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.

The finale is sure to be a memorable event, with Andrew G hosting the star-studded show, and American jazz sensation Michael Buble joining Marcia Hines, Dicko, and Jay Dee Springbett to preside over the performances. New Zealanders will be hoping that Kiwi Stan Walker has done enough to impress the Australian voting public.

Talking to tvnz.co.nz, Stan says he's come a long way since the first audition earlier this year. "It's awesome, I didn't think I would get to this point at all," Stan reveals. "I've really grown a lot. I've got stronger in my character, and musically I've come to appreciate lots of different styles."

To secure a spot in the final, Stan plans to be creative and take some gambles in his song choices.

"I think I [need] to be consistent, hold on to what I represent and keep on pushing the boundaries with music, and doing what people haven't done before. A big part of standing out and being a great artist is taking risks and doing things no-one has ever tried."

Stan, who is of Maori decent, and hails from Tauranga originally, says he is proud of who he is and where he's come from. "Every chance I can get, I always try to make it known to the world who and what I am. I'm so blessed to be from such a strong culture. Anything I can be a part of back home (our Maori, our language) I'm all for it, man."

For more from Stan's interview, go to www.tvnz.co.nz/australian-idol.

If you have missed an episode, Australian Idol highlights will be available free online 12 hours after the show has aired on TV2. Go to tvnz.co.nz and click the 'ondemand' button.