He entered our hearts as the country boy from Logan, but Jake Whittaker has bowed out of the Australian Idol race.
The Stockleigh singer-songwriter made it to the coveted top six before his Idol journey came to an end following his heartfelt performance of Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud, a song he dedicated to his fiancée Nikki and young son Eddie.
“This song is about devotion and love. That’s exactly what Nikki and I have for each other,” he said.
“There’s a bit of pressure I suppose singing to the two people I love the most in my life. But at least I know they’ll love me no matter what, however it comes out.”
Reflecting on his journey, Mr Whittaker said he was walking away with gratitude, not disappointment.
“I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. Everybody who’s been voting for me to get me to the top six. I am so grateful. Thank you,” he said
“I’ve made a bunch of new friends and fans. It’s been an amazing experience. This is not going to be the end of Jake Whittaker. I’ve got a bunch of great songs ready to rock and roll.”
Mr Whittaker said an EP was already in the works, with shows booked across the country.
“I’m coming to a city near you,” he said.
“Keep an eye out for me, folks, ‘cause I’m ready to hammer down and get Jake Whittaker out to the world.”
Throughout the series, Mr Whittaker often spoke about his family as his greatest motivation, calling Nikki “selfless” and praising her role as a mother.
“My definition of a hero is someone that is selfless, kind, giving,” he said.
“My heroes are Nikki, my fiancée, and Eddie, my son.”
Australian Idol host Ricki-Lee Coulter praised Jake for his positive energy on and off the stage.
“Country cowboy, you are such a wonderful energy – not just on stage but on set,” she said.
“Everybody here loves you. You are a good bloke, and we have been lucky to see you grace this stage week after week.”
Judge Kyle Sandilands said that Jake has a huge musical future ahead of him.
“I know Jake’s got gigs coming out his dot hole, and this will just continue to happen,” he said.
“I know you’ll be at the musters, the whatever, the ute parties, whatever you guys do. You’re sorted. You’re on your road. It’s just going to get better for you, man.”
While Jake didn’t secure a place in the Idol finals, he leaves the competition with a national fan base and a music career set to hit the road.
“Honestly, I feel so good,” Mr Whittaker said.
“I loved my time on Australian Idol. This was an amazing experience.”
