news articles 16 september

[Inside Australian Idol]

Big day for idols
By Luke Dennehy
September 16, 2003


AUSTRALIAN Idol's 12 finalists will sing at the AFL Grand Final.
Another three finalists made it through last night. The Channel 10 announcement coincided with the withdrawal of one of the early finalists, Daniel Wakefield.

He had an existing recording and managing contract which is against competition rules.

Only one Victorian made it to the final, cover band singer Robert Mills.

entertainment.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4459,7280901%255E10229%255E%255Enbv,00.html

[Inside Australian Idol]

Idol - Shock exit, final 12 confirmed
By eBroadcast staff and agencies.
Sep 16, 2003, 19:52



It was a night of tension and surprises on the Australian Idol set as contestants were added to the final 12, and also taken away.

In a shock to the weekly show, 19 year old Daniel Wakefield was forced to withdraw after producers found out he was under contract with an independent record company. No Idol contestant is allowed to be associated with a professional management unit whilst participating in the show.

The removal of Wakefield from the finals saw the special Wildcard episode take on added significance, as three contestants were now needed for the final 12.

26-year-old Cosima De Vito became the judges choice, beating out Sydney drag queen Courtney Act and 25-year-old mother of two Bek La Vauney.

However, La Vauney was lucky enough to be a viewer choice, joining 19-year-old Levi Kereama at the new Idol HQ.

It was also announced the new Fab-12 will perform at this year’s AFL Grand Final in front of 80,000 spectators and millions worldwide.

www.ebroadcast.com.au/entertainment/news/publish/Idol_Shock_exit_final_12_confirmed.shtml