Big Band and Beyonce doesn’t sound like a natural marriage, but somehow soul star Stan Walker pulled it off on last night’s Australian Idol performance show.

Stan gave the pop smash “Single Ladies” a swinging makeover, with plenty of brass and just the right amount of swagger. This is what makes Stan so exciting. You just never know what you’re going to get.

While Stan bills himself as a soul singer, some of his most amazing Idol moments have come from those unexpected song choices and arrangements. He takes risks, yet never seems to fall flat.

If Stan continues to sail through each and every theme week, there’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll see him at the Idol finale!