Final 10 Week

I have been out of my comfort zone a lot so far, but it's kinda good because I still don't know what direction I want to take my music in. It's really good to find out what my strengths and weaknesses are. I am not looking forward to Disco but I am going to take it as it comes and try my best. I really enjoyed Rock – more the girly rock than the hardcore stuff though. It should be interesting to try all these different themes!
 
I have been getting really good sleeps at Idol HQ… there were all these rumours saying I had been crying heaps because I looked a bit funny on Monday night. That was so not true. I actually had an allergic reaction to something and my eyes totally blew up – I had to pack on the makeup and have a fringe to try and cover it up. Luckily, it's on the mend.
 
Me and Marty just laughed when we heard the rumours that we were meant to be together. The other night we were totally craving icecream and  went searching for some and we were like, “Rumours will start!” and we just laughed. I can see why people would think there is something going on, because we're so close - but we're totally just mates.
 
I've had some great fan moments so far. I had this really funny guy write me something, saying we were soul mates and wanted to have babies… I went and checked out his website and he was hot! And the other day when I was shopping, an older lady came up and grabbed me and said the sweetest things to me, saying she loved hearing my voice. That was so cute.
 
My biggest learning curve so far has been not borrowing makeup off people and giving yourself inflamed eyes! And also that performing is not only singing with your voice, it's also with your body, face, eyes and everything else.
 
I really rely on my two best friends back in Perth to keep me sane. I had a little homesick episode last night when my Mum sent me a suitcase filled with my schoolbooks and notes from my friends. So I called my best friend and talked to her and she made me feel so much better. They're always there for me.

-Lana

Final 11 Week

We've had a pretty chilled week. The schedule wasn't as tight, so it's been pretty mellow. Everyone is still a bit in shock about Holly leaving – the reality has hit that someone will be going each week.

Having the media pay attention to us has been interesting. It makes you think about your choices more – where you go and what you do. I just think it's fascinating that someone is going to the extent of creating drama about us. It's really surreal to think that someone out there wants to read about us and look at pictures of us!

The most nerve-wracking moment has been when I was one of the last two on stage. To be honest, I was actually getting really excited – even though everyone said I looked scared. I couldn't remember if they say the name of the person who is staying or leaving, so I was standing there trying to figure it out. When they said, “Holly”, I looked straight at her and she started crying so I was like, “Oh, she's going…” and gave her a big hug.

I was happy with what the judges said to me after my performance. They said I had done everything I had been working on that week, and they also gave me some more tips. I still have to work on some things. I have been talking with Erana about how to improve. It's been so much fun working with her and I have learnt so much. She really works you hard but you appreciate what
she's doing – you an feel yourself working hard. I really enjoy it.

I've always known that song choice is really important. My favourite last year was Reigan Derry and she kinda messed up her song choices. I would look at her and think, “If I ever get on that show, I need to choose my songs carefully.” I loved all the songs she chose, but that's because I have an obscure taste in music. You have to think about who's voting for you.

It's hard to stay true to yourself when you're singing covers. We could sing our own stuff and it would instantly show Australia who we are. It's more difficult to show Australia that when we are singing a song someone else has written. I guess that's part of the challenge!

-Lana

First week in the Final 12

Moving into Idol HQ has been the best thing to happen this week. We've all got closer since we've been living together. It's like Year 10 camp all over again. Tarisai and I are sharing a room – she's so funny. She's so open and crazy! I love her though!

I know I've become closer to everyone. We're not allowed to eat in the pool… that's about the only rule I can remember.

My parents have been pretty chilled about everything. It was my Dad's 60th birthday the other day – Happy Birthday Dad!

It's been so weird this week– especially meeting Zac Efron at the Hairspray premiere. I had a total freakout. That was definitely the most surreal moment so far for me. He knew who we were and everything. He came and stood with all us girls and all these cameras were going crazy. He was like, "Don't worry, you get used to it." He was so nice and sweet. And his girlfriend was really pretty… damn!

My favourite fan moment so far has been at the premiere. A lady came up to me and said, "My daughter is a fan but she's too shy to come up to meet you. Her name is Lana too." I went over and said hi – she was so little and only just talking. She was so cute!

I'm really nervous about this Sunday night. I feel like I have a lot to prove. Everything's going well so far but I'm just trying to take on what the judges said and not be so perfect.

I'm 18 in four months and I'm just finishing Year 12. I was never a school-type person but I like having a tutor while Idol is on, and I am loving studying. I have found that it's really good to be able to get away from the whole Idol thing – it relaxes me.

The lesson I have learnt so far has been to have confidence in myself. No matter who you are, you will get negative and positive criticism. You just have to ignore it. I know it's weird, but I don't feel any different. I am just me.

-Lana

How does it feel to be in the Final 12?

I guess I was really shocked to make the Top 12. I really wasn't expecting it. My performance wasn't as good as I would have liked and I got a lot of criticism from the judges, so I was so surprised to get through.

It's been busy already – I've been doing photo shoots, radio interviews and other interviews and that's been really exciting. Getting recognised in the street is so weird. I was walking along with Tarisai and Jacob and a school bus went past and everyone started screaming. I looked behind me to see where the famous person was! Jacob handled it well, he was cool. But Tarisai and I were freaking out!

I'm so excited to be moving into Idol HQ on Monday. Everyone gets on with everyone so it will be great. Even though there are a few of us who are young, I don't think that will make a difference at all. I'm close to Jacob and he's 25!

My family absolutely love the fact I am through. My little brother's friends are obsessed with Idol so he's stoked!

The best thing so far has probably been being able to share this with this group of friends – the rest of the Top 24. I love hanging out with them. I'm probably closest to Tarisai and Madison. I found it hard not being able to watch all the Top 24 perform live in the semis – I watched them on TV and I just wanted to be able to give them a big hug and say congratulations!

I really listened to what the judges said to me – especially about not playing it so neat. I need to dirty it up and give it more oomph. You've definitely got to take on the judge's criticism.

I am really looking forward to performing again. I have been getting a lot of criticism and I just really want to have the opportunity to prove myself.

- Lana