Lennox Head singer bows out of Australian Idol after Top 12 run
By Emily Longhurst
A Lennox Head singer who captured the support of the community has wrapped up her Australian Idol journey, finishing in the Top 12 after Australia’s first public vote.
Lily-Grace Grant was eliminated last night alongside Sophie Poidevin after both landed in the bottom group as the competition narrowed to a Top 10.
Country singer Lily-Grace leaned into her roots for her final performance, delivering a lively version of Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Despite strong performances across the board, judges said the outcome was now firmly in the hands of viewers.
Judge Kyle Sandilands was vocal as results unfolded, calling it “upsetting” and “disappointing” to see strong performers at risk.
After her elimination, Lily-Grace remained upbeat about her future in music.
“This is not the end of my musical journey, this is just the beginning,” she said.
In the hours after her exit aired, Grant’s social media pages were flooded with messages from fans, many insisting her journey is only just beginning. Supporters from across the Northern Rivers told her that some of the show’s biggest stars were eliminated before the final rounds, backing her to go even further beyond Idol.
Her time on the show was backed strongly by the people of Ballina Shire, with Grant previously turning that support into a song titled It Takes A Village.
“The local community has been incredible,” she said.
“I’ve had so much support from local venues where I gig, including Kelp in Ballina, the Bangalow Hotel, Lennox Pizza and the Billinudgel Hotel.”
She said local organisations also stepped in to help her chase the opportunity.
“The Lennox Lions have been amazing with donations to support my travel costs, and I’ve also been helped by the Ballina on Richmond Rotary Club and Ballina RSL,” she said.
“It’s a lovely feeling to be supported by your community.”
Grant attended Byron Bay High School before leaving two years ago to pursue music full time.
Lily Grace shared this photo with fans on her Facebook page after her elimination, in a post prompting an outpour of support, compliments on her performances and outstanding talent.
“It was a big but easy decision,” she said.
“I missed the social side of school when I left but I don’t regret it.”
Since then, she has attended the Academy of Country Music in Tamworth three times, taken part in songwriting retreats and graduated from the Talent Development Project in Sydney.
She performed in front of judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark throughout her Idol journey.
“I was a bit nervous, but I’ve done quite a bit of performing in the past, so I wasn’t completely out of my comfort zone,” she said.
“I was actually more nervous after my judges’ audition waiting for their feedback, wondering whether I would get a golden ticket.”
Grant has also performed on a major stage before, appearing with Roger Waters at Qudos Bank Arena when she was just 10 years old.
Despite her growing national profile, she said Lennox Head will always be home.
“I just love the small-town vibe.”
Looking ahead, Grant said she hopes to take her music even further.
“I see myself on big stages with a great band and I see Nashville in the picture,” she said.
“Keith Urban, Ella Langley or Lainey Wilson, if you happen to be reading this and are looking for a support act, get in touch!”
