Just when it seemed Australian Idol was a two-horse race comes this knock-out performance from Nathan Brake.

Nathan’s always been my sentimental favorite; the talented and effeminate teenager with the killer set of pipes. He hasn’t always hit the mark, but when he does it’s magical.

And that’s just what he did on theater night, with “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera. Nathan’s been begged to bring more theatrics and drama to his performance, so it seems the theme was tailor-made for him to shine.

And didn’t he. It was a measured performance, which built to a soaring crescendo. Take note Stan Walker and Hayley Warner. Nathan Brake wants this title too.