Two Mackay singers are manifesting their boyhood dreams, progressing to the next round of the country’s most iconic star-making television series, Australian Idol, as it returns to television screens after 13 years away.
Moranbah coal miner Damien Agius and ex-Mackay Cutters rugby player Noah Cookson have already impressed the judges in the globally successful show, and now they’re shooting to go all the way. They’ve showcased their talent as emerging artists to Australian superstar Amy Shark but can they become the next Australian Idols?
The little boy from the Pioneer Valley - who sat in front of the telly in 2001 begging his mum to let him vote for “Nollsy” on her Nokia - would be proud of his future self-achieving what has been a lifelong dream.
Damien Agius, a Moranbah coal miner who grew up singing in his school-choir before graduating to country music performances on the loud stages of places like Eton Pub, is one of two Mackay musos representing the Sugar City on Australian Idol 2023 – something that has been on his mind for over 20 years.
Alongside him representing the region is a youngster who traded in the footy and picked up a guitar: Noah Cookson – a falsetto-voiced 19-year-old from a family of musicians.
Both singers have progressed from the auditions of the show to the next round.
“It was my dream to go on Australian Idol,” 28-year-old Damien Agius said.
His audition aired last Sunday on Channel 7, and Australian audiences were treated to a special showing of Agius performing Garth Brooks’ ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ in front of superstar Amy Shark.
“It was the busiest night at Eton Pub I’ve ever seen and then Amy Shark walked in and she said, ‘you’re going to audition’ – there’s a reason I looked so surprised,” Agius said.
“When it was over, I was emotional to have made it through. I was speechless; normally you can’t shut me up. I couldn’t believe it. For me, the dream is to make this my full time living and win Idol. This is something I’ve been working towards for 20 years – I’m ready to leave my job and be able to play to people at my own concerts, sell out places.
“I want to take on the world.”
For his fellow Mackay musician Noah Cookson, taking on the world is within his sights after dropping rugby league to pursue singing fully, following in the footsteps of his wedding singer parents.
“I wanted to focus on music because it is something that makes me feel at my best,” Cookson said.
“There was no doubt from them; they would support me if I had chosen footy or music. Their musical influence has been such a great thing to grow up in – they’re my heroes. And I think that’s made them proud to see me perform ‘Yellow’ [by Coldplay] in front of Amy Shark.
“That’s my dad and my song. We always perform it together and to have that be the song which got me through to Idol, I think that’s a sign. I am so grateful for them and for everyone in Mackay who has helped me on this journey.”
Both Agius and Cookson have made it through to the next round of Australian Idol, which will be showing on Channel 7 Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday night.
Images: - Damien Agius - Noah Cookson
