Jessica Mauboy Biography

Jessica Hilda Mauboy (born August 4, 1989 in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia) is a singer. She was the runner-up in the Network Ten music contest Australian Idol 2006.

Early Life

Mauboy was born to a father of Indonesian origin and a mother of Indigenous Australian, Cherokee American, and English descent.

At the age of 14 won the Road to Tamworth talent search, the prize was a recording contract with Sony, she then recorded a Country version of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".

This brought contreversy during Idol, with certain media reports stating that already having a recording contract was against the rules of Idol, but Grundy Television said Mauboy's experiences in Tamworth had no bearing on her involvement in Australian Idol and that she no longer had a contract with Sony, allowing her to participate in the competition.

Australian Idol

Jessica auditioned for Australian Idol in Alice Springs, with the support of her mother, and made it through to the Top 124 by singing Whitney Houston's hit, "I Have Nothing". She performed at the Kimberley Moon Experience, in Kununurra, to announce the news.

Mauboy went to Sydney to perform in solo and in group performances. She advanced from Group 2 with equal 32% of the vote along with Reigan Derry to advance to the finals of Australian Idol. On September 24, Jessica was given the first "touchdown" from judge Mark Holden of season 4 Idol, after her performance of Christina Aguilera's hit, "Beautiful". On October 1, she suffered a very sore throat, and almost was unable to perform that night. She performed Phil Colins hit "Another Day in Paradise" but holding back some of the high notes. She subsequently placed in the bottom 3 on October 2 but luckily escaped elimination. Jessica received her second "touchdown" for her rendition of "Words" by The Bee Gees on 29 October, 2006.

Australian Idol 2006 allowed contestants to accompany themselves with instruments in the latter half of the competition. However Jessica decided not to play any instruments - her voice was considered her "instrument"; and Mark Holden agreed.

She was one of the most naturally talented contestants ever seen on Australian Idol, and was widely considered a favourite to win the competition. Much speculation was also made that she would win because of being in the middle of the top 12 group photo, as were the first three Australian Idol winners. On November 13 2006, Mauboy was voted into the final 2, securing her a place in the Grand Final at the Sydney Opera House. On November 26 2006, she was voted runner-up, against winner Damien Leith.

Australian Idol Performances

• Alice Springs Auditions - "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston
• Top 100 - "Soar" by Christina Aguilera
• Top 24 - "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston
• Top 12 - Contestant's Choice: "Stickwitu" by The Pussycat Dolls
• Top 11 - Rock: "Walk Away" by Kelly Clarkson
• Top 10 - #1 Hits: "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera
• Top 9 - Contestant's Year Of Birth: "Another Day in Paradise" by Phil Collins
• Top 8 - Disco: "On the Radio" by Donna Summer
• Top 7 - Acoustic: "Have You Ever" by Brandy
• Up Close & Personal: "What the World Needs Now Is Love" by Dionne Warwick
• Top 6 - Rock Swings: "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé Knowles
• Top 5 - ARIA Hall of Fame: "Words" by The Bee Gees
• Top 4 - Audience Choice: "Karma" by Alicia Keys
• Top 4 - Audience Choice: "Butterfly" by Mariah Carey
• Top 3 - Judge's Choice: "When You Believe" by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston
• Top 3 - Idol's Choice: "To Sir With Love" by Lulu
• Top 2 - Winner's Single: "Night of My Life"
• Top 2 - Contestant's Choice: "Impossible" by Christina Aguilera
• Top 2 - Contestant's Choice: "Together Again" by Janet Jackson
• Top 2 - Grand Final Performance: "When You Believe" by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston

Post-Idol

On December 10, 2006 it was announced that Mauboy had secured a recording contract with SonyBMG along with fellow idol, Dean Geyer. According to Denis Handlin, they will both have releases out mid 2007.

In mid-December, Jessica's version of Night Of My Life was leaked online by a New Zealand website which released it legally for download, even though she did not win Australian Idol. Also the Reactor mix of the song has also leaked.