April 12, 2026 • 19 mins
This week on TV Reload, Ben sits down with Tre following one of the most surprising eliminations on Australian Idol this season.
Tre reflects on his journey from lifelong musician to Idol standout, revealing why, despite years of experience this competition felt like starting all over again. He opens up about the pressure of delivering consistently strong performances, the nerves that viewers didn’t see, and why he believes he still has so much more to learn as an artist.
In this candid chat, Tre also shares what it was really like performing week-to-week, navigating genres outside his comfort zone, and balancing the chaos of the show with life at home. Plus, he addresses that shock elimination, the support from the judges and why he’s walking away proud of what he achieved.
And with his passion for R&B and a renewed drive post-Idol, Tre hints at what’s nex and why this might just be the beginning.
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
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, the podcast last to Beep Their Life. Yaday, guys,
welcome back to TV Reload. My name is Benjamin Morrison.
Today we are diving into one of the most shocking
eliminations of Australian Idol for this season. Now, I'm just
going to say it. This contestant had me questioning whether
I needed a new television because week after week this
(00:20):
guy delivered what I felt was record ready performances and
yet somehow they haven't made it through to the finale,
so I don't know what's going on. In this chat,
we unpack what it's like to come into the idle
world with years of experience but still feel like you're
starting all over again, and whether being consistently great is
actually a disadvantage in a competition like this. We talk
(00:42):
about the insane level of consistency and whether audiences sometimes
prefer a journey over someone who nails it every single
time they perform. Plus, we get into the pressure of
behind the scenes learning songs outside your genre, the reality
of performing week after week, and why this experience it
might actually be just the beginning of something much bigger.
(01:03):
There's also a really interesting moment where we talk about
the judges, including what it's like to perform in front
of them and how their feedback shapes your confidence in
this competition. And of course I ask what happens next,
because when you've got this level of talent like Trade does,
the show might just be a big launching pad to
another destination. This is a really honest, grounded chat with
(01:26):
an artist who I genuinely think Australia is only just
starting to get behind. Here is my trap the tray.
Hey mate, how are you?
Speaker 2 (01:33):
I'm great?
Speaker 1 (01:34):
Thank you, that's good. That is very good. You know,
when you first walked into Australian idol with so much experience,
I was thinking, maybe this is an unfair disadvantage to
everybody else.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Yeah, you know, it's definitely been a long journey, a
long musical journey and experience on the songwriting side. But
in all honesty, you know, it had been a very
long time since I've performed and held a microphone, so
in a certain sense, it almost felt like I was
just beginning, you know, and felt euphoric in a way.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
When I first saw you on the show. I went
back and you know, did a deep dive Entrey and
saw how long you'd been in the music game, and
from such a young age. I think it's like riding
a bike in some ways. When you've been doing it
at that young age, you know you're not really going
to forget.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
It's true. You know, I feel like music's just, you know,
been in my blood. And it felt from the day
that I started at ten, it kind of it felt
like it was my calling. I breathed music. It's my everything.
It's all I really know in a sense, like like
I was saying, you know, it was a new experience
and a big learning, learning experience. I'm super grateful for it.
(02:40):
Although I've been singing for a long time, I still
felt like I've learned so much on this idol journey.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
Do you know what was interesting about you is that
the consistency that you had for every performance, That every
performance you did sounded like like that's the that could
have been just released as a song, Whilst other performers
could come out and they could sing, and you know,
some weeks hit a bum node and then some weeks
come back. And I think with you, with your consistency,
I wonder whether or not in a competition like this,
(03:06):
it creates complacency because in reality TV competition, people want
to go on this journey. They want to be like, Okay,
we started loving this person and we liked them for
their personality and they grew along the way. Where with you,
you were justin biaver zaan level of talent every week consistently.
(03:27):
I mean, how does this all sit with you?
Speaker 2 (03:29):
Thank you? I mean a huge compliment. Yeah, I feel
like I'm proud of the consistency I gat throughout the
each week. It's funny because listening back, there's always so
much that I wish I had done differently, and I'm
almost my own worst critic in it in a way.
But you know, I actually was amazed at how incredible
everyone was. You know, I know that everyone was kind
(03:50):
of sitting outside the genres they're used to and were
challenged weekly. So yeah, I feel like everyone did such
an incredible job. And you know, it was a challenge, man,
there's a lot of pockets and a lot of the
genres that you know, I wouldn't normally sing. But I
just felt like it was such a great way to
adapt and you know, glow as an artist.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Well, I'm listening to your version of Selandion's because you
love me more than I'm listening to her ever again.
So I feel like, you know, you know, some of
the songs that I probably didn't expect for you to
sing sounded better than the international artists.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
So that is probably the biggest compliment I've ever received.
I was extremely nervous to sing that song, and it
being the first song, you know, singing on stage for
Idol was terrifying. So you know, looking back now, I
can you know see how nervous I was for that.
But yeah, what a beautiful moment and memory. I'll never
forget that.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
But what could you do differently? You were saying that yourself,
So you're reflecting back and thinking there's so many things
that I could have done. I am looking at your
performances and thinking the only thing I could possibly think
you could have done is try to lower your ability
to then try and create a journey for the viewer
to go on, which you know could have been very
(05:02):
dangerous because you know, people could just boot you out
for not being as good as you knew that you were.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
Well, I kind of you know, I I have a
very different view when it comes to myself you know,
I feel like I have so much to learn still,
and you know, I think that there's when looking back,
you know, just you can I can tell that, you know,
nerves probably got the best of me. And you know,
I was probably in my head worrying more than actually
(05:29):
enjoying the experience, which I think is, you know, something
that I've really learned to do now being on stage
for so many weeks in a row. Now, yeah, I don't.
I don't look at myself and think I've been doing
it so long. You know, I've got an advantage. I
feel like every every contestant did so such an amazing
job week in and out, and I you know, it's
a lot easier. It looks a lot easier than it is.
(05:52):
There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes. You
know that just the stress of learning songs, learn of
songs that you're not comfortable with. I really have to
give to each contestant. You know, it's really not easy.
But I appreciate you that you're gassing me up.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
I'm your hype girl. I'm just like in last night's episode,
you were the best thing of bear and so it
was a real shock to me. Does that make you
understand that you could literally walk out of this competition
and resign at a label and move faster than anyy
of the others.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Honestly, when going into it, I didn't really think about,
you know, the TV aspect of it, or you know,
how it would all pan out. For me. The main
thing was am I doing, you know, the best job
that I can do? Am I? Am? I happy with
the efforts that I put in each week? And I was,
which is what I'm most proud of. And I feel
(06:43):
like if that's the mindset, then no matter what comes,
it'll be positive, you know. So I've kind of just
that's how I've gone into it each week, with my
heart in the right place and just you know, making
sure I do my best job. And that's really all
I can ask for.
Speaker 1 (06:58):
Why did this show over to say the Voice or
any other singing competition, But I guess my question is
why now, and why this particular singing competition.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
I just felt like the timing was right, you know,
the opportunity arising. You know, I've been doing music for
a long time, and you know, I've done things in
a state, but strangely enough, I've never done anything really
in Australia, which is weird to me because you know,
at home, I love home, and I want to connect
with other creatives and showcase what my ability is to Australia.
(07:31):
So when the opportunity came up, I thought, you know,
why not. I'd be silly to say no and block
a blessing. As you know, I don't know what could
come from it, winning or not. You know, there's so
many great things that could come from this, so I
kind of just jumped into it with no expectations.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
Did they find you though? You know, did they find
you to do this show?
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Like? Is that I went through all the audition the
online auditions, Wow, through all the steps. Yeah. So yeah,
thankfully you know it went the way it did and
I'm here now. But yeah, it's been a journey man,
Like it started when close the middle of last year,
and I just can't believe how time is flying.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
Have you never applied for the voice or anything else?
So because this the first time you've applied for a
singing competition like this and got this far?
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Yeah, this is the first singing show I've ever applied
for or been on.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
We'll go and do them all now, because that's where
you need new back on television. When's the next line Stone?
Speaker 2 (08:23):
How do we go hilarious?
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Well, it's like, you know, but Sheldon Riley, Sheldon Riley
has done all of them and you know, he's won
the Mass Singer, He's done a lot of things and
you know, maybe he might be known as the person
who goes on all of the singing shows, but everyone
in Australia, you know, knows who that person is. So
maybe that is a yeah, maybe that is a pathway.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
You know. Yeah, I mean you can't not the hustle.
You can only respect it. And you know, it's not
easy being on these shows. It really is a test
no matter how much experience you have in the game.
You know, it really is like a little taste of
what it would be. I could be on tour, all
the rehearsal, the media, the media, training, performing and you
(09:06):
know the show to them stop when you speak like,
it's just the whole, the whole thing. So yeah, you've
got to respect it. But you know, I feel like
for me, I was able to showcase my talent, show
my love for R and B. It was also incredible
to showcase the dynamic of you know, me and my
family up on the stage and you know, show how
(09:26):
how much of a team meet me and my family
and my wife. So yeah, man, there's this so many
positives I'm taking away from this, and you know, it's
something that I can carry with me now through this,
you know, next chapter of my journey.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
It doesn't really surprise me though, that when you look
at trying to get somewhere with R and B, that
you're going to the States, like I think in Australia.
You know, I'm a bit older than you and I
grew up in the eighties and nineties, and so I think,
you know, if you're going to become an R and
B performer, then that is the journey. People would send
you overseas to meet Simon Cow, who I think you've
You've met Simon Ca, haven't you?
Speaker 2 (10:00):
You hear?
Speaker 1 (10:01):
When I was fifteen, Like it's crazy, what was what
did Simon Cow tell you? What was his advice?
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Simon Cow was actually putting together a boy band at
the time, and I remember going to the Sony office
and I performed two songs. I believe one of them
was a Craig David song and his only feedback was,
I don't know who Craig.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
David is Wow. In Australia, we love Kig David.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
And also it's like it's the UK Royalty almost Craig David.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
I reckon that there's a good chance he doesn't know
who Craig David is. And that is because in Australia
we celebrate like Pink is big here, We're not as
big as America and Robbie Williams is really big here
but not in America. There are artists here in Australia
that we that we own in a weird way.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
That's actually very true.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
What do you think about the judges? Like you get
to perform in front of these three people and they
sort of represent maybe public opinion. Is that hard to
to assume that those people are representing what Australia is thinking?
And what was your relationship with these three people?
Speaker 2 (11:06):
I honestly have nothing but positive comments when it comes
to the judges. Kyle has always been making it a
thing to make comments on my personality and how I'm
such a nice guy and a family guy and calling
me that like you know, sexual chocolate R and B dude,
which was which is hilarious. Yeah, so not nothing but
(11:26):
beautiful comments from him. You know, Marsha. I feel like
me and Marsha have a special bond. She's been so
supportive of me each week, and you know, Amy, Amy's
had amazing things, you know, saying that she feels like
I'm ready for the world stage. So yeah, it's really
all words of encouragement. And you know, if anything, they
you know, they really portrayed me beautifullys. I couldn't ask
(11:51):
for more.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
In that moment when you're eliminated, though, you look at
Marsha's face. You know, I think we all interpret things differently,
but she looked genuinely annoyed. Like I don't know whether
or not that face that she pulled was for your
elimination or was for a reaction to Kesha getting through.
I don't know, but like, what was your what was
your interpretation of how Marsha reacted?
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Honestly, I I was so lost in the moment that
I probably missed the facial expression.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
Watch it back, it's good one.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Yeah, yeah, I'll have to. But you know, I just
know over you know, the two months that I've been here,
you know, me and Marsha and I just kind of
we chat backstage, and you know, it's just kind of
building like a little friendship. So it was probably more
so just you know, a little bit of a sad moment.
But you know, I mean, Kesh's incredible, So I honestly
(12:43):
I was up there thinking this could go either way.
Speaker 1 (12:45):
I thought you sung so much better than she did, like,
you know, kudos to her, and this is I'm not
saying anything negative, but I just thought, in comparison to
those two performances, last night's biggest shock was that you
walked out like that. That to me was mind blowing.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
Well, I've been I feel like an joy around me
all the.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Time before you go. The one thing that I also
was frothing over from this episode was trying to work
out what the hell Kyle Sandalans was saying when he
was talking about a relationship behind the scenes, Like you're
a little bit older and you're married. What was he
talking about And what was it like watching all of
these younger people, I guess go through the competition with you.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
Great question, I you know, well, there's you know, as
time progresses on these shows, you know, you know, everyone's
kind of in their younger twenties, so it's this real
playful environment you know, you've got Johnny Jukebox who's seventeen,
so the energy is always high and there's always there's
always banter going on, so he's probably just making comments
on that and just how playful it is during rehearsals.
Speaker 1 (13:41):
But there's no romance that's going on behind the scenes.
That's what I want to know.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
I would have no idea, Honestly, I don't know. I
feel like there's you know, people are close backstays, but
I don't know what people are doing behind closed doors.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
You're like bringing your kids to put them to bed,
You're that you're not there.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Yeah, I'm like, I'm so worried about locking in and
performing and then getting them and like changing diapers and
put them at the babies to sleep, you know. So
I'm not I'm not caught up on all the tea.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
The one person to have on the podcast at this point.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
Yeah, not. Not for the love Scoop, I would. I
wouldn't know, but you know, like it's funny that you know,
I'm twenty six, but I felt like the old one there,
you know, which is funny.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
Did you give them lots of advice? So like did
you have did you feel like you could you could
have that position and offer of advice like that to
some of the younger ones.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
Well, you know, I kind of just innocently. I also
didn't want to, you know, be the guy that's like,
you know, I've done this and trying to give advice.
You know, I feel like everyone is there and that
they'll they'll go through the motions and figure a majority
of it out, you know, themselves, and you know, at
the same time, we're almost learning the same things at
the same time. You know, there's so much that I
haven't learned as well. You know, I don't know at all,
(14:46):
you know what I mean, and I'm still learning. So
in terms of the younger like the youngest contestants, it's
really just reminding them to be themselves and to stay
true to who they are.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
You know, as much as people can try to offer
you advice, you kind of have to walk in that
path to really understand it.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
Oh yeah, you've got to go through the motions to
understand it. But also like yeah, like I was saying
like this, it's everyone was on this journey together at
the same time, you know what I mean. There was
no preparing for the hours on hours of singing and
like it was all a learning experience for all of us.
I wasn't a dude that's like, oh, you know, I've
(15:22):
done this, done that, Like let me let me show
you how it goes. We're kind of just all in
it together, you know.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
So twenty six is very young as well, Like I
think it seems like you've been in this game for
longer because you go back and watch you on YouTube
at ten years of age. Yeah, this is a long
longer journey in some ways, you know, And that's probably
why it seems like I'm talking to you like you're fifteen.
Speaker 2 (15:41):
Sixteen years is a long time to be singing. So
and it's beautiful, I know. I love it when it
still feels like the first year. It doesn't feel like
I've been doing it for so long. So I'm blessed
to feel that way.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
I also think, you know, when I'm looking at this
point of the podcast, I normally would ask people what
sort of an artist do they want to be? What's
song do they sing in the competition that sounds the
most like them? But because I deep dive on you
before you even start in this competition, i'd been on
your YouTube channel to know who you are as an
artist already, So I mean, I hope that Astrain and
Idol is an elevation of your passion and your desire
(16:15):
to keep going, because I think it's already established, you know,
I think and there's also a lot of need for
that R and B music in Australia because it's very popular.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
You know, idols put like a battery in my back,
you know, I just feel inspired at the moment. Honestly,
it's just prepared me for what's to come. And you know,
now it's like there's always a question where it's like okay, well,
you know you've been singeing on YouTube like can you
sing live or can you.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
Well we know the answer to.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
Yeah, And you know now it's like now I want
to know, boost my stage presence and learn, you know,
just learn as much as I can with choreography, Like
there's so much of that I'm still yet to learn.
And I'm just excited most so.
Speaker 1 (16:56):
You should be. I finished with the last question being
it behind the scenes uestion, but because I want to
my behind the scenes question with you is give me
your order of first, second, and third out of our
three finalists. And I know that you don't want to
do this, but it's why I want you to answer
this question.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
It's a rank who I think is going to win first, second, third? Honestly,
I cannot be honest, and I'm going to feel all
three are so extremely talented.
Speaker 1 (17:22):
The house. If you had to bet the house, who
is your first, second, and third?
Speaker 2 (17:26):
You know, I feel like it would be cool to have,
let me say it like this. I feel like it
would be really dope to see a female take it home,
so that would be dope. But everyone has been so
clinical with their performances, so I honestly think it could
go anywhere at this point. So yeah, I'm I'm just
as eager as you are to see who takes it
home as a very talented top three.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
And I have no idea. I genuinely have no idea,
but my theories. Mate. Can I just say how lovely
it is to talk to you today and to see
how humble you are is also just another turn of
the key for me in terms of where you're going
to go with this. So congratulations on your idle journey.
I am in your audience and I know that there's
a lot of people in Australia that's watched this show
(18:09):
that have a step you know who found you and
are now going to be in your audience as well.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Well, thank you, Ben, thank you for all the amazing
comments and you've you've really put a smile on my face.
So yeah, thank you for your time. And it means
the world to me that you are, that you care
and you care about my journey. So thank you.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
Well, I'll be playing your music for the rest of today.
And I'm not even joking because I've like made a
playlist of people and I've only made a playlist for
two of the other artists, which I don't want to
say because then I'm going to get myself in trouble.
But I will be playing you music at home until
you're really similar.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Yeah, if you want to hear some unreleased music I
love for Jenny's.
Speaker 1 (18:44):
And stuff amazing, Well, I'm following you on Instagram, so
I'll send you a message. But anyway, enjoy chaining at
the media today, revel in this moment, and lots of
love to you and to your family and all the
best with it all.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
Thank you so much, Ben, same to you. I appreciate
you
It's in the news today, but it was actually on
TV Reload, the podcast last to Beep Their Life. Yaday, guys,
welcome back to TV Reload. My name is Benjamin Morrison.
Today we are diving into one of the most shocking
eliminations of Australian Idol for this season. Now, I'm just
going to say it. This contestant had me questioning whether
I needed a new television because week after week this
(00:20):
guy delivered what I felt was record ready performances and
yet somehow they haven't made it through to the finale,
so I don't know what's going on. In this chat,
we unpack what it's like to come into the idle
world with years of experience but still feel like you're
starting all over again, and whether being consistently great is
actually a disadvantage in a competition like this. We talk
(00:42):
about the insane level of consistency and whether audiences sometimes
prefer a journey over someone who nails it every single
time they perform. Plus, we get into the pressure of
behind the scenes learning songs outside your genre, the reality
of performing week after week, and why this experience it
might actually be just the beginning of something much bigger.
(01:03):
There's also a really interesting moment where we talk about
the judges, including what it's like to perform in front
of them and how their feedback shapes your confidence in
this competition. And of course I ask what happens next,
because when you've got this level of talent like Trade does,
the show might just be a big launching pad to
another destination. This is a really honest, grounded chat with
(01:26):
an artist who I genuinely think Australia is only just
starting to get behind. Here is my trap the tray.
Hey mate, how are you?
Speaker 2 (01:33):
I'm great?
Speaker 1 (01:34):
Thank you, that's good. That is very good. You know,
when you first walked into Australian idol with so much experience,
I was thinking, maybe this is an unfair disadvantage to
everybody else.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Yeah, you know, it's definitely been a long journey, a
long musical journey and experience on the songwriting side. But
in all honesty, you know, it had been a very
long time since I've performed and held a microphone, so
in a certain sense, it almost felt like I was
just beginning, you know, and felt euphoric in a way.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
When I first saw you on the show. I went
back and you know, did a deep dive Entrey and
saw how long you'd been in the music game, and
from such a young age. I think it's like riding
a bike in some ways. When you've been doing it
at that young age, you know you're not really going
to forget.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
It's true. You know, I feel like music's just, you know,
been in my blood. And it felt from the day
that I started at ten, it kind of it felt
like it was my calling. I breathed music. It's my everything.
It's all I really know in a sense, like like
I was saying, you know, it was a new experience
and a big learning, learning experience. I'm super grateful for it.
(02:40):
Although I've been singing for a long time, I still
felt like I've learned so much on this idol journey.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
Do you know what was interesting about you is that
the consistency that you had for every performance, That every
performance you did sounded like like that's the that could
have been just released as a song, Whilst other performers
could come out and they could sing, and you know,
some weeks hit a bum node and then some weeks
come back. And I think with you, with your consistency,
I wonder whether or not in a competition like this,
(03:06):
it creates complacency because in reality TV competition, people want
to go on this journey. They want to be like, Okay,
we started loving this person and we liked them for
their personality and they grew along the way. Where with you,
you were justin biaver zaan level of talent every week consistently.
(03:27):
I mean, how does this all sit with you?
Speaker 2 (03:29):
Thank you? I mean a huge compliment. Yeah, I feel
like I'm proud of the consistency I gat throughout the
each week. It's funny because listening back, there's always so
much that I wish I had done differently, and I'm
almost my own worst critic in it in a way.
But you know, I actually was amazed at how incredible
everyone was. You know, I know that everyone was kind
(03:50):
of sitting outside the genres they're used to and were
challenged weekly. So yeah, I feel like everyone did such
an incredible job. And you know, it was a challenge, man,
there's a lot of pockets and a lot of the
genres that you know, I wouldn't normally sing. But I
just felt like it was such a great way to
adapt and you know, glow as an artist.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Well, I'm listening to your version of Selandion's because you
love me more than I'm listening to her ever again.
So I feel like, you know, you know, some of
the songs that I probably didn't expect for you to
sing sounded better than the international artists.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
So that is probably the biggest compliment I've ever received.
I was extremely nervous to sing that song, and it
being the first song, you know, singing on stage for
Idol was terrifying. So you know, looking back now, I
can you know see how nervous I was for that.
But yeah, what a beautiful moment and memory. I'll never
forget that.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
But what could you do differently? You were saying that yourself,
So you're reflecting back and thinking there's so many things
that I could have done. I am looking at your
performances and thinking the only thing I could possibly think
you could have done is try to lower your ability
to then try and create a journey for the viewer
to go on, which you know could have been very
(05:02):
dangerous because you know, people could just boot you out
for not being as good as you knew that you were.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
Well, I kind of you know, I I have a
very different view when it comes to myself you know,
I feel like I have so much to learn still,
and you know, I think that there's when looking back,
you know, just you can I can tell that, you know,
nerves probably got the best of me. And you know,
I was probably in my head worrying more than actually
(05:29):
enjoying the experience, which I think is, you know, something
that I've really learned to do now being on stage
for so many weeks in a row. Now, yeah, I don't.
I don't look at myself and think I've been doing
it so long. You know, I've got an advantage. I
feel like every every contestant did so such an amazing
job week in and out, and I you know, it's
a lot easier. It looks a lot easier than it is.
(05:52):
There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes. You
know that just the stress of learning songs, learn of
songs that you're not comfortable with. I really have to
give to each contestant. You know, it's really not easy.
But I appreciate you that you're gassing me up.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
I'm your hype girl. I'm just like in last night's episode,
you were the best thing of bear and so it
was a real shock to me. Does that make you
understand that you could literally walk out of this competition
and resign at a label and move faster than anyy
of the others.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Honestly, when going into it, I didn't really think about,
you know, the TV aspect of it, or you know,
how it would all pan out. For me. The main
thing was am I doing, you know, the best job
that I can do? Am I? Am? I happy with
the efforts that I put in each week? And I was,
which is what I'm most proud of. And I feel
(06:43):
like if that's the mindset, then no matter what comes,
it'll be positive, you know. So I've kind of just
that's how I've gone into it each week, with my
heart in the right place and just you know, making
sure I do my best job. And that's really all
I can ask for.
Speaker 1 (06:58):
Why did this show over to say the Voice or
any other singing competition, But I guess my question is
why now, and why this particular singing competition.
Speaker 2 (07:09):
I just felt like the timing was right, you know,
the opportunity arising. You know, I've been doing music for
a long time, and you know, I've done things in
a state, but strangely enough, I've never done anything really
in Australia, which is weird to me because you know,
at home, I love home, and I want to connect
with other creatives and showcase what my ability is to Australia.
(07:31):
So when the opportunity came up, I thought, you know,
why not. I'd be silly to say no and block
a blessing. As you know, I don't know what could
come from it, winning or not. You know, there's so
many great things that could come from this, so I
kind of just jumped into it with no expectations.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
Did they find you though? You know, did they find
you to do this show?
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Like? Is that I went through all the audition the
online auditions, Wow, through all the steps. Yeah. So yeah,
thankfully you know it went the way it did and
I'm here now. But yeah, it's been a journey man,
Like it started when close the middle of last year,
and I just can't believe how time is flying.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
Have you never applied for the voice or anything else?
So because this the first time you've applied for a
singing competition like this and got this far?
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Yeah, this is the first singing show I've ever applied
for or been on.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
We'll go and do them all now, because that's where
you need new back on television. When's the next line Stone?
Speaker 2 (08:23):
How do we go hilarious?
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Well, it's like, you know, but Sheldon Riley, Sheldon Riley
has done all of them and you know, he's won
the Mass Singer, He's done a lot of things and
you know, maybe he might be known as the person
who goes on all of the singing shows, but everyone
in Australia, you know, knows who that person is. So
maybe that is a yeah, maybe that is a pathway.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
You know. Yeah, I mean you can't not the hustle.
You can only respect it. And you know, it's not
easy being on these shows. It really is a test
no matter how much experience you have in the game.
You know, it really is like a little taste of
what it would be. I could be on tour, all
the rehearsal, the media, the media, training, performing and you
(09:06):
know the show to them stop when you speak like,
it's just the whole, the whole thing. So yeah, you've
got to respect it. But you know, I feel like
for me, I was able to showcase my talent, show
my love for R and B. It was also incredible
to showcase the dynamic of you know, me and my
family up on the stage and you know, show how
(09:26):
how much of a team meet me and my family
and my wife. So yeah, man, there's this so many
positives I'm taking away from this, and you know, it's
something that I can carry with me now through this,
you know, next chapter of my journey.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
It doesn't really surprise me though, that when you look
at trying to get somewhere with R and B, that
you're going to the States, like I think in Australia.
You know, I'm a bit older than you and I
grew up in the eighties and nineties, and so I think,
you know, if you're going to become an R and
B performer, then that is the journey. People would send
you overseas to meet Simon Cow, who I think you've
You've met Simon Ca, haven't you?
Speaker 2 (10:00):
You hear?
Speaker 1 (10:01):
When I was fifteen, Like it's crazy, what was what
did Simon Cow tell you? What was his advice?
Speaker 2 (10:09):
Simon Cow was actually putting together a boy band at
the time, and I remember going to the Sony office
and I performed two songs. I believe one of them
was a Craig David song and his only feedback was,
I don't know who Craig.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
David is Wow. In Australia, we love Kig David.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
And also it's like it's the UK Royalty almost Craig David.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
I reckon that there's a good chance he doesn't know
who Craig David is. And that is because in Australia
we celebrate like Pink is big here, We're not as
big as America and Robbie Williams is really big here
but not in America. There are artists here in Australia
that we that we own in a weird way.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
That's actually very true.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
What do you think about the judges? Like you get
to perform in front of these three people and they
sort of represent maybe public opinion. Is that hard to
to assume that those people are representing what Australia is thinking?
And what was your relationship with these three people?
Speaker 2 (11:06):
I honestly have nothing but positive comments when it comes
to the judges. Kyle has always been making it a
thing to make comments on my personality and how I'm
such a nice guy and a family guy and calling
me that like you know, sexual chocolate R and B dude,
which was which is hilarious. Yeah, so not nothing but
(11:26):
beautiful comments from him. You know, Marsha. I feel like
me and Marsha have a special bond. She's been so
supportive of me each week, and you know, Amy, Amy's
had amazing things, you know, saying that she feels like
I'm ready for the world stage. So yeah, it's really
all words of encouragement. And you know, if anything, they
you know, they really portrayed me beautifullys. I couldn't ask
(11:51):
for more.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
In that moment when you're eliminated, though, you look at
Marsha's face. You know, I think we all interpret things differently,
but she looked genuinely annoyed. Like I don't know whether
or not that face that she pulled was for your
elimination or was for a reaction to Kesha getting through.
I don't know, but like, what was your what was
your interpretation of how Marsha reacted?
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Honestly, I I was so lost in the moment that
I probably missed the facial expression.
Speaker 1 (12:20):
Watch it back, it's good one.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Yeah, yeah, I'll have to. But you know, I just
know over you know, the two months that I've been here,
you know, me and Marsha and I just kind of
we chat backstage, and you know, it's just kind of
building like a little friendship. So it was probably more
so just you know, a little bit of a sad moment.
But you know, I mean, Kesh's incredible, So I honestly
(12:43):
I was up there thinking this could go either way.
Speaker 1 (12:45):
I thought you sung so much better than she did, like,
you know, kudos to her, and this is I'm not
saying anything negative, but I just thought, in comparison to
those two performances, last night's biggest shock was that you
walked out like that. That to me was mind blowing.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
Well, I've been I feel like an joy around me
all the.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Time before you go. The one thing that I also
was frothing over from this episode was trying to work
out what the hell Kyle Sandalans was saying when he
was talking about a relationship behind the scenes, Like you're
a little bit older and you're married. What was he
talking about And what was it like watching all of
these younger people, I guess go through the competition with you.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
Great question, I you know, well, there's you know, as
time progresses on these shows, you know, you know, everyone's
kind of in their younger twenties, so it's this real
playful environment you know, you've got Johnny Jukebox who's seventeen,
so the energy is always high and there's always there's
always banter going on, so he's probably just making comments
on that and just how playful it is during rehearsals.
Speaker 1 (13:41):
But there's no romance that's going on behind the scenes.
That's what I want to know.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
I would have no idea, Honestly, I don't know. I
feel like there's you know, people are close backstays, but
I don't know what people are doing behind closed doors.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
You're like bringing your kids to put them to bed,
You're that you're not there.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Yeah, I'm like, I'm so worried about locking in and
performing and then getting them and like changing diapers and
put them at the babies to sleep, you know. So
I'm not I'm not caught up on all the tea.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
The one person to have on the podcast at this point.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
Yeah, not. Not for the love Scoop, I would. I
wouldn't know, but you know, like it's funny that you know,
I'm twenty six, but I felt like the old one there,
you know, which is funny.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
Did you give them lots of advice? So like did
you have did you feel like you could you could
have that position and offer of advice like that to
some of the younger ones.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
Well, you know, I kind of just innocently. I also
didn't want to, you know, be the guy that's like,
you know, I've done this and trying to give advice.
You know, I feel like everyone is there and that
they'll they'll go through the motions and figure a majority
of it out, you know, themselves, and you know, at
the same time, we're almost learning the same things at
the same time. You know, there's so much that I
haven't learned as well. You know, I don't know at all,
(14:46):
you know what I mean, and I'm still learning. So
in terms of the younger like the youngest contestants, it's
really just reminding them to be themselves and to stay
true to who they are.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
You know, as much as people can try to offer
you advice, you kind of have to walk in that
path to really understand it.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
Oh yeah, you've got to go through the motions to
understand it. But also like yeah, like I was saying
like this, it's everyone was on this journey together at
the same time, you know what I mean. There was
no preparing for the hours on hours of singing and
like it was all a learning experience for all of us.
I wasn't a dude that's like, oh, you know, I've
(15:22):
done this, done that, Like let me let me show
you how it goes. We're kind of just all in
it together, you know.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
So twenty six is very young as well, Like I
think it seems like you've been in this game for
longer because you go back and watch you on YouTube
at ten years of age. Yeah, this is a long
longer journey in some ways, you know, And that's probably
why it seems like I'm talking to you like you're fifteen.
Speaker 2 (15:41):
Sixteen years is a long time to be singing. So
and it's beautiful, I know. I love it when it
still feels like the first year. It doesn't feel like
I've been doing it for so long. So I'm blessed
to feel that way.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
I also think, you know, when I'm looking at this
point of the podcast, I normally would ask people what
sort of an artist do they want to be? What's
song do they sing in the competition that sounds the
most like them? But because I deep dive on you
before you even start in this competition, i'd been on
your YouTube channel to know who you are as an
artist already, So I mean, I hope that Astrain and
Idol is an elevation of your passion and your desire
(16:15):
to keep going, because I think it's already established, you know,
I think and there's also a lot of need for
that R and B music in Australia because it's very popular.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
You know, idols put like a battery in my back,
you know, I just feel inspired at the moment. Honestly,
it's just prepared me for what's to come. And you know,
now it's like there's always a question where it's like okay, well,
you know you've been singeing on YouTube like can you
sing live or can you.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
Well we know the answer to.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
Yeah, And you know now it's like now I want
to know, boost my stage presence and learn, you know,
just learn as much as I can with choreography, Like
there's so much of that I'm still yet to learn.
And I'm just excited most so.
Speaker 1 (16:56):
You should be. I finished with the last question being
it behind the scenes uestion, but because I want to
my behind the scenes question with you is give me
your order of first, second, and third out of our
three finalists. And I know that you don't want to
do this, but it's why I want you to answer
this question.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
It's a rank who I think is going to win first, second, third? Honestly,
I cannot be honest, and I'm going to feel all
three are so extremely talented.
Speaker 1 (17:22):
The house. If you had to bet the house, who
is your first, second, and third?
Speaker 2 (17:26):
You know, I feel like it would be cool to have,
let me say it like this. I feel like it
would be really dope to see a female take it home,
so that would be dope. But everyone has been so
clinical with their performances, so I honestly think it could
go anywhere at this point. So yeah, I'm I'm just
as eager as you are to see who takes it
home as a very talented top three.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
And I have no idea. I genuinely have no idea,
but my theories. Mate. Can I just say how lovely
it is to talk to you today and to see
how humble you are is also just another turn of
the key for me in terms of where you're going
to go with this. So congratulations on your idle journey.
I am in your audience and I know that there's
a lot of people in Australia that's watched this show
(18:09):
that have a step you know who found you and
are now going to be in your audience as well.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Well, thank you, Ben, thank you for all the amazing
comments and you've you've really put a smile on my face.
So yeah, thank you for your time. And it means
the world to me that you are, that you care
and you care about my journey. So thank you.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
Well, I'll be playing your music for the rest of today.
And I'm not even joking because I've like made a
playlist of people and I've only made a playlist for
two of the other artists, which I don't want to
say because then I'm going to get myself in trouble.
But I will be playing you music at home until
you're really similar.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
Yeah, if you want to hear some unreleased music I
love for Jenny's.
Speaker 1 (18:44):
And stuff amazing, Well, I'm following you on Instagram, so
I'll send you a message. But anyway, enjoy chaining at
the media today, revel in this moment, and lots of
love to you and to your family and all the
best with it all.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
Thank you so much, Ben, same to you. I appreciate
you
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Kingdom of Fraud
It’s the unlikeliest of criminal partnerships: a devout polygamist from an insular Utah sect joining forces with a shadowy Armenian tycoon from LA. The result - a billion dollar fraud conspiracy. In Kingdom of Fraud, investigative reporter Michele McPhee traces the origins of the extraordinary alliance between Jacob Kingston and Levon Termendzhyan. Together, the two men trigger the largest tax investigation in American history and weave around themselves a web of dirty cops, influential political relationships and transnational money laundering. All this is set against the backdrop of Jacob Kingston’s clan – The Order. A powerful and secretive polygamist organization in Salt Lake City. To whom Jacob is desperate to prove his worth. Kingdom of Fraud is produced by Novel for iHeart Podcasts. For more from Novel, visit https://novel.audio/. You can listen to new episodes of Kingdom of Fraud completely ad-free and 1 week early with an iHeart True Crime+ subscription, available exclusively on Apple Podcasts. Open your Apple Podcasts app, search for “iHeart True Crime+, and subscribe today!