Shona told The Express it was both a massive and welcome surprise when James made the top five last week, after he experienced a series of close shaves in the last month, polling in the bottom three singers three times in the last month.

“He’s definitely come a long way since the competition began, he was blown away to make the top 24, then again when he made the top 12 so to make the final five is a really nice surprise.”

With the competition edging closer to its finale, Shona believes even if James was to miss out being crowned the next Australian Idol, the exposure the competition has given him has been invaluable.

“Even if he doesn’t win at least he’s got his name out there.”

Among his recent performances Shona told The Express that her favourites were big band night when he performed the Elvis hit ‘Fever’ and when he performed The Kings Of Leon song ‘use somebody’.

“Use somebody was a lot more his style, it was good to see him do what he’s most comfortable with,” Shona said.

Shona has been to Sydney every week to watch her brother perform in the reality contest and said the experience has been very rewarding.

“I’ve gone every week and I’ve been meeting people I’d never normally meet and have got the opportunity to watch people like Harry Connick Jnr and Liza Minnelli perform.”

Since James made the final six, Shona has enjoyed the pleasure of flying to Sydney every week courtesy of Australian Idol to support her brother, something she said she really appreciates as it saves her a seven-hour drive.

Shona said she has been very appreciative of the support James has received locally and hopes Armidale fans of the show can help carry her brother all the way to the final.

You can view James performances on youtube by searching James Johnston Austalian Idol.

Voting for the top five closes at midnight tonight and you can vote for James by calling 1902 555 561 or by texting James to 19 10 10.