About Brianna Carpenter
Her unique sense of style caught eyes, but it was her voice that caught ears. Brianna, 21, impressed Australian Idol judges at auditions with her beautiful self-composed tune "Jacqueline". While Dicko told her she was the best all day, Kyle seemed worried by the onetime K-Mart employee’s outfit and hair.
Brainna hit the semi-finals with a new hairdo, but the talent remained. Her quirky perfromance of Regina Spektor's "Fidelity" got a big thumbs up from the voting public, who immediately sent her through to the Top 12. Brianna was especially thrilled that she will be perform at the Sydney Opera House for the show's final. "That's awesome!" she said.
Queenslander Brianna is a music student and has studied everything from classical to contemporary and jazz. "I love Jazz," she says. "It's just so smooth and the melodies are always so beautiful."
Brianna is a self-confessed chocolate addict and lists her favourite movie as Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind.
Q&A with Brianna
Q: I first realised I wanted to become a professional singer when…
I was in Year 10 and performing in musicals in Brisbane. I got such a kick from performing in front of an audience, but musical theatre wasn't what I wanted to pursue. I was a songwriter and wanted to perform my own music to audiences.
Q: What is your favourite genre of music? Why you love that particular style?
I love Jazz. It's just so smooth and the melodies are always so beautiful. I also really love ambient electronic music because it's so different and creates such a cool atmosphere.
Q: Which previous finalist do you find most inspiring and why?
I'd have to say Bobby Flynn. Mostly because he was absolutely unique. His arrangements were fantastic and he achieved everything he set out to achieve from the competition.
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?
I auditioned the first year it started. I didn't make it past the first round. I didn't even know what the competition was and I just wasn't prepared. My motivation for trying out this year was my parents.
Q: Describe your feeling at your first audition?
I was extremely calm at my first audition because I was just going in there and singing my own song. I was anxious, but excited.
Q: Obviously, it's important to have a strong voice, but what other aspects give a performer 'star quality'?
Their own personal style is important because it gives people more insight into what the performer is like. You've also got to be unique and have an interesting personality.
Q: Idol shows often follow a special theme like Disco, Rock or Big Band. What would your 'dream theme' be and why?
BIG BAND! That would be fantastic! I've always wanted to perform in front of a huge brass band. They're just so LOUD! It would be a dream come true.
Q: What would you call your debut album?
Probably something like, "It Could All Go Horribly Wrong" ... with a nervous picture of me on the cover! Hahaha, I honestly don't know just yet.
Q: Why do you think Australian Idol is an important part of our local music industry?
Because it gives musicians a chance that they may not have been given. It shows the public that even ordinary people can create something extraordinary.
Q: Which artist (dead or alive) would you most like to perform a duet with and why?
I'd have to say Bjork. I think she's absolutely incredible and sharing a stage with her would be mind blowing.
Q: What's the best thing about being on Australian Idol?
The exposure. I'm not terribly good at promoting myself, so the opportunity that this show provides would be a big help in furthering my career.
Q: Who is your favourite judge and why?
Well, I think they're all great. They all have their bit to say. Dicko is probably my favourite though because I love English accents.
Q: How do you prepare yourself before a performance?
Normally, I just put some headphones on and listen to some music. If I'm performing at clubs the best way I prepare is talking to friends. They make me laugh and keep me calm.
Q: What's the best bit of advice someone has given to you?
Don't' eat chocolate for breakfast! Definitely good advice.
Q: If you win, who would you thank first?
Absolutely my parents. They started this whole ball rolling.
