Australian Idol 2024’s Ripley Alexander knows there is a comparison to Harry Styles but being his “own artist is very important” to him.

During an interview with the Courier Mail, Ripley described himself as “a 70s soft rock singer who has been transported into 2024”, but don’t let that fool you. Just because he paints his nails black and has tattoos, it doesn’t mean he wants to imitate arguably one of the biggest pop stars in the world.

According to his Channel 7 bio, the 19-year-old from Fernvale, QLD said that he “just wants to perform and reach people with my music”, something which led him to sing in bars in Brisbane before he was chosen for Idol.

And although nearly 20, this is his second time auditioning — having first stepped in front of the judges in 2023, but not making it to the broadcast rounds.

While Ripley says his biggest supporters are his mum, Donna and brother Kai, he’s also garnered a legion of fans on TikTok with his audition song Mamma Mia going viral.

While he started out with 100 followers before the program, at the time of publication, he’s now sitting at 117k, which is only expected to grow.

You can follow Ripley on Instagram here and TikTok here.

Australian Idol continues at 7.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays on Channel 7 and 7plus.

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