Kate Cook makes Idol Top 24

Queensland's Kate Cook was the first to be selected in the Top 24 of Australian Idol 2009.

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Are you watching Australian Idol this year?

This poll ended on 30 November 2009.

Yes, I love it.

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9%

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22%

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LOWOOD resident Kate Cook has blitzed the next round of Australian Idol to be the first selected in the Top 24.

An avid musician, Kate grew up on the family property, singing around the camp fire at the end of a long day of mustering.

“Music, for me, was always there, ever since I was a little girl,” Kate said,adding that she now has a small studio in her home where she works onher songs.

“I'll sing anything, now is my time to shine. I just hope Australia likes it.”

A heartfelt performance of a song dedicated to her dead mother propelled Lowood resident Kate Cook into Australian Idol's Top 100 for 2009, and won her many admirers in the process.

Internet message boards were abuzz with fans of the 26-year-old after the Harley-riding former abattoir worker appeared on Sunday's audition show.

Armed with her acoustic guitar and amazing voice, Ms Cook wowed judges - including the acid-tongued Kyle Sandilands - with her poignant song about her mother, who committed suicide in 2000.

“When I first turned up to audition I thought I had no chance, there were that many people about,” Ms Cook said.

“Being Mother's Day weekend when I went up for auditions, I thought it was appropriate.

“It was hard, but it came from the heart and I thought it would show the judges what I'm about.

“When I lost my mum I went mustering up north, and that's when I wrote the song - I usually keep my emotions all inside, but writing songs helps me get it out in the open.

You can catch Idol on Ten from 6.30 Sundays.