Australian Idol Natalie Gauci describes her image problem

NEWLY-crowned Australian Idol Natalie Gauci said yesterday she beat an image problem to take out TV's popular crown.

"I struggled to connect with the audience and get the message of a song across. I also wanted to be comfortable wearing whatever I wanted," she said in relation to judge Kyle Sandilands' jibes over her wardrobe.

The Vermont South songstress was tired and emotional from a sleepless night celebrating the win and her 26th birthday.

But she spoke about the London backpacker she publicly split from during the series.

"I didn't hear from him, no, but I'm sure he'd wish me well," the ex-music teacher said.

She vowed her studio album -- out next year -- would be full of originals.

Runner-up Matt Corby is still clearly miffed at judge Mark Holden for calling him a "spoilt brat" in the last days of the decider.

The baby-faced Sydney teen made a point of saying he caught up with every judge except Holden at the after-party, despite the crazy-talking critic partying on until 4.30am.

He said he couldn't wait to hear Gauci's Alicia Keys-style album.

He was hopeful of a record deal.

"I want to start writing, and hopefully tour, give music a crack and if I'm a tremendous failure, I'll go back to school," Corby said.

source: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22823826-2902,00.html