Um — that I can’t believe it! And I wasn’t nervous, not one bit!

Omigosh, yes! When we came out for our first performance and they had us in disguise, I missed my whole first line trying to get my wig off and our mikes got stuck in our pockets. Halfway through I had to sing Hayley’s first line because she couldn’t get her disguise off in time!

They were definitely tears of joy. It was the most incredible moment, not just for me but for my family. Words can’t describe it. It was such a great emotion.

Oh yeah, they were everywhere, my gosh. Millions! My mum and dad, April and Ross, were there. When they did the haka it was amazing. I got goosebumps. I was so proud.

We were just trying to keep it cool and stay focused on not the winning, but what happens after. When I got out onstage I said to her, ‘Don’t look at the card, just keep looking at me, look at me!’ She was so happy for me. We were happy for each other, either way.

We’ve been really close since top 100 week. We clicked straightaway and I’ve embraced her as my little sister and good friend and I’ve got her back all the way. I do egg her on sometimes but she’s awesome.

I’ll just say I think it’s a platform of opportunity.

Definitely. This is an exciting thing and it's such an amazing platform — that you can be some sort of inspiration and hope in other people's lives. It doesn’t matter where you came from, your background or how ugly the circumstances — there is a way out, there’s always a way out and a better future if you just put your mind to it. You decide for yourself. A lot of the time we’re in circumstances and depression because of our own selves, so it’s up to us to say, "I’m not going to do this." It's not about how many times we fall, but how many times we get back up and keep going.

Performing with Michael Buble was definitely a highlight, but you know what? These Idols, the top 12, they are all amazing. I sat there after we performed together and was like, they are amazing. Just look at my family. People don’t realise these people are my family and I was just so proud to be a part of this and to see them. Honestly, and I’m not trying to be modest, to me that’s what it’s about: the relationships and what happens behind the scenes. I was so honoured to be on the stage with them.

I think I’ve just gained more character and more knowledge of things. I’ve learnt a lot about myself. It’s been awesome.

Oh my gosh, in 10 years’ time I want to be an international artist. I want to be doing collaborations. I know this is so far-fetched to even say it, but I’d like to be working with people like Beyonce, John Legend and Alicia Keys and all the old-school people. I want to do other things, too. I actually want to write a book about my life.

People say, "Oh you shouldn’t have won because it's better to have come second," but it’s not better to have come second — it’s about how much you’re willing to put in. I mean, look at Guy Sebastian. He is the man. I want to marry him. Just joking!

Oh, it’s depressing [laughs]. But I’m fully not like that! I’m a bit shy and, seriously, I want to wait for the right one, for my wife, because I think I’ve been through too much to just hook up. I’m not a hook up kind of guy. I think the right one will come along.

I moved here in 2006. I call myself a "Maussie!" I’m a New Zealander who has embraced the Aussie lifestyle.

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