DorkFace: Hey Marty, Central Coast rocks! Congrats on getting so far. Who inspired you to be a singer?
Marty_Simpson: I think I kinda got inspired by bands I listened to - The Police, Nirvana and Dave Matthews Band. Growing up listening to them made me want to be a cool guitar player and singer. Are you from the Coast? Good on you if you are.

friends2007: How did you feel after Idol last night Marty?
Marty_Simpson: Felt a sigh of relief. I felt proud and satisfied on what I had achieved on the show. I'm so grateful.

la42ja: Hi Marty! I just wanted to say what that you are the most talented Idol ever. I love your voice. I just wanted to know if you were going to be releasing an album with all your originals on it? PS You are a champ!
Marty_Simpson: Definitely be making some kind of EP to begin with, which I will take on tour. I will be touring it up and when I get back I will put in a lot of months of work to create a special album.

chubum9989: Hey Marty, does it cost money for contestants to vote for themselves?
Marty_Simpson: I wouldn't know.

Bobarr: Did you like being on Australian Idol?
Marty_Simpson: It was one of the funnest few months of my life. I had so many good times. I loved trying to live the dream. PS You should too!

KimIdol: Who were you closest to in the house? And congrats for getting so far.
Marty_Simpson: Thanks babe. Probably closest to Lana, Dan and Nat.

jayy--: What was your favourite part of the Idol experience?
Marty_Simpson: Meeting so many amazing people, from the production crew to the contestants... and making valuable friendships that will last forever.

SweetNDsimple: Heya Marty! What would you have sang next week?
Marty_Simpson: I was going to be singing ‘Disease’ by Matchbox 20 and ‘With my Own Two Hands’ by Ben Harper.

sarahb95: Who do you think has the best voice in the comp?
Marty_Simpson: In the whole Final 12, I think Nat or... man, that's hard. I liked hearing how pure Lana's voice was too. I always liked listening to her phrasing.

Jadiica: Haii Marty, I just wanted to say that you were so good in Idol and just asking who do you think will win?
Marty_Simpson: Thanks for that! I think Nat is going to win... but then again, who knows? PS Rock n roll - live the dream!

jayy--: What did you think of Big Band night?
Marty_Simpson: I thought it felt like a trumpet was killing me softly with its song. Killing me softly... with its song....

Cousincat: What music have you been listening to recently? Any new bands you recommend?
Marty_Simpson: I guess it depends what genres you are into but some cool bands I like lately are Trial Kennedy, The Fratellis, Cocapenny, and Fat Freddy's Drop.

Jadeelim: Which judge did you like the most?
Marty_Simpson: I think Dicko - we really developed a good mate relationship. We always have a good laugh out the back of the stage.

Iamjess: Marty buddy, you were so funny! What’s your favourite type of candy?
Marty_Simpson: Raspberry liquorice.

blake111: What do you like better, surfing or singing?
Marty_Simpson: I like guitar and singing better than surfing. I love guitar... it's a whole thing that comes with singing.

Cousincat: Did you ever take singing/guitar lessons?
Marty_Simpson: No guitar lessons. Six lessons before I went to Idol Top 100 tryouts for singing. PS Live the dream.

BRiTTANYx: Marty, what’s your fave beach!? PS You’re the best :)
Marty_Simpson: Wambi - Wambi Grid represent!!!! Hahahahaha

Sarahhhhhhhh: Has Idol changed you in any way (for good or bad)?
Marty_Simpson: Yeah, all for good reasons. I've grown so much as a person and it's given me so many opportunities to do what I love with music. PS Live the dream, rock n roll!

AussieIdol07Fan: From your experience in this competition what was the most memorable moment you will take away and remember?
Marty_Simpson: Just working with all the people in the industry, from publicity to people in the recording areas. Even working with cameras - I was a bit dodgy at it but I liked it.

Jadeelim: Did you ever think of cutting your hair?
Marty_Simpson: No, but I did think about plucking my eyebrows. By the way, I was just on a radio station and raised $150 for charity plucking my monobrow!

Jadiica: Would you recommend the Idol experience?
Marty_Simpson: Depends on each person. It depends on your goals, personality.... it can be great for some and the wrong choice for others. You really need to know who you are and what your goals are before you come into this comp. If you know that, you can come in fearless and with nothing to lose. If not, don't come in at all.

sweet_November: Did you expect to do as well as you did on Idol? I love you so much, answer my question dammit.
Marty_Simpson: No way! I thought I would make it to Top 100 and that would be it. I made Final 4 and I feel blessed that Australia has seen something in me.

luvyt13693: Congratulations! Was it hard coping with all the rumours, and people saying you didn't want to be on Idol?
Marty_Simpson: For about two weeks I let it get to me. Since then and before then, I was unaffected by it all. It's all good fun.

Marty_Simpson: I appreciate everyone's support through my Idol journey. Hopefully I can see you at one of my shows - it shouldn't be too long before I am on tour! Everyone have a safe and merry Christmas... PS Live the dream, rock n roll!

Check out more of Marty on his web page!

Australian Idol reserves the right to edit all correspondence for brevity and legibility.