Why TJ Is an “Australian Idol” Front-Runner Who’s Hungry to Win It All

This year’s “Australian Idol” cast is stacked. In fact, during the top 12, this show’s judges gave away three Fast Passes. 

Imogen Spendlove received a fast pass from Marcia Hines for her heartbreaking performance of Shania Twain’s  “From This Moment On”. Issac McCallum got a Fast Pass from Amy Shark for belting James Arthur’s “Say You Won’t Let Go”. Last but not least, Tyler Hammill grabbed a Fast Pass from Kyle Sandilands for his chill cover of “Waves” by Dean Lewis.

Fast Passes are a huge deal in “Australian Idol”, as they allow a contestant to skip a round of voting.

However, there was a crowd favourite that didn’t receive a Fast Pass. The “Australian Idol” frontrunner TJ Zimba brought the house down with his performance of Justin Bieber’s “Peaches”, but this man isn’t safe from being eliminated.

So, who is the “Australian Idol” singer TJ? Why do the crowds love him? And does he have what it takes to win this series? Here’s everything that we know.

Who Is TJ Zimba From “Australian Idol”?

TJ Zimba is a 24-year-old from Zimbabwe who was raised in New Zealand and now lives in Karratha, Western Australia. However, he’s so much more than a set of geographical facts — he’s also an artist who dreams of one day winning a Grammy.

On “Australian Idol”, TJ has consistently blown the judges away with his effortless style. His vibey audition of Khalid’s “Location” was a hit, and his heartfelt version of B.o.B’s “Airplanes” was worth swooning over. 

According to TJ, he’s on “Australian Idol” to represent his home of Karratha. In a recent interview, he said that he wants to win to make his community proud.

“There’s a kid in every single small town who wants to be heard and wants to make it out: I’m doing that for them,” TJ said. “That’s why I’m trying to bring light and unite the country. I keep saying it, but dream big enough to take you out of your small town, so you can become big enough to feed them.”

However, while Australia and his hometown might love him, does he have what it takes to become our next Idol? Well, TJ thinks so.

“I do feel like I’m in my own lane, and that could take me to the grand final,” TJ said. “Whether Australia is ready for someone like me, we’ll see. But believe me, I’m going to put in my hard work to convince those who need to be convinced.”

If you want to watch TJ on “Australian Idol”, the season 2024 season is playing on Channel 7 and 7 Plus. New episodes will air at 7pm on Sundays and at 7.30pm Mondays through Wednesdays. Miss an episode? Catch up on 7 Plus.

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