A young Australian Idol contestant had judge Meghan Trainor in tears – not just with his haunting performance, but also his personal backstory.
Two years ago Ethan Moon, 20, was getting out of drug rehab after spending most of his teenage years as a heavy drug user.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Idol performance leaves Meghan Trainor in tears
Stream the world’s best reality, entertainment and true crime shows for free on 7Bravo on 7plus >>
On Tuesday night’s episode, he stood in front of four judges, hoping to realise his dream of transformation through music.
Outside, his nervous parents, who had helped him get through dark times, were waiting to see how he fared.
“I started using (drugs) at 12,” Ethan said in an introductory piece.
“Had some things happen to me when I was younger that weren’t the best.
“Ran away from home; I wasn’t a very good person to be around.”
When the judges asked Ethan to tell them a little about himself, he didn’t shy away from the truth.
“Two years ago today, actually, I was in rehab,” he said straight away.
“My older brother is here, he’s recently sober,” Meghan Trainor said.
“Good job, brother, I love you!
“It’s a tough, tough thing, so you’re very strong.”
Ethan went on to explain that his mum, a police officer, and his dad, who is in the army, had been his “biggest support”.
“Good on you, man, you’ve come out of that,” Kyle Sandilands said.
Ethan then began to sing Half A Man by Dean Lewis, showing off a unique vocal style packed with emotion.
After he had finished, there was a moment’s pin-drop silence in the room.
“Wow,” Kyle said, adding that Ethan’s performance “really sucked me in.”
Harry Connick Jr said Ethan had natural vocal talent that needed to be worked on, while Amy Shark said she was impressed by his unique vocal sound but felt he needed more time to develop.
Meghan said his performance was “heartbreaking” and “something special”.
It was a strong yes from Meghan and Kyle, but a no from Harry, meaning Amy had to make the ultimate decision.
“Look, the thing is, you’ve got big sad boy vibes, I got big sad girl vibes,” she began.
“I’m gonna give you a go, but really, let’s do this, let’s step it up.”
The judges asked Ethan to bring his parents in, at which point Kyle congratulated them on helping their son through tough times.
“Well done bringing him back from the edge,” he said.
“Look, there’s my sober brother, give him a hug,” Meghan said as her brother went to embrace the newest addition to the Australian Idol Top 50.
As the pair hugged, Meghan became super-emotional, crying as Amy Shark leaned over to give her a great big hug.
“Oh, I can’t take this anymore!” she said, fanning herself to get on top of her emotions.
“Thank you, I love you brother, you’re my favourite person.”
“Nice work Ethan!” Amy shouted as the ecstatic-looking family left the audition room.
“Ethan Moon, I can see it now.”
For more engaging entertainment content, visit 7Life on Facebook.
