Dipping into the Blogpond

It’s official. In what may come as a surprise to many viewers, and bookies, Natalie Gauci has won the 2007 Australian Idol competition.

The idol series concluded with a three hour star studded event at the Sydney Opera House.

We see a performance from the Young Divas and very nearly get to see a lot more, because of the camera angle and short dresses. I couldn’t help but notice that one of them (Paulini?) was wearing the infamous “chicken shoes” from a few episodes back. Are wardrobe trying to save money?

Chrissy Amphlett. Oh. My. God. She did a Britney, except she’s what – three times the age? How very very sad, how very very NOT sexy. Pelvic thrusting and skirt lifting looking like a sheepdog. Whatever you are taking – STOP. It was all pain, no pleasure. And downright embarrassing.

The best thing about it was the break in transmission – yeah! I’m thinking they might have cut the feed on purpose…. No. Such. Luck. They finally get it back – and what. NOOOO. We have to sit through THE WHOLE PERFORMANCE again. Get me out of here….

Dani Fry – the Pascal “My mum Rocks” competition winner does a great job. That, I would have gladly sat through twice.

Some chick arrives on a bike. I suspect, looking at her hair, that she might have been responsible for the break in transmission (you know plugged her hairdryer in where she shouldn’t have). I found out this was the Rogue Traders. Meh.

Matt Corby and Natalie arrive in grand fashion. In a nice show of camaraderie Matt takes Nat’s hand.

OMG again! Nat’s pinched the bottom half of plucka duck’s costume. And it makes her look pregnant. A pregnant half-duck half-woman. (I feel like such a b1tch, going on about Natalie’s clothes choice, but it HAS to be said, I’m sorry).

The old gang (top 12) reunite to sing Lionel Ritchie’s All Night Long – first Daniel, Brianna and Jacob, then Ben, Marty and Mark followed by Holly, Lana and Tarisai with Carl getting a bit of extra stage love. Fireworks going off in the background.

Move to inside the Opera House, where Natalie and Matt pick up the song. Enter Mr Lionel Ritchie himself. Cool. When asked how he’s enjoying his evening he replies “I’m Loving it”. Didn’t miss the irony that Maccas are a sponsor….

Another medley from the finalists. Nat’s changed and finally found the top half of plucka’s costume (well almost). Brianna sings way out of tune, but fortunately doesn’t realise it. Tarisai’s dress is way TOO tight and Jacob is wearing his favourite zipped tracky top. Classy.

Nat changes again into a white number (I approve) and we get to see her Nonno and Nonna, and her journey (again). She performs Man in the Mirror.

Matt’s turn and they drag up a mentor, Jarrod, who supposedly taught him a lot of what he knows. The guy looks dead-set uncomfortable, even with a slightly longer matching hair cut. Matt performs “Bittersweet Symphony”. Gotta love that long note. Touchdown!

Another group performance (isn’t there a tour coming up – some of them need the practice, evidently). Holly wins a Mazda 2.

Another outfit change. Red dress is nice, don’t like the long black gloves. Matt wears matching red shoes (hang on, Natalie was wearing the red dress, ok).

And the winner is ….. Natalie. She genuinely looks shocked. Matt is extremely gracious in defeat, and has nothing but praise for Natalie.

I am surprised, but I think Natalie is a wonderful performer, and a worthy winner.

In a lot of ways, I know Matt thinks that coming runner up is a blessing, so I genuinely don’t think he was too disappointed.

And so ends the 2007 Australian Idol season. Coverage will not resume next year – but I’m sure you’ll be able to catch it at Bland Canyon.