S2BC's Top 20 All-Time Australian Idol Performances: No. 5

5. Casey Donovan, "Here's Where I Stand" (Season 2, Semi-Finals)



Long before Jessica Mauboy memorably interpreted Xtina Aguilera's self-acceptance anthem "Beautiful" for a well-deserved touchdown in Season 4, there was this sensational performance on a similar theme from Casey Donovan, one of the most unforgettable introductions to a new voice in this country's entertainment history.

The song itself is from the soundtrack of Camp, a fun but disposable film about a performing arts retreat and its adolescent participants on a quest to find themselves. It's strongly sung in the film by Tiffany Taylor, a young black girl who surprises her parents with her talent, but it's poorly staged and boringly arranged. In Casey's hands it makes the leap from schmaltzy musical number to genuine art, giving it an unexpected further depth with breathtaking vocal flourishes that are equal parts fragile and robust.

This was the first time we'd properly witnessed the talent of Casey, who faced an uphill battle as a potential popstar because of her weight. History tells us she ultimately lost that battle, but not before a stunning evolution before the Idol cameras, one which deservedly took her to the title. This first performance epitomised that success: a combination of unbelievable song choice, a gorgeous fusion of both bold and gentle notes and an unparalleled ability to interpret lyrics as though she were the author. The song could so easily be by and about Casey:

"Here in the dark, I stand before you/
Knowing this is my chance to show you my heart/
This is the start, this is the start..."

It certainly was. And what a beautiful start: a kick-arse "take me or leave me" challenge she set us, and which we accepted immediately. She was the top vote-getter in her semi-final and to date it's the only semi-final performance to ever earn a touchdown. Bonus points too for dressing all in black to sing the "here in the dark" line. Quite simply, this was a woman presenting herself for judgment, with an uncommon strength shining through. She remains an enigma with worsening weight issues, but I sense she's on an upward curve, and I look forward to her stunning us with a re-introduction hopefully every bit as powerful and uncompromising as this.