GenQ - For the not so straight individual

With the Top 24 being revealed tonight, Generation Q caught up with Idol judge Mark Holden to talk about the Eliminations,the Music Industry & of course Australian Idol!

Firstly, What do you think about resident metrosexual Jorge Bec & his exit to the top 100?

I think hes a legend in his own lunchbox. I think it was a good thing he left to be brutally honest. If you cannot work as a team then you have no way of working in the music industry. Being a recording artist, you interact with various people & if you dont have teamwork skills, you are screwed without them.

Now people have said you are being alot more nastier this year. What do you say in your defence?

Thats their opinion I guess but the way I see it is if you cant handle the heat well then stay out of the kitchen. The Music industry is a cold blooded killer at its worst with negative feedback & harsh critisism so if you cant deal with that then the Music Industry isnt the right place for you. Someone has to deliver the harsh news & unfortunately it has been me quite recently.

Last Night we saw the Top 127 be whittled down immediately to Top 100 then down to around 50, Do you think the best of the best have made it through?

We have found heaps of talent this year. We think that the best of the best have made it through in their own ways & definitely have a good shot at winning this year's title. I guess we will just have to wait & see how they perform live in 2 weeks time.

The Australian Public will be introduced to the Official Top 24 tonight in a very personal way. Are you happy with the outcome of the Top 24?

We feel as though the best have risen up & we are pretty happy with the result of the Top 24. With many genres touched on there is a better chance that people will be able to connect with any of the contestants. We just hope that the most talented get through to the Top 12.

Speaking of Top 12, This year sees a new concept in the show where there will be the opportunity to play musical instruments & sing original compositions. Does that mean you will have a greater expectation of the Top 12?

We know that all 24 contestants have what it takes to be in the Top 12. It also means that they do need to step up to the plate with what talent they have. I think that the new concept gives us the chance to see more of a personal side to them so the audience can connet to them more personally which will be great.

Unfortunately I ran out of time this morning for further questions but I think with what questions were asked we have seen a deeper insight into what is heading our way.

A big thankyou goes to Catherine Donovan for organising the interview & for Mark Holden for speaking to Generation Q!!

Cheers,

Joe K