Massive congratulations to Dylan Wright, the nation’s newest Australian Idol. I must admit, I got pretty excited when I saw Dylan walk into the first night of auditions. It might have been the country’s first introduction to Dylan’s music, but long-time readers will be no stranger to Dylan’s talent.
I took the photo above way back in 2018, when he supported Nathan Cavaleri at the Rhythm Hut in Darkinjung Country/Gosford. I was so impressed that I bought his EP, The Long Way Home. Then in 2020, I covered his single “Passing Through” here on Sounds of Oz. It’s been so exciting to see Australia discover what we already knew at Sounds of Oz, that Dylan is the real deal. It’s so thrilling to know the nation has chosen an Idol with a wealth of original material who can really use this platform and launch a successful career.
I’ve also been really excited to see Idol return to it’s former glory this year. The talent has been stellar. I would have been thrilled for most of the top 12 to take the crown. But I’ve also appreciated the format tweaks that have allowed us to see more of the artists than in previous years. Even those eliminated early sang for us more than those who won in previous years, because we heard them through the audition process, group numbers, and eliminations. I’ve always said for artists to have successful careers after any of these reality contests, we need to see them enough times to understand who they are and fall in love with them.
I remember when Idol returned and people said the nation didn’t need another singing contest. Honestly though, I do think we need a singing contest like this, especially when there are so few opportunities for artists to show what they can do on live TV. That goes for both the new talents and more established artists. Unless you’re reading a blog like mine, you probably wouldn’t know Jess Mauboy and Delta Goodrem had new releases. When it’s done right, Australian Idol is good for the country’s music industry. I’m so glad to see it back to its best, and with such a worthy winner. Way to go Dylan!
Image source: own photo