The Wingham Chronicle spoke to James on Monday and he said the news that he had made it into the top 12 was still sinking in.

He celebrated the achievement by enjoying a quiet beer with his co-contestants in Darling Harbour, he said.

The Cedar Party lad exuded confidence during his live semi-final when he put his own stamp on the Gnarls Barkley hit Crazy.

He admitted to feeling nervous leading up to the broadcast but that his worry dissipated right before it was time for him to sing.

“Everything kind of calmed,” James said. “It felt like the pressure had washed away.”

James carved it up on stage, winning applause from the judges for his savvy song choice and showmanship. The 18-year-old’s dance moves were a hit with the both the adjudicators and the audience.

“Elvis was in the room,” judge Marcia Hines said.

“I think that was a really good, strong song choice,” Jay Dee Springbett said. “Young girls are going to love you.”

Ian “Dicko” Dickson did express some minor quibbles over James’ dress (“I think you look like the office junior on a night out”) and he feared he was in danger of pigeon-holing himself as a pin-up boy for pre-teen girls, but he was full of praise for the vulnerability he showed in his vocal performance.

“There’s a real innocence about you and a vigour and just a natural hunger for music that’s really attractive – and I think you’re travelling really, really well,” Dicko said.

James was pleased with the response. “If the worst thing they can do is knock my dress, then that’s not too bad,” James laughed.

James thanks all of the people of Wingham for getting behind his Idol bid.

He has been overwhelmed by the support he’s received through his email and facebook group.

“It’s good to know you’ve got that backing,” James said.

Throughout the show, James has been branded as the talented boy from the bush.

Our town of Wingham rated a number of mentions during Thursday’s broadcast; host Andrew G even referred to Beef Week as “his favourite week of the year”!

Don’t miss James’ next performance on Australian Idol this Sunday from 6.30pm on Southern Cross Ten.