James is slowly firming as a bet to possibly take the crown, gliding into the final four after 30-year-old school teacher Toby Moulton sensationally withdrew from the competition on Sunday night, deciding he preferred life in the classroom to that on stage.

With the ramifications of Toby’s unprecedented call still reverberating, James gathered himself to pump out two great performances, singing Rob Thomas’ This is How a Heart Breaks and Daughters by John Mayer.

James’ sister, Shona, a student at Armidale’s Robb College, has been travelling to Sydney each week to support him.

“Everyone was pretty shocked about Toby, but they all managed to put on a great show. I was proud that James held himself together and put on two great performances,” Shona told The Express.

The final four contestants are Hayley Warner, Stan Walker, Nathan Brake and James.

James is a dark horse to take out the competition with Stan Walker and Haley Warner regarded as favourites - but in the past people considered certainties have been voted off because fans have assumed those performers were ‘safe’ from expulsion. High profile examples of this have been Jessica Mauboy and Ricki-Lee Coulter.

Shona told The Express she has been surprised and appreciative of the support her brother has got from the Armidale community and hopes his fans here can rally again to give him the push needed to make the final three.

* You can vote for James by texting James to 19 10 10 or by calling 1902 555-561 before midnight tonight.

If you would like to catch up on any of James’ performances you can watch him sing on Youtube by searching James Johnston Australian Idol or by visiting the Australian Idol website.