Two young Redlanders are capturing national attention and making their community proud as they progress through this season of Australian Idol.
Redland City councillor Paul Bishop used today’s council meeting to formally recognise the achievements of Cleveland’s Harlan Goode, 18, and Thornside’s Asher Iyer, 16, who have both impressed audiences with their performances on the hit television singing competition.
Cr Bishop said the pair were outstanding examples of local talent and deserved strong community support as they continue in the competition.
Harlan has advanced into the top 12, earning praise for his powerful and emotional vocal style.
His musical journey began with country and rock influences before he discovered a passion for musical theatre.
A former vice-captain at Sheldon College, Harlan built a strong reputation in the performing arts, starring as Troy in High School Musical and performing in community choirs.
On Australian Idol, he has delivered a string of standout performances, including ABBA’s The Winner Takes It All, Diana Ross’s Chain Reaction, Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer, and Pure Imagination from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Cr Bishop encouraged the community to get behind the young performer as voting continues in the competition.
“Support for our Redlanders is really important, and the talent in our city is extraordinary,” he said.
Meanwhile, Asher Iyer has made it into the top 21, impressing judges with his passion for old-school rap and his dedication to his craft.
A senior student at Redlands College, Asher showed early determination by working for six months at a fast-food restaurant to save enough money to build his own bedroom recording studio.
He now creates his own music, collaborates with other artists and runs recording sessions with aspiring performers across South East Queensland.
Asher’s love of rap began at just 10 years old when he transformed a school speech into a rap performance — a moment that sparked his musical ambitions.
His Australian Idol performances have included Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Hip Hop Hooray by Naughty by Nature and Jump by Kris Kross.
Cr Bishop said both teenagers were outstanding ambassadors for the Redlands and represented the depth of young talent emerging from the region.
“We just want to offer our congratulations to both of these young, talented performers and wish them all the very best,” he said.
“They certainly make our city proud.”
