Hayley, 17, of Barden Ridge, secured a "wildcard'' spot on the Channel Ten program and will get the chance to show the rest of the nation her greatest passion.

The talented performer works at a surf shop and is lead singer of a four-piece pop/rock band, Bleached Academy.

The band won first prize in the state final of the YouthRock band competition last year. But she has put both on hold to give her best shot at winning the votes of the Australian public as a soloist on the popular reality program.

Hayley discovered she could hold a tune when she was 12.

"I never thought I could sing at all until then, and someone said 'you're pretty cool', so I kept working on it,'' she said.

She left school in year 10 to concentrate on music a decision that has already reaped its rewards for her.

There have been plenty of messages of support from her fans on the television show's website.

"I hope this opens a lot of doors for me and that the right people will see what I can bring to the table,'' Hayley said.

"I'm definitely willing to do anything in my power to make that happen, and hopefully people along the way can help me out.''

She said her favourite past Australian Idol finalist is fellow shire singer and runner-up in the series two years ago, Matt Corby.