March 25, 2025 • 36 mins
Hi everyone, welcome back to TV Reload!
Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode, where we’re joined by the latest contestants eliminated from Australian Idol’s Top 8—John and Emma.
With the competition heating up, their departures prove that Australian Idol is truly anyone’s game. If Emma and John can be sent home, no one is safe! That’s why the judges keep urging viewers to vote—every single vote matters when it comes to keeping your favourites in the competition.
Emma’s elimination is a real shocker, considering the powerhouse vocals she brings to the stage, and John—this season’s undeniable “cutie patootie”—has learned that charm alone isn’t enough to secure a spot in the finals.
In this episode:
- • John opens up about his relationship with the judges, revealing which one is his favourite.
- • Emma shares rare insights into her unique voice and why it sounds so different when she sings compared to when she speaks.
- • We dive into the behind-the-scenes styling—who picks their outfits? How are songs chosen for group performances?
- • Plus, we get John’s reaction to his Instagram DMs, Emma’s plans when she returns home to Canberra, and a bold prediction I make about John’s future—which he seems pretty excited about!
There’s so much to cover, with plenty of exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes revelations. So sit back, relax, and join us as we break down the world of Australian Idol, which returns this Sunday night!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
It's in the news today, but it was actually on
TV Reload.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
The podcast last week.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Thereby, Hey everyone, welcome back to TV Reload. I want
to thank you for tuning into today's episode, where we're
joined by the latest contestants eliminated from Australian Idol's Top eight.
It is John and Emma. With the competition heating up,
their departure proves that Astrayan Idol is truly anyone's game
in twenty twenty five. If Emma and John can be
(00:24):
sent home, no one is safe. That's why the judges
are urging viewers to vote. Every single vote matters when
it comes to keeping your favorite in the competition. Emma's
elimination is a real shocker if you ask me, considering
the powerhouse vocals that she has brought to the stage
this season and John this season's undeniable QT patuity. He
(00:45):
has learned that charm alone isn't enough to secure us
spot in the finals. In this episode, John opens up
about his relationship with the judges for revealing which one
is his favorite. Emma shares a rare insight into her
unique voice ability and why it sounds so different when
she sings compared to when she is talking. We dive
(01:06):
into the behind the scenes of styling, who picks the outfits,
how the songs are chosen for the group performances. Plus
we get John's reaction to his Instagram dms, Emma's plans
when she returns home to Canberra, and a bold prediction
I make about John's future, which he seems pretty excited about.
There's actually so much to cover, with plenty of exclusive
(01:26):
insights and behind the scenes revelations, So sit back and
relax and join us as we break down the world
of Australian Idol, which returns this Sunday night. Hi John, congratulation.
I'm so excited.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
What an experience, man, It's been a massive ride. Best
way to explain. It's like a bit of a roller coaster.
You go through all the eyes, go all through the
whole lows and you know, that's what it's all about,
experiencing the whole thing so so good.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Put your hands in the air and try not to spue.
I think that's what roller coasters.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
That's it, that's it.
Speaker 1 (01:56):
You know, you had such a memorable time on the show.
I think people will remember you for this season. But
I also felt like you were a bit of an
underdog or you had like an underdog status throughout your
time on the show.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
Did you feel that Definitely, I felt like a little
bit of an underdog. It was hard because the whole
time I was trying to work out, you know, who
I kind of was the whole time, and I was
so Australia lots of different things at the same time.
It was hard to really bring out who I really was.
But at the same time, like, I've just got so
much to give. Yes, I'm off the show and that's
(02:28):
a shame, but the show has been so good and
it's taught me so many different things that I can
now put into the future in my career now, how
to be.
Speaker 4 (02:38):
And how can I love when I'm a friend.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
I feel like for you, when I started watching you
(03:14):
on the show, I thought of Johnny Raffo, beautiful artist.
Then he went on to do things like Home and
Away and presenting and all this other stuff. I feel like, yeah,
early days, but that's kind of where I see you. Like,
the music is amazing, and you have an incredible voice
and an incredible presence, but I think you're marketable way
beyond all of that, Like this.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
This whole industry that I'm in right now is very
much a very portfolio industry, so you have to be
in a lot of different things. The best person that
I can think of as well is Richey Lee. She's amazing.
We got out at the exact same time in the competition.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
She got to top eight.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
I got to top aight. And the thing that Ricky
Lee is doing right now is incredible, man, Like, she's
got her own radio show, amazing like on and she's
also a singer as well.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
Does this mean that you in ten years time could
be home sting Australian idol. I mean that's the trajectory
that Ricky Lee Coolter went on.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
I was actually talking to some of the people there
and they were like, you know what, don't you be
such a cool hode.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
I can see that Scott tweeting watch out you might
have his job.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
Exagree.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Man, who knows what's going to happen in the future.
But I'm always open to a new opportunities and trying
new stuff and giving a red hot crack and yeah,
I've got lots to give and still very young in it.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
Still in some ways you're sort of because you're cute
as a button and you kind of pick up all
of the girls following you on. Does that add a
little bit of extra pressure or does it make it
a bit weirder because there's other people in the competition
that don't have that. You know, no one's going yeah Jesus,
all these women are screaming at you.
Speaker 5 (04:42):
Where for you?
Speaker 1 (04:43):
I wondered what that does to you? Does it add
an extra pressure?
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Yeah? I don't know. It's like, let's say I'm performing
mysel getting ready on stage right, and then you know,
all the whole the whole production teams say all right,
are we ready already? And in that moment, you should
be locking in. You should be really thinking about your
about your lyrics, thinking about how you going to deliver it.
Then at the same time, you've got the people in
the in the mosh pit, you know, really looking at you.
Speaker 6 (05:07):
All the girls are looking at you, and you don't
know what to do.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
And I find it really tricky sometimes because I should
be locking in, but at the same time they're my fans,
that's my target audience. I kind of need to let that,
let that in as well. So it's definitely tricky, But
at the same time, it's awesome. You can't know who
I am. I'm that young guy at the moment, and
it's just that different target audience that some people can't reach,
and I can go into that. But it's very hard, man.
(05:31):
It's like there's a lot of a lot of d
ms on Instagram and there's a lot of all that
type of stuff, and it gets a bit crazy.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Are you right on Instagram? Are you putting the phone? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Yeah. I get back to a couple of literally some
of them just say, man, congrats, that was amazing, blah
blah blah. Then there's some of them that they send
they're full therefore, ready made through and say how good
it will be together. Sometimes I feel really bad when
I see a monts to paragraph and I'm like, there's
no way that took time. That's right that, So of
course I'll reply to that and just knowing you very much.
(06:03):
I try to get back to as many people as
I can, and with the pressure of the show, it
gets really hard. But I think in the next couple
of days it.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
To them and send them a message down to the
coffee shop and just start reading their messages and sending
them back, you know, so we can confirm that you're
still single. So that's I feel like I'm adding fire,
like I'm adding wood to the fire here at this point.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
I'm still man right, I'm still okay.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Well, good luck with that, yeers. I don't know how
long that will lie.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
I picked up on some similar stylings each week. Is
that something you wear in real life? I mean, who
picks the clothes for these who picks the clothes each week? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (06:40):
Basically we have a massive wardrobe team which is awesome.
And basically every week they have a look at what
song you're singing and then they choose They work with
the creative team and they choose a set, and then
off the set they would choose the outfit and basically
they're just going it off my character. It might not
be stuff I wear in everyday life, but it was
(07:02):
more just to suit my character young gymnast that is
a heart throb. And they do it to all the
contestants as well and try to based off the character.
And it's not a bad thing. And basically I went
into this whole process of Australian idols to see what
industry wants and what industry thinks about me as well,
and just trying to get my head around who I
am and because you know, I'm still working that stuff out.
(07:24):
And my mum called me last night and she says,
good job, John, blah blah blah. You know that was amazing.
But she says, do not leave Sydney or do not
leave Idol without buying all those clothes because they are
great clothes. And I'm like, you know what, mum, You're
so right?
Speaker 1 (07:38):
Are we going to say? She was asking whether or
not you know you get them for free? Maybe you
need to speak to.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
What I think we get a discount. I think we
get a discount which is great, which is amazing. Yeah,
I won't be taking half the cause.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
At home, amazing. I think that's great. W your wardrobe.
You know, the group performances are some of my favorites,
and I've never asked anyone on the show, how do
you get to choose? Do you get any saying who
gets the lyrics? Because some of these songs are iconic,
like the Beatles, and I would be like, oh yeah,
my voice suits this lyric. I want to sing that.
Do you all get to have conversation that's quite open
(08:11):
or do they just say your lyric number three.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Basically that's what it is in a nutshell, but basically
what it is.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
The whole process of singing.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
A song on a TV show is massive. But then
also it's hard because for the top twelve song, let's
say that the song was listen to the music, great song.
But what happened was how we recorded that was that
after the first night, those four people that got through,
they will then go into the studio the next day
and then they record a couple of lines and basically
(08:42):
the music team are choosing what lyrics you're seeing. And
the good thing about Australian I was that they always
try to know give the best, you know, do what's right,
and they do they tail it to the right person.
So for example, like that that live around when we
last night where we did that what do you call
that Beatles song? You know Jake starting it off with
(09:03):
that nice country kick to it. It was a great start.
And then you know, my line with Marshall got to
be good looking because you're so hard to say like
they probably thought about that, said yeah, Johnny's.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
Perfect, Yeah it's exactly.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
So it's very much up to the music team. But
at the same time we all work together and we
all kind of make it our own, but they do
give us the lyrics, but they're also super chill about
making it our own, which is nice, not being so
driven on the melody, which is good. So yeah, we
kind of use what we've got.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
There's a celebrity sort of lifestyle that you lead when
you do one of these shows. And there was an
article on The Woman's Day. I think about you sort
of being sick at one point and worrying about whether
or not you'll continue in the competition, but I noticed
every week you seem to look fitter and healthier and better.
The question I have for you is are you going
to maintain this sort of new celebrity lifestyle of better sleep,
(09:53):
you know, better food, looking after yourself? Like is there
a change that comes with having an opportunity like this?
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Sure, the whole health side and the physical health but
also the mental health side is a serious heart about
being musician, and you know, this whole experience. Definitely in
the last couple of weeks, it really shows you that
you know, if you're on tour, this is what it's
going to be like, you're going to be performing most nights.
You need to be health and ready, like you know,
(10:20):
be healthy and ready, and so you know, basically I
was just, you know, I got into the competition. I
was I was young, I was eighteen. I was still
wasn't really too focused on my health and all that stuff, sure.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
That you know, honestly, I was in a gun.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Exactly, just a normal thing, right, and then you know,
I got through it just being my normal self. And
then it got to that top thirty week, and I
was like the first week because we did three challenges
in one week and you're singing every night, you're learning
songs the night before that was a really tough week.
And my whole health system went like, man, like that's crazy, bro.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
It kind of looks you got to this peak, right,
and then all of a sudden, just it turned around.
Look like you to a point where yeah, you were
exhausted by the whole situation, and then from there on
in you just got your skin looked better, Yeah, your
eyes look better. Yeah, just pulled it like, yeah, it
seemed like whatever was happening was right for you.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
And I just feel like definitely coming over being away
from family was really hard and I was really struggling
with that. But Basically, it's the experience that you get
out of it and you get used to it. You
get used to going to bed at the right time,
you get you feel like eating the right stuff. And
I think for me as well, you know, just going
on walks every day. I went to a park every
single day. I had this pink footy that I used
(11:39):
to kick up and down the corridor, all that little stuff,
just to make sure that at the end of the day,
you always need to make sure that you're okay and
that you look after yourself. And I made that a
big focus this trip, and it really worked in my favor,
which was nice.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
But I really wanted you tom that up. I think
that's going to be really beneficial for you because, like,
if you're going to think so much, and you know,
in TV and in and in music, I can tell
you that I have been around the TV industry for
a very long time, and the people that succeed are
the people that have a really healthy life balance. And yeah,
that's so important, you know, it's so important. The other thing,
(12:14):
you know, I was going through the comments, I really
wanted to ask you questions that I think that the
fans wanted to know and what I kept sure winning
again and again was about your song choices and who
you want to be as an artist. I noticed that
you'd said that you were like Justin Bieber, that's the
kind of artist I want to be. But then we
hear Kyle Sandalan say that probably wasn't the right song
for you. And if you look at the history of
(12:35):
songs that you sung, you know that catalog has got
spice girls, it's got Robin, It's got all of these
different people. Yeah, you know, y, coming out of the competition,
do you feel like you are closer to knowing what
kind of an artist you want to be?
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
I went into this competition just to give it a shot,
see what this is all about. And I didn't really
know who I was in what the artist was. You
had a voice on you that has something to give,
but I just wanted someone to say something in me,
and that's what the judges. And then basically every single
round it felt like I was doing something a little
bit different every single time, which is good but also
(13:12):
bad in the same way because people were like, oh,
I connected as do which is crazy for starters.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
You said you wanted somebody to see something in you.
I want you to know not only did those judges
see that and put you forward and really helps you
get into the top twelve, but Australia has seen something
in you. There's something unique and amazing about you that
almost stands out.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Of the bus.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
So one of the other people in the top twelve,
you've really Yeah, not only have you hit the ball,
you know you've had a touchdown.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
Yeah, oh, thank you so much. I appreciate that. And
you know what, like I think doing the Justin Babers song,
it was always good. I just want to show Australia
something else that I can do, something a little bit different,
and you definitely put a bit of a spin on things.
But then really roping it back with the Coln Scott
at the end.
Speaker 7 (14:01):
Swim every super be weird fix word up, oh it's visa.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
I felt like I was being myself a really strong
Australia like who I am, and the judges agreed, They're like, yes, man,
that's going to be who you are, bro. And I
was really happy with that because I really wanted to
come off this show in a good way and in
a positive way and making sure that you know, I
was happy with myself and I was I feel.
Speaker 3 (14:43):
Like I landed that one.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
And I think you'd be hard on your sleeve, And
that's part of the connect I think there's a lot
of people sitting at home who would love to have
the opportunity to try and improve something to themselves. And
because you were hard on your sleeve, we as an
audience come on that journey with you. Yeah, and we
route f Yeah. I wanted to say about Sandy Lance.
A lot of people talk about his comments and being
(15:04):
that they can sometimes be quite harsh. I really like
Kyle and I know him as a person, so I
don't see it that way. But do you think, being
a young person on television that it's easy to see
that sort of criticism from someone like him? And do
they prepare you? Do they say just so you know
once the comments go to Kyle, he might say something crazy?
Speaker 3 (15:23):
Yeah, how do they know?
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Basically how I said the judges is that Amy Shark.
She's in it right now. She's really pumping out some
good stuff. She's gigging at the moment. She's this this
Brian person in present time. Martha has just been amazing.
She's had a massive career. She understands how the stuff
where she's got the experience behind her. And then how
I see Kyle is that yes he's not in the
music industry, but he sees what sells right. He's a
(15:47):
big business man. He sees this stuff, and yes he's
a bit harsh, but he knows what's good what's bad.
He's a bit like a Simon Cowell. Right, Yeah, think
about Coyle's My best mate says is that Carl has
his personality and sometimes it goes a bit, a bit haywire.
But my best mate, he says, Kyle says the right
thing the wrong way. And look, I agree with that term.
(16:07):
But at the same time, like I'm taking feedback on board,
like they're trying to do the best thing for me,
and sometimes it goes off in a really bad way,
and people will see in a really bad way. I
honestly don't. I take it as you know, that constructive
criticism and see the good in it. It doesn't really
bother me as some people might think. And I really
(16:28):
respect Carl. I think he's had it hard from a
very young age and the thing he's been able to
do is, you know, is make it right. And he's
done that and really look up to Cale. To be honest,
I think I answered one of the questions in an
in the interview and like who's your favorite judge? I said,
I reckon it has to be Cole Man like he's
cool man, Like.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
I give him respect absolutely. You know, I've finished the
podcast every time asking a question of something behind the scenes,
and we've run out of time, so I have to
try and sort of make it easier for you when
Kyle says something like this stage, maybe a behind the
scenes is whether or not you have access to Kyle
all the other judges, Like once the cameras go down,
do they come up?
Speaker 2 (17:07):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (17:07):
Offer you some more clarity, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:09):
Well, basically what happens is cameras go down, we're all
out the stage, and the judges actually come through and
they actually talk to us as a person, which is amazing.
And I don't know if I should be saying this.
I wants me to say this, but basically he came
up to me after that just a Beba performance and
he said, you know what, man, that was amazing. He said,
you did such a good job. And he said, you
(17:30):
know the comment that I made the girls like the
Martian Amy hated me saying it, but he says, like,
you did such a great job and you should be
really proud of yourself. He says, you know, we had
to put on a TV show here, but you know
you did amazing. And I was like, you know what,
that's massive coming from Colin. I wouldn't say it's an apology,
but he's looking out for me, saying, man, you're great
(17:52):
and all that. So that's great and I really got
an awesome connection there. So we do get to meet
the judges in person, which is nice. Yeah, it's great.
Speaker 1 (18:01):
Well, I am in your audience, my friend. Like a
lot of people in Australia, I can't wait to see
how you take this. I think thing the sky is
the limit. There's plenty of opportunities out there. Please look
after yourself and have will have enjoyed the ride, like
you know what I mean, like enjoy the.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
It's just starting now, man, and it's been amazing and
talking to you guys has been amazing. So thank you
so much for having me on.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
Amazing, amazing, all right, you enjoy chatting to the media.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
Thank you very much. See you mate, Sea, Thank you
so much.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
What a fabulous chat with John some great insights there.
Now we will unpack the Australian Idol journey with Emma,
who I'm sure has her own tales to tell from
her time on the show. Hi am, how are you?
Speaker 3 (18:44):
I love, how are you going?
Speaker 1 (18:46):
I'm doing really well. You have the most incredible voice,
and I have to say to you, this is the
biggest shock of the season for me so far. I
just I was talking to a lot of people this
morning about it, and people feel very disappointed that you've
come out of the show. It must be amazing to
sort of have this kind of response from people because
people are saying you're the Ricky Lee of this season.
Speaker 6 (19:06):
Yeah, I thank you so much. First of all, I
really appreciate it. It it's encouraging definitely. People I have
had a lot of people saying that that the career
she went on to have a lot of people have
been just making that comparison, which I think is really cool.
It's motivating, I think because I've seen obviously been alongside
Ricky like while on the show, Like it's motivating to
(19:26):
see somebody that's done it and come out of the
show and made a career out of it. So yeah,
it's definitely something to look forward to.
Speaker 1 (19:33):
I guess hopefully when did you realize that you had
this voice? Because to me, your voice is sort of otherworldly.
It's sort of like a voice in disguise, because when
you're talking, you don't necessarily hear that sound, but when
you start singing, it's like Amy Winehouse or there's a
gravitas to it.
Speaker 6 (19:52):
Yeah, it's really interesting because people say that as well.
I guess, like my speaking voice is quite different to
my singing voice, and I think a lot of people
were sort of like, what's going on, Like is this
her voice?
Speaker 3 (20:01):
But yeah, it's very interesting.
Speaker 6 (20:03):
I think there is a lot of those sort of
old school influences in it, and like my tone is
quite unique, and I think it's definitely developed over the years,
like when I was a kid. Obviously, I've done music
for a long time, so I think just with age,
I guess my voice changed then. I think that sort
of grit developed over time. And I think also like
as I discovered my voice, I would say like as
(20:25):
I sort of exported a bit and actually like honing
my craft, my voice just sort of developed into that tone.
And so I guess it's just probably gonna do that
with age. I guess like it'd be interesting to see
I guess what it sounds like down the track sort
of thing, because I think it'll sort of just keep
keep developing.
Speaker 1 (20:43):
Yeah, I think it will. I think I really do
think it will. That answers my question. You didn't just
one day hear that voice come out and you were like, WHOA, Okay,
I got it.
Speaker 6 (20:54):
I think I think it's always been that like soul
to it, like the I always remember as a kid,
people when I was a king would sort of go, oh,
there's just like it's something different, like you sort of
have that soul in your voice, or there's something about
your voices what people like used to always sort of yeah,
like I always so, I'm a bit of an old soul.
So I think there's just so much erris ind I
would say in my voice, it's like the word I
(21:15):
always sort of use for it, Like it just sounds
like there's so many influences that have gone into it,
which I think is why people are always like, who
does she sound like like she reminds me of this person?
Or if she reminds me of this person, which is
really cool?
Speaker 7 (21:28):
You well.
Speaker 5 (21:34):
Among the fields, boy, you jealous that we all, which
is cool.
Speaker 1 (21:51):
You had a sound though, that that's very signature to you,
and I've one of my friends is Natalie Bassingthwaite, and
she has a sound that so when she covers, if
she's doing a Whitney song, you know that that is
a signature Beast song. And with your voice, you're very
similar because if you look at the beg Cyndi Lauper,
Shania Twain, the Pretender's goals like these are all sort
(22:13):
of you know, eighties and nineties classics songs, but every
time you sung them, you're like, oh no, I can
hear Emma in that. That's her signago sound, which is
what you need as an artist to not just be
a cruise ship singer.
Speaker 3 (22:27):
Important.
Speaker 6 (22:28):
That's something that I'm passionate about, I guess is being distinctive,
like I never want to. I think just as a person,
I'm quite sort of I love the concept of being
unique and offering something different.
Speaker 3 (22:39):
And I think because obviously the industry is huge.
Speaker 6 (22:42):
Like there's just so many, so many amazing artists, and
so you have to really stand out, like you have
to bring something different. And I think it's great that
my voice has sort of that distinctive sound like it
gives me, I guess, the opportunity to be unique and
bring something different and a different sound.
Speaker 1 (23:00):
Absolutely. I mean, the one thing I did think of
was old Made Hamburger. They kept calling him out his
eighties songs, where I felt like your arrangements of your
songs was just as distinctive, these big songs that you know,
everyone knows you did something to you. We're Hamburger. They're like,
you know, we love you, You're amazing, you know you've
done it again, where I'm like, okay, but what about
(23:20):
this bitch?
Speaker 3 (23:23):
Yeah, it is interesting, like he's obviously he's so so talented.
Speaker 6 (23:27):
I love that guy, right, But yeah, I think I
think there's just a lot of factors that go into that.
Speaker 3 (23:31):
And I think I think I.
Speaker 6 (23:32):
Probably also did have like more the songs that are
sung on the show with sort of that more stripped
back ballady sort of style, which I think as well,
people like have very tastes and stuff. But I guess
the upbeat songs are always sort of the ones that
I guess do well in that setting.
Speaker 3 (23:47):
Most of the time. I mean, I love stuff like that.
Speaker 6 (23:50):
I love arranging songs and making them my own. Like
my one thing that I said every week was sort
of like I don't understand, like I'm covering it, like
I don't want to say I did another thing. I'm
doing the song or like I always and I think
I naturally do it too. I think, like the judges
even said that, like you just you don't even know
that you do it, but you just naturally put your
(24:12):
twist on it, and when you're sing, you just naturally
change things like you just you just.
Speaker 3 (24:16):
Do your own thing.
Speaker 6 (24:17):
So I think it's just a natural thing as well.
I just sing it and feel it and connect with it,
and it just sort of happens, which is really cool.
Speaker 1 (24:23):
Just so people listening to the podcast understand. I sometimes
use the term bitch because I'm reclaiming it. I don't
say it in a negative people going to come to
something another like you right.
Speaker 6 (24:33):
No, I'm doing my finger snap in the air.
Speaker 1 (24:36):
Yeah, that's what I mean. That's what I'm doing. And
people sometimes are like you old gay, why and how
dare you? And I'm like, no, I'm saying it in
the best way possible.
Speaker 7 (24:45):
What about this?
Speaker 1 (24:46):
You know what I mean?
Speaker 3 (24:47):
Like I have all people understand, Okay.
Speaker 1 (24:51):
Well, I'm glad that I've broken you on board. I
wanted to know because I know RICKI lay personally, and
I just know how kind and how generous she is
with her time. Did she get a chance to talk
you after the show last night? And I'm sure she did,
but can you tell us what she might have said.
Speaker 6 (25:04):
Didn't get a chance to chat to her too much
after the show last night, but things were a bit crazy.
But like during the show and like throughout the process,
like when I after I performed and everything, she she's
so kind, like so kind, Like I think, yeah, one
of the kind of people in the process.
Speaker 3 (25:21):
Like she really stood out to me actually because I think.
Speaker 1 (25:23):
She said that's her.
Speaker 6 (25:24):
Yeah, every time I've done she took time to comment
in like and was really genuine about it, like she
sort of just like, actually, I love your voice and
sort of said said things that super encouraging. And I
think it's nice that because obviously she understands that journey
and she understands I guess what happens after and what
it takes and that sort of thing.
Speaker 3 (25:43):
So it's cool that she saw that in me, like
that she's.
Speaker 6 (25:47):
Actually recognized and I guess sees something in me is
really cool.
Speaker 3 (25:51):
Yeah, she's lovely, lovely.
Speaker 1 (25:53):
It would have been really stressful last night, like you
were saying, we didn't get a chance to talk to her.
But I want to know, Like how do they get
you home and make sure that you're up in time
for these interviews in the morning? Do they shoot you
with a tranquilizer and throw you in a van and
make you go to sleep, take your phone off you
like what happens?
Speaker 3 (26:06):
Yeah, that was it.
Speaker 6 (26:07):
I mean to be honest, Like it's pretty exhausting. So
I just it's crashed out, really and then I'll head
home today.
Speaker 1 (26:16):
What does it look like for Like, do you know
what happens to you now? Like do they just pop
you into a cupboard and we'll bring you out for
a reunion special? Like what happens?
Speaker 2 (26:22):
Are they? No?
Speaker 6 (26:23):
I did?
Speaker 2 (26:24):
You know?
Speaker 1 (26:25):
I just think it'd be interesting to you know, go
back to Canberra and you know, and see and to
go back to normal life. That would seem like a
really big culture shock because so much of everything has
been so fast paced, with picking your songs, work on choreography,
doing group songs, like all of this stuff. It's just
been so hectic. Are you looking forward to the downtime
or do you think you're trying sort of push the momentum.
Speaker 6 (26:48):
That's That's one thing that I'm like thinking about heavily
because obviously you want to, like, it's so important to
look after yourself after doing something like this. I think
it's crucial really because otherwise, if you just go full
steam ahead and don't have downtime, it's not like it's
just not healthy. And I'm big on making sure that
I do that, Like I think I'm really big on
(27:09):
longevity as well, Like I don't want to burn out,
so I think I need to find ways to utilize
the momentum because I also don't want that to fizzle out.
So I think I need to be consistent and use
the momentum, but also make sure I look after myself,
Like it's so important.
Speaker 3 (27:24):
To do that something like this.
Speaker 1 (27:26):
If you're don't just keep throwing yourself out there, you
burn yourself out when opportunities do come up, you need
to be fresh and prime.
Speaker 6 (27:33):
Well, that's exactly right, Like I'm big on I always
like one of my favorite things is always like see
what happens when the dust settles, Like I just love
that because it's always it's always sort of everything's really
heightened in the moment, but everything I guess I've ever
experienced when it comes to my career, it happens later,
like the dust has to settle, and it's sort of
(27:54):
the high, Like the high is done. It's like the
big moment's done, and it's I guess what you do
after that and what happens after that? And I want to,
I guess be ready for whatever comes my way sort
of thing. And so it's definitely important to look after
myself so that I am ready. But also I think
even taking time to be mindful and like grateful for
(28:16):
what I got out of the experience and actually like
reflect on I think that's super important too, like actually
sitting with it and like being mindful about that so
that I can, I guess, take that in process and
like channel.
Speaker 3 (28:26):
That moving forward. I think that's like really important too.
Speaker 1 (28:30):
See. I knew you were smart, Emma Jones. I knew,
well I was going to have this call with you today.
I'm going to learn some stuff from you. And I
think that that's that's really good And it's amazing that
there's these young people out there that will look up
to you, And that's also an important role to take on,
is to set a good example for really the young
people who are coming up from behind you that you
(28:50):
know might be a rascals at school or trying to
explore what they want to be as an artist. And
having someone like yourself with your head very level on
your shoulders. I think this is quite amazing and you
could sort of see that throughout your time on the competition.
Speaker 3 (29:02):
Amazing.
Speaker 1 (29:03):
What about these judges are you like if you had
to put them in order? I've not done this to
anyone yet, but I feel like you're the one most
level of person so far. So, like you know, in
regards to these three judges, I guarantee you they're all
very busy. They're never going to listen to it. What
do you reckon top three judges? Can you put them
in order?
Speaker 6 (29:17):
I think it would depend on on what the order
was based off. But I think they all I think
they all have really good things to offer, Like I
think in their own right, I guess they're very different,
like they all are very different, and they're in different
sort of in the same world, but different lanes, And
I think very much that's really cool because they sort
of cover a lot of different bases, like I think
(29:39):
it'd be hard to I guess put it in an order.
Like I think for me personally, it's based off I
guess who I connect with. I think I really connected
with Marsha because I just think she obviously has like
a wealth of knowledge, that's a very wise person and
quite empathetic as well, Like I think we sort of
just connected on that level. And then Amy Shark as well,
(29:59):
Like I I think he had a genuine I guess
he saw something in me as well and was really encouraging,
and so I think that'd probably in my order.
Speaker 1 (30:08):
To be able to pull you in line.
Speaker 3 (30:09):
Yeah, I'll tell you the harsh exactly.
Speaker 6 (30:11):
I think he actually was really lovely, Like I think
he's very like smart man, Like he's very good at
what he does, and I think there's a lot to
learn from him in that aspect, and actually even just
seeing how he conducts himself and that sort of thing
like is very very interesting to observe and it's good
to I guess, take pieces of wisdom off of like
(30:32):
each judge because I think they have different things to offer.
Speaker 3 (30:35):
And hopefully, I mean I hope that I can sort.
Speaker 6 (30:38):
Of use the momentum and like try and maintain a
connection with them, I guess because I feel.
Speaker 3 (30:43):
Like, yeah, I think that's super important.
Speaker 6 (30:45):
Like I was talking to Marsha the other night, and
she's sort of like encouraging me about the comments that
she made of my last performance and just saying sort
of if you need me to like explain this to
you more, like I'd love to chat to you about
And that's good thing. So it's definitely there's a all
it's open. So I guess it's just a matter of
maintaining and like trying to foster that connection because I
(31:06):
think I don't know what's there to lose at the
end of the day. She's someone that I think I
could learn a lot from, so might as well maintain
the connection.
Speaker 1 (31:14):
Very smart lady, very smart lady, very kind, very generous. Absolutely,
when they brought her back full time for season two
of the reboot for Channel seven, I was like, that
was a turning point for the competition for me, I mean,
for this reality series, because she brings a gravitas to
the show that not many people could have. I mean,
she's a survivor in an industry which is very hard
(31:37):
to do she's still selling out concert halls at her age. Yeah, yeah,
that is amazing.
Speaker 6 (31:43):
That's the thing that inspires me about her as well.
I think that something that I connected with her was
the longevity, Like her career is.
Speaker 3 (31:52):
Like, and that's what I want to do.
Speaker 6 (31:53):
I think the industry has become one that's very sort
of short lived, like you sort of have like thirty seconds,
like even less, and that's the time, and then it's like, Okay,
what's the next thing, And everything's so instant. So I
think it's inspiring to see somebody that still doing it
because I think that's that's.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
What I want to do.
Speaker 6 (32:13):
If I don't want to have guests that sort of
instant career and it doesn't last, like I want to
make a long, laughing impression and I guess have a legacy,
and I.
Speaker 3 (32:20):
Guess that's what everyone wants.
Speaker 6 (32:22):
But I think get it's not something that I would
ever compromise on. I think there's obviously always a potential
to compromise on that, but it's something that I'm really
passionate about, Like I want to have a long career
and have influence and like you said about the next
generation and that sort of thing.
Speaker 3 (32:37):
I think it's important, like to be someone that's consistent.
Speaker 1 (32:41):
Well, you don't get a voice like you and you disappear.
You have a voice like you. People celebrated they download
your songs, you know, and that's something that people can do.
I mean, I've been listening to your songs more on
rotation than I think anyone else. I'm loving Eilish, but
I find when I listened to the songs at home,
it's not as good as watching her life before because
she does a lot of stuff with it. But when
(33:02):
it comes to just putting on some tracks and enjoying it,
I've been playing your music more than anyone else, and
I think that that love is that sign of longevity.
Do you know what I mean? Like you're a true artist,
that is a recording artist ready to go. Before you go,
I ask everyone, what is something from behind the scenes.
Do you have a fun story about something crazy that
happened behind the scenes whilst you've been making the show.
Speaker 6 (33:23):
I think the craziest moment for me, I mean, obviously
it was on Telly, but there's a lot of crazy moments,
but I think the main was like when I performed
to the Googo Dogs that day was absolutely insane because
I didn't know that it was happening, so that was
a full surprise and I literally was They were like, oh,
we're going to go here. I had no idea that
(33:44):
I was going to meet them, so I thought I
went in thinking like, oh, yeah, I'm going to meet them,
Like that's really cool. And that was sort of the height,
like I was like, Wow, I'm meeting them, that's amazing.
And then I got there and John the soundt it
was like, oh, you want to just sing?
Speaker 3 (33:59):
Sing?
Speaker 6 (33:59):
And I like literally was standing there something even thing
quite warmed up, and he was like, yeah, just sing
the second verse for me, and I was like what
the heck? And then I sung and he literally was like, oh,
do you want to sing tonight? And the next minute
I was singing for like five thousand people.
Speaker 8 (34:16):
John actually invited me to perform tonight, singing on stage
with the Google doors in front of a.
Speaker 7 (34:21):
Room full of their fans.
Speaker 8 (34:23):
I was not expecting that, Hey, Australia, Adolf, let's have
a chance, come on.
Speaker 7 (34:35):
How the ball Man.
Speaker 1 (34:44):
I liked that moment on the show because it reminded
me of Lady Gaga in A Star is Born, where
she walked on stage and sung. I thought. I was, like,
that was an iconic part of the film, and that's
what it felt like for me watching you. I just think,
this guy's the limit for you. There's more those opportunities coming,
and you'll be more prepared for it than just walking
out in front of that sort of an audience.
Speaker 2 (35:05):
You know.
Speaker 6 (35:05):
I think I'm really grateful for everything that I've learned
in terms of like things I experience and even that performance,
like having that under my belt, and all the different
things with television and all the stuff that you learn
and even media, like interested with media and social media
and that sort of thing, like I was sort of,
I guess I've learned a lot about engagement and how
(35:27):
to do that and that sort of thing, and I
feel more confident, like empowered to do that moving forward,
which is important. Like I came here to put myself
out there and to I guess grow, and I've done
both of those things.
Speaker 1 (35:39):
So yeah, Emma, collect your stories is the one thing
I tell everyone I'm in your audience. I can't wait
to see what you do with this. Thank you so
much for being so generous with your time this morning.
Look after yourself enjoy chatting to the media. I'm sure
there's lots of people out there LA talk to you
and looking forward to that. Cheers mate, Thank you so much, Ali,
thank you.
It's in the news today, but it was actually on
TV Reload.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
The podcast last week.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Thereby, Hey everyone, welcome back to TV Reload. I want
to thank you for tuning into today's episode, where we're
joined by the latest contestants eliminated from Australian Idol's Top eight.
It is John and Emma. With the competition heating up,
their departure proves that Astrayan Idol is truly anyone's game
in twenty twenty five. If Emma and John can be
(00:24):
sent home, no one is safe. That's why the judges
are urging viewers to vote. Every single vote matters when
it comes to keeping your favorite in the competition. Emma's
elimination is a real shocker if you ask me, considering
the powerhouse vocals that she has brought to the stage
this season and John this season's undeniable QT patuity. He
(00:45):
has learned that charm alone isn't enough to secure us
spot in the finals. In this episode, John opens up
about his relationship with the judges for revealing which one
is his favorite. Emma shares a rare insight into her
unique voice ability and why it sounds so different when
she sings compared to when she is talking. We dive
(01:06):
into the behind the scenes of styling, who picks the outfits,
how the songs are chosen for the group performances. Plus
we get John's reaction to his Instagram dms, Emma's plans
when she returns home to Canberra, and a bold prediction
I make about John's future, which he seems pretty excited about.
There's actually so much to cover, with plenty of exclusive
(01:26):
insights and behind the scenes revelations, So sit back and
relax and join us as we break down the world
of Australian Idol, which returns this Sunday night. Hi John, congratulation.
I'm so excited.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
What an experience, man, It's been a massive ride. Best
way to explain. It's like a bit of a roller coaster.
You go through all the eyes, go all through the
whole lows and you know, that's what it's all about,
experiencing the whole thing so so good.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Put your hands in the air and try not to spue.
I think that's what roller coasters.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
That's it, that's it.
Speaker 1 (01:56):
You know, you had such a memorable time on the show.
I think people will remember you for this season. But
I also felt like you were a bit of an
underdog or you had like an underdog status throughout your
time on the show.
Speaker 2 (02:08):
Did you feel that Definitely, I felt like a little
bit of an underdog. It was hard because the whole
time I was trying to work out, you know, who
I kind of was the whole time, and I was
so Australia lots of different things at the same time.
It was hard to really bring out who I really was.
But at the same time, like, I've just got so
much to give. Yes, I'm off the show and that's
(02:28):
a shame, but the show has been so good and
it's taught me so many different things that I can
now put into the future in my career now, how
to be.
Speaker 4 (02:38):
And how can I love when I'm a friend.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
I feel like for you, when I started watching you
(03:14):
on the show, I thought of Johnny Raffo, beautiful artist.
Then he went on to do things like Home and
Away and presenting and all this other stuff. I feel like, yeah,
early days, but that's kind of where I see you. Like,
the music is amazing, and you have an incredible voice
and an incredible presence, but I think you're marketable way
beyond all of that, Like this.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
This whole industry that I'm in right now is very
much a very portfolio industry, so you have to be
in a lot of different things. The best person that
I can think of as well is Richey Lee. She's amazing.
We got out at the exact same time in the competition.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
She got to top eight.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
I got to top aight. And the thing that Ricky
Lee is doing right now is incredible, man, Like, she's
got her own radio show, amazing like on and she's
also a singer as well.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
Does this mean that you in ten years time could
be home sting Australian idol. I mean that's the trajectory
that Ricky Lee Coolter went on.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
I was actually talking to some of the people there
and they were like, you know what, don't you be
such a cool hode.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
I can see that Scott tweeting watch out you might
have his job.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
Exagree.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
Man, who knows what's going to happen in the future.
But I'm always open to a new opportunities and trying
new stuff and giving a red hot crack and yeah,
I've got lots to give and still very young in it.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
Still in some ways you're sort of because you're cute
as a button and you kind of pick up all
of the girls following you on. Does that add a
little bit of extra pressure or does it make it
a bit weirder because there's other people in the competition
that don't have that. You know, no one's going yeah Jesus,
all these women are screaming at you.
Speaker 5 (04:42):
Where for you?
Speaker 1 (04:43):
I wondered what that does to you? Does it add
an extra pressure?
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Yeah? I don't know. It's like, let's say I'm performing
mysel getting ready on stage right, and then you know,
all the whole the whole production teams say all right,
are we ready already? And in that moment, you should
be locking in. You should be really thinking about your
about your lyrics, thinking about how you going to deliver it.
Then at the same time, you've got the people in
the in the mosh pit, you know, really looking at you.
Speaker 6 (05:07):
All the girls are looking at you, and you don't
know what to do.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
And I find it really tricky sometimes because I should
be locking in, but at the same time they're my fans,
that's my target audience. I kind of need to let that,
let that in as well. So it's definitely tricky, But
at the same time, it's awesome. You can't know who
I am. I'm that young guy at the moment, and
it's just that different target audience that some people can't reach,
and I can go into that. But it's very hard, man.
(05:31):
It's like there's a lot of a lot of d
ms on Instagram and there's a lot of all that
type of stuff, and it gets a bit crazy.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Are you right on Instagram? Are you putting the phone? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Yeah. I get back to a couple of literally some
of them just say, man, congrats, that was amazing, blah
blah blah. Then there's some of them that they send
they're full therefore, ready made through and say how good
it will be together. Sometimes I feel really bad when
I see a monts to paragraph and I'm like, there's
no way that took time. That's right that, So of
course I'll reply to that and just knowing you very much.
(06:03):
I try to get back to as many people as
I can, and with the pressure of the show, it
gets really hard. But I think in the next couple
of days it.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
To them and send them a message down to the
coffee shop and just start reading their messages and sending
them back, you know, so we can confirm that you're
still single. So that's I feel like I'm adding fire,
like I'm adding wood to the fire here at this point.
Speaker 3 (06:23):
I'm still man right, I'm still okay.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Well, good luck with that, yeers. I don't know how
long that will lie.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
I picked up on some similar stylings each week. Is
that something you wear in real life? I mean, who
picks the clothes for these who picks the clothes each week? Yeah?
Speaker 2 (06:40):
Basically we have a massive wardrobe team which is awesome.
And basically every week they have a look at what
song you're singing and then they choose They work with
the creative team and they choose a set, and then
off the set they would choose the outfit and basically
they're just going it off my character. It might not
be stuff I wear in everyday life, but it was
(07:02):
more just to suit my character young gymnast that is
a heart throb. And they do it to all the
contestants as well and try to based off the character.
And it's not a bad thing. And basically I went
into this whole process of Australian idols to see what
industry wants and what industry thinks about me as well,
and just trying to get my head around who I
am and because you know, I'm still working that stuff out.
(07:24):
And my mum called me last night and she says,
good job, John, blah blah blah. You know that was amazing.
But she says, do not leave Sydney or do not
leave Idol without buying all those clothes because they are
great clothes. And I'm like, you know what, mum, You're
so right?
Speaker 1 (07:38):
Are we going to say? She was asking whether or
not you know you get them for free? Maybe you
need to speak to.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
What I think we get a discount. I think we
get a discount which is great, which is amazing. Yeah,
I won't be taking half the cause.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
At home, amazing. I think that's great. W your wardrobe.
You know, the group performances are some of my favorites,
and I've never asked anyone on the show, how do
you get to choose? Do you get any saying who
gets the lyrics? Because some of these songs are iconic,
like the Beatles, and I would be like, oh yeah,
my voice suits this lyric. I want to sing that.
Do you all get to have conversation that's quite open
(08:11):
or do they just say your lyric number three.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Basically that's what it is in a nutshell, but basically
what it is.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
The whole process of singing.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
A song on a TV show is massive. But then
also it's hard because for the top twelve song, let's
say that the song was listen to the music, great song.
But what happened was how we recorded that was that
after the first night, those four people that got through,
they will then go into the studio the next day
and then they record a couple of lines and basically
(08:42):
the music team are choosing what lyrics you're seeing. And
the good thing about Australian I was that they always
try to know give the best, you know, do what's right,
and they do they tail it to the right person.
So for example, like that that live around when we
last night where we did that what do you call
that Beatles song? You know Jake starting it off with
(09:03):
that nice country kick to it. It was a great start.
And then you know, my line with Marshall got to
be good looking because you're so hard to say like
they probably thought about that, said yeah, Johnny's.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
Perfect, Yeah it's exactly.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
So it's very much up to the music team. But
at the same time we all work together and we
all kind of make it our own, but they do
give us the lyrics, but they're also super chill about
making it our own, which is nice, not being so
driven on the melody, which is good. So yeah, we
kind of use what we've got.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
There's a celebrity sort of lifestyle that you lead when
you do one of these shows. And there was an
article on The Woman's Day. I think about you sort
of being sick at one point and worrying about whether
or not you'll continue in the competition, but I noticed
every week you seem to look fitter and healthier and better.
The question I have for you is are you going
to maintain this sort of new celebrity lifestyle of better sleep,
(09:53):
you know, better food, looking after yourself? Like is there
a change that comes with having an opportunity like this?
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Sure, the whole health side and the physical health but
also the mental health side is a serious heart about
being musician, and you know, this whole experience. Definitely in
the last couple of weeks, it really shows you that
you know, if you're on tour, this is what it's
going to be like, you're going to be performing most nights.
You need to be health and ready, like you know,
(10:20):
be healthy and ready, and so you know, basically I
was just, you know, I got into the competition. I
was I was young, I was eighteen. I was still
wasn't really too focused on my health and all that stuff, sure.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
That you know, honestly, I was in a gun.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Exactly, just a normal thing, right, and then you know,
I got through it just being my normal self. And
then it got to that top thirty week, and I
was like the first week because we did three challenges
in one week and you're singing every night, you're learning
songs the night before that was a really tough week.
And my whole health system went like, man, like that's crazy, bro.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
It kind of looks you got to this peak, right,
and then all of a sudden, just it turned around.
Look like you to a point where yeah, you were
exhausted by the whole situation, and then from there on
in you just got your skin looked better, Yeah, your
eyes look better. Yeah, just pulled it like, yeah, it
seemed like whatever was happening was right for you.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
And I just feel like definitely coming over being away
from family was really hard and I was really struggling
with that. But Basically, it's the experience that you get
out of it and you get used to it. You
get used to going to bed at the right time,
you get you feel like eating the right stuff. And
I think for me as well, you know, just going
on walks every day. I went to a park every
single day. I had this pink footy that I used
(11:39):
to kick up and down the corridor, all that little stuff,
just to make sure that at the end of the day,
you always need to make sure that you're okay and
that you look after yourself. And I made that a
big focus this trip, and it really worked in my favor,
which was nice.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
But I really wanted you tom that up. I think
that's going to be really beneficial for you because, like,
if you're going to think so much, and you know,
in TV and in and in music, I can tell
you that I have been around the TV industry for
a very long time, and the people that succeed are
the people that have a really healthy life balance. And yeah,
that's so important, you know, it's so important. The other thing,
(12:14):
you know, I was going through the comments, I really
wanted to ask you questions that I think that the
fans wanted to know and what I kept sure winning
again and again was about your song choices and who
you want to be as an artist. I noticed that
you'd said that you were like Justin Bieber, that's the
kind of artist I want to be. But then we
hear Kyle Sandalan say that probably wasn't the right song
for you. And if you look at the history of
(12:35):
songs that you sung, you know that catalog has got
spice girls, it's got Robin, It's got all of these
different people. Yeah, you know, y, coming out of the competition,
do you feel like you are closer to knowing what
kind of an artist you want to be?
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
I went into this competition just to give it a shot,
see what this is all about. And I didn't really
know who I was in what the artist was. You
had a voice on you that has something to give,
but I just wanted someone to say something in me,
and that's what the judges. And then basically every single
round it felt like I was doing something a little
bit different every single time, which is good but also
(13:12):
bad in the same way because people were like, oh,
I connected as do which is crazy for starters.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
You said you wanted somebody to see something in you.
I want you to know not only did those judges
see that and put you forward and really helps you
get into the top twelve, but Australia has seen something
in you. There's something unique and amazing about you that
almost stands out.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Of the bus.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
So one of the other people in the top twelve,
you've really Yeah, not only have you hit the ball,
you know you've had a touchdown.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
Yeah, oh, thank you so much. I appreciate that. And
you know what, like I think doing the Justin Babers song,
it was always good. I just want to show Australia
something else that I can do, something a little bit different,
and you definitely put a bit of a spin on things.
But then really roping it back with the Coln Scott
at the end.
Speaker 7 (14:01):
Swim every super be weird fix word up, oh it's visa.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
I felt like I was being myself a really strong
Australia like who I am, and the judges agreed, They're like, yes, man,
that's going to be who you are, bro. And I
was really happy with that because I really wanted to
come off this show in a good way and in
a positive way and making sure that you know, I
was happy with myself and I was I feel.
Speaker 3 (14:43):
Like I landed that one.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
And I think you'd be hard on your sleeve, And
that's part of the connect I think there's a lot
of people sitting at home who would love to have
the opportunity to try and improve something to themselves. And
because you were hard on your sleeve, we as an
audience come on that journey with you. Yeah, and we
route f Yeah. I wanted to say about Sandy Lance.
A lot of people talk about his comments and being
(15:04):
that they can sometimes be quite harsh. I really like
Kyle and I know him as a person, so I
don't see it that way. But do you think, being
a young person on television that it's easy to see
that sort of criticism from someone like him? And do
they prepare you? Do they say just so you know
once the comments go to Kyle, he might say something crazy?
Speaker 3 (15:23):
Yeah, how do they know?
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Basically how I said the judges is that Amy Shark.
She's in it right now. She's really pumping out some
good stuff. She's gigging at the moment. She's this this
Brian person in present time. Martha has just been amazing.
She's had a massive career. She understands how the stuff
where she's got the experience behind her. And then how
I see Kyle is that yes he's not in the
music industry, but he sees what sells right. He's a
(15:47):
big business man. He sees this stuff, and yes he's
a bit harsh, but he knows what's good what's bad.
He's a bit like a Simon Cowell. Right, Yeah, think
about Coyle's My best mate says is that Carl has
his personality and sometimes it goes a bit, a bit haywire.
But my best mate, he says, Kyle says the right
thing the wrong way. And look, I agree with that term.
(16:07):
But at the same time, like I'm taking feedback on board,
like they're trying to do the best thing for me,
and sometimes it goes off in a really bad way,
and people will see in a really bad way. I
honestly don't. I take it as you know, that constructive
criticism and see the good in it. It doesn't really
bother me as some people might think. And I really
(16:28):
respect Carl. I think he's had it hard from a
very young age and the thing he's been able to
do is, you know, is make it right. And he's
done that and really look up to Cale. To be honest,
I think I answered one of the questions in an
in the interview and like who's your favorite judge? I said,
I reckon it has to be Cole Man like he's
cool man, Like.
Speaker 1 (16:47):
I give him respect absolutely. You know, I've finished the
podcast every time asking a question of something behind the scenes,
and we've run out of time, so I have to
try and sort of make it easier for you when
Kyle says something like this stage, maybe a behind the
scenes is whether or not you have access to Kyle
all the other judges, Like once the cameras go down,
do they come up?
Speaker 2 (17:07):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (17:07):
Offer you some more clarity, Yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:09):
Well, basically what happens is cameras go down, we're all
out the stage, and the judges actually come through and
they actually talk to us as a person, which is amazing.
And I don't know if I should be saying this.
I wants me to say this, but basically he came
up to me after that just a Beba performance and
he said, you know what, man, that was amazing. He said,
you did such a good job. And he said, you
(17:30):
know the comment that I made the girls like the
Martian Amy hated me saying it, but he says, like,
you did such a great job and you should be
really proud of yourself. He says, you know, we had
to put on a TV show here, but you know
you did amazing. And I was like, you know what,
that's massive coming from Colin. I wouldn't say it's an apology,
but he's looking out for me, saying, man, you're great
(17:52):
and all that. So that's great and I really got
an awesome connection there. So we do get to meet
the judges in person, which is nice. Yeah, it's great.
Speaker 1 (18:01):
Well, I am in your audience, my friend. Like a
lot of people in Australia, I can't wait to see
how you take this. I think thing the sky is
the limit. There's plenty of opportunities out there. Please look
after yourself and have will have enjoyed the ride, like
you know what I mean, like enjoy the.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
It's just starting now, man, and it's been amazing and
talking to you guys has been amazing. So thank you
so much for having me on.
Speaker 1 (18:25):
Amazing, amazing, all right, you enjoy chatting to the media.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
Thank you very much. See you mate, Sea, Thank you
so much.
Speaker 1 (18:32):
What a fabulous chat with John some great insights there.
Now we will unpack the Australian Idol journey with Emma,
who I'm sure has her own tales to tell from
her time on the show. Hi am, how are you?
Speaker 3 (18:44):
I love, how are you going?
Speaker 1 (18:46):
I'm doing really well. You have the most incredible voice,
and I have to say to you, this is the
biggest shock of the season for me so far. I
just I was talking to a lot of people this
morning about it, and people feel very disappointed that you've
come out of the show. It must be amazing to
sort of have this kind of response from people because
people are saying you're the Ricky Lee of this season.
Speaker 6 (19:06):
Yeah, I thank you so much. First of all, I
really appreciate it. It it's encouraging definitely. People I have
had a lot of people saying that that the career
she went on to have a lot of people have
been just making that comparison, which I think is really cool.
It's motivating, I think because I've seen obviously been alongside
Ricky like while on the show, Like it's motivating to
(19:26):
see somebody that's done it and come out of the
show and made a career out of it. So yeah,
it's definitely something to look forward to.
Speaker 1 (19:33):
I guess hopefully when did you realize that you had
this voice? Because to me, your voice is sort of otherworldly.
It's sort of like a voice in disguise, because when
you're talking, you don't necessarily hear that sound, but when
you start singing, it's like Amy Winehouse or there's a
gravitas to it.
Speaker 6 (19:52):
Yeah, it's really interesting because people say that as well.
I guess, like my speaking voice is quite different to
my singing voice, and I think a lot of people
were sort of like, what's going on, Like is this
her voice?
Speaker 3 (20:01):
But yeah, it's very interesting.
Speaker 6 (20:03):
I think there is a lot of those sort of
old school influences in it, and like my tone is
quite unique, and I think it's definitely developed over the years,
like when I was a kid. Obviously, I've done music
for a long time, so I think just with age,
I guess my voice changed then. I think that sort
of grit developed over time. And I think also like
as I discovered my voice, I would say like as
(20:25):
I sort of exported a bit and actually like honing
my craft, my voice just sort of developed into that tone.
And so I guess it's just probably gonna do that
with age. I guess like it'd be interesting to see
I guess what it sounds like down the track sort
of thing, because I think it'll sort of just keep
keep developing.
Speaker 1 (20:43):
Yeah, I think it will. I think I really do
think it will. That answers my question. You didn't just
one day hear that voice come out and you were like, WHOA, Okay,
I got it.
Speaker 6 (20:54):
I think I think it's always been that like soul
to it, like the I always remember as a kid,
people when I was a king would sort of go, oh,
there's just like it's something different, like you sort of
have that soul in your voice, or there's something about
your voices what people like used to always sort of yeah,
like I always so, I'm a bit of an old soul.
So I think there's just so much erris ind I
would say in my voice, it's like the word I
(21:15):
always sort of use for it, Like it just sounds
like there's so many influences that have gone into it,
which I think is why people are always like, who
does she sound like like she reminds me of this person?
Or if she reminds me of this person, which is
really cool?
Speaker 7 (21:28):
You well.
Speaker 5 (21:34):
Among the fields, boy, you jealous that we all, which
is cool.
Speaker 1 (21:51):
You had a sound though, that that's very signature to you,
and I've one of my friends is Natalie Bassingthwaite, and
she has a sound that so when she covers, if
she's doing a Whitney song, you know that that is
a signature Beast song. And with your voice, you're very
similar because if you look at the beg Cyndi Lauper,
Shania Twain, the Pretender's goals like these are all sort
(22:13):
of you know, eighties and nineties classics songs, but every
time you sung them, you're like, oh no, I can
hear Emma in that. That's her signago sound, which is
what you need as an artist to not just be
a cruise ship singer.
Speaker 3 (22:27):
Important.
Speaker 6 (22:28):
That's something that I'm passionate about, I guess is being distinctive,
like I never want to. I think just as a person,
I'm quite sort of I love the concept of being
unique and offering something different.
Speaker 3 (22:39):
And I think because obviously the industry is huge.
Speaker 6 (22:42):
Like there's just so many, so many amazing artists, and
so you have to really stand out, like you have
to bring something different. And I think it's great that
my voice has sort of that distinctive sound like it
gives me, I guess, the opportunity to be unique and
bring something different and a different sound.
Speaker 1 (23:00):
Absolutely. I mean, the one thing I did think of
was old Made Hamburger. They kept calling him out his
eighties songs, where I felt like your arrangements of your
songs was just as distinctive, these big songs that you know,
everyone knows you did something to you. We're Hamburger. They're like,
you know, we love you, You're amazing, you know you've
done it again, where I'm like, okay, but what about
(23:20):
this bitch?
Speaker 3 (23:23):
Yeah, it is interesting, like he's obviously he's so so talented.
Speaker 6 (23:27):
I love that guy, right, But yeah, I think I
think there's just a lot of factors that go into that.
Speaker 3 (23:31):
And I think I think I.
Speaker 6 (23:32):
Probably also did have like more the songs that are
sung on the show with sort of that more stripped
back ballady sort of style, which I think as well,
people like have very tastes and stuff. But I guess
the upbeat songs are always sort of the ones that
I guess do well in that setting.
Speaker 3 (23:47):
Most of the time. I mean, I love stuff like that.
Speaker 6 (23:50):
I love arranging songs and making them my own. Like
my one thing that I said every week was sort
of like I don't understand, like I'm covering it, like
I don't want to say I did another thing. I'm
doing the song or like I always and I think
I naturally do it too. I think, like the judges
even said that, like you just you don't even know
that you do it, but you just naturally put your
(24:12):
twist on it, and when you're sing, you just naturally
change things like you just you just.
Speaker 3 (24:16):
Do your own thing.
Speaker 6 (24:17):
So I think it's just a natural thing as well.
I just sing it and feel it and connect with it,
and it just sort of happens, which is really cool.
Speaker 1 (24:23):
Just so people listening to the podcast understand. I sometimes
use the term bitch because I'm reclaiming it. I don't
say it in a negative people going to come to
something another like you right.
Speaker 6 (24:33):
No, I'm doing my finger snap in the air.
Speaker 1 (24:36):
Yeah, that's what I mean. That's what I'm doing. And
people sometimes are like you old gay, why and how
dare you? And I'm like, no, I'm saying it in
the best way possible.
Speaker 7 (24:45):
What about this?
Speaker 1 (24:46):
You know what I mean?
Speaker 3 (24:47):
Like I have all people understand, Okay.
Speaker 1 (24:51):
Well, I'm glad that I've broken you on board. I
wanted to know because I know RICKI lay personally, and
I just know how kind and how generous she is
with her time. Did she get a chance to talk
you after the show last night? And I'm sure she did,
but can you tell us what she might have said.
Speaker 6 (25:04):
Didn't get a chance to chat to her too much
after the show last night, but things were a bit crazy.
But like during the show and like throughout the process,
like when I after I performed and everything, she she's
so kind, like so kind, Like I think, yeah, one
of the kind of people in the process.
Speaker 3 (25:21):
Like she really stood out to me actually because I think.
Speaker 1 (25:23):
She said that's her.
Speaker 6 (25:24):
Yeah, every time I've done she took time to comment
in like and was really genuine about it, like she
sort of just like, actually, I love your voice and
sort of said said things that super encouraging. And I
think it's nice that because obviously she understands that journey
and she understands I guess what happens after and what
it takes and that sort of thing.
Speaker 3 (25:43):
So it's cool that she saw that in me, like
that she's.
Speaker 6 (25:47):
Actually recognized and I guess sees something in me is
really cool.
Speaker 3 (25:51):
Yeah, she's lovely, lovely.
Speaker 1 (25:53):
It would have been really stressful last night, like you
were saying, we didn't get a chance to talk to her.
But I want to know, Like how do they get
you home and make sure that you're up in time
for these interviews in the morning? Do they shoot you
with a tranquilizer and throw you in a van and
make you go to sleep, take your phone off you
like what happens?
Speaker 3 (26:06):
Yeah, that was it.
Speaker 6 (26:07):
I mean to be honest, Like it's pretty exhausting. So
I just it's crashed out, really and then I'll head
home today.
Speaker 1 (26:16):
What does it look like for Like, do you know
what happens to you now? Like do they just pop
you into a cupboard and we'll bring you out for
a reunion special? Like what happens?
Speaker 2 (26:22):
Are they? No?
Speaker 6 (26:23):
I did?
Speaker 2 (26:24):
You know?
Speaker 1 (26:25):
I just think it'd be interesting to you know, go
back to Canberra and you know, and see and to
go back to normal life. That would seem like a
really big culture shock because so much of everything has
been so fast paced, with picking your songs, work on choreography,
doing group songs, like all of this stuff. It's just
been so hectic. Are you looking forward to the downtime
or do you think you're trying sort of push the momentum.
Speaker 6 (26:48):
That's That's one thing that I'm like thinking about heavily
because obviously you want to, like, it's so important to
look after yourself after doing something like this. I think
it's crucial really because otherwise, if you just go full
steam ahead and don't have downtime, it's not like it's
just not healthy. And I'm big on making sure that
I do that, Like I think I'm really big on
(27:09):
longevity as well, Like I don't want to burn out,
so I think I need to find ways to utilize
the momentum because I also don't want that to fizzle out.
So I think I need to be consistent and use
the momentum, but also make sure I look after myself,
Like it's so important.
Speaker 3 (27:24):
To do that something like this.
Speaker 1 (27:26):
If you're don't just keep throwing yourself out there, you
burn yourself out when opportunities do come up, you need
to be fresh and prime.
Speaker 6 (27:33):
Well, that's exactly right, Like I'm big on I always
like one of my favorite things is always like see
what happens when the dust settles, Like I just love
that because it's always it's always sort of everything's really
heightened in the moment, but everything I guess I've ever
experienced when it comes to my career, it happens later,
like the dust has to settle, and it's sort of
(27:54):
the high, Like the high is done. It's like the
big moment's done, and it's I guess what you do
after that and what happens after that? And I want to,
I guess be ready for whatever comes my way sort
of thing. And so it's definitely important to look after
myself so that I am ready. But also I think
even taking time to be mindful and like grateful for
(28:16):
what I got out of the experience and actually like
reflect on I think that's super important too, like actually
sitting with it and like being mindful about that so
that I can, I guess, take that in process and
like channel.
Speaker 3 (28:26):
That moving forward. I think that's like really important too.
Speaker 1 (28:30):
See. I knew you were smart, Emma Jones. I knew,
well I was going to have this call with you today.
I'm going to learn some stuff from you. And I
think that that's that's really good And it's amazing that
there's these young people out there that will look up
to you, And that's also an important role to take on,
is to set a good example for really the young
people who are coming up from behind you that you
(28:50):
know might be a rascals at school or trying to
explore what they want to be as an artist. And
having someone like yourself with your head very level on
your shoulders. I think this is quite amazing and you
could sort of see that throughout your time on the competition.
Speaker 3 (29:02):
Amazing.
Speaker 1 (29:03):
What about these judges are you like if you had
to put them in order? I've not done this to
anyone yet, but I feel like you're the one most
level of person so far. So, like you know, in
regards to these three judges, I guarantee you they're all
very busy. They're never going to listen to it. What
do you reckon top three judges? Can you put them
in order?
Speaker 6 (29:17):
I think it would depend on on what the order
was based off. But I think they all I think
they all have really good things to offer, Like I
think in their own right, I guess they're very different,
like they all are very different, and they're in different
sort of in the same world, but different lanes, And
I think very much that's really cool because they sort
of cover a lot of different bases, like I think
(29:39):
it'd be hard to I guess put it in an order.
Like I think for me personally, it's based off I
guess who I connect with. I think I really connected
with Marsha because I just think she obviously has like
a wealth of knowledge, that's a very wise person and
quite empathetic as well, Like I think we sort of
just connected on that level. And then Amy Shark as well,
(29:59):
Like I I think he had a genuine I guess
he saw something in me as well and was really encouraging,
and so I think that'd probably in my order.
Speaker 1 (30:08):
To be able to pull you in line.
Speaker 3 (30:09):
Yeah, I'll tell you the harsh exactly.
Speaker 6 (30:11):
I think he actually was really lovely, Like I think
he's very like smart man, Like he's very good at
what he does, and I think there's a lot to
learn from him in that aspect, and actually even just
seeing how he conducts himself and that sort of thing
like is very very interesting to observe and it's good
to I guess, take pieces of wisdom off of like
(30:32):
each judge because I think they have different things to offer.
Speaker 3 (30:35):
And hopefully, I mean I hope that I can sort.
Speaker 6 (30:38):
Of use the momentum and like try and maintain a
connection with them, I guess because I feel.
Speaker 3 (30:43):
Like, yeah, I think that's super important.
Speaker 6 (30:45):
Like I was talking to Marsha the other night, and
she's sort of like encouraging me about the comments that
she made of my last performance and just saying sort
of if you need me to like explain this to
you more, like I'd love to chat to you about
And that's good thing. So it's definitely there's a all
it's open. So I guess it's just a matter of
maintaining and like trying to foster that connection because I
(31:06):
think I don't know what's there to lose at the
end of the day. She's someone that I think I
could learn a lot from, so might as well maintain
the connection.
Speaker 1 (31:14):
Very smart lady, very smart lady, very kind, very generous. Absolutely,
when they brought her back full time for season two
of the reboot for Channel seven, I was like, that
was a turning point for the competition for me, I mean,
for this reality series, because she brings a gravitas to
the show that not many people could have. I mean,
she's a survivor in an industry which is very hard
(31:37):
to do she's still selling out concert halls at her age. Yeah, yeah,
that is amazing.
Speaker 6 (31:43):
That's the thing that inspires me about her as well.
I think that something that I connected with her was
the longevity, Like her career is.
Speaker 3 (31:52):
Like, and that's what I want to do.
Speaker 6 (31:53):
I think the industry has become one that's very sort
of short lived, like you sort of have like thirty seconds,
like even less, and that's the time, and then it's like, Okay,
what's the next thing, And everything's so instant. So I
think it's inspiring to see somebody that still doing it
because I think that's that's.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
What I want to do.
Speaker 6 (32:13):
If I don't want to have guests that sort of
instant career and it doesn't last, like I want to
make a long, laughing impression and I guess have a legacy,
and I.
Speaker 3 (32:20):
Guess that's what everyone wants.
Speaker 6 (32:22):
But I think get it's not something that I would
ever compromise on. I think there's obviously always a potential
to compromise on that, but it's something that I'm really
passionate about, Like I want to have a long career
and have influence and like you said about the next
generation and that sort of thing.
Speaker 3 (32:37):
I think it's important, like to be someone that's consistent.
Speaker 1 (32:41):
Well, you don't get a voice like you and you disappear.
You have a voice like you. People celebrated they download
your songs, you know, and that's something that people can do.
I mean, I've been listening to your songs more on
rotation than I think anyone else. I'm loving Eilish, but
I find when I listened to the songs at home,
it's not as good as watching her life before because
she does a lot of stuff with it. But when
(33:02):
it comes to just putting on some tracks and enjoying it,
I've been playing your music more than anyone else, and
I think that that love is that sign of longevity.
Do you know what I mean? Like you're a true artist,
that is a recording artist ready to go. Before you go,
I ask everyone, what is something from behind the scenes.
Do you have a fun story about something crazy that
happened behind the scenes whilst you've been making the show.
Speaker 6 (33:23):
I think the craziest moment for me, I mean, obviously
it was on Telly, but there's a lot of crazy moments,
but I think the main was like when I performed
to the Googo Dogs that day was absolutely insane because
I didn't know that it was happening, so that was
a full surprise and I literally was They were like, oh,
we're going to go here. I had no idea that
(33:44):
I was going to meet them, so I thought I
went in thinking like, oh, yeah, I'm going to meet them,
Like that's really cool. And that was sort of the height,
like I was like, Wow, I'm meeting them, that's amazing.
And then I got there and John the soundt it
was like, oh, you want to just sing?
Speaker 3 (33:59):
Sing?
Speaker 6 (33:59):
And I like literally was standing there something even thing
quite warmed up, and he was like, yeah, just sing
the second verse for me, and I was like what
the heck? And then I sung and he literally was like, oh,
do you want to sing tonight? And the next minute
I was singing for like five thousand people.
Speaker 8 (34:16):
John actually invited me to perform tonight, singing on stage
with the Google doors in front of a.
Speaker 7 (34:21):
Room full of their fans.
Speaker 8 (34:23):
I was not expecting that, Hey, Australia, Adolf, let's have
a chance, come on.
Speaker 7 (34:35):
How the ball Man.
Speaker 1 (34:44):
I liked that moment on the show because it reminded
me of Lady Gaga in A Star is Born, where
she walked on stage and sung. I thought. I was, like,
that was an iconic part of the film, and that's
what it felt like for me watching you. I just think,
this guy's the limit for you. There's more those opportunities coming,
and you'll be more prepared for it than just walking
out in front of that sort of an audience.
Speaker 2 (35:05):
You know.
Speaker 6 (35:05):
I think I'm really grateful for everything that I've learned
in terms of like things I experience and even that performance,
like having that under my belt, and all the different
things with television and all the stuff that you learn
and even media, like interested with media and social media
and that sort of thing, like I was sort of,
I guess I've learned a lot about engagement and how
(35:27):
to do that and that sort of thing, and I
feel more confident, like empowered to do that moving forward,
which is important. Like I came here to put myself
out there and to I guess grow, and I've done
both of those things.
Speaker 1 (35:39):
So yeah, Emma, collect your stories is the one thing
I tell everyone I'm in your audience. I can't wait
to see what you do with this. Thank you so
much for being so generous with your time this morning.
Look after yourself enjoy chatting to the media. I'm sure
there's lots of people out there LA talk to you
and looking forward to that. Cheers mate, Thank you so much, Ali,
thank you.
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