Overview
For the first time in Australian Idol history, thirteen contestants instead of twelve, made it to the weekly finals rounds. As in past years, the Wildcard show would give a further three contestants a spot in the Final Twelve - two chosen by the judges and one by the Australian public. Following the "second-chance" wildcard performance show the previous night, on 5 September 2005, the judges choices were James Kannis and Emily Williams. The public choice was then revealed to be Daniel Spillane. However, it was also revealed a very marginal difference of less than 1% between the next highest voted contestant, Roxane LeBrasse, and the judges deciding that Roxane was too good to be left out of the Top 12, made it a Top 13. Unfortunately this would mean, the elimination of two people with the lowest votes, the following week.
The Grand Finale was held on 21 November 2005, with the winner being revealed as Kate DeAraugo. Kate had been outside chance to win through the duration of the season, but after the show ended, released a #1 single, "Maybe Tonight", a platinum selling album and a further Top 10 hit single through Sony BMG.
Runner up Emily Williams lost by 1% in the closest percentage ever in an Idol finale. She was originally signed to Sony BMG as a solo artist, but the agreement fell through and she ended up joining the girl band the Young Divas.
Lee Harding finished in third position and was signed to Sony BMG and released a # 1 single and a platinum selling album. His second single from his debut album proved to be less successful and in mid 2006 Harding was released from his contract with the label. He is currently touring and performing with his band Bedrock.
Dan England came 4th and didn't score a recording contract with a major label but recorded several independent releases and has toured with Season 2 winner Casey Donovan and Season 1 Runner Up Shannon Noll.
Anne Robertson who finished in sixth position was negotiating a deal with Sony BMG, but it was rumoured that Sony BMG was reluctant in signing her as they believed she was too similar to Season 1 contestant Paulini Curuenavuli who had been signed to the label for several years.
Other contestants from Season 3 have released numerous independent material and have toured and performed with several bands and music groups.
Winner Kate and runner-up Emily, later formed the all girl group, Young Divas, with past Idol contestants Paulini Curuenavuli and Jessica Mauboy and previously, Ricki-Lee Coulter.
Read more about this topic: Australian Idol (season 3)