Idol spotlight shines on local country music singer Lily-Grace Grant

LENNOX Head country music star Lily-Grace Grant is riding a wave of local support after emerging as one of the standout performers on Australian Idol.

The 17-year-old singer-songwriter impressed judges with her performance of the Tina Turner classic What You Get Is What You See during the auditions.

It was her first appearance on the long-running talent show, where she performed in front of judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark.

Lily-Grace has increased her live performances and songwriting output since leaving Byron Bay High School two years ago to pursue music full time.

Her appearance on Australian Idol has helped lift her profile, with the show set to dominate television screens in the coming weeks.

“We have such a great community up here. I’ve had so many people come up to me after just one episode,” Lily-Grace said.

“The other night at the RSL Club I signed an autograph for someone on the back of a dinner receipt with a Keno pencil.

“It’s a pretty cool feeling. People just want to support you and be involved any way they can.”

“Since leaving school I’ve been at shows where teachers have come over all excited and said, ‘hey remember me, that was awesome’. It’s just great when your community supports you so much.”

Lily-Grace said she was inspired to audition for Australian Idol after meeting 2024 winner and Bangalow local Dylan Wright while performing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

“He obviously had a great experience, and he’s super stoked for me,” she said.

“It’s great to have that kind of support from someone who knows what the process is like.”

She said her mother, Suzie, had supported her throughout her music journey, alongside a strong local network that encouraged her to release original music while learning from established artists.

Lily-Grace continues to support local venues and community groups that helped her along the way, including performances at Ballina RSL Club, Lennox Pizza Pasta Bar and Lennox Lions Club events.

Appearing on Australian Idol has strengthened her ambition to perform on major stages around the world.

“Watching yourself on TV is a bit surreal and I remember how nervous I was at the time,” she said.

“I’d done pieces to camera before, but nothing to the extent of the production on Australian Idol.

“It was almost like being on a movie set when I found myself playing in front of the judges.

“I don’t know how they do it.

“Some of the talent on the show is out of this world. I couldn’t be a judge; I’d want to put everyone through.”