Throng

8:30pm Friday, November 27 on TV2

It's the biggest episode of Australian Idol yet, as the show reaches its grand finale - tonight on TV2.

It's been a long road for the Idol contestants, but it all comes down to one night. The last two remaining contestants have done all they can to secure the votes they need to win, but only one person can take the glory.

This special episode takes place in the majestic Sydney Opera House, and the final 12 contestants will reconvene to perform again. Also taking to the stage are some worldwide Idol alumni - previous winner Wes Carr will be performing, and Jordin Sparks and Guy Sebastian (American Idol and Australian Idol winners respectively) will perform their new single. The impressive line-up also includes flamboyant British pop star Mika.

Good luck if you're a New Zealand fan of Australian Idol who is looking forward to watching the 5 day delayed Grand Final on Friday night.  If we didn't just spoil it for you by saying that Stan Walker won, then no doubt one of the newspapers, radio or TV news already has.

This is big news.  A kiwi beating an Australian.  Forget that it's Idol and that given any chance to slate a local version of the show they would, just watch how the media in New Zealand feed off this over the next few days.

I predict a flurry of commentary about whether Stan's win in Australia justifies another season of New Zealand Idol.  Or that if you want to make it big, you have to leave.

I haven't really been a fan of Stan Walker on Australian Idol this year.  He's done incredibly well to get to where he is but can he go all the way?  If it was New Zealand Idol, he would.  We love great vocals by boring singers.  Particularly when they're plus sized - or is that average sized these days?

Stan has been the favourite for quite some time now but a very similar situation occurred a few years ago when New Zealand's own Emily Williams was in the exact same position.  She too had been the favourite, with more than 50% of the vote at the top 12.  At the final result, Australia refused to allow a kiwi to take their crown.  Will the same fate befall young Stan in 2009?  Perhaps not.

Following Emily's denial, Ireland's Damien Leith took the next title which suggests that perhaps Australians have become comfortable with immigrants being their Idols.  Time will tell whether this acceptance is on offer to those from this side of the Tasman.

Anyone else finding Australian Idol quite cheap and nasty this season? It looks like they've converted the inside of a warehouse with what little money they have.

The quality of the 'guest judges' and the songs chosen by the contestants are questionable. Good Charlotte band members as guest judges?

It's almost as bad as New Zealand Idol...

8:30pm Friday, November 6 on TV2

TV2's favourite songsters will be taking a page out of their mentors' books, to sing their way into the top four, tonight on Australian Idol.

Over the duration of the contest, the Idols have been treated to lessons by the best, including Harry Connick Jr and performance maverick Liza Minnelli.

While Connick Jr, acclaimed singer, actor, composer, and pianist got up on stage and showed them how it's done, he was also just as happy to talk them through the art of performing, as Idol hopeful Kate Cook explains.

"He's never lost for words and he gave us confidence and advice. He's definitely a man who knows what he's doing and he's done pretty well!"

8:30pm Friday, October 9 on TV2

It's Australian Idol time again and our final eight are starting to feel the strain as the axe drops left and right.

The show kicks off with another emotional elimination as one more Idol has that record deal snatched from their hands and is sent straight home. Then, the remaining contestants will sing for their survival as the pressure ramps up. Who will live up to the expectation and belt out a winning performance, and who will let their nerves get the better of them?

On hand to judge the performances are Marcia, Dicko and new boy Jay Dee. Presented by Andrew G.

8:30pm Friday, September 25 on TV2

The final ten contestants sing for their supper, as Australian Idol continues on TV2.

It's one big show, in one big night. After a group performance, we're thrown into another eviction, as another unlucky Idol is sent packing. Then, fresh from the elimination, the remaining contestants take to the stage again, desperate to stay in the game and become the newest superstar to croon their way to Australian Idol glory.

Join Marcia Hines and Ian Dickson, and see how new-boy Jay Dee Springbett (a Sony executive) is settling in on the judging panel. Presented by Andrew G.

8:30pm Friday, September 11 on TV2

The auditions are over, and this year's Top 12 will finally be revealed in tonight's Australian Idol.

After the dramatic showdown of the Wild Card round, four contestants will find out if they've done enough to make it through to the Final 12, and be in with a chance of becoming Australia's next singing sensation. Andrew G and Ricki-Lee Coulter have the results we've all been waiting for in this nail-biting special episode.

Also present to pass comment on the potential Idols will be judges Marcia Hines and Ian Dickson.