TWO Redlands teenagers are gaining national attention after standout performances on Australian Idol.
Cleveland singer Harlan Goode, 18, a recent Sheldon College graduate, impressed judges in his televised audition, earning a golden ticket and a place in the top 30.
Goode said balancing filming with his final external exams was one of his biggest challenges.
“I won’t lie, it was very tough,” he said.
“Balancing the show and my ATAR was mentally exhausting, but it pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me grow as a performer and musician.”
He described audition day as intense, with long waiting periods followed by a whirlwind performance.
“I have never been more nervous in my life,” he said.
“It all happened so fast – it felt surreal.”
Receiving the golden ticket was a moment he had dreamed about for years.
“When they said my name, I felt relief first, then pure excitement,” he said.
Goode said representing the Redlands on a national stage has been especially meaningful, crediting Cleveland and Sheldon College’s strong arts culture, along with his teachers and mentors, for shaping him as a performer.
Meanwhile, Thornside student Asher Iyer, 16, who is completing Year 12 at Redlands College, has emerged as one of the season’s most determined contestants.
Balancing school life with a national competition has been a surreal experience.
“One minute I’m stressing about assignments, the next I’m forgetting my lyrics in front of Marcia Hines,” he said.
Asher said the competition has pushed him to refine his craft, manage nerves and define himself as an artist.
His journey included early disappointment.
During his first audition, he said he was starstruck walking into the judging room.
“The lights, cameras and three poker faces – that’s when it got real,” he said.
After forgetting lyrics mid-performance, he left disappointed but determined to return.
“Coming back was the easiest decision I ever made, even though it was scary,” he said.
Focusing on why he loved music helped him succeed in his second audition.
“After I finished performing, I felt at peace. I knew I’d done what I could,” he said.
When he received his golden ticket, the moment was overwhelming.
“I did cry,” he said.
Born in Whangārei, New Zealand, Asher has lived in Thornside for three years.
He said balancing school, sport, friendships and music built strong time management skills, while support from peers and teachers helped him grow in confidence.
Australian Idol continues at 7pm Sunday and 7.30pm Monday on Seven and 7plus.
