By Tyler Wright
Before the announcement she had progressed into the Top 12 contestants on this year’s Australian Idol, Selby local Anya Hynninen received a touchdown from musician Amy Shark.
Performing Tina Turner’s ‘The Best,’ the 19-year-old said she was not expecting to go through to the next stage.
“I thought I’d probably be going home… it was completely unexpected and I started bawling my eyes out,” Hynninen said.
“I was very very grateful to get it.”
A version of Turner’s song on the show Schitt’s Creek inspired Hynninen to make a version of a mix of the original and the cover dedicated to her mum.
“She couldn’t be there, she was in hospital,” Hynninen said.
“It was a good testament to what a woman she is.”
Hynninen said the pressure has increased in the competition over the past couple of weeks.
“It’s been stressful,” she said.
“I’m a little bit reserved, but I feel like I’ve made friends that I’m going to have forever.
“We’re still talking and chatting… but it’s definitely a lot more pressure than it was before.”
Two people will be going home each week until the top six are decided.
Three contestants will then be eliminated, leaving the three finalists standing.
“It’s very full on, but voting really matters,” Hynninen said.
“Community support from the area where I’m from really matters….a lot of them are behind me.”
As a self-proclaimed over thinker, she said she has practised songs over and over “every single say for ages”.
“I film myself moving to it on camera so I don’t look like an idiot when I go out on stage… all the little things like how I’m going to move my hip at this part.
“I feel like if I overthink it to the extent that I’ve thought about everything that can be thought about, there’s nothing that will give me anxiety because I’ve over prepared.”
Australian Idol is airing on the Seven Network at 7.30pm from Monday to Wednesday and can also be streamed on 7plus.
