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Australian Idol (season 3)

Broadcast from 26 July – 21 November 2005
Judges Kyle Sandilands
Marcia Hines
Mark Holden
Host(s) Andrew G
James Mathison
Broadcaster Network Ten
Finals venue Sydney Opera House
Kate DeAraugo
Origin Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
Song "Maybe Tonight"
Emily Williams
Australian Idol (season 3)
Finalists
(with dates of elimination)
Kate DeAraugo Winner
New Zealand Emily Williams 21 November
Lee Harding 14 November
Dan England 7 November
Daniel Spillane 31 October
Anne Robertson 24 October
James Kannis 17 October
Milly Edwards 10 October
Mauritius Roxane LeBrasse 3 October
Laura Gissara 26 September
Natalie Zahra 19 September
Chris Luder 12 September
Tarni Stephens 12 September
Anne Robertson
Anne Robertson.jpg
Background information
Birth name Anne Robertson
Born (1983-03-07) 7 March 1983 (age 34)
Origin Sydney, Australia
Genres Pop, R&B, Soul
Occupation(s) Singer
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2005–present

The third season of Australian Idol debuted on 26 July 2005. The first of three semi-finals was held on 16 August 2005 with three of the Final 12 contenders announced the following night on 17 August 2005. 2Day FM radio host Kyle Sandilands replaced former judge Ian Dickson.

For the first time in Australian Idol history, thirteen contestants instead of twelve, made it to the weekly finals rounds. As in past years, the Wildcard show would give a further three contestants a spot in the Final Twelve - two chosen by the judges and one by the Australian public. Following the "second-chance" wildcard performance show the previous night, on 5 September 2005, the judges choices were James Kannis and Emily Williams. The public choice was then revealed to be Daniel Spillane. However, it was also revealed a very marginal difference of less than 1% between the next highest voted contestant, Roxane LeBrasse, and the judges deciding that Roxane was too good to be left out of the Top 12, made it a Top 13. Unfortunately this would mean, the elimination of two people with the lowest votes, the following week.

The Grand Finale was held on 21 November 2005, with the winner being revealed as Kate DeAraugo. Kate had been outside chance to win through the duration of the season, but after the show ended, released a #1 single, "Maybe Tonight", a platinum selling album and a further Top 10 hit single through Sony BMG.

Runner up Emily Williams lost by 1% in the closest percentage ever in an Idol finale. She was originally signed to Sony BMG as a solo artist, but the agreement fell through and she ended up joining the girl band the Young Divas.

Lee Harding finished in third position and was signed to Sony BMG and released a # 1 single and a platinum selling album. His second single from his debut album proved to be less successful and in mid-2006 Harding was released from his contract with the label. He is currently touring and performing with his band Bedrock.


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