The Final 5 then had to sing two songs of their choice. Fresh from a visit back home to the family farm, James Johnston   got the big band vibe going for “Mercy” by Duffy. Dicko said physically, James was in the zone and it was a good song choice for him. Marcia also agreed it was a great song and Jay Dee appreciated James’ “confidence and swagger” on stage.

Toby had an emotional trip back home this week and having had the kids at his school sing to him, it was time for their teacher to return the favour. Marcia liked his performance of Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back In Anger” but Dicko didn’t think it was the right song for Toby’s voice.

The Mayor of Parramatta may have made Nathan a Goodwill Ambassador for his suburb during the week, but it was time to win Australia over with his version of “Makes Me Wonder” by Maroon 5. Dicko and Jay Dee pulled him up for being “pitchy” but fortunately, Nathan had another song to make it up.

Hayley rocked out “Somebody Told Me” by The Killers and after seeing the footage of Hayley at home with her band, Dicko wanted to know if she sees her future with a band or as a solo artist. Hayley told him it’s as a solo singer and Dicko said in any case, she’s “awesome”.

It may have been covered by more artists than all the “single ladies” that said hello to Stan on the Gold Coast this week combined, but Stan still managed to make “Hallelujah” his own. Accompanied by acoustic guitar and harp, Stan’s finish provoked wild applause. Marcia told him something special happens when he takes the stage but Jay Dee and Dicko told Stan to watch his intonation in his lower range. That said, Dicko said it was a 9/10 performance.

James started out Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody” by himself on guitar before the band kicked in. Dicko said afterwards he would have liked James solo for the whole song. He said it was James’ best vocal this year.

Toby sang “Politik” by Coldplay for his second song and Marcia said his pitch was great. Nathan’s intense “Mad World” drew a huge response from the audience and Jay Dee told Nathan when he sticks to the melody and is in the moment like that, Jay Dee thinks he could win Idol.

Hayley gave Paloma Faith’s “Stone Cold Sober” a bucket load of attitude and energy and Dicko said it was “bloody great, love”. Stan sang one his beloved soul classics for the last song of the evening – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. Marcia observed Stan had breathed new life into an old standard, while Dicko said it was a terrific way to end the night.

Tune in 7.30pm next Sunday to see your Idols lend their magic to songs of the Noughties and Joel and Benji from Good Charlotte occupy two guest judging seats!