When Canberran Emma Jones applied for the latest season of Australian Idol she “definitely” did not expect to make the top eight.

The 23-year-old from Braddon said she had planned to apply when she was approached and encouraged to audition.

“I was apprehensive at first, but I thought it’s a good time to push myself and get out of my comfort zone,” she told CD.

Emma said she “definitely” didn’t expect to make it to the top eight.

The musician said going into the competition, she didn’t know what to expect.

“I’ve done music professionally for quite a well, you get used to the working musician life and putting myself out there,” Emma said.

“Especially on television, that’s a whole different ballpark. The television industry is different, I didn’t know what I was walking into.

“Watching it growing up, I thought I could have a crack at it.

“I went in apprehensive; you don’t know what putting yourself out there will look like.”

Emma said while it was tricky to choose her favourite song she performed, Iris by American rock band the Goo Goo Dolls was in her top three.

“I really loved Iris. That was something that especially is one of my main highlights getting to perform with the Goo Goo Dolls, which is insane as it was not on my bingo card going into it,” she said.

“I didn’t imagine myself in that situation so that was a really cool moment.

“I’ll Stand by You and (Belinda Carlisle’s) Heaven is a Place on Earth — the mentoring from Belinda, having the artists’ encouragement, feedback and advice is priceless.

“It’s something you can’t ask for better than that.”

She said working with the judges — Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark — they all had different experiences and advice to give to the musicians.

“That’s been really interesting to learn from each of them,” Emma said.

Originally from Wollongong, Emma moved to Canberra two years ago to start a job in the public service.

Instead, she ditched it for a career in music full-time.

You may have seen her perform at pubs and clubs across Canberra and out to Queanbeyan, as well as Floriade, and corporate events.

More recently, she performed at Enlighten Festival, and FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow.

Primarily playing covers, Emma said moving forward she planned to record, release and perform original music and potentially collaborate with her fellow Australian Idol contestants.

You can follow Emma on Facebook at facebook.com/EmmaJonesMusic01.

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