We Haven't Seen the Last of Dan Hamill

Melbourne-based singer, actor and teacher Dan Hamill, 30, overcame a lot to get to the final 12 of this year’s extremely talented crop of X Factor contestants — namely, his own fears and anxieties. “I worked on myself a hell of a lot” before auditioning, he tells WHO. “I’ve always had a hunch I could do something like this, but I was petrified of being exposed.”

Hamill tackled those fears, but even his joyous, slow-build performance of Maroon 5’s This Love on the first live show wasn’t enough to get him to week 2. (“And ironically, I was supposed to sing Happy! I didn’t quite get there.)

How are you feeling today, Dan?
It’s a mixed bag of lollies. During the show, I was at peace with it. But around 2 a.m., I watched the performance and I was a bit down on myself, feeling embarrassed. Then I woke up and felt good again. Watching it, I realised Georgia really did deserve to [stay].

Where do you think you tripped up?
I don’t know. I’m pretty happy with what I did. I think I appeal to the soccer mums, not the 14-year-old girls. And they don’t vote as much.

Looking back, what would you have done differently?
I definitely would have had more fun. I took it all a bit too seriously, to be honest. But that first week is intense. Six people throwing opinions and correcting you? It’s a bit of a mind game, this competition.

Who are you tipping to go all the way?
It depends. If we’re going off ability, Louise will go far. And Cyrus is fantastic. So are Matt and Jess. If we’re going off votability, it’s In Stereo. They could fart onstage and the audience would start applauding. And Georgia will kill it — she’s lovable and has a great voice.

Your parents came all the way to Sydney from Perth in their caravan, and were planning to stay here for the duration of your time on X Factor to support you. Will they go back now?
Yeah, I think so. But I’m spending some quality time with them in the caravan this weekend. They snore, so that will be pretty intense. I need to get some earplugs.

And you? What are your plans now?
Auditioning! I’ve got one tomorrow and another on Monday. One is for a film, another is for a TV show. Then I head back to Melbourne and meet with my manager to work out what to do next with my music. I want to ride this wave.