I was a little concerned that rock night would be a banana skin with this year’s Australian Idol contestants. We’ve got soul singers, Broadway wannabes, and acoustic folksters, but our rock stars are few and far between.

Yet under the watchful eye of guest mentor and judge Suzi Quatro, the talent show hopefuls blossomed. While he had stiff competition, the performance of the night came from the soulfully smooth Stan Walker.

This week he darkened things up with an incredible rendition of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.” His intensity was compelling. His focus and commitment mesmerized me.

Stan’s wowed me with his R ‘n’ B covers, but seeing him step outside his comfort zone is even more impressive. With this kind of versatility, I expect to see a lot more of this kid.