News Item

Despite being branded "an ugly bastard" by Australia's version of Simon Cowell, a Kildare man is well on his way to becoming the next Aussie Pop Idol.

Chemist Damien Leith from Milltown, Co Kildare, will be going into the final round of the talent show 'Australian Idol' on Sunday night in which he hopes to become one of the 12 contenders vying for the title.

But what started out as a lark for the ex-patriate Irishman could well be the start of a new career, according to his Aussie wife Eileen.

Damien, who moved to Sydney permanently three years ago with his wife and is now the proud father of an 11-month old son, Jarvis, was goaded into trying out for the auditions by friends.

"At first it was a bit of fun. Now people recognise him on the street as 'the Irish guy'," Eileen said.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing.

During his first audition, judge Mark Holden said he was blown away by Damien's version of 'The Blower's Daughter' by Damien Rice, but was dismayed by his looks.

"You sound beautiful, but bloody hell you're an ugly bastard". he said.

You'll find plenty of beautiful sounds and only good looking people at the Kansas City Irish Fest...one week from today!