Australian Idol / Vin Lowe / 10 October 2009 / Leave a comment Bet Now

Say it ain't so! The early favourite and Australian heart throb Scott Newnham had a rude wakeup call this week with his shock bottom three placing, writes Jayme Jenkins.

Up until this week Scott's good looks and on stage confidence has made him an Idol favourite. Unfortunately for him, there comes a time in this competition where experience and formal training start playing a part and his inexperience has finally caught up with him.

Almost as shocking to join him on the elimination stage was another top contender James Johnston. James's performance last week was perhaps one of his best so I think this is just a little blip on his way to the top three.

This week we said goodbye to Tim Johnston, it was only a matter of time for Tim and this week his time was up.

Leading Pink night was Nathan Brake with "Just Like A Pill". Nathan is no stranger to the elimination stage but his strong and edgy performance should keep him off it for another week.

The same can't be said for Kate Cook. This girl manages to turn any song into country, singing "Trouble" this week, she finally lost the hat, but out came the Banjo. Expect to see Kate on the elimination stage this week and she is my pick for going home.

Also expect to see Kim Cooper and Toby Moulton on the elimination stage. Kim is starting to lift her game and actually gave an emotional performance of "Family Portrait", but her previous performances were less than impressive. Toby Moulton was a little out his comfort zone singing "Please Don't Leave Me". He is a solid performer put is very stuck in his preferred style and the judges don't believe it is the best style for him.

Everyone's favourite Stan Walker ran into major technical difficulty not being able to hear the music to "Dear Mr President". He did recover and went on to complete his performance is true Stan style. Let's hope he returns to his dazzling self next week.

Hayley Warner was happy to step into the spotlight this week singing "Funhouse". As a self confessed Pink fan, Hayley was more than happy to step into her idols shoes. Her performance and stage presence were outstanding and the standing ovation she received said it all. Hayley is definitely one to watch as she claws her way towards the top spot each week.