Shanti-Lee Fitzgerald (year 12)
Camera IconShanti-Lee Fitzgerald (year 12) Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

Comeback for Cockburn Idol

Staff ReporterFremantle Gazette

COCKBURN Idol winner Shanti-Lee Fitzgerald has backed the City Council’s decision to run the singing competition for another year.

Elected members mulling over the City’s 2013-14 season of events made the decision to keep the popular contest earlier this month.

More than $570,000 has been budgeted by the City for next season’s events, with two community concerts – one of which will feature the Cockburn Idol final – absorbing most of the funds.

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An Aussie pop rock party costing $120,000 is expected to be held at the Success Regional Sporting Facility in early February.

The second concert, budgeted to cost $180,000, is being planned for Manning Park in March, with the City aiming to lure a big name to headline the show. Missy Higgins and Kate Ceberano are early candidates.

The City has a strong record for attracting musicians. Country music icon John Williamson and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra wowed audiences earlier this year, while Jessica Mauboy and Reece Mastin attracted 12,000 people in 2012.

And it’s the potential for Cockburn Idol finalists to perform in front of big crowds that excites musicians looking to make their way in the business, according to Shanti-Lee.

‘Cockburn Idol gives people a lot of experience, especially to those hoping to go onto something bigger,’ the Lakeland Senior High School student said.

‘The experience of performing and seeing all that happens behind the scenes gives you an insight into what goes on during big productions. I gained a lot from the competition.’

Annual favourites Teddy Bears Picnic, a Cockburn Christmas event and the Coogee Beach Festival will return.