In a result that shocked the nation, Melbourne's Natalie
Gauci was announced as the Australian Idol ahead of the heavily favoured
Matt Corby at the event finale on November 25 at the Sydney Opera House.
A TV audience that peaked at 1.78 million viewers got to witness the
result that had Gauci gobsmacked. Backstage after the show, she said,
"Well I still can't believe it. It's one of those things where
I think it's going to have to take at least a day to sink in. It's just
very overwhelming at this point in time." She later added, "It
doesn't feel like reality at all. It feels like I'm just dreaming and
I haven't woke up yet."
Gauci walks away with a recording contract with Sony BMG
who have just unleashed her debut single, 'Here I Am'. Sony BMG CEO
Denis Handlin AM said, "Natalie has been a standout performer throughout
the series and the public have responded overwhelmingly to her. I am
pleased that again this year we will have a brilliant CD/DVD of Natalie's
incredible Winner's Journey to release to the public for Christmas which
was pioneered very successfully as a world first last year with Damien
Leith. Following that, we will be taking the time and working closely
with Natalie to make a great album."
Runner up Matt Corby issued a challenge to Handlin with
his comments after the show. He said, "If Sony doesn't sign me
up, I'll independently fund my album. I've explored different scenarios
and now that I've become the runner up, I'll have to have a think."
Later on at the after party at The Basement, Natalie Gauci's
parents were lapping up every moment of their daughter's win with her
father in particular seen dancing and snapping away on his digital camera.
Gauci, who also celebrated her 26th birthday just hours after the verdict,
will have her debut CD/DVD, 'Natalie Gauci: The Winner's Journey', released
on 8 December and will tour the country in January. Along with runner
up Matt Corby and other members of the Final 12, Gauci will visit every
state and major regional area of Australia starting off in Wollongong
on January 2nd 2008 and finishing in Cairns on the 24th of February.
Tickets are on sale now.
Photos coming soon!
© Words & Images: Danny Canak