REDLANDS rising star Harlan Goode has delivered a show-stopping performance on national television, earning a standing ovation and glowing praise as he edges closer to the Australian Idol Grand Finale.
Appearing in the Top 6 “Heroes and Tributes” episode of Australian Idol, the local singer dedicated his performance to three influential women in his life — his nan, his mum, and his former high school music teacher, Mrs Moore from Sheldon College.
Performing I’m Still Standing by Elton John, Harlan took things to another level — literally — by climbing on top of the piano mid-performance, drawing a huge reaction from both the audience and judges.
The bold performance earned a standing ovation and high praise from judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark.
Amy Shark said Harlan’s performances were reaching another level.
“This is getting ridiculous now ok. Your understanding of performance and dynamics when singing is incredible to watch, and it gets us in the palm of your hand. You look like a superstar,” she said.
“When we first met you, we felt you were quite guarded. I feel we have gotten to know you. You’ve been such a dream to watch, you are a superstar, another incredible performance.”
Marcia Hines said she eagerly anticipated his big moments on stage.
“I know they are going to be good and I wait for you to hit those notes to pin me against the wall. Those notes are stupid good,” she said.
She also paid tribute to the women who helped shape him, adding: “You really are something.”
Kyle Sandilands described the performance as concert-worthy.
“Harlan is superstar material. I felt like I was actually at a paid concert. I forgot I was judging. I just wanted to soak it up,” he said.
“You are going to do this for the rest of your life. If you can take any lesson from me, it would be to treasure those close to you, treasure those women. It was obvious love and passion was coming out of that song — it was truly a top quality performance.”
Harlan said the performance was deeply personal, crediting the three women for helping him find his identity and confidence.
“I never really fit into school I didn’t know who I wanted to be, I didn’t know my worth, they’ve all taught me it doesn’t matter, just be you,” he said.
“I would not be standing on this stage in front of the whole nation if it weren’t for them.
“I’m still standing here because of these three incredible women. Getting to the Grand Finale means everything to me.”
In a surprise moment, hosts Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie revealed a message of support from international star Adam Lambert.
“Bravo, you have a great voice. Good luck in the competition, follow your gut, sing your heart out,” Lambert said.
Reflecting on his journey, Harlan said the experience still felt surreal.
“I’m so grateful to be here, I keep saying to my friends they’ve started their first year of uni, and I’m here, so it’s a bit weird to see,” he said.
“I’m so, so grateful. I could never amount to saying thank you for what these women and my family have done for me.”
Australia will now decide Harlan’s fate, with a live results show set to determine whether he secures a place in the Grand Finale.
