Damien Leith wins Australian Idol 2006

The Australian News ^ | 11/27/06 | AAP

[Kimberly GG]

"EXPAT Irishman Damien Leith has won the fourth series of Australian Idol in one of the closest contests in the Network Ten program's history.

Leith sang two songs, including his new single Night Of My Life, written by Adam Reily, to defeat Northern Territory singer Jessica Mauboy in last night's concert at the Sydney Opera House.

The 30-year-old pharmacist, who lives with his wife Eileen and baby son Jarvis in the inner Sydney suburb of Newtown, was supported during the competition by his wife, his parents and brother.

Leith, originally from County Kildare in Ireland, quit his job at a pharmaceutical company only this week to focus on his musical career, joining fellow Australian winners Guy Sebastian, Casey Donovan and Kate DeAraugo."...

,..."His first single was available for digital download from 10pm (AEDT) last night and will be released commercially on November 28.

In a departure from previous years, Leith recorded the song using his own arrangements and gave creative input into song production.

This change is one of many to the program's 2006 format, including ALLOWING CONTESTANTS TO SHOWCASE ORIGINAL SONGS DURING A SPECIAL LIVE PERFORMANCE PROGRAM AND USE INSTRUMENTS.".....(emphasis mine)

[Kimberly GG]

Ok...all you Idol fans...TOMORROW NIGHT and away we go!!

I posted this because I was thrilled with the fact that Australian Idol contestants are allowed original music and allowed to play their instruments!! It seems that this change really boosted the show and made it much more entertaining and competitive, perhaps a change in things to come for American Idol???....Here are a few links to some videos of their winner Damien Leith...singer, songwriter, musician (piano and guitar) just an awesome talent!! They put together for his first release a compilation of ALL of his performances on their Idol show and included a few of his original songs and his first commercial video release. check out his winning performances...

Damien Leith - If Tomorrow Never Comes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX0VbWk8cCA&NR

Damien Neith - Nessun Dorma (opera)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZwZoM2lQMk&mode=related&search

Damien Leith - Unchained Melody
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH94OpLYNW4&mode=related&search

Damien Leith - Message to My Girl (piano)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdtWrqXU6VU&mode=related&search=

Damien Leith - Waiting on an Angel (guitar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZwZoM2lQMk&mode=related&search

Damien Leith - Night of My Life (first 'commercial' video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3K_-zReSeE

[Kimberly GG]

*ping*

doug...pinging you one this because your name is the only freeper name I could remember who follows American Idol ;)

I think I remember you have a bit of inside track on the show...any idea of whether or not this is a sign of things to come for AI? I mean the original stuff and instruments?

Kimberly

[doug from upland]

I am hardly the Idol guru. I only really watched last year because of Chris Daughtry and will probably only watch the first episodes where they mock people.

[Pure Country]

All his songs seem to be the same, delivery and substance. Does he ever sing something with a beat other than soulful? Has a really good voice, just not much variety that I saw. Send me to a video that has some umph to it! Thanks