Australia's Got Talent (season 5)

Australia's Got Talent
Season 5
Broadcast from 3 May – 2 August 2011
Judges Dannii Minogue
Brian McFadden
Kyle Sandilands
Host(s) Grant Denyer
Broadcaster Seven Network
Winner
Jack Vidgen
Runner-up
Cosentino

Australia's Got Talent is an Australian reality television show, based on the original UK series, claiming to find new talent. The fifth season premiered on the Seven Network on 3 May 2011 and ended on 2 August 2011, where singer Jack Vidgen was crowned the winner of Australia's Got Talent, while illusionist Cosentino became runner-up.[1][2] Judges Dannii Minogue, Kyle Sandilands, and Brian McFadden returned for the series, as well as host Grant Denyer.[1]

The producer auditions took place in 16 cities across Australia, and ran from October to December 2010.[3] The successful acts from these auditions were then invited back for a second audition in front of the judges and a live audience. These auditions were held in February and March 2011 in four major cities, including one day in Gold Coast and Perth, two days in Sydney, and three days in Melbourne.[4] From over 200 successful auditionees, only 48 acts were selected for the semi-finals.[5] The six semi-final shows began on 31 May 2011 and ended on 5 July. Introduced, was a new format to the show where three acts from each semi-final would advance through to the next round.[6] In previous years only two acts have made it through each semi-final.[6]

One of the most notable performances was by Jack Vidgen, a 14-year-old singer who sang a rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing" for his audition. His performance earned a standing ovation from both the judges and the audiences,[7] and has received more than 1.5 million views on YouTube.[8] Vidgen has since been dubbed Australia's answer to Justin Bieber, and has also attracted international and local interest.[8] The show had also sparked controversy, with accusations of contestant Jordan Paris plagiarising other comedians' jokes in his audition, and reports of contestant Chooka Parker's incident backstage following his elimination from the show.

Auditions

The producer auditions took place in 16 cities, throughout New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.[3] These auditions began on 17 October 2010 and ended on 12 December 2010.[3] The successful acts from the auditions were then invited to a second audition in front of the judges and a live audience. These auditions began in Gold Coast on 19 February 2011, followed by three days in Melbourne from 25 February 2011.[4] They also took place in Sydney on 12–13 March 2011, and ended in Perth on 20 March 2011.[4]

Semi-finalists

From over 200 successful auditionees, only 48 acts were selected for the semi-finals.[5]

Key      Winner      Runner up      Finalist      Semi-Finalist (lost judges' vote)
Name / name of act Genre Act From Semi Position reached
Adam Hynes Music Singer-songwriter & guitarist Cairns 5 Finalist
Afrikan Warriors Performing Acrobatics group Launceston 5 Semi-finalist
Bree De Rome Music 17-year-old singer-songwriter/guitarist Gold Coast 1 Finalist
Belle Air Performing Aerial Dance duo Sydney 4 Semi-finalist
Benchmark Music Singing group Gold Coast 2 Finalist
Ben Price Comedy Comedian Melbourne 3 Finalist
Beau Sargent Performing Contortionist Perth 5 Semi-finalist
Clara Helms Singing Opera singer Perth 5 Semi-finalist
Chooka Parker Music 17-year-old pianist Red Lion, Victoria 2 Finalist
Capree Music Singers and dancers Sydney 3 Semi-finalist
Cosentino Performing Escape artist and illusionist Lysterfield South, Victoria 2 Runner-Up
Deep Blue Music Contemporary orchestra Gold Coast 1 Semi-finalist
Dan Conway Music Singer-songwriter & guitarist Tamworth, New South Wales 3 Finalist
Dangerboy & Ivy Performing Extremists Newcastle, NSW 2 Semi-finalist
Dash & D'Bree Comedy Comedian singers Melbourne 1 Semi-finalist
David De Vitto Singing Opera singer Gold Coast 3 Finalist
Fiona Mariah Singing Opera singer Perth 1 Semi-finalist
Hazel Phillips Performing Entertainer Gold Coast 2 Semi-finalist
Instant Bun Dancing Dance troupe Various locations 4 Finalist
Jack Vidgen Singing 14 year-old singer Manly Vale, New South Wales 1 Winner
Jesse Emmanuel Music Singer-songwriter & guitarist Coffs Harbour 6 Semi-finalist
Jordan Paris Comedy Comedian Gold Coast 5 Semi-finalist
KLD X–treme Air Force Dancing Cheerleading group (aged 9–18) Melbourne 2 Semi-finalist
Ky Baldwin Dancing Tap dancer Sydney 6 Semi-finalist
Liam Burrows Singing 17-year-old jazz/swing singer Sydney 4 Finalist
Mac-Cussion Music Instrumental group Brisbane 4 Semi-finalist
Majestic Performing Adagio Brisbane 6 Finalist
Meriden Rhythmix Performing Rhythmic gymnastics group (aged 13–24) Strathfield 3 Semi-finalist
Misfits Stunt Crew Performing Stunt Crew Adelaide 3 Semi-finalist
Matty Shields Gymnastics Pole dancer Sydney 1 Semi-finalist
Matty "The Bandit" White Music Rapper Coonabarabran, New South Wales 5 Finalist
Pete the Kabar Rockstar Singing Singer Boonah, Queensland 4 Semi-finalist
Rock 'n' Roll Ropers Dancing Skipping rope dancers Queensland 1 Semi-finalist
Rod Collins Music Harmonica player Cairns 4 Semi-finalist
Rod "The Old Fella" Gregory Comedy Comedian Maitland, New South Wales 4 Finalist
Replicators Music Rock band Sydney 4 Semi-finalist
SKB Dancing Dance troupe Sydney 6 Semi-finalist
Steve Romig Music Singer-songwriter & guitarist Tootgarook 2 Semi-finalist
Stuart Biggins Singing Singer Albury, New South Wales 6 Finalist
Sisters and Misters Music Choir (aged 15–75) Melbourne 5 Semi-finalist
Taiko Drum Music Drumming group Hobart, Tasmania 6 Semi-finalist
Team Rocket Dancing Dance duo Cairns 1 Finalist
The Flying Lotahs Performing Sway Pole Acrobats Brisbane 6 Semi-finalist
Timomatic Singing Singer/dancer Sydney 6 Finalist
Tom Ward Music Guitarist Tasmania 3 Semi-finalist
Thomas Crane Singing Singer Perth 3 Semi-finalist
Uprising Music Rock band Mansfield, Victoria 2 Semi-finalist
Wayne Rogers Performing Drag queen singer Sydney 5 Finalist

Semi-final summary

The "Order" columns lists the order of appearance each act made for every episode.

Key Buzzed out
✔ Judges' choice
  Won the public vote
  Won the judges' vote

Semi-final 1

Order Contestant Act Buzzes and judges' choices Finished
Sandilands Minogue McFadden
1 Fiona Mariah Opera singer Lost judges vote
2 Rock 'n' Roll Ropers Skipping rope dancers Lost public vote
3 Bree De Rome 17 year old Singer-songwriter/guitarist Won public vote
4 Matty Shields Pole dancer Lost public vote
5 Dash & D'Bree Comedian singers Lost public vote
6 Team Rocket Dance duo ✔ ✔ ✔ Won judges vote
7 Deep Blue Contemporary orchestra Lost public vote
8 Jack Vidgen 14 year-old singer Won public vote

Semi-final 2

Order Contestant Act Buzzes and judges' choices Finished
Sandilands Minogue McFadden
1 KLD X–treme Air Force Cheerleading group Lost public vote
2 Hazel Phillips Entertainer Lost public vote
3 Dangerboy & Ivy Danger Act Lost public vote
4 Steve Romig Singer-songwriter & guitarist Lost public vote
5 Uprising Rock band ✔ Lost judges vote
6 Benchmark Singing group ✔ ✔ Won judges vote
7 Cosentino Escape artist and illusionist Won public vote
8 Chooka Parker 17-year-old pianist Won public vote

Semi-final 3

Order Contestant Act Buzzes and judges' choices Finished
Sandilands Minogue McFadden
1 Thomas Crane Singer Lost public vote
2 Ben Price Comedian ✔ ✔ Won judges vote
3 Meriden Rhythmix Rhythmic gymnastics group Lost public vote
4 David De Vitto Opera singer Won public vote
5 Tom Ward Guitarist Lost public vote
6 Capree Singers and dancers ✔ Lost judges vote
7 Misfits Stunt Crew Stunt crew Lost public vote
8 Dan Conway Singer-songwriter & guitarist Won public vote

Semi-final 4

Order Contestant Act Buzzes and judges' choices Finished
Sandilands Minogue McFadden
1 Replicators Rock band Lost public vote
2 Mac-Cussion Instrumental group Lost public vote
3 Rod Collins Harmonica player Lost public vote
4 Instant Bun Dance Troupe ✔ ✔ Won judges vote
5 Pete the Kabar Rockstar Singer Lost public vote
6 Rod "The Old Fella" Gregory Comedian Won public vote
7 Belle Air Aerial dance duo ✔ Lost judges vote
8 Liam Burrows Jazz/swing singer Won public vote

Semi-final 5

Order Contestant Act Buzzes and judges' choices Finished
Sandilands Minogue McFadden
1 Sisters and Misters Choir Lost public vote
2 Afrikan Warriors Acrobatics group Lost public vote
3 Clara Helms Opera singer Lost public vote
4 Beau Sargent Contortionist Lost judges vote
5 Adam Hynes Singer-songwriter & guitarist Won public vote
6 Matty "The Bandit" White Rapper ✔ ✔ ✔ Won judges vote
7 Jordan Paris Comedian Lost public vote
8 Wayne Rogers Female Impersonator Won public vote

Semi-final 6

Order Contestant Act Buzzes and judges' choices Finished
Sandilands Minogue McFadden
1 Kỳ Baldwin Tap dancer Lost judges vote
2 Stuart Biggins Singer Won public vote
3 The Flying Lotahs Danger act 2 2 2 Lost public vote
4 Jesse Emmanuel Singer-songwriter & guitarist Lost public vote
5 Taiko Drum Drumming group Lost public vote
6 SKB Dance troupe Lost public vote
7 Majestic Adagio ✔ 1 ✔ Won judges vote
8 Timomatic Singer/dancer Won public vote

Notes

Finals summary

The "Order" columns lists the order of appearance each act made for every episode.

Key Buzzed out
✔ Judges' choice
  Won the public vote
  Won the judges' vote

Final showdown 1

Order Contestant Act Buzzes and judges' choices Finished
Sandilands Minogue McFadden
1 Chooka Parker 17-year-old pianist ✔ Lost judges vote
2 Bree De Rome 17 year old Singer-songwriter/guitarist Lost public vote
3 Ben Price Comedian Won public vote
4 David De Vito Opera singer Won public vote
5 Instant Bun Dance troupe ✔ ✔ Won judges vote
6 Dan Conway Singer-songwriter & guitarist Lost public vote
7 Majestic Adagio Lost public vote
8 Jack Vidgen 14 year-old singer Won public vote
9 Cosentino Escape artist and illusionist Won public vote

Notes

Judges' votes (revealed in order)

As their votes were a tie, the result went to the public vote. It was then revealed that the act who received the most amount of votes was Ben Price.

Final showdown 2

Order Contestant Act Buzzes and judges' choices Finished
Sandilands Minogue McFadden
1 Stuart Biggins Singer Lost public vote
2 Team Rocket Dance duo Lost judges vote
3 Liam Burrows Jazz/swing singer Won public vote
4 Benchmark Singing group ✔ ✔ Won judges vote
5 Adam Hynes Singer-songwriter & guitarist Lost public vote
6 Matty "The Bandit" White Rapper ✔ ✔ Won judges vote
7 Wayne Rogers Drag queen singer Lost public vote
8 Rod "The Old Fella" Gregory Comedian Won public vote
9 Timomatic Singer/dancer Won public vote

Judges' first vote (revealed in order)

As McFadden and Sandilands both voted for Matty "The Bandit" White, he won the first judges vote.

Judges' second vote (revealed in order)

As Sandilands and Minogue both voted for Benchmark, they won the second judges vote. It is unsure who McFadden would have voted for.

Final

Key
  Winner
  Runner-up
  Third Place
Order Contestant Act Finished
1 Liam Burrows Jazz/swing singer 5th place
2 Instant Bun Dance troupe 10th place
3 Ben Price Comedian 8th place
4 David De Vitto Opera singer 9th place
5 Matty "The Bandit" White Rapper 6th place
6 Rod "The Old Fella" Gregory Comedian 4th place
7 Timomatic Singer/dancer Third Place
8 Benchmark Singing group 7th place
9 Jack Vidgen 14 year-old singer Winner
10 Cosentino Escape artist and illusionist Runner-Up

Notes

Reception

Controversies

Comedian Jordan Paris, who made it through to the semi-finals, was accused of plagiarising his jokes in his audition, of which he performed a routine about English singer Robbie Williams.[10] On 26 May 2011, The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that the same routine was performed by English comedian Lee Mack in 2007 on the British stand-up comedy show Live at the Apollo.[11] Paris said he was aware of Mack's work but did not rip off his routine, stating "comedy's a funny thing. Obviously there are a lot of people doing a lot of things, but a joke's a joke. If it's making people laugh then I'm happy."[10] That same day, Brisbane Times also reported that the other half of Paris' routine – about his three requirements for dating a woman – had been lifted from a routine by US comedian Geoff Keith.[10]

After losing the judges' votes in the first final showdown, host Grant Denyer tweeted that Chooka Parker[12] reportedly took the news of his elimination very badly.[13] Parker was reportedly banging windows and doors after losing the grand final spot to dance troupe Instant Bun.[13] He was then warned by studio security before driving off with his parents before the show ended.[14] A spokeswoman for the Seven Network told The Daily Telegraph, "Chooka's family have acquired a TV since he became part of the show and he has understood how the show and fame works since he started... He was upset when Brian said his routine had not developed enough and later went upstairs to the edit suite and blamed them for ruining his performance and he became a bit physical, slamming his hand into a window."[14]

Many of the above cited newspaper stories were grossly exaggerated with Chooka admitting later that although he had been upset it did not happen as the tabloids had argued. Instead Chooka was upset because "The producers took out a crucial part of my song. They pretty much destroyed my piece. I went backstage to ask them why they did it but they wouldn’t listen to me. I just hit the window, I definitely didn’t wrap my hand in a jumper and smash it. I’m not two-faced, what I said on stage I meant. All I want from my music is to make people happy", Chooka said. "You’ve got to hear my music from start to end. By changing it they made it sound as if I had made a mistake. Not winning the show wasn’t too disappointing, winning was never a dream. I just wish they hadn’t cut my song." explains Chooka.[15]

Contestants

14 year-old singer Jack Vidgen appeared on the first episode on 3 May 2011, and performed a rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing" for his audition.[7] The performance earned a standing ovation from both the judges and the audiences.[7] Judge Kyle Sandilands said, "You're either gonna be amazing or dreadful – both I will enjoy", while judge Brian McFadden was so moved from the performance he ran up on stage to kiss Vidgen's cheek once it was over.[7] The performance has received more than 3.5 million views on YouTube.[8] Vidgen has since been dubbed Australia's answer to Justin Bieber and has also been inundated with international and local interest.[8][16][17] He has also attracted the attention of celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton, who has posted several blogs of Vidgen's performances on his website.[18] In late July 2011, it was reported that Vidgen had signed a record deal with Sony Music Australia.[19] [20] Whilst the very popular Chooka Parker did not sign any contract with any record label he has gone on to become a very successful pianist, performing around Australia and has been overseas. Chooka Parker still retains his loveable character and popularity, winning a major music award in the People's Choice category, which enabled him to perform at the Sydney Opera House. He has released two recordings to date, a CD titled "No Worries!" in October 2011, and an EP titled, "My Jewel" in 2012[21]

Ratings

The first episode on 3 May 2011, achieved an audience of 1,563,000 and placed second overall for the night, being beaten by Masterchef Australia.[22] The second episode saw a slight drop in ratings with 1,457,000 viewers, and placed second once again.[22] The next five episodes each topped the nights overall ratings.[23][24][25] The seventh episode reached an audience of 1,815,000, which made Australia's Got Talent the third highest rating program of 2011.[26] The first live semi-final show on 31 May 2011, gained 1,949,000 viewers and topped the nights overall ratings.[27] The ratings boost was credited to 14 year-old singer Jack Vidgen who performed a cover of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from the Dreamgirls soundtrack.[28] The grand final show on 26 July 2011, achieved an audience of 2,192,000, becoming the season's highest ratings to date.[29] The grand final decider show on 2 August 2011, gained 2,855,000 viewers and topped the nights overall ratings.[30] The ratings were the highest achieved in 2011 so far by a television show broadcast in Australia.[9]

Colour key:
     – Highest rating episode and week during the series
     – Lowest rating episode and week during the series
Episode Airdate Timeslot Viewers
(in millions) 		Rank Ref
1 "Auditions" 3 May 2011 Tuesday 7:30 pm–9:00 pm 1.563 #2 [22]
2 4 May 2011 Wednesday 7:30 pm–8:30 pm 1.457 #2
3 10 May 2011 Tuesday 7:30 pm–9:00 pm 1.752 #1 [23]
4 11 May 2011 Wednesday 7:30 pm–8:30 pm 1.514 #1
5 17 May 2011 Tuesday 7:30 pm–9:00 pm 1.783 #1 [24]
6 18 May 2011 Wednesday 7:30 pm–8:30 pm 1.519 #1
7 24 May 2011 Tuesday 7:30 pm–9:00 pm 1.815 #1 [25]
8 25 May 2011 Wednesday 7:30 pm–8:30 pm 1.286 #4
9 "Semi-Finals" 31 May 2011 Tuesday 7:30 pm–9:00 pm 1.949 #1 [27]
10 7 June 2011 1.927 #1 [31]
11 14 June 2011 1.847 #1 [32]
12 21 June 2011 1.756 #1 [33]
13 28 June 2011 1.638 #2 [34]
14 5 July 2011 1.373 #4 [35]
15 "Final Showdowns" 12 July 2011 1.807 #1 [36]
16 19 July 2011 1.859 #1 [37]
17 "Grand Final Show" 26 July 2011 Tuesday 7:30 pm–9:30 pm 2.192 #1 [29]
18 "Grand Finale" 2 August 2011 2.316 #2 [30]
"Grand Final Decider Show" 2.855 #1

References

  1. 1 2 Joe (20 April 2011). "Australia's Got Talent 2011 premieres Tuesday May 3". TVcentral.com.au. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  2. ↑ Kate McMahon and Colin Vickery (2 August 2011). "Australia's Got Talent winner Jack Vigden has the world at his feet". Herald Sun. Australia. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
  3. 1 2 3 Knox, David (24 September 2010). "Auditions: Australia's Got Talent". TV Tonight. Retrieved 6 June 2010.
  4. 1 2 3 Lowie (27 January 2011). "Dannii, Kyle and Brian return to judge Australia's Talent". The Spy Report. Media Spy. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  5. 1 2 Joe (28 May 2011). "Australia's Got Talent: Semi-Final One". TVcentral.com.au. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  6. 1 2 Vickery, Colin (8 June 2011). "Change in format suggests Australia's Got Talent season might be extended". Herald Sun. Australia. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "14-year Jack Vidgen wows judges on old Australia's Got Talent with a Whitney Houston rendition". The Daily Telegraph. 4 May 2011. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Byrnes, Holly (5 May 2011). "Australia's Jack Vidgen has a smidgen of that Justin Bieber mojo". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  9. 1 2 Christensen, Nic (3 August 2011). "Australia's Got Talent sets 2011 ratings record". The Australian. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  10. 1 2 3 Waters, Georgia (26 May 2011). "Australia's Got Talent Comedian Jordan Paris Stole Jokes". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  11. ↑ Jabour, Bridie (26 May 2011). "Jordan Paris accused of plagiarising comedian Lee Mack on Australia's Got Talent". Herald Sun (Australia). Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  12. ↑
  13. 1 2 Vickery, Colin (20 July 2011). "Pianist Chooka Parker loses his cool after missing out on Australia's Got Talent grand final". Herald Sun (Australia). Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  14. 1 2 "Australia's Got Talent contestant Chooka Parker throws a tantrum after being voted off the show". The Daily Telegraph. 21 July 2011. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  15. ↑ "Chooka Parker denies Dummy Spit" The Courier Mail
  16. ↑ Coster, Alice (2 June 2011). "Blong bombshell Jack Vidgen tipped to be the next Bieber". Herald Sun. Australia. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  17. ↑ Corbett, Bryce (3 June 2011). "Jack Vidgen: Australia's answer to Justin Bieber". The Australian Women's Weekly. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  18. ↑ "Gossip king Perez Hilton meets the boy from Oz". Herald Sun. Australia. 15 July 2011. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  19. ↑ "Jack Vidgen is guaranteed a record deal whether he wins or loses Australia's Got Talent". News.com.au. 28 July 2011. Archived from the original on 29 July 2011. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
  20. ↑ http://www.chookaparkermusic.com
  21. ↑ "The Official Chooka Parker Website". Retrieved 31 Jan 2014.
  22. 1 2 3 Knox, David (3 May 2011). "Week 19". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 June 2011.
  23. 1 2 Knox, David (10 May 2011). "Week 20". TV Tonight. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  24. 1 2 Knox, David (17 May 2011). "Week 21". TV Tonight. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  25. 1 2 Knox, David (24 May 2011). "Week 22". TV Tonight. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  26. ↑ Casey, Marcus (25 May 2011). "Australia's Got Talent leads in ratings war". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 8 June 2011.
  27. 1 2 Knox, David (31 May 2011). "Week 23". TV Tonight. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
  28. ↑ "Australia's Got Talent hits 1.9m". The Australian (Sydney). 1 June 2011. Retrieved 8 June 2011.
  29. 1 2 Knox, David (26 July 2011). "Week 31". TV Tonight. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
  30. 1 2 Knox, David (2 August 2011). "Week 32". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
  31. ↑ Knox, David (7 June 2011). "Week 24". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 June 2011.
  32. ↑ Knox, David (14 June 2011). "Week 25". TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
  33. ↑ Knox, David (21 June 2011). "Week 26". TV Tonight. Retrieved 22 June 2011.
  34. ↑ Knox, David (28 June 2011). "Week 27". TV Tonight. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
  35. ↑ Knox, David (5 July 2011). "Week 28". TV Tonight. Retrieved 6 July 2011.
  36. ↑ Knox, David (12 July 2011). "Week 29". TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  37. ↑ Knox, David (19 July 2011). "Week 30". TV Tonight. Retrieved 20 July 2011.
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