“I never thought I’d make it this far, but I plan on making the most of every chance to get up in front of the crowd,” Luke said.

“There’s something amazing about having an awesome band behind you, with the subs and bass pumping, with all the screams as you come out.“

That energy came in handy last week as Luke belted out a great rendition of Flametrees by Jimmy Barnes, despite a worry about his voice in the warm-up.

“Once I was out on stage, the crowd really lifted me and it turned out well.”

As for singing ABBA last night, Luke was actually very excited about the opportunity to show his versatility and personal input into the singing.

“We considered several songs and it was funny, but I realised that the music gave me the wrong impression about a lot of the lyrics.”

Among songs considered were ‘Does your mother know?’ and ‘Rock Me’ though he finally settled on ‘Knowing me, knowing you.’

“The lyrics were actually about a break-up and once I listened to it a few times I got some great ideas about how to make it my own version,” Luke said.

“Once I started working with John (Foreman) and Erana (Clarke) it really came together and then the band got excited about doing something different and the energy in the place was amazing,” Luke said.

“Everyone is so amazing, with so much great advice, I just plan on listening and learning as much as I possibly can.”

Luke adds that they keep a very busy schedule, and he’s exhausted at the end of each day but he wouldn’t be anywhere else in the world.

“It’s nothing on sheep shearing physically, but you’re mind is going flat-out all day,” Luke said.

“All the while your mind is wondering where you’re going to go, thinking wow, I’m still here and coming up with new ideas for the song you’re practicing.”

“I’m doing something I’ve always wanted to do and whether at the end you get signed up on a big contract, or remembered for doing a good job, or just singing better down at the pub, the experience is amazing.

Luke is missing his girl friend Brooke terribly but says it is only for a short time and they agree he should ride the wave while it lasts.

“We all thought Tommy was a safe as houses from the screaming in the audience and any one of us could be next so I’m making sure I embrace every bit of it while it lasts,” Luke said.

“Thanks to everyone in Young too for all the amazing fan mail, and voting so often,” Luke adds.

“It has been amazing how the town has been putting up my photos and jumping on board.”