James just missed out on his chance to contend the Idol title following his exit on Sunday night, but his family, friends and fans don’t consider the result a deterrent for the former Wingham High student.

“It’s not the end of the show for him, it’s the beginning of a new career,” James’ grandfather Ian Johnston said.

Mr Johnston, who lives at Rainbow Flat, said James and his family are sharing a sense of relief now that the intensive Idol experience is over.

“To talk to him you’d think he’d won it. He’s full of good cheer, and very happy about everything.”

Adding to James’ sense of elation was a mentoring session with his idol Michael Bublé last week.

“He was very impressed with Michael Bublé, because this is the kind of singing he [James] does, and I think Michael Bublé was very impressed with James.”

But the 18-year-old has had little time to reflect on the experience, jumping straight into rehearsals for the Australian Idol finale on Sunday night, that will see either Stan Walker or Hayley Warner named the 2009 Australia Idol.

As part of the show James will perform alongside his fellow top 12 contestants on the steps of the Sydney Opera House before spending a well earned week at home with his family in Cedar Party.

When asked what James thought of the support from the Great Lakes and Manning, Ian said “he never stops talking about it.”

“He’s just been absolutely overwhelmed. Those few days when he came home to perform at the park in Wingham people were turning up to say hello in their thousands. Not hundreds, thousands.

“The whole family has just been staggered by that and we are full of gratitude.”