are
you the last person at the party with someone on
the balcony asking them because her bedroom was next to
the balcony and she could hear me being.
Speaker 5 (26:22):
Like dumping their life, and I'm just there like yeah.
Speaker 1 (26:25):
Because I'm always interested. Most people don't want to hear that.
I'm like and then what happened? And so they go
from school? Do you still speak to her?
Speaker 2 (26:33):
And they're like what, Yeah, you make too many friends
and you can't keep up.
Speaker 1 (26:38):
Yeah, but then they get angry. That's the one thing.
And then they and they want your one demand and
you're like, no, mate, I met you in the smokers area.
I don't even know your name. Goodbye was one.
Speaker 5 (26:47):
That was the one time thing I.
Speaker 1 (26:48):
Was in a good moods. Well, I'm going to follow
you on Instagram, so we'll be in your audience, my friend.
Speaker 5 (26:55):
I will be right back.
Speaker 1 (26:56):
Amazing. Well it's coming to it's coming away right now.
Speaker 5 (27:00):
Yeah, I mean, Melbourne's the best city ever.
Speaker 1 (27:02):
So yeah, I'm in Melbourne.
Speaker 2 (27:05):
I'm very lucky to go back to where I'm going
back to.
Speaker 5 (27:07):
You know.
Speaker 1 (27:07):
Yeah, Well I just spent seven weeks in Queensland and
I was like, Queensland so lovely, and then I came
back to Melbourne. I was like, no, no, mate, this
is home.
Speaker 2 (27:15):
I'm like, they meet me with the Gold Coast.
Speaker 5 (27:19):
I was like, oh, this is home.
Speaker 1 (27:20):
Yeah, well I've been missing yeah. Well, good luck with
it all. Thanks for your time and I'll chat to
you soon.
Speaker 5 (27:26):
Buddy.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
Sounds so good man folly back Yeah,
It's in the news today, but it was actually on
TV Reload the podcast. But to beg that line, get everyone,
welcome back to TV Reload. On today's chat, I've got
not one, but two interviews from Australian Idol, and honestly,
these are the kind of interviews that I love doing
because sometimes when contestants leave the competition, that's actually when
you get to hear the most out of them. First up,
(00:20):
you're going to hear from Lily Grace, who for me,
was one of the most naturally poised and compelling contestants
in this year's competition. She brought this really fresh country sound,
but more than that, she has this incredible confidence and
self awareness that made her such a fascinating person to
watch on screen. In our chat, we will talk about
where the confidence comes from, how she found her place
(00:41):
in country music, and what it was like behind the
scenes at Austrayan Idol, and the emotional weight that she
was carrying through her final performance. Then after that, I
catch up with Sophie, who I honestly thought was such
a star in this season, not just because she can sing,
but because she understands how to perform her style, movements,
age presence and all of that. She is one of
(01:02):
those contestants who felt like she had a real clear
sense of who she was as an artist and is
as an artist, I think, and I think audience is
also really connected with that. In Sophie's chat, we get
into her big, glamorous performance moments kyl Sander Lance becoming
obsessed with her and being her hype girl, what she
wishes she got more out of from the judges, and
(01:23):
what happens next now that she's out of the competition.
These are two very different artists, two really fun conversations,
and a great little behind the scenes look at a
Strain Idol this season from the perspective of the contestants
who absolutely have left their mark on audiences. Anyway, guys,
first up here is Lily Grace. Yes, hi, Hi, how
(01:44):
are you?
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Like?
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Are you recovering from your austrain Idol journey?
Speaker 2 (01:49):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:49):
No, I'm really good. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
What happens when you come off a show like that?
Did you go to bed thinking I've got to go
and talk to the world tomorrow or did you go
out like what happens?
Speaker 3 (01:58):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (01:59):
You know, I had a few looking testings around to
my room. We were just trying to hang out.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
I want to start off by talking to you about
this though, because I had this theory because once Australian
Idol came back and it was on Channel seven, I
had this knack of being able to pick people that
would win. I know this sounds really strange because you've
come out of the competition first, come out of the
Top twelve first, but I had you as my winner.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Oh that's so lovely man, thank you.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
And I also said to my partner, I was thinking
about getting an all in one denim suit you I
dare you do it. The thing that really surprised me
that I loved about you throughout your entire time on
this series as it came down to the Top twelve
was when I was seventeen eighteen. I was so young
and I would not have been able to carry myself
(02:43):
the way that you have. Every opportunity where we've seen
you with a microphone, you've been able to articulate yourself
so well, and I just am in awe of your confidence.
Speaker 3 (02:52):
Well that's so lovely, Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
Does that come from someone? Like where do you get
confidence like that?
Speaker 3 (02:57):
Like?
Speaker 1 (02:57):
Can I buy that from a shop?
Speaker 3 (03:00):
I'm actually selling it. I'll do a ten percent discount, right.
Speaker 4 (03:02):
I've always kind of been pretty well spoken, I'd like
to say, and I mean I've been working professionally as
a musician for the last two or three years, so
I think it all just kind of comes down to experience,
and I mean, nothing can really prepare you for what
being on TV and being.
Speaker 3 (03:17):
Australian idol is like.
Speaker 4 (03:18):
But I feel that I do have, you know, quite
a lot under my belt for my age, Like I've
done a lot and.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
I've experienced things, and I think it's really helped me
throughout the journey.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
Do you have family that are like this, as like
your mom or your dad? Are people very confident and
well spoken.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
My mom's very well spoken, and so as my grandma.
Mom grew up in England and you know, it all
quite posha there, so most of my family is like that.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
I love strong women, and I love that you've got that.
And I love that you've just talked about your mom
and your grandma because that's so amazing. I think that's
that is where I assumed you must have been able
to get a lot of this confidence from. There must
have been someone some people raising you to be like that.
Speaker 4 (03:56):
Yeah, you know, Mum is my biggest supporter. She's my
best friend. It's just Mom and I and we are
just like such a solid team, you know. And I
wouldn't have been able to do any of this or
any of my music without Mum just being absolute backbone
and supporting me through it all. So you know, I'm
always really grateful to have that, you know. And it
does give you an extra rooster confidence when you know
(04:17):
that you have someone there that's really really backing you
no matter what.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
The backbone you need that for sure, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
For sure. So I'm very lucky, and I always.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
Want to know because I mean, I mean, I think,
like a lot of people, I listen to pop country,
so I probably listened to, you know, some Taylor Swift
when she was pop country. You know, I think I'm
only accessing pop country that way. Where I want to know,
for you, who has such a strong country sound to
your singing? When did you know that you were a
country music singer over you know, just an any other
(04:46):
sort of singing.
Speaker 4 (04:47):
It's a good question because I feel that, you know,
I've done music for a long time, like I've always
been singing and playing guitar and that kind of stuff.
And I feel as a young artist, especially for me,
you know, I've been in rock bands, I've done contemporary stuff.
You kind of looking for where you want to go,
and I've had lots of different influences growing up. But
when I was fifteen and twenty twenty three, I want
(05:08):
to say, I went to just kind of like God
recommended to me the Academy of Country Music out of
tamwinth And I was kind of just going in as
like not really haven't really found myself as an artist yet.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
And it's like this immersive course and like songwriting, performing
a whole bit.
Speaker 4 (05:25):
And I feel that that it really clicked, like something
really clicked to me.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
I really found my tribe.
Speaker 4 (05:31):
And I was like, oh my goodness, this is what
I want to do. This is who I am, you know,
Like I'm a songwriter. I love writing music and country
music storytelling is just beautiful.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
What do you think in terms of idle though do
you think it's harder to be in the competition when
you're up against singers that I might be singing more mainstream?
Do you think that country can be a difficult cell, Like,
what's your thoughts on that.
Speaker 4 (05:54):
Honestly, I think that country music is really kind of
it's been booming in the last kind of.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
Two three years, maybe five years.
Speaker 4 (06:02):
You know, like people are kind of starting to really
fall in love with country music, and I feel it's
big in America, but more in Australia starting to really
love it, and you know, like, yes, there is going
to be you know, if people are seeing songs that
maybe more of the population knows, that definitely comes into play.
But I really think that country music is finding its
way into more mainstream kind of parts of everything.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
Like there's you know, you've got artists like.
Speaker 4 (06:25):
Zach Bryan who are doing you know, like contemporary country,
and there's so many different genres within the country scene
that people can kind of find what they like in it,
which I think is really awesome. So you know, it's
not quite it's not quite there yet, like we haven't
got everyone sold. But you know, Jake Whitaker last year,
he did amazingly, you know, getting into Top six with
country music, and you know, I think it's really great
(06:46):
that the country artists have had a chance to kind
of come in and be like, look, we can we
can do this too. And I think it's I think
it's really awesome. You know, it's just getting it out
there more and more with every episode.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
Well, I would buy your music and I wouldn't even
put myself down as a you know, country music fan,
do you know what I mean? Like, I feel like
your sound is also quite accessible, and I think a
lot of people in Australia are probably listening to more
country style music without actually realizing it, you.
Speaker 3 (07:10):
Know, definitely.
Speaker 4 (07:11):
You know, I've had quite a few people come up
to me or message me and say I wasn't a
fan of country music until you on Idol, and now
I've fallen in love with it, which has been really
special and pretty awesome.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
And when it comes to choosing the music, because I
mean I thought the KT song was just so good,
but I mean that was so from my era Devil
Beez Praduct, like so great? Did you have ideas about
what some of the next songs would be?
Speaker 3 (07:32):
Like?
Speaker 1 (07:32):
What have we missed out on from you?
Speaker 4 (07:35):
I mean for Top ten it's Aussie Week and I
was really hoping to get to do Working class Man
by Jimmy But that's okay, you know, it's in my
repertoire now, I know, it, you know, people that will
come to my shows, hopefully we'll get to hear it there.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Well we should sing that together now I'm only kiving.
I can't sing, so I can't sing, so that would
be terrible. But I do think because you are an
artist that is touring, people will be able to see
you around Australia. Where are you going next? Like? Where
can people come and see you live?
Speaker 3 (08:08):
In all? Honest?
Speaker 4 (08:09):
Do like when I haven't had anything booked in just
because you know, you never know what's going to happen
on this show. So yeah, for you know the time being,
I don't have any solid dates yet, but I'm always playing.
I'm always around locally like people that live in the
Northern Rivers, you know, I'm always doing local shows and
I post and advertise where I'm going to be, so
as soon as stuff locked in on the socials is
(08:30):
where I can find you know what I'm doing.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
And where I'll be absolutely, I mean, I'm just following.
I'm already following you, so you can follow me back
if you like. Of course, it's not the whole podcast
is for It was just to get Lily Grace, just
to get you to follow me. What was it like
being able to stand up in front of those iconic judges?
I mean, I have grown up watching Australian idol So
Marshall Heinz to me is a god and I buy
Amy Shark's music and Kys Sandalance well, I used to
(08:54):
listen to him on the radio. But you know, obviously
that's that's a different story. What was it like to
stand up in front of those judges?
Speaker 4 (09:01):
You know, I think it is such an amazing opportunity
to be able to perform to people that have so
much experience and knowledge and success within the industry. You know,
like opportunities like that don't just come around every day.
Even if it's just like a little bit of feedback,
Like everything that the judges say, you just take on
and it's so valuable because you just don't get that,
(09:22):
like it just doesn't happen, you know, unless you are
already making it. So as like an artist that's paving
their way and you know, just breaking out in the industry.
It's so amazing to have that kind of it's invaluable.
Really likes, it's been amazing.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
It's weird because when they were talking about you standing
up on the sort of the extra stage. You know,
you're up a little bit higher, and then they were
saying that it took a little bit of time for
you to get into the song. I didn't notice that
at all. It's funny when you're watching things at home,
you probably see things differently when you hear feedback like that.
Are you like, oh, you got me, that's exactly what
was happening. I was a little bit nervous up there.
(09:56):
I was a little in my head about the steps
and how to get down. What actually was what's happening
without the judges putting that into your mind.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
Yeah, you know.
Speaker 4 (10:03):
I mean, I'm not sure if you watched the episode,
but in preparation for Top twelve, I did lose a
very special family member.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
I did.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
Yeah, you know, it was a really really hard week
for me.
Speaker 4 (10:15):
You know, like it was tough, and I think that
I just had a lot playing in my head and
going into it. You know, it wasn't easy, but I
was just I just wanted to give it my all.
But yeah, I think that I did have a.
Speaker 5 (10:25):
Lot on my mind.
Speaker 4 (10:26):
And I tell you what jews mess. I was seven
and a half and I'm usually like a night It was.
It was not easy getting down those stairs, and I
was most definitely also thinking about that.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
I'm sorry for the loss of your auntie as well,
like I thought. And also it was amazing incredible that
you were able to even articulate that to everyone. You know,
I thought that was a really I mean, I think
reality TV works best when people are just being authentically themselves,
and you just did that quite effortlessly, even talking about
the loss of your auntie.
Speaker 4 (10:54):
You know, I was doing that performance for her, and
you know, she was a big fan of the show.
She wasn't very well in her last kind of a
few weeks, but she'd always make sure if she was
having a naps at a time, I get the whole
family watching it. So she was a huge supporter and
I really just wanted to do her proud and you know,
make her proud of me for that performance.
Speaker 5 (11:11):
So that was that was fair.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
Why aren't you what an amazing thing that you've been
able to give her as well to see you at
this point, you know, being on Australian Idol getting your
music going. I think that she would be so proud.
Speaker 4 (11:23):
Yeah, no, I know she was very proud. So it
was very special and I got to do.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
That, and before you go, I want to know that
they got someone to know the tea from behind the
scenes with all of these young people, all of you
being together obviously being really supportive, is there anything going on? Like,
is there any relationships happening? Is there any fight? Its happening?
Like what's happening behind the scenes?
Speaker 4 (11:42):
You know, I will say that we have been I
feel like, as a collective, such an amazing group. Like
there's been no like arguments, no fighting, no cliquie groups
as like, as a collective, we have just been really
solid and supportive of each other, which I think has
made it. It's made it easier and it's made it
much better experience because you know, like at the end
(12:02):
of the day we can all go into someone's room
debrief the day.
Speaker 3 (12:05):
We're all in it together.
Speaker 4 (12:06):
We're all going through the same chaotic madness of a
TV show that's so new to everyone. And I think
having everyone being such just like such a good group,
it was really really special.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
It's weird that they've made you all get along like that.
You should be tearing each other's throats out.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
We don't should be.
Speaker 1 (12:24):
Well, they're my competition. I've got to cut them down. No,
I'm only kidding. Don't be like that.
Speaker 4 (12:28):
Like it was so funny, Like Harry and I when
we were up there to the other, it's like there's no
like there's no resentment, there's no kind of like, oh,
you know, I should have got through over him.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
It's like, I'm just so proud of you, mate, like
good job.
Speaker 4 (12:37):
And it's like we're like that with everyone, you know,
like we skipped off backstage and we're like, you've got this.
There's no kind of like highly competitive egos or anything.
Everyone's just super super great.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
Well they all look like.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
A life in pretty much everyone, so it's really special.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
I'm obsessed with that. Well, but the last thing I
ask everyone is a behind the scenes question, you know,
from the perspective of trying to get onto Idle and
making it like all the way to the top wealth,
which is insane, Like it's so impressive. It must have
been like living a dream. Now that you've experienced it,
is there something that you think, oh, people wouldn't know
this about being on Australian Idol.
Speaker 4 (13:10):
I mean, I think people don't realize how much work
goes into it, Like you know, you watch the show
and it's flows so smoothly and like it's just you know,
like an easy watch, but there is so much work.
Like we're in wardrobe fittings, we're doing hair and makeup,
we've got this going on, we've got this guitar, we've
got sound guys, we've got crew, we've got the who.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
Like it's a huge.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
Production, and you know, I feel like people don't necessarily
see that. You don't see what goes on behind the scenes,
can see how how hard people are working to make
the show what it is like without you know, all
the amazing people that are working behind behind the stage
and onset, like it just wouldn't be like we couldn't
do it without them. And I feel like that's something
that needs more acknowledgment because it's it's really incredible what
(13:51):
everyone's doing.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
I love this about you. This is the Lily grace.
This is what Marshall was talking about. You have the
grace to recognize something like that. Mate. I just want
to say how much I loved watching you from the
very first episode of Coming On and just so amazing
your performance and the way you've handled this whole thing.
I can't wait to see what you do with this
Austrain Idol journey and I can't wait to see what
(14:12):
you do with your career. I think you know you're
at the start of it.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
Well, thank you so much, Ben, I really appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
I'll let you go and enjoy chatting to everyone in
the media that would be just like me, excited to
chat to you and yeah, good luck with it all.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
So great to chat Ben, Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
All Right, that was Lily Grace. Now let's switch gears
and chat with Sophie, who also brought glamour, confidence and
some seriously big stage energy to Austrain Idol. So, guys,
here we go. This is my chat with Sophie. How
are you.
Speaker 5 (14:40):
I'm really good. Yeah, getting ready to pack up and
go home.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
How do you feel, though, when you're sort of setting
yourself up to do a show like this and you
don't know whether or not you're going to be there
for weeks, or whether or not you're going to be
there for one of it, Like, is that a strange
part of your brain to try and compartmentalize.
Speaker 5 (14:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
Absolutely, it's definitely the experience, But I think it's also
like kind of something that you prepare yourself going in.
Speaker 1 (15:04):
I wanted to see more of you because I was like,
your hair got better and better. Actually, you got more
beautiful every time I saw you on the screen. I
was like, when you first did your audition, I was like,
I like this chick. She's the sort of person i'd
hang out with. But you just looked amazing, I know.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
And I was kind of like talking to the team
because I was like, I like, well, my head's a
bit more out, like less puss behind my is. And
I thought they finally got the memo and then I
got voted off. I was like, oh, it's ridiculous.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
But I was dreaming about this is now ridiculous, but anyway,
but I was then dreaming about what your hair was
going to look like three episodes deep. I was thinking,
I'm going to get like get the hair extensions in.
Speaker 5 (15:37):
Like get the wig, yeah, extensions.
Speaker 2 (15:41):
They're very right with the whole glitz and glamour ipect
of it throughout. Hey, just give me more freedom to
do that.
Speaker 5 (15:47):
When I get home.
Speaker 1 (15:48):
Well, I'm a big fan of Moulin Rouge and I
want to ask you about something because I felt like
when they did your intro, they were like, you know,
you're doing this song good Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend,
which you know a lot of would say is Molon Rouge,
but you were like, no, it's the Marilyn Monroe film
some Like a Heart or whatever that film was. And
then Amy Shark brings it up as well. She's like,
(16:09):
I love Moulin Rouge, but you kept dodging it. Is
it because you don't like that song from Molon Rouge?
Speaker 3 (16:15):
No?
Speaker 2 (16:15):
I love it, And I actually got diamond Girls and
Time from burles in that movie as well with Christina Aguilera.
Speaker 1 (16:22):
That's what you did on stage. That's correct, this is
what happened. They were like, Mulon Rouge, we love that movie,
and you were like, yeah, I get that, but also Burlesque.
Speaker 5 (16:30):
Yeah, well, I guess that's kind of where I personally
drew it from.
Speaker 3 (16:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (16:33):
I don't know if I've actually seen the Milon Rouge movie.
I've seen the musical.
Speaker 1 (16:37):
I was picking this up. I was picking this up.
I was sitting there watching it and I was like,
she is dodging this.
Speaker 4 (16:42):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (16:42):
Well, also I remember.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
Like this the movie they assigned for me for Like,
the inspiration was definitely the Malon Monroe on the original Okay,
but I do take heavy inspiration from that movie and
like her whole style throughout that movie.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
So but that's what was happening. The style was there.
You did look like you were a nod to Setine
from Molon Rouge definitely, you know, was the colorings and
stylings and I don't know.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
Yeah, they really nailed that one, honestly, dream performance that one.
Speaker 5 (17:07):
So glad. I'm glad I got to do that.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
A lot of the other idols look like they struggle
with putting together the whole show where you no offense
to them, kudos, You're still in the show, so shut up.
Like you just could understand a stage better than anyone,
like just movement and rhythm. You had it going on
th fin Well, I'm disappointed. I don't know. We'll get
them to recount. We'll get them to recount at all
(17:31):
and put you back in the show next week.
Speaker 5 (17:33):
Well cal hopefully so.
Speaker 1 (17:35):
Kyle Sandlanz is in the media era. Everyone's talking about him,
but he's talking about you like he's obsessed with you.
Speaker 5 (17:41):
Oh, I love it.
Speaker 1 (17:43):
Is it weird that Kyle san Lanz is so obsessed
with you because like he like he's your hype girl.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
Yeah, I mean, I'm very grateful that I had a
judge that like, you know, specifically back to me. I
think that made me feel super reassured and that you know,
I'm here for a reason, especially going through like the
Top thirty can you know, getting up for elimination a
few times it was very much sometimes a moment to reflect,
like if there's better contestants. But you know, I think
he really saw my potential even from the start when
(18:10):
I came in.
Speaker 5 (18:11):
And sang a sad song. So I've been super grateful.
Speaker 2 (18:14):
Maybe the objective comment it's a little a little crazy, but.
Speaker 1 (18:18):
Hey, that's him.
Speaker 5 (18:19):
But it's exactly.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
It's so weird. Everyone at the moment is talking about
Carl Sanderlance and about you know, how outrageous he is
as a shock jock, where I've met him a couple
of times, like I've done his show a couple of times,
and he's so nice and so generous and so kind
and such a sweet man. And then when people say
nasty things about him, like today, people are writing about
it online and I feel bad, like I shouldn't say
I feel like I want to stick up for him,
(18:41):
but I also I know this podcast is arn So
I'm like, what happens if I say Carl san Lanz
is a god and then they cancel my podcast tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (18:50):
It's difficult.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Hey, what's your take home on the cars?
Speaker 5 (18:53):
I mean, he reminds me a lot of my dad.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
My Dad's very much the same, just maybe a bit outright,
could say things that potentially hits, but at the end
of the day, he's very true and intended and if
he loves you like he loved you, and he commits
a lot and looks out for you a lot, and yeah,
I see very similar traits in my dad with Kyle,
and I really want them to meet us. But I
think it's it's a reassuring type of brutal honesty and
(19:18):
sometimes you know truth that comes with Kyle in a
humorous way, which I just really connect with.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
And I find him a lot of fun.
Speaker 1 (19:24):
Well, Sophie, he's got a lot of free time now,
I reckon invite him to the family barbecue.
Speaker 5 (19:29):
I do want to try and reach out.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
Actually, isn't that strange though? When you watch the show, though,
you think all of the contestants getting personal attention from
the judges. But I've been to watch idle filmed a
number of times and literally you're just sort of getting
that interaction that you're getting on stage. Do you ever
want to go up and ask them for more critiques
once the show is over?
Speaker 5 (19:50):
Absolutely? Yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
I actually like that was kind of the one thing
I wish that came out of the show a little
bit more, was like more conversation and connection with the judges,
because sometimes it's kind of like they come and then
you're a little bit disconnected, like they kind of give
you advice and then you don't see them.
Speaker 5 (20:03):
Again and you want more. You can chat to them,
Do I really do want more?
Speaker 2 (20:07):
And you know they have a lot of experience, especially Kyle,
because I think he's got amazing connections here with managers
and everything, and you know, seeing people from young artists
that have potential becoming big stars. And I'd love to
just kind of sit down and have more of a
conversation about what he thinks I should do or who
should I work with over other people.
Speaker 1 (20:28):
He's got the contacts, but you've alsoly got the door open.
Can I say this to you now, this is the
advice that I'm going to give you, and I have
been I've done I've got my notebook out. Got the
notebook out. Okay, so I love the notebook. Different story,
Stay on track, Ben. The door is a jar when
you do reality television, Like I remember I did Big
Brother and I came off that and I thought that
(20:49):
the world was going to come and offer me to
host the Academy Awards. I was like, I'm I'm Ellen,
I've made it. I've made it. I'm a big deal.
But what I would go back to and say to
myself about that opportunity then, is that the door's a jar,
and you've kind of got this a moment that mind
feel like it's not enough that the door's just a jar.
But I'm telling you that light for someone like you,
(21:12):
who can sing and dance and command an audience, it's
time to just kick that door wide open. And you
have to ring people. You have to what contacts you have,
what when people say things too. This will happen as well, Sophie.
People will say, oh, you'd be great on you know,
talking heads on sunshine in the morning or something, the
sunrise in the morning. You know what I mean, say
(21:33):
to them, yes I would, And how to cow can
that happen?
Speaker 5 (21:35):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (21:36):
Because I feel like you've got the X factor different
singing show, but you've definitely got it.
Speaker 5 (21:40):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (21:41):
Yeah, I think that's very muchly unprepared for. Is kind
of that reaching out and the effort now that it
is on my end for sure.
Speaker 1 (21:49):
Yeah, just keep going with that.
Speaker 5 (21:50):
By this show's so great.
Speaker 2 (21:51):
You know, I've gotten a few more thousand followers and
you know, have a bit more credibility to kind of
reach out. You know, I've kind of got a bit
of a title to lead with now, and I'm so grateful,
so I'm going to definitely far out just to use
it up all the way to the top, hopefully.
Speaker 1 (22:05):
What did mum think? I was watching her mum, and
I thought that she looked so proud I had. I
almost felt a little tear coming out because I love
it when the moms are on these shows and they
say nice things about that children. I'm that person.
Speaker 5 (22:15):
Yeah, oh my god.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
She's not a very emotional person. So it was funny
this morning. She she just said that, oh, come here,
give me a hug, and she just bursted out crying,
and it was like a really beautiful moment. And then
she cried for like fifteen seconds and then just pretended
it never happened and carried on. But I feel like
that was just such a moment to realize, Oh, she
is really just so proud.
Speaker 5 (22:34):
Of how far I've come.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
And I can only imagine you're feeling yeah.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
Yeah, she must be feeling so amazing because you know,
she put me in the singing.
Speaker 1 (22:40):
Lesson though she knew.
Speaker 5 (22:42):
I think it's a yeah she.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
Knew, And I think it was such a moment for
her of like all the all the money, all the
dropping her to school, and the lessons and the meltdowns
that I had after piano lessons and I couldn't play
piano for shit. It all kind of worked out in
the end, you know.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
I think you collect your things throughout life. You know,
you just collect your different things, especially if you're a creative,
and so you just keep up bringing all of these
things together because it'll all pay off in the end.
That's my that's my little thing. That's what I'm telling
you today. Before you go, I ask everyone for a
behind the scenes secret, so I want to know. I
(23:17):
want to know because I would love to go on
a strain. I spoiler alert can't sing, so it will
never happen. But what was something that you know, you
got on the show and you were like, wow, I'm
on this show and you would average people wouldn't know this.
Speaker 5 (23:29):
Okay, good question.
Speaker 2 (23:30):
Maybe that I'm in Mount Druitt, Sydney, you're in what
I feel like that is something I wasn't prepared for,
to be honest.
Speaker 5 (23:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:37):
Maybe also that, like, you know, you have so much
time it's been with the contestants outside of the show.
Speaker 1 (23:42):
I was asking just Lily Grace Elier, is there any drama?
And she gave me nothing. She was like, we all
love each other like the Partridge family. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:49):
Actually, you know Samela who's a bit older, she just
cooks dinner and we all come in and like what's
the movie? The episodes together like such a beautiful little
circle with camp and great connections as well.
Speaker 1 (23:59):
I feel if you've got to be friends with anyone,
just one person, just one person, who would you be
friends with forever?
Speaker 2 (24:05):
Ooh, good question?
Speaker 5 (24:07):
Can I name a few? Or no?
Speaker 1 (24:08):
It has to be go a few. I think it'd
be rude. We'll leave just one person out that will
then be really upset. But look, go for a few.
Speaker 2 (24:14):
Okay, I think someone that I really see myself like
partnering with a lot and collaborating with because we're similar
in age and living both.
Speaker 3 (24:21):
In Melbourne is one wooth Okay, I think.
Speaker 2 (24:23):
We are pretty aligned, like style wise and that kind
of soul jazzy vibe.
Speaker 5 (24:27):
So we're going to do a DJ competition in a
few weeks.
Speaker 1 (24:30):
Amazing.
Speaker 2 (24:30):
Well, yeah, I've already got some big plans with her
for collaboration. But also just like Harlan and Lily Gray, John,
I love John, Sadit, Samela, They're all just amazing.
Speaker 5 (24:40):
Everyone's amazing.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
I think, like a lot of Australians, where we get
to watch this story as it evolves. You know, the
Top ten is next week. People want to know who
is your pick to win Australian idol you've been watching
from the ground floor.
Speaker 5 (24:53):
I think a male Unfortunately.
Speaker 1 (24:54):
Why Unfortunately because women?
Speaker 2 (24:58):
I feel like women are the only ones that watch
the show and go out of their way to vote. Yeah,
so sometimes I think it kind of just falls into
place with the demand I want a woman to win, Okay,
I'm dying for it. I think in that sense, Kesher
has a really good chance, and maybe Samilla for the girls,
but maybe for the boys or it's tough. Potentially Trey
(25:22):
or Harlan.
Speaker 1 (25:23):
Yeah, my guess Okay.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
It's getting really tough now.
Speaker 1 (25:27):
It's wild.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
It's really at a point where I think anyone could
could take it.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
I thought last year, last year's talent was so good,
and then when this one started, I was like, where
are they finding these people? What are they feeding the
next generation?
Speaker 2 (25:38):
I feel like that second episode that I was part
of in the top twelve was just insane. You're like,
what is that like a paid concert show?
Speaker 5 (25:45):
It was crazy?
Speaker 1 (25:46):
Well, I will pay for it. Let me tell you
that I'm a big fan. I'll wait to see what
you do with this whole experience. Thank you so much
for even chatting with me today. Hopefully people will listen
to this and get to know you a little bit
better as well, so because that's a part of it.
Speaker 5 (26:00):
Caddy energy about you too.
Speaker 1 (26:02):
I love a chat.
Speaker 5 (26:03):
You're so successful in this.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
I'm the smokers area person, you know, the person that's
in the smokers area.
Speaker 5 (26:09):
I'm the laugh on at the party.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
Last one I love. My friend used to be upset
who I lived with because she was like, why are
you the last person at the party with someone on
the balcony asking them because her bedroom was next to
the balcony and she could hear me being.
Speaker 5 (26:22):
Like dumping their life, and I'm just there like yeah.
Speaker 1 (26:25):
Because I'm always interested. Most people don't want to hear that.
I'm like and then what happened? And so they go
from school? Do you still speak to her?
Speaker 2 (26:33):
And they're like what, Yeah, you make too many friends
and you can't keep up.
Speaker 1 (26:38):
Yeah, but then they get angry. That's the one thing.
And then they and they want your one demand and
you're like, no, mate, I met you in the smokers area.
I don't even know your name. Goodbye was one.
Speaker 5 (26:47):
That was the one time thing I.
Speaker 1 (26:48):
Was in a good moods. Well, I'm going to follow
you on Instagram, so we'll be in your audience, my friend.
Speaker 5 (26:55):
I will be right back.
Speaker 1 (26:56):
Amazing. Well it's coming to it's coming away right now.
Speaker 5 (27:00):
Yeah, I mean, Melbourne's the best city ever.
Speaker 1 (27:02):
So yeah, I'm in Melbourne.
Speaker 2 (27:05):
I'm very lucky to go back to where I'm going
back to.
Speaker 5 (27:07):
You know.
Speaker 1 (27:07):
Yeah, Well I just spent seven weeks in Queensland and
I was like, Queensland so lovely, and then I came
back to Melbourne. I was like, no, no, mate, this
is home.
Speaker 2 (27:15):
I'm like, they meet me with the Gold Coast.
Speaker 5 (27:19):
I was like, oh, this is home.
Speaker 1 (27:20):
Yeah, well I've been missing yeah. Well, good luck with
it all. Thanks for your time and I'll chat to
you soon.
Speaker 5 (27:26):
Buddy.
Speaker 2 (27:26):
Sounds so good man folly back Yeah,
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