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Eight young people with diverse musical talents impressed judges with Australian Idol connections and a large crowd during the first ever Youth Idol at the Glenmore Park Community Hall on Friday, 3 April, 2009.

The event was hosted by the Glenmore Park Youth Centre (GPYC) and Penrith Reconnect, which are both run by Wesley Mission’s Nepean Adolescent and Family Services.

The eight finalists were selected during auditions in March and performed one song each in front of three judges who have all featured on the Network Ten’s popular Australian Idol series. Luke Dickens was the runner-up in 2008, Roshani Priddis was one of the top ten in 2008, and Joseph Gateau was a finalist in 2006.

Cassie Colless, 14, took first prize with her powerful rendition of the jazz song “Lullaby of Birdland” by George Shearing and received heavy praise from the judges.

“That was amazing,” Luke said. “It won’t be long until you are out there in the music world.”

“You picked a very hard song to sing and you nailed it,” Roshani said. “You sound a lot older than your age.”

Cameron Snow-Fisher, 15, the lone male performer, wowed the crowd and the judges with his beat-boxing skills and was named the first runner-up.

“That was an amazing performance,” Joseph said. “You are a new up-and-coming talent.”

Cassie won $300 of vocal tuition, a 120 GB iPod and the opportunity to record a song at Sony Recording Studios. Cameron will join Cassie at a taping of Australian Idol and will get a tour of the Sony Recording Studios with the other runner-ups.

Following a lively duet by Luke and Roshani that brought the crowd to their feet, the judges encouraged all of the finalists to keep practicing their singing and to pursue their dreams of careers in the music industry.

“We want all of you to keep doing what you love to do,” Roshani said.

The event was designed to give youth in the Penrith area the opportunity to show off their musical talents and build confidence. Wesley Mission’s YouthLinx Worker, Laura Glasby, said everyone in attendance enjoyed Youth Idol 2009.

“I believe the night was a total success and it was a lot of fun to be a part of,” Ms Glasby said. “We have had great feedback from parents, young people and other co-workers. I hope it has brought some hope and joy into the young peoples lives and has helped build up their confidence.”

In between performances by the finalists, youth workers introduced some of their clients who spoke about how Nepean Adolescent and Family Services have helped them.

Blake, 11, said that he would have nowhere to go after school without the Glenmore Park Youth Centre. Bonnie-Lea, 14, said that her family counsellor has helped her learn to control her anger.

It was clear by the end of the night that Nepean Adolescent and Family Services is having a positive impact on the youth in the community and many people were clamouring for there to be a Youth Idol 2010.

- Lyle Moran, Public Affairs 

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Judges Luke Dickens and Rashani Priddis, former Australian Idol contestants, performing at Youth Idol 2009 at Glenmore Park Community Hall in Penrith.

Youth Idol 2009 winner Cassie Colless, 14, with runner-up Cameron Snow-Fisher, 15, at Glenmore Park Community Hall in Penrith.