Toby's bombshell, James's saving grace
Australian Idol 
/ Vin Lowe / 07 November 2009 / Leave a comment Bet Now
Last week Toby Moulton dropped a bombshell that he would be leaving Idol and returning to his true passion, teaching. If he stayed in the competition his rating would have just gone through the roof, what woman wouldn't swoon for a man so passionate about educating the next generation, writes Jayme Jenkins.
Toby's shock departure turned out to be James Johnston's saving grace, with James, Nathan and Toby all placed in the bottom three. The votes had James going home, which makes my picks for last week 'technically' right.
Unfortunately for James it really is just a one week reprieve, he sang John Mayer's "Daughter" and "This Is How A Heart Breaks". His second performance was packed with energy, but with only four contestants left there is little he can do, with his fate already sealed.
A similar fate awaits Nathan Brake, but perhaps not until next week. He was one of my favourite performers this week, beginning the night with Ne-Yo's "Closer" and later getting teary eyed with "Red" by Daniel Merriweather. Guest judges Benji and Joel Madden commented on his impressive interaction with the audience. It is a shame for Nathan that there is such a huge amount of talent in this year's lineup, because Nathan is an incredible performer and may have taken the competition in previous Idol cycles.
Hayley Warner also wowed Benji and Joel Madden by singing "Heavy Cross" and "I Don't Care". She is only 17 and although she often seems awkward on stage it adds to her charm. She is definitely a rock chic and last week's performance cemented that.
In true Stan style, he did something only Stan could do and turned a Miley Cyrus song into something sensational. This guy is truly amazing, he has the ability to take any song from any genre and make it outstanding, his onstage presence is always perfect and you never hear a wrong note come from his mouth. Because of that I am going to stay with my original elimination line-up, minus Toby:
1. James Johnston
2. Nathan Brake
3. Hayley Warner
Winner - Stan Walker
