Bobby Flynn was the curly-haired musician who quickly became a fan favourite on the 2006 season of Australian Idol thanks to his unique interpretation of iconic hits.
And as the talent show returns to television after 12 years as part of Channel Seven’s 2022 prime time line-up, Daily Mail Australia takes a look at where Bobby is now.
The 39-year-old Brisbane-born performer, who is now a proud father to son Atlas, nine, and daughter Indigo, five, has left music behind for a government job.
What happened to Australian Idol’s Bobby Flynn? The curly-haired star (pictured in 2006) was a fan favourite in the 2006 season, thanks to his unique interpretations of iconic hits
Bobby placed seventh in the 2006 season of Australian Idol – the same season that starred Dean Geyer, Jessica Mauboy, and eventual winner Damien Leith.
He quickly became a standout, with judge Mark Holden giving him his first ‘Touchdown’ in week five for his eccentric rendition of Rick James’ Superfreak.
‘I just love the fact that he turns genres upside down,’ Mark said back in 2006.
With all the praise, it came as quite a shock when Bobby was eliminated from the competition, placing seventh.
Family man: Bobby is a proud father to son Atlas, nine, and daughter Indigo, five. He returned to university in 2013, finishing off his economics degree. He now works for the Victorian state government
A year later, Bobby completed a nationwide tour with his band The Omega Three.
He then released his debut album Out Front 2008, followed by 2013’s Real World.
In 2013, Bobby went back to university, finishing off his economics degree.
He now works full time for the Victorian State government.
Standout performer: Bobby placed seventh in the 2006 season of Australian Idol – the same season that starred Dean Geyer, Jessica Mauboy, and eventual winner Damien Leith
Praise: ‘I just love the fact that he turns genres upside down,’ judge Mark Holden (pictured) said back in 2006
In an interview with Who magazine in 2006, Bobby reflected on the surreal experience of competing on the show.
‘Part of it is that you forfeit some of your individuality. It takes some time to settle down after that sort of experience, because it’s a very powerful one — performing in front of 1.8million people each week,’ Bobby said.
Bobby also explained how music was always there in the background.
Fan favourite: With all the praise, it came as quite a shock when Bobby was eliminated from the competition, placing seventh
On the road: In 2007, Bobby completed a nationwide tour with his band The Omega Three. He then released his debut album Out Front 2008, followed by 2013’s Real World
‘Music always existed — it was always there. But I never thought about my future too much until my last year of high school. I thought at the time I wanted to be involved in restaurants and bars, maybe own one. I explored it a little bit, but it’s very hard work. Maybe one day though!’ he said at the time.
In October, Angus Ross, Seven’s Director of Programming announced Australian Idol’s return for 2022: ‘Idol is the granddaddy of them all! The biggest show in the world comes to Seven in 2022, and we know Australians are going to love it.
‘We can’t wait to bring Idol back to Australian audiences in 2022, putting our prime time content line-up even further ahead of the competition.’
Returning: In October, Angus Ross, Seven’s Director of Programming announced Australian Idol’s return for 2022: ‘Idol is the granddaddy of them all! The biggest show in the world comes to Seven in 2022, and we know Australians are going to love it’
‘We’re home to the biggest franchises in television at Seven, and Idol is the biggest of them all. Bring on 2022!’ Mr Ross added.
Fremantle Asia Pacific’s CEO, Chris Oliver-Taylor, said: ‘Idol is renowned for launching global music artists. That’s what we’ve done here in Australia and across the world. We can’t wait to break the next superstar Idols on Seven in 2022.’
Australian Idol is a Fremantle and Eureka co-production for the Seven Network and will premiere on Channel Seven and 7plus in 2022.
Now a top-selling artist: Based on the global Pop Idol format – the most-watched TV franchise in history – Australian Idol aired from 2003 to 2009 on Channel Ten. Pictured is Shannon Noll, who placed runner-up in the 2003 season
Where it all began: Pictured is Casey Donovan performing during the Australian Idol finale in 2004, which she won
Based on the global Pop Idol format – the most-watched TV franchise in history – Australian Idol aired from 2003 to 2009 on Channel Ten.
The talent show is famous for discovering a string of top-selling artists, including Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Casey Donovan, Matt Corby and Ricki-Lee Coulter.
It was hosted by Osher Günsberg and James Mathison from 2003 to 2007, before Ricki-Lee Coulter joined them in 2008.
The following year, James left the show and it was hosted by Osher and Ricki-Lee.
Making a name for himself: Former Neighbours star and musical theatre performer Rob Mills is pictured during the 2003 season