After returning to his native Perth, he continued playing with his band Murphy's Lore, which also features his older brother Chris, who was an Idol finalist in 2006, has been playing plenty of solo shows and in 2004 he played Roger in Grease: The Arena Spectacular alongside Craig McLachlan, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and John Farnham.

Courtney's now working on a new solo album, which features one song, "Warning To You" that he wrote in the Idol House.

Plus he's about to feature in the new musical Cruisin' in WA, alongside Chris. "Me and Chris are having such a great time on Cruisin'," he says. "We're having a laugh."

Courtney also found time to marry his sweetheart Jane, who Idol fans will remember surprised Courtney while he was in the comp by flying over to see him for a teary reunion. The wedding, held at a vineyard, was also attended by Idol mates Marty Worrall and Daniel Belle.

"We're not going to start a family yet – we're too young," Courtney says. "Any money I have I'm putting into my other baby, which is the album."