Eliminated from Idol's final six, 26-year-old Kate Cook is heading back to her country roots, but the Queensland meat packer says she wouldn't want it any other way. WHO caught up with the Troy Cassar-Daley fan to find out about life in the Big Smoke, the breakdown of her long-term relationship with girlfriend Kerry and what's in store for the down-to-earth country crooner.

How are you feeling?

Good, mate. I got a little bit of sleep. I wasn't really well to tell you the truth, I went straight back to the hotel room and hit the sack. I had a bloody bad migraine last night, but other than that it was all good and I'm very, very proud of myself.

Did you have an inkling it was your time to leave?

I had a bad feeling all week. The number six popped in my head when I made the top 12. I just thought it was my time. I'm sure Australia knows what I'm all about and I just can't wait to get out there and do more of it. This was just the beginning.

What's next?

My plan is to go home and get a couple of days rest in and just get some songs down and some sets happening and get out there and start doing gigs straight away. I want to hit the road and get out to all those country towns. It's only in the last week that I've really put my head down and put pen to paper, as all the emotions have started coming up. I'll definitely have some inspiration from Idol, but even being in the Big Smoke has inspired me to write a bit.

How have you been coping living in the city?

It's all good. It's hard being away from the county, but it's all experience and I love trying new things. The longer I've spent in Sydney, the prettier it's gotten. I'm thinking of coming back here soon to get some recording down and any opportunities that come up, I'll grab them.

What's been your Idol highlight?

Being noticed. Just to be part of Australian Idol has been amazing and the highlight of my life. Also, when I went home and Troy Cassar-Daley was there to shake my hand. He's my idol! He knows that. He told me he's very proud that I'm up there doing my thing.

What was the hardest part?

The pressures every week — you're pulled from pillar to post and everything's run on a tight schedule. Some of the genres have been a bit hard, especially Big Band! That was strange for me.

Which contestants did you click with most?

I'd say Stan and Toby, just because he's a bit older and we have a fair bit in common. Stan is a beautiful person and we've had a great friendship from the start. We both come from Brissie and I'm just so happy he's still in it.

Is anyone being fake?

Oh, I don't think so. Everyone is who they are, you can't really hide yourself. Everyone experiences everything together. We go through our ups and downs and emotions together, so you've just got to be there for each other.

What was life like in the Idol house?
It can get a bit noisy and stressful at times, but I had the top floor so I'd cruise back up there and kick back in the deck chair. You hear people singing all the time; they find a spot and start singing. I think we all sing in the shower. Every morning when I wake up I put my phone on music player and I play Troy Cassar-Daley over and over and over again. It just gets me off to a good start every day.

You have a distinct style. Was there any conflict with the Idol wardrobe department?

Most of the time you pick what you want to wear, but on nights like the Big Band night they try to dress you up a bit. I just went with the flow, but I'm usually like, "I'll bring the jeans, you bring the country shirt!"

What wouldn't you wear?

You probably wouldn't catch me in a skirt or a dress.

Do you own either?

No.

How many hats do you own?

Just three. Just slip them on and off I go!

You recently split from your girlfriend, Kerry, after eight years.

We're just taking a break for the moment. I want to concentrate on my career and she's got a lot happening. We're just seeing where things end up. I'm just going to concentrate on building my career because it's what I've always dreamed of and things have been hard in the past, but they're looking up and I just want to work hard towards that.

Do you think there’s a chance you’ll rekindle things in the future?

Um, I'm just going to say we'll see what happens.

You were step-mum to Kerry's four kids. Is the split that much harder?

Bloody oath it is hard. I miss the kids very much so, especially the little one — I've been with her since she was a baby and yeah, it hurts a lot. I saw her the other day and it was so good to see. I miss them dearly.

You've been open about your mother's suicide. How much of your journey has been inspired by her?

A lot. She had a big impact on my life when she was alive and when she passed away I've definitely carried on an inner strength of hers. I know it was a dream of hers to hear me sing. She was so passionate about my singing and I just love to do it both for her and myself.

Who would you like to see win?

I'd really like to see Stan go all the way. He's a beautiful boy, he's got a beautiful voice and he's there for everybody. He's got the most encouraging words before we go on stage. It'd be great to see him take it out.

Australian Idol airs Sundays, 7.30 PM, on Network Ten