A total of four contestants received a ‘Touchdown’ during Australian Idol Season 8 in 2023.
We would like to briefly explain the meaning of a ‘Touchdown’ on Australian Idol 2023 and further name all the contestants that have received ‘Touchdowns’ this season.
But first, let us talk about the history of ‘Touchdowns’ on Australian Idol in general.
Australian Idol ‘Touchdown’ History
A ‘Touchdown’ was first introduced on Australian Idol during Season 1 by a former judge, Mark Holden. In his opinion, Mark Holden awarded a ‘Touchdown’ to a contestant whose performance was extraordinarily good.
Mark Holden awarded his first ever ‘Touchdown’ to the contestant, Cosima De Vito, for her performance of “When the War Is Over” by Cold Chisel in the Top 8 on Australian Made night.
Over the years, Mark Holden would go on to award more ‘Touchdowns’ to deserving contestants, but his last one went to Australian Idol Season 5 winner, Natalie Gauci, during the Top 4 live performances on Big Band night in 2007.
Generally speaking, during the first seven seasons of Australian Idol, a ‘Touchdown’ did not hold any official status.
However in 2023 during Australian Idol Season 8 and specifically during the Top 24 performances, the ‘Touchdown’ was reintroduced as a twist granting each of the four judges a wild card.
So basically, each judge was allowed just one ‘Touchdown’, which put a contestant immediately through to the Top 12 finalists.
Australian Idol 2023 ‘Touchdown’ Contestants
Anya Hynninen
The first contestant to receive a ‘Touchdown’ during Australian Idol Season 8 in 2023 was 19-year-old Anya Hynninen.
The teenager received a ‘Touchdown’ during episode 10 on Sunday 19 February 2023, from judge Amy Shark for her rendition of “The Best” by Bonnie Tyler.
Maya Weiss
Maya Weiss received the second ‘Touchdown’ of the season during episode 11 on Monday 20 February 2023, from judge Kyle Sandilands for her rendition of Avicii’s “Addicted to You”.
Phoebe Stewart
The third ‘Touchdown’ of the season was awarded to 15-year-old Phoebe Stewart during episode 11 on Monday 20 February 2023, from judge Meghan Trainor for her rendition of “You Got the Love” by Florence and the Machine.
Angelina Curtis
The last ‘Touchdown’ of season 8 was awarded to yet another teenager, 15-year-old Angelina Curtis, during episode 12 on Tuesday 21 February 2023, by judge Harry Connick Jr. for her rendition of “The Only Exception” by Paramore.
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