Who

Australian Idol: James Misses Out on Top Two

November 17, 2009, 2:48 pm Natasha Squarey whomagazine

James Johnston, the 18-year-old from Wingham, NSW, sung his way to the Top 3 and, despite missing out on prime position in the final, is being positive about his Australian Idol experience. WHO's Natasha Squarey talks to the pop-rock teenager about life on the show, Dicko's fashion advice, moving to the Big Smoke and his dream of working with former Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian.

Australian Idol: James says goodbye to the top spot
Interviews
Rating:

How does it feel to be voted off?

It feels alright actually. I was kind of expecting it a little bit this week and going into the show I had a bit of an inkling that I was the one that would be going home. I'm a little bit excited to be honest, I'm a little bit excited to see what the next step is. Because I'm kind of stepping out now with a different profile than what I had before I went on the show. I'm just excited to see what happens.

Do you think there's less pressure now that you didn't come 1st or 2nd?

No, to be honest. Like, of course I would've loved to have been up there but at the same time I've just got to take it for what it is. Take the positives and try and use it to the best advantage.

What was the highlight of the experience for you?

Definitely meeting Michael Buble, I’m just a huge fan and to be actually sitting in front of him and playing my songs was a massive thrill.

How do you describe your sound?

I'd call it acoustic pop-rock. That's probably the sort of stuff that I do best and the stuff I love to write.

Where do you draw your inspiration from when writing your songs?

Just whatever is happening in my life. You know, if I'm feeling really happy about something, I'll write a happy song but if I'm real down I'll write something down. But it's usually from a life experience or something I've seen.

What was the best piece of advice that the judges gave you?

Probably just saying 'Be true to what you do. Just stay true to your style of music, what you love to do.'

What do you think of Dicko giving you fashion advice?

Oh I think the guy can't really talk himself. The other day when he came out in his Wiggles shirt, bright greens, bright yellows and red and everything happening, I don't think he's the man to be taking fashion tips from.

Who are you hoping to win the competition?

I think probably Stan. I think Stan will be up on top but at the same time I think Hayley has a good shot at it, I think she's the Aussie rock chick and everyone kind of relates to her so there's some strong competition this year. It could go anywhere. I don't think this year there's a clear leader.

You, Stan and Hayley were left in the house in the end, what was that like?

It was really weird actually, super quiet. It was a lot more fun when the Top 12 were in there, more of a party atmosphere. It was a bit empty with the three of us.

Bit of a party house? What sort of things did you get up to?

Not a big party house but having twelve people there, it's just a bit more happening, a lot more noise being made and everybody running around doing their own thing. So just a lot more energy in the house.

Did you have sing-a-longs in the house?

Yeah, yeah, definitely. We'd just have these big group sing-a-longs and big jam sessions. So that was a lot of fun.

Who was the loudest in the house?

Nathan was pretty loud but I think Stan was the loudest. When Kate was in the house she was pretty loud. She'd be running around and wake up in the morning and just be singing at the top of her lungs.

Was it stressful at times during the competition?

Definitely. There's a fair bit of pressure on you through the competition because you've got to do your best and you've really got to step up every time. Definitely stressful moments. I think that kind of pushes you to exceed what you’ve done before.

Are you making the move to Sydney anytime soon?

Yeah, possibly, I think Sydney is where it's all kind of happening. The hub of all the music and everything. I think it might be where my next step is.

Will you miss your family from Wingham?

Definitely. I guess I moved away from home when I finished school, that's the hardest thing, moving away from your family. With music, you are travelling a fair bit, you kind of get to go home a fair bit.

What's next for you?

I really want to release an album of a bit of my own stuff. I really want to get back into song writing and bring something out, have an album released in that two year plan and just to have something on the charts, really.

Is there anyone who you're hoping to work with?

Guy Sebastian. His new album that he's worked with John Mayer on, I absolutely love it. If I ever got the chance to work with him on that style of stuff would be great.


Australian Idol Finale airs Sunday, Nov. 22, 7.30 PM, on Network Ten

Latest News