Independent boy
During his Australian Idol journey, the super cute Ben McKenzie not only had the backing of his teenage fans but won the hearts of many members of the GLBT community.
His camp personality and amazing set of vocal chords were just two of the reasons why he was one the most popular Idol contestants.
With another year down for the karaoke contest, McKenzie now wants to make an independent name for himself.
“It was stressful but initially it was fun and I was getting ready for it,” the 17-year-old told SSO.
“I started realising that it was turning me into something I wasn’t sure of and I didn’t know if I wanted it or not.
“The main reason why I don’t want to become massively huge is because everyone who becomes a famous star becomes so big and people look at them all the time.”
McKenzie will headline at the Metro Theatre and will be supported by Falling of One and No Pressure on Sunday 9 December at 1pm. He will sing his famous Hide and Seek number as well as a number of originals.
“The show is called Black Filament because that’s the song I’m doing it to promote. It’s a song for the upcoming feature film we are making in January and it’s going to be in the actual film itself. It’s my second feature film,” McKenzie said.
Since his departure from the television show, there’s been much talk of different record deals.
“It’s been going very well. Other people have been coming and confronting me and stuff,” he said.
“I’m trying to become as uncommercial as I possibly can. I prefer to be making good music more than good money.”
During the run of the TV show a number of internet forums were abuzz with speculation about the teenager’s sexuality.
“I haven’t really spoken to anyone about that and I don’t know really where it’s been coming from – people are just shit,” he said
But in the meantime, he’s planning on leaving school, being both a singer and a filmmaker and getting as much funding as possible for his feature film.
Bookings for McKenzie’s show Black Filament can be made at www.metrotheatre.com.au.