TWO rising singers from the Redlands are continuing their run on Australian Idol, with Harlan Goode appearing in Monday night’s episode and fellow local hopeful Asher lyer set to feature when the show returned tonight.
The pair have both progressed into the competition’s Top 21, marking a major milestone in their journey on one of Australia’s biggest music stages.
For Harlan, the moment was both thrilling and daunting.
“It feels so surreal, but also scary at the same time,” he said.
“It definitely validates that I am good enough to be here, but being away from my family has been hard.
“One of my family friends told me, ‘The purpose outweighs the discomfort,’ and I have truly been living by that over the past couple of weeks.”
Harlan said the experience had been a dream come true, particularly as he represents his home community on the national stage.
“All in all, I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. Waking up every morning is a reminder that I am living my dream as a performer,” he said.
“I am especially grateful for my local community, who have shown me such incredible support this past month.
“I am truly proud to call the Redlands my home, and I take great responsibility in representing my community with pride.”
The singer is also looking forward to the show’s upcoming transformation phase — and admits he has big plans.
“I am most excited for the transformation. I have very big plans for my look!” he said.
“I usually spend way too much money on clothes myself, so it is going to be incredible for someone else’s bank account to go through that torture for once!”
He said the experience of working alongside other musicians had been one of the highlights of the competition so far.
“Being surrounded not just by singers, but by artists,” he said.
“Many of these artists have been in the industry much longer than I have, and it has been amazing to witness everyone’s unique creative processes and learn from my fellow musicians.”
Fellow contestant Asher said reaching the Top 21 felt surreal — especially after a rocky start to his Idol journey.
“It honestly feels surreal, especially considering how it started,” he said.
“I messed up my first audition and forgot my lyrics, and even throughout Top 30 week I still didn’t feel like I’d given a performance I was truly proud of.
“So, getting through to the Top 21 isn’t just exciting but it feels like an opportunity to transform.”
He said the upcoming Transformation Week would be a key moment for him both personally and professionally.
“I’m really excited for Transformation Week,” he said.
“That was a big moment for me personally because I believe with me it’s not just about changing my look; it’s about changing my mindset.
“Overcoming my nerves, stage fright, and never forgetting my lyrics ever again.”
Asher said the friendships formed behind the scenes had also been a highlight of the experience.
“You go in thinking it’s a competition, but you end up building real friendships,” he said.
“Living this experience together, the pressure, the rehearsals, everything bonds you fast.
“I’ve genuinely made friends I’ll have for life, and that’s something I didn’t expect but will always be grateful for.”
Australian Idol continues 7.30pm Monday on Seven and 7plus.
