Damien Leith (Ireland)
Australian Idol calls Australia Home
Damien Leith, an Irish-born musician with a beautiful falsetto, won the hearts of the Australian television viewing public and emerged as the winner of Australian Idol 2006.
As part of Australia Day 2007 celebrations in the national capital, Damien performed his hit single Night of my Life for the crowd of 35 000 people at Parliament House and a television audience of more than one million – but they were in for one more special treat.
Damien was welcomed to the stage by the Prime Minister, John Howard, and became an Australian citizen at a special citizenship ceremony witnessed by the million-plus audience.
‘I welcome you Damien, I wish you well and I thank you for the contributions you have already made to our country. We are delighted to have you as part of the Australian family,’ the Prime Minister said.
Damien said that becoming an Australian citizen was about committing 100 per cent to the country that was now his home.
‘I’m extremely proud and, to be honest, also extremely humbled. It’s a bit overwhelming to come here from Ireland and to be taken in so kindly by Australia,’ Damien said.
‘I am absolutely honoured and privileged to become an Australian citizen today and would just love to say: have a safe and wonderful Australia Day.’
To complete his citizenship ceremony Damien performed Advance Australia Fair and Peter Allen’s Australian classic Tenterfield Saddler.
The singer moved to Australia from County Kildare in 2004 with his Australian wife, Eileen, who witnessed the citizenship ceremony along with the couple’s son, Jarvis.