Making it all the way to the Final 3 was a massive achievement for the Navy trumpeter, who has only been singing for about a year. Just goes to show that hard work and passion can really pay off…

cloud.strif3: Hey Carl. Congratulations on making it third on Australian Idol. When you release an album, do you see yourself as another Michael Buble singer or can we expect something unique?
Carl_Riseley: Does Michael Buble play an instrument? Yeah definitely something unique as an instrumentalist and an ideas man! It's a lot of fun... nice to talk to you, this is good!

Iluvaustralianidol: Hey Carl! Now that you have left Idol, what are you focusing on doing?
Carl_Riseley: Hi friend! I guess I really want to basically just cut an album and go on tour and promote it. Just see how we go!

big_bird__ : What songs were you going to sing next week in addition to the winner’s single?
Carl_Riseley: I was very excited about doing a John Mayer tune, ‘No Such Thing’. I was also going to do a Buble number, to mould myself that little bit more. And of course, it was going to be 'The Best Is Yet To Come'.

bubblewrap_riot: Hi Carl. How's life after Idol?
Carl_Riseley: Hi bubblewrap! It's only been half a day... but it's been absolutely wonderful and I can't wait to get out and tour!

Xbabytigerx: Do you think you were successful in bringing swing back? I think you were!
Carl_Riseley: Yeah I definitely hope so and I think so, because making it to the top 3 as the Australian swing guy is amazing. It means something. It's great!

antony_ says: Hey Carl! You got any advice for me so that I can audition for Idol next year?
Carl_Riseley: Mate, this is what worked for me - You have to be sure of what type of artist you want to be, what style and what genre you want to bring to Australia, so you don't confuse anyone. Especially the judges!

AussieIdol07Fan: Of all the song renditions you performed throughout the Australian Idol series, which song did you feel was your best onstage performance and song that you felt inspired your audience?
Carl_Riseley: Definitely 'It's Alright With Me' - I had a ball. I brought the trumpet out and I felt like I nailed it. I love the acoustic vibe.

rmn9478: Hi Carl, who are your favourite singers and bands?
Carl_Riseley: Stevie Wonder, Vince Jones, Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick, Buble, Sting and I love this awesome jazz singer in Australia who is new this year, he's getting there... his name is Carl Riseley. Heh heh!

Lizzy12: Oh My God. I couldn't believe that you had gone Carl! I was crying! What was your best experience on Idol?
Carl_Riseley: Even though it was a little bit sad leaving everyone, the best experience was last night. I felt the love man... I had a really good night, it was great.

Rainbowgumdrops: Hi Carl! I’m a huge New Zealand fan and was lucky enough to see you perform. I’ve heard you make reference to fans in NZ, I just wondered what the connection was there and if you would ever come here? PS: I LOVE YOU!
Carl_Riseley: I love you New Zealanders! The connection is... actually... my whole entire family lives in NZ. I am practically Kiwi, except I wasn't born there. I love NZ and I can't wait to come over and tour.

Hlroposy: Are you going to go back to the Navy now?
Carl_Riseley: I'm just too attached to my new long locks... I just can't shave away the love.

guitargirlnumbr1: Carl who were you closest to on Idol?
Carl_Riseley: The Corbestar/Corb-dogg/Matt Corby.

sarahb95: What was it like saying goodbye to Nat and Matt? (Mattalie as I like to say now) xo sarahb95
Carl_Riseley: It was hard because I wanted it to be Carlmattalie. Joke. We were very close.

Hlroposy: How many sit ups and push ups did you eventually get to doing?
Carl_Riseley: Guys, very happy to announce the other night I was so pumped I reached 45 push ups but my sit ups have dropped unfortunately to only seven. That's all I can do after doing 45 push ups in a row!

busy_lizzy: Carl, when you tour would you prefer to play with a big band or a small combo?
Carl_Riseley: Oooooooh, it just depends on how far I go - like if I am going to Perth etc. Both combinations would be awesome, but big band would be the ultimate goal.

is2carl: Hi Carl, just wondering who would you think is going to win?
Carl_Riseley: Matt is the most talented individual I have ever met. He is going to make it anyway, so I hope Nat gets it. She's a really talented songwriter and she will smash album sales. She will also be a great ambassador for the 2007 Australian Idol.

amanda-renee: Do you have a middle name?
Carl_Riseley: Yes, Theodore.

CarlyClamshell: Hey Carl, have you got any original pieces ready to record? Because I would love to buy your album!
Carl_Riseley: My album is coming out soon... I'll keep the contents under wraps for now.

Ninjahh: What message do you hope to give out to the Australian public through your songs?
Carl_Riseley: I feel that sometimes the younger generation might be missing out on seeing a big band or swing music... anything that's not on Rage or Video Hits. I truly don't want them to miss out so I want to get out there and try and bring a new experience to the younger crew.

EviL_AnGeL88: What inspired you to try out for Idol?
Carl_Riseley: Bobby Flynn inspired me because I didn't think an alternate nature could work on the show.

*Daniela*: When did you start playing the trumpet?
Carl_Riseley: Seriously in high school but I picked it up as soon as I could hold it really.

Husnysgirl: Do you plan on selling your music internationally?
Carl_Riseley: That is definitely an aspiration of mine.

Annabellxo: Hey Carl, did you have any special nicknames in the Idol house?
Carl_Riseley: Rise-Dogg, we all have Dogg names...

~TheSongbird~: Carl, do you feel you've changed personality wise after your Idol journey? Or would you say you are still the same inside and out?
Carl_Riseley: Yeah definitely. Idol has made me grow and believe in myself... in confidence.... and in my awesome new non-Navy hair. And my new skinny jean tight shirt look. It's been a funky, awesome new learning experience.

Carl_Riseley: To all my dedicated fans - you guys are truly the heart and soul of all of this. I wouldn't have made it this far without you guys and I really appreciate everything. I can't wait to start giving something back, going on tour and meeting more of you! I love you guys - trumpet, yeah!

To see even more of Carl, watch his performances, read his blogs or send him a fan message, check out his individual page!

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