The original queen of Australian Idol, Marcia Hines, returned to the judging panel tonight alongside Harry Connick Jr, Amy Shark and Kyle Sandilands as the Top 50 battled for their place in the Top 32 tonight.
The Chorus Line challenge saw hopefuls sing for their lives as the judges instantly decided their fate.
Fan-favourites Royston Saigigi-Baira, Jasey Fox, Ben Sheehy and Amali Dimond wowed with their take on Miley Cyrus’ Wrecking Ball. With one-third of the contestants going home in the round, the competition said goodbye to the likes of paramedic Jess Crossman and TikTok star Finn Burton.
Sash Seabourne, Piper Butcher, Sara Houston and Josh Hannan all made it to the next round with a performance of Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. Brothers Angus and Bobby Holmes, as well as country singers Damian Agius and Connor Bulger, also succeeded with Avicii’s Wake Me Up.
Covers of Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman, Whitney Houston’s Higher Love and Shawn Mendes’ Stitches whittled the contestants down even further, with successful contestants including Noora H, Maya Weiss, Naomi Gipey, Jess Clennett and Bec Vosey.
Spencer Turnbull was sent home after singing Lewis Capaldi’s Somebody You Loved, leaving his brother Cooper to advance alongside electrician James Vawser and footy player Noah Cookson.
Next, it was about collaboration as contestants took on the Group Challenge. In groups of five, they chose a song and choreographed a performance for the judges the following morning.
Team Honey soared, while Marcia was disappointed by Five Rings as the contestants struggled to listen to each other. Giving Naomi Gipey a second chance, Marcia served her some home truths: “You need to come outta your shell girlfriend. I do believe you’ve got something to give in this competition.”
