Piper Butcher & Kaitlyn Thomas Make Australian Idol’s Top 50

Up and coming country artists, Piper Butcher and Kaitlyn Thomas, both earned themselves a golden ticket on the iconic singing competition series, Australian Idol last night.

Butcher impressed judge Harry Connick Jr. with her stunning rendition of the Imagine Dragons classic Radioactive during the rural home visit. While Thomas, who has always been inspired by strong female artists like Sheryl Crow, Carrie Underwood, The McClymonts, Abby Anderson and rock artists Anne Wilson and Pat Benatar, wowed all four judges in Melbourne with her powerhouse cover of Gretchen Wilson’s Redneck Woman.

With the golden ticket in hand, it means they both advance into the next round of the competition, which will see them compete against others in the Top 50 in Sydney.

Butcher wrote on social media, “HOLY MOLY!! TOP 50 BABY. The journey so far has been amazing. To have Harry surprise us in our shed, and then of course sing my heart out… man I couldn’t ask for anything more. I’m ready for what’s to come. I hope you guys are too!! Thank you to Australian Idol for making dreams come true!”

Thomas added, “Wow how amazing was that so extremely excited to earn a golden ticket and 4 YES'S on Australian Idol. That was one of the biggest emotional rushes I have ever encountered! Thanks to everyone for all of your support! Bring on Sydney!”

Australian Idol had seven seasons from 2003-2009 making household names of country singers like Hayley Jensen, James Johnston, Shannon Noll, Wesley Dean and Casey Barnes, as well as singers including Guy Sebastian, Casey Donovan, Rob Mills, Paulini, Jessica Mauboy and Anthony Callea.

After a 14-year hiatus, this reimagined season (which premiered on Monday, January 30) sees hopefuls aged 15-28 showcase their talents for judges award-winning performers Meghan Trainor, Amy Shark and Harry Connick Jr. and radio broadcaster Kyle Sandilands. 

The hosts are former Idol contestant Ricki-Lee Coulter and TV host, Scott Tweedie.

Newcastle singer-songwriter, Butcher released her debut EP in 2021. September peaked at #1 on the Alternative Album iTunes charts and #2 in the All Genre Album iTunes charts. Her latest releases – Read Between The Lines and Unconscious Mind – dropped in 2022.

With Americana meets rock ’n’ roll influences from the likes of Lukas Nelson, Chris Stapleton and Stevie Nicks, the CMAA Academy of Country Music graduate has supported acts such as Diesel, Glenn Shorrock, Gretta Ziller, The Black Sorrows, Richard Clapton, Thirsty Merc, Melody Moko, Josh Pyke and Tori Forsyth, and played alongside Bill Chambers, Gina Jeffreys and Lyn Bowtell to name a few.

Born and raised in rural Victoria, Thomas began writing her own songs at 8-years-old. She was only 12 years old when ARIA nominated singer-songwriter, Beccy Cole declared to her audience, “There’s a star in the making right there.”

Thomas is a graduate of both the junior and senior CMAA Academy of Country Music and was awarded Australian Youth Songwriter of the Year in 2012 and again in 2018. She is currently earning a Bachelor of Music while running her own singing school. 

Thomas has also released a slew of singles including Make Your Move in 2021 and recently appeared on C31’s Coming Together Christmas special.