Sofiemai: Hey Ben! Congratulations on getting this far! You were definitely my fav! Which do you prefer more: making movies or singing?
Ben_McKenzie: Making movies and singing go hand in hand. They compliment each other so well and I am going to put my knowledge that I have learnt from both together and stay true to myself. But to be honest, I can't choose which one I prefer because I love them both so much.

bri777: Hey Ben, I just wanted to say you have a great voice and I was wondering what you were going to sing next week if you were still in the competition?
Ben_McKenzie: I was singing "Hey There Delilah" by the Plain White Tees and "Good Enough" by Evanescence, which I would have been playing on the piano. I am disappointed I didn't get to do it but I guess it's because there's something else in my life meant to be happening!

Mikaluvshorses: Ben! You're one of my favourite Idols! I can't believe you're out!! Are you OK? Also, what are your plans? Do you plan to release an album in the future and choose singing as your career? You have a great voice mate.
Ben_McKenzie: I am completely OK with the fact I have left because I have learnt so much from the experience. I plan on making an album and hopefully making my film and putting some songs in there that will really compliment it.

Roxy-Amy: Hey Ben, I loved your “Hide and Seek” performance, it was really cool! Who do you think’s going to win Australian Idol and who do you want to win?
Ben_McKenzie: Thanks! I feel it was one of my best performances also because I really connected with it. I feel Natalie should win because I respect her so much as an artist and she hasn't shown all she can be, so vote for her! I think Natalie will win if she can show herself and she does it well.

superme011635: Hey Ben! I can’t believe you left! I was like yellin' at the TV! lol Um... was it hard to say goodbye to the other Idols?
Ben_McKenzie: Don't yell at the TV, it might give you brain damage! Yes, it was so hard saying goodbye, especially to Natalie because I connect with her on a great level. But I don't think I will ever say goodbye because we will stay great friends.

nomes55: Ben, you’re cute lol. What does it feel like singing on stage in front of millions of people?
Ben_McKenzie: It's crazy to be singing in front of so many people and it feels weird that I am not going to be doing it again... at least until something big comes along! But it was so great to do it.

BENROXAUSSIEIDOL: Hey Ben, congrats. What do you think was your best performance?
Ben_McKenzie: “Hide and Seek”! Thank you so much!

monkey13: Can you please release an album, I absolutely LOVE YOU!!!
Ben_McKenzie: OK I shall release an album, just due to the fact that you have asked me! The album is going to be so fun and it's going to reflect the way I want to be and I hope that you enjoy it when it comes to pass. Even if I don't get picked up by a major, I can just be independent.

miss.radz_xx: Hey Ben, MARRY ME! Who were you closest to in the house?
Ben_McKenzie: Are you the same person that sent me a fan message saying marry me? lol, you will have to ask my Mum. Natalie - we are are so close. She is amazing.

NesShaa: I LOVE YOU BEN! YOU ROCK!! I nearly CRIED when they said Marty was safe because you and Matt are my two favourites... I’m SURE you will go very far with your music career... how did it feel to have Marcia stick up for you like that?
Ben_McKenzie: Marcia sticking up for me was really crazy - it was great to have her standing up for me.

Ben_McKenzie: Sorry guys... there's a bit of a technical drama! I will just chat while we’re fixing it… while they are working on it we are listening to some radical music. Today I have been saying the exact same answers to the exact same questions and I am getting really sick of it! I can see your questions but they won’t display, so I will just choose a few to answer for the moment…

Ben_McKenzie: mighty_penguin - Would I do it all again if I had the chance? I would do it all the same - everything has worked out as best as I could have imagined.

Ben_McKenzie: chuncgeek 1 - The best thing a fan has done for me has been there and listened to me! I am so happy with what has happened and I am excited to perform without the audience and judges, just to a small group who is going to appreciate me for who I am.

Ben_McKenzie: Oi and another thing... how cool is it that I left on the same night as Ricki-Lee? And the fact that we both sang "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" in the competition! OK technical dramas are solved!

sweet_November: Ben, what was your favourite theme?
Ben_McKenzie: Definitely have to be acoustic.

sarahb95: What did you do to pump yourself up?
Ben_McKenzie: Listen to "SexyBack", which as a matter of fact has just conveniently come on the stereo!

Percyy: What are your immediate plans?
Ben_McKenzie: I am starting my film in January, so keep a look out!

OxmillyXO: Who is you favourite singer/band of all time?
Ben_McKenzie: Brooke Fraser, definitely. And if you don't know her, get to know her!

rmn9478: What is your favourite TV show?
Ben_McKenzie: Drawn Together.

nick2000: Ben… do u like the Spice Girls?
Ben_McKenzie: BAHAHAHAAAAA that is humour, right there! …And yes, I used to!

ILUVbubbles: Who would you like to star in your movies?
Ben_McKenzie: Emma Watson (Harry Potter's Hermione) and Emily Browning.

sarahb95: What’s your fave movie?
Ben_McKenzie: Amelie and Silent Hill. And Skeleton Key. But there are so many and those are three out of a billion!

idol-girl-in-08: Which judge gave you the best advice?
Ben_McKenzie: Definitely Dicko, he was so insightful and I loved everything he had to say.

nick_93: What is your favourite food and drink?
Ben_McKenzie: Mango and Mango nectar. And maybe tim tams

Flamindevil: Did anyone inspire you to start singing if so who did?
Ben_McKenzie: Your Mum! Haha, seriously… I was inspired by musicals way back and I have just done it ever since.

GemGem1234: How did you get into film making?
Ben_McKenzie: I started when I was 7 with my friend Michelle and I have never looked back.

EyeLoveBenMcKenzie: YAY. Glad to see you like Drawn Together. I love it! Who is your favourite character?
Ben_McKenzie: Toot Braunstein LOL love her!

Georgina: Would you ever considering modelling?
Ben_McKenzie: No, because it would make me too "oh, pin up" (said in a stupid voice) and that would be ridiculous.

CrazyMontana: Ben, what’s your best Australian Idol tip for me?
Ben_McKenzie: Go for it and if you don't get through, don't be disappointed because you're destined for something else.

miss.radz_xx: Congrats! What’s your most embarrassing moment?
Ben_McKenzie: Crying with that disgusting face of mine! Getting into Top 24. I'm pretty sure I was the ugliest guy ever.

Gorguzidoladdict: Have you ever had singing lessons? If so, when did you start?
Ben_McKenzie: I've been doing singing lessons since I was six or seven or something. My singing teacher is a great lady.

HarlequinPuppet: What is your favourite type of candy?
Ben_McKenzie: Sour lassos or sour coke lollies.

Bendanfan: In one word, how would you describe yourself? Ben_McKenzie: Myself.

Flamindevil: Hey Ben, why did you audition?
Ben_McKenzie: I auditioned because I wanted to see how far I could get!

bbaimbb9091: Do you like girls screaming for you?
Ben_McKenzie: It's kinda annoying when you're trying to focus but hopefully now I will be able to go out and do what I want to do without the screams.

EviL_AnGeL88: What’s the worst thing about being on Idol?
Ben_McKenzie: People talking about you behind your back... but you have to stay true to yourself and NOT let it get to you, like I initially did.

Chanana: Are you planning to record an album? If so, what kind of music would you sing?
Ben_McKenzie: Music that I enjoy singing.

LOZZY29: What are your plans for the future?
Ben_McKenzie: FILM, MUSIC, ART - and it will be rad!

OxmillyXO: Were you hurt by Kyle's comments?
Ben_McKenzie: No, Kyle is one of the nicest people backstage.

pisces_chic_1693: Hey Ben! I loved your “Hide and Seek” performance. Have you seen all your family and friends again yet?
Ben_McKenzie: Thanks! I loved “Hide and Seek” too. I am actually going home tonight and I can't WAIT to see my friends and family! I am going on have a FIT!

Lilchickys: Did you regret anything?
Ben_McKenzie: Not saying things back to a an inappropriate person in the first press conference… but I have become a better person from it. And I know that it's not in my personality to disregard something nasty said straight to my face - but that's what you have to do.

DorkFace: Who did you miss the most?
Ben_McKenzie: My cat....

persianz4lyf: Do you think your life will be ever same as before?
Ben_McKenzie: I hope so! I miss the old ways.... when the witches roamed New England with their pitchforks.... those were the glory days....

missyb93: When will you put out a CD?
Ben_McKenzie: Tomorrow. Look out for it at Sanity! P.S I am joking.

Mywonderwall: Were you always nervous or did you get used to it?
Ben_McKenzie: Depending on my performance… but I did get used to it.

ItsAMadWorld: Where is your favourite place to be?
Ben_McKenzie: In my room. Working on artwork and being myself.

Ben_McKenzie: Thanks guys for being here! Sorry it can't be longer.... but thanks for being there for me and look out for my movie and album! Much love, don't forget to stay true to yourself! Love Ben. P.S Vote for Natalie to keep me happy! xxxxx goodbye my lovers, goodbye my friends, you have been the one… you've been the one for me…see ya!

The Australian Idol website reserves the right to edit webchats for brevity ad legibility.

Find out even more about Ben and relive his best performances on his exclusive webpage!