About Ben McKenzie
17-year-old Ben, from the NSW Central Coast, proved to be a real surprise package at his audition. In fact, at face value, it's fair to say the Australian Idol judges didn't think much at all. That is until he dazzled them with his take on John Mayer's "Daughters". "I was expecting something lame," admitted Kyle. "But that was very surprising and very good."
He continued to be very good, with his near-flawless performance of Tears For Fears and Gary Jules' "Mad World" securing his place in the Top 12.
"That's a bit scary," he said as his name was announced. "I hoped it would happen and it did," says a still spinning Ben. "So it was great." Nevertheless he is ready for the road ahead: "I've been doing this a long time, so I'm ready!" he says.
Ben is an enthusiastic amateur slasher film maker and, when not indulging his artistic pursuits, works at Woolworths. He loves his computer, satirical animated series Drawn Together, lists his favourite music genre as dance/electronica and one day wants to duet with Brooke Fraser. Expect more surprises from Ben as the competition progresses!
Q&A with Ben
Q: I first realised I wanted to become a professional singer when
I first started singing, which was when it all began really. So many years in the making!
Q: What is your favourite genre of music? Please tell us why you love that particular style.
Dance/Electronica.
Q: Which previous finalist do you find most inspiring and why?
Guy - simply beause of his amazingness.
Q: Have you auditioned for a previous series of Australian Idol? If so, how far did you progress? What motivated you to audition this year?
No - I have not.
Q: Describe your feeling at your first audition?
The first audition was completely exciting in every way - wooo!
Q: Obviously, it's important to have a strong voice, but what other aspects give a performer 'star quality'?
Being unique. Individuality. Style.
Q: I dol shows often follow a special theme like Disco, Rock or Big Band. What would your 'dream theme' and why?
"Originals." It would be so rad to hear everyone's different styles.
Q: What would you call your debut album?
"Wall."
Q: Why do you think Australian Idol is an important part of our local music industry?
Because it provides a huge opportunity for talent all around Australia - and of course, musical entertainment.
Q: Which artist (dead or alive) would you most like to perform a duet with and why?
Brooke Fraser! Our voices would go so well together - and we would work so well.
Q: What's the best thing about being on Australian Idol?
The fact that it's bloody real. It's right here and I'm part of it this time. YEW!
Q: Who is your favourite judge and why?
Mark - simply because of the way talks to me… haha. It's so exciting to hear what he's got for me but.... arghh!
Q: How do you prepare yourself before a performance?
I calm down by telling myself things. Yes, this sounds delusional.
Q: What's the best bit of advice someone has given to you?
"If you fail to prepare - prepare to fail."
Q: If you win, who would you thank first?
God
