Singer and Australian Idol judge Amy Shark made a rare confession on Wednesday night’s episode after a young singer’s talent blew her away.
Jake Carlson, a 20-year-old singer and music therapy teacher from Melbourne, nervously stepped onto the Australian Idol podium during day three of auditions and explained what he was about to sing, and why.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Amy Shark’s emotional confession on Australian Idol.
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Jake had chosen the Jason Mraz classic I Won’t Give Up and dedicated it to his younger brother and “best friend” Jonah, who was diagnosed with autism at three years old.
“It’s my brother’s favourite song,” Jake explained.
Jake said playing music helped to calm Jonah down, and he gradually came to realise he could perhaps make others feel better too, influencing his decision to move into music therapy and teaching.
“My brother is why I wanted to get into music therapy,” he added.
“Man, he’s lucky to get a brother like you,” Amy responded, looking impressed.
What ensued was a powerful, emotional and heartfelt audition that left all three judges visibly moved.
After praising a still nervous and overwhelmed-looking Jake, Marcia said, “Do you need a cuddle?”
After Jake nodded, Marcia walked up to give him a hug.
Amy then jumped up and dropped a remarkable confession — a sign of just how moved she’d been by Jake’s performance.
“That was close,” she said, hugging him.
“I have not come that close to crying in a really long time.”
“There were nerves,” she added.
“But I think I would buy every single ticket to any show you ever played, and I think I would buy every album.
“Oh man, it’s a huge yes from me.”
Kyle and Marcia also both said yes to the talented young singer.
Amy decided to accompany him to break the good news to the rest of his family waiting anxiously outside.
Jake’s tearful mum was standing by to hear how her son went.
She was so overcome with emotion, she blurted out something her son might have wished she hadn’t.
“Oh my god, so nice to meet you!” Jake’s mum said, speaking to Amy.
“Did he tell you he’s had a crush on you forever?”
Looking abashed, Amy laughed and said humbly, “Aw, he was just saying he didn’t mind my music!”
“He just did his magic, the music, the story, just the way you are, you’re just an absolutely effortless superstar,” she told a chuffed-looking Jake.
“I just wasn’t expecting that — it was really cool.”
Australian Idol returns on Sunday at 7pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.
