Interview
www.tvweeklogieawards.com.au/news/articles/2016/11/isaiah-firebrace-is-embarking-on-a-brand-new-adventure/?adbsc=social_20161122_68105256&adbid=800868431633334276&adbpl=tw&adbpr=20644420Isaiah Firebrace is embarking on a brand-new adventure
“I’m so grateful!”
As birthday gifts go, being named as the winner of The X Factor is right up there with the best of them! It’s an opportunity for Isaiah Firebrace to change his life, and he’s determined to embrace it. We caught up with the euphoric – and exhausted – 17-year-old for a chat.
Congratulations, Isaiah! How are you feeling this morning?
Isaiah: Oh my gosh, sorry, my voice is a bit tired… We had an after party last night, and I’m… I can’t believe that I’ve won! Oh gosh, I feel… I can’t even speak [laughs].
Did you get any sleep last night?
Isaiah: I had about three hours sleep, I think! I’m exhausted. But I’m just so happy and so grateful for all the support from Australia. I’m really feeling the love, especially on social media. I’m so grateful!
The moment when your family joined you on stage last night was so poignant – emotions were running high! It must have been special?
Isaiah: That was the most special moment, that was just amazing… I wouldn’t change it for the world, it was incredible. When my sister came over, she was crying – she was sad, but in a good way! I watched this show every year, and I still can’t believe that I’ve actually won it!
Moments before Isaiah was announced as the winner of X Factor 2016.
You have every right to be excited! What does this win mean to you and your family?
Isaiah: This will help me to support my family, and to just give back to the people I love and who supported me. I can’t wait to just help my family and give them a good time with what I’m earning… And I don’t know; maybe take them on a holiday? I just want to make my family happy.
You’re usually quite calm and guarded, but last night the emotions took over… Why do you think are you so guarded?
Isaiah: I don’t know, I think it’s just the way I am. I’m really laid back and all about going with the flow and being chilled out. But last night was just so overwhelming. I didn’t think anyone would cry, but then… I feel like last night all the weight of the competition, all the hard work just paid off. I felt relieved that I could let my emotions out. You know, it’s so weird, I’m always crying on national television! I never cry in front of people off camera, but I’m always crying on national TV!
Will you be going back to school?
Isaiah: I’m not sure about school at the moment, I haven’t really thought about it. Right now, I’m just so busy doing interviews and publicity, and I’ll be recording my winner’s album very soon, so that’s exciting. I’m taking things one small step at a time!
Being so busy, and with opportunities to grab, do you think you’ll move here, or commute from home?
Isaiah: Wow, I haven’t even thought that far yet… I’m in Sydney for a little while still, not too long, but I’m not sure yet whether I’m going to move or not. It’s weird that I even have to think about it!
The winner’s album will include the songs that you sang onThe X Factor. Would you like to get involved in songwriting in the future?
Isaiah: Yeah, sure! I’ve written songs before, but I’m really excited to work with other people and songwriters too. I feel like I’m a good songwriter, but I haven’t really shown anyone else my music yet. It will be such an amazing experience.
Now that you’ve won, has Adam given you any advice for the future?
Isaiah: Adam just said to make sure that I keep the momentum going after the show, especially with social media. Just to keep everyone interested in you and to keep on top of everything. He also said to not be afraid of changing my musical style, because the music industry does change a lot according to what people like. But, the most important bit is to always stay true to myself, to never change my personality. Adam’s the best, he really is. I’m going to miss him so much!
So tell us a little more about your after party last night…
Isaiah:[Laughs] I had paparazzi at the front! It was so weird, I was like, oh my gosh, I never had paparazzi before! But I played it cool; I just walked into the club. Can you believe it? Paparazzi!
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