Broome’s Amy Reeves shares special connection to judge Marcia Hines as Australian Idol audition looms

Staircase to the Moon — it’s the natural phenomenon occurring in Broome when a full moon rises, reflecting staggered light over Roebuck Bay. For Amy Reeves, it doesn’t just represent her upbringing, but the aspiring singer’s journey to stardom as she awaits the nation’s reaction to her Australian Idol audition on Tuesday night. “My mum ran a food truck every Saturday at the markets, and when I was 18 I performed as the moon shined over the mud flats,“ she said, recounting her youth in a large Filipino family. Reeves sang while her friend played drums to ACDC, Adele, and Natalie Imbruglia. “We were just jamming out and noticed, there’s a couple of people sitting down and actually paying attention to us,” she said. Unlike most contestants, Reeves has a family connection from childhood to one of the judges, her personal idol in Marcia Hines. The 25-year-old’s father worked on Hines’ set of the 70’s musical production of Hair, and when a Sydney reunion beckoned in 2009 she attended with her father in the hope of meeting the revered performer she’d only known from TV. “I had this dingy notepad I was getting everyone to sign, and I went up to speak to Marcia even though I was so shy,” she said. “My Dad also mentioned my name to her, like maybe I would sing for her one day. I don’t know if she remembers that I’m this little girl from nowhere.” When the call came for this year’s auditions, “I just felt like it was a sign, and that I should just go for it and see what happens,” she said. Reeves honed her skills at WAAPA, admitting she and her father researched courses even at the age of 10. Such training propelled her to a stint with the Perth Symphony Orchestra in 2021, performing Prince to thousands at HBF Stadium. With Beyoncé and James Brown as inspirations, viewers can expect her love of soul music and storytelling to shine through. And a lot crying, which she now understands makes for great TV. With Marcia in front of her and all of Broome behind her, Reeves hopes to strike a chord with viewers. “I hope Australia likes what I have to offer and I hope they feel something,” she said.