SYDNEY - A former forklift-driving mum from Auckland could be singing from the rooftops in Sydney tonight if she beats more than 25,000 other hopefuls to be crowned the third Australian Idol pop star.
Brisbane-based Emily Williams has already seen off all but one challenger for the crown, Victorian 19-year-oldKate DeAraugo.
Australian bookmaker Centrebet has consistently rated Williams as the favourite after a string of impressive performances on the talent show, but the 21-year-old said she was simply looking forward to performing in the finale at the Sydney Opera House.
She had set her sights on just making the initial group of 150 singers so survival to the end point had been a bonus.
"Idol has been absolutely mind-blowing -- the biggest thing I've ever done aside from having a baby," Williams said.
"As a mum and from the background I have, I've got to say I'm just so grateful to have made it this far.
"I have had a very humble upbringing and I'm not used to all this. I mean, I have a chef. I'm just so grateful."
One of five children, Williams is hoping she can take her mother Yvonne, who lives in Auckland, to her final performance.
Williams left Auckland at 19, after falling pregnant, to live with her grandmother at Inala in Brisbane.
