Busselton’s Phoebe Stewart through to Australian Idol grand final

After a semifinal that gathered more than a million votes from across the nation, Busselton songstress Phoebe Stewart will sing for the title of Australian Idol in the show’s grand final on Sunday night, begging the community to show their support.

The 15-year-old sat down with the South Western Times to share her Idol journey, brought to tears on Monday night’s episode upon hearing she’d landed a spot in the show’s Top 3.

“Thank you everyone for taking the time out of your life to appreciate music, the show and me,” she said fighting back tears.

“It’s amazing to be here and I’m so grateful that I’ve had this opportunity.”

She joins 23-year-old Royston Sagigi-Baira and 20-year-old Josh Hannan in the fight for the crown, with the winner receiving a recording contract with industry giant Sony Music and $100,000 in prize money.

With little performance experience prior to the show, she admitted she audition in secret and sprung the news on her family, never expecting to get so far.

“I kind of auditioned without anyone knowing,” she said.

“(When I told them) they were like ‘oh my god’, it was funny...but it was the best thing ever.”

The starlet left crowds in awe on Monday night with her moving performance of Lost Without You by Freya Ridings, judges showering the teenager with praise.

“If there was a checklist of things that people competing for Australian Idol should have ... seriously Phoebe, you literally check every single box,” Harry Connick Jr said.

“Every time you open your mouth it’s like heaven” added known cynic Kyle Sandilands.

Known for her soaring vocals and power ballads on the show, she said she had a particular love for blues and soul music inspired by her grandfather.

“I love soul and blues music,” she said.

“My grandfather was a jazz musician so he kind of influenced my mum and my brother he loves that as well, so I’ve kind of been surrounded by it.”

And while not much can she revealed about her performances for the grand finale, the teenager hinted they would “classic songs” similar to her Top 10 performance of ABBA hit Dancing Queen.

With voting lines now open, West Australians across the State have taken to social media to show their love for the talented vocalist, including Premier Mark McGowan and City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley.

And despite being on the other side of the country for the show, she said she’s “confident” going into the final, knowing the hometown has her back.

“I’m so grateful for everyone who has followed the journey and watched me and voted for me because I never would have expected to make it this far,” she said.

“The fact that everyone in WA and is Busso is voting for me and telling me that I can do this, it means a lot to me and my confidence.”

The youngest competitor on the show, she said she hopes to inspire other young people to chase their dreams.

“I don’t think age is really a barrier, If you feel ready and you feel like you want to do it, just do it,” she said.

“You never know the outcome... the world’s your oyster and I think you just need to go for.”

But no matter the outcome, she said she would be “proud” of herself and her fellow contestants for how far they have all come.

“We all just support each other so much that we know we are all going to go out there and give out best performance,” she said.

“No matter what happens, we’re so proud of each other just for making it this far because it’s such a big event in our lives.

“’We’re a little family, I think will forever and always be best mates and... whoever wins we will love them and support their journey, no matter what.”

Voting lines will remain open until 7.35pm AEDT on Sunday, March 26, the teenager begging anyone and everyone to cast their vote and get her the title.

“Please,” she begged.

“I know I’ve said it a lot, but please vote for me... after this you don’t have to vote again.

“I love you all so much and I really hope I can end it with a bang and possibly win it.”

People can vote for Phoebe by texting “PHOEBE” to 0457 500 700.

Tune in to the Australian Idol grand final on Sunday at 7pm on Channel 7.