Narooma’s Jakob Poyner has made it through to the top 50 of Australian Idol!
The Far South Coast local featured on last night’s(Monday February 6) episode of the nationally televised singing competition.
The 18-year-old told East Coast Radio he was thrilled to make it through to the top 50!
“It means a lot to make it to the top 50, and just auditioning itself was a lot for me and I was so stoked to be there,” Poyner said.
Poyner performed the song Broken Cowboy by The Dead South in last night’s episode and impressed the judges with his deep voice.
Needing three ‘yes’ votes to make it into the top 50 contestants from across the country, Poyner was given a ‘yes’ vote by KIIS FM broadcaster Kyle Sandilands and ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Shark.
“I don’t want to throw you into the lion’s den but I want you to know that I really enjoyed that and I think you’ve got a really cool and unique voice and I love that about you,” Shark said.
Breakfast radio king, Sandilands was unapologetic in his love of the South Coast local’s performance even though Poyner stated at the beginning of the audition that he has some trouble with his memory.
“I don’t care if you forget things, I don’t care if you’re covered in post it notes, it’s a yes from me,” Sandilands said.
Should the Judges follow their instincts and say YES or NO? 💭 #AustralianIdol pic.twitter.com/6sVz95VmXM
— Australian Idol (@AustralianIdol) February 6, 2023
However Grammy award-winning singer-songwriters Harry Connick Junior and Meghan Trainor both gave Poyner a ‘no’ with Trainor citing his age as the main reason.
“You’re just so young,” Trainor said.
After the judges said goodbye and good luck, Poyner met his family and started the long walk back to the car, ahead of the long drive back to Narooma.
However with the other judges encouraging her to backflip if she was on the fence, Trainor changed her mind which saw her and Sandilands chase after the South Coast local as he walked out the door, to give him and his family the good news.
“Jakob wait, I think I’ve made a terrible mistake,” Trainor said.
“There’s no one else like you in this competition and if you’ll forgive me, we would love to have you in the top 50!”
Poyner was overjoyed and said he was up for the challenge.
“They changed their mind, I was shocked but it’s given me a bigger boost in confidence,” Poyner said.
“I’m going to practice as hard as I can and as much as I can for the next level.”
Image: Australian Idol – Channel 7
