Two homegrown talents, Jake Whittaker and Paxton Smith, have put Logan on the map as a powerhouse for musical talent, both earning their place in Australian Idol’s Top 30.
For Mr Whittaker, a car salesman by day and country musician by passion, the opportunity to audition was more than just chasing a dream for the Stockleigh local, it was about setting an example for his young son, Edward.
“I’m auditioning for my family,” he said.
“I’m a new dad and my son Edward; he’s five months old. He is awesome and he’s so chill. I’m so grateful to have him. He’s going to be my best mate, like I am with my dad.”
Stepping in front of the Kyle Sandilands, Amy Shark and Marcia Hines, Mr Whittaker brought a unique twist to Bohemian Rhapsody, a sprinkling of country music, leaving them stunned.
Mr Sandilands immediately took notice of his distinctive style.
“You’ve got one hell of a look, man,” Mr Sandilands said.
“I really hope you’re good because you look like you should be good.”
As Mr Whittaker strummed his guitar and sang, the room fell silent, with all three judges left in awe.
“I have never in my life heard that song sung like that,” Ms Shark said.
“And that’s a song you don’t really mess with the melody, right?”
Music icon Marcia Hines summed it up best.
“You’re so listenable,” she said
“I think you could sing the phone book and make it sound good.”
Mr Whittaker walked away with a Golden Ticket and a spot in the Top 30.
“This has been my dream since I was 12 years old, there’s been no other option,” Mr Whittaker said.
“I stayed out of my comfort zone to come here. I sang my heart out and gave you what I could give.”
Joining Mr Whittaker in the Top 30 is Ms Smith, a makeup artist from Logan who describes herself as charismatic and iconic.
“Ever since I was a kid I’ve dreamed about packing out stadiums and just having my name in lights,” she said.
“If I didn’t have that dream, honest to gosh, I don’t know what else I’d do.”
Bringing high energy and confidence to the stage, Ms Smith performed We Don’t Need Another Hero by Tina Turner.
While the judges acknowledged her powerful voice, they also noted some nerves that affected her performance.
“I know you’ve got this massive voice. I feel like that’s all you really showed us just then, we didn’t see you” Ms Hines said.
In the end, Ms Smith secured a spot in the Top 30.
“We’re just looking for real artists with serious drive, serious determination, and charisma, and I think you’ve got that,” Mr Sandilands said.
The Top 30 competition starts next week.
