I Will Survive is an Australian talent show-themed television series that premiered on Network Ten on 21 August 2012. The premise of the show is to search for a new, unknown talent to perform in the Broadway production of the musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Due to the Broadway theatre production closing in June 2012, the prize has been amended to another performance on Broadway, along with a $250,000 cash prize. The title of the show is derived from the title of a song in the production, "I Will Survive", originally sung by Gloria Gaynor.
I Will Survive was hosted by actor and singer Hugh Sheridan, and featured judges Jason Donovan, who played Tick in the West End theatre production of the show, and Stephan Elliott, the director of the film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Format I Will Survive searches for a "triple threat" performer, proficient in the disciplines of acting, singing, and dancing, to portray a drag queen as based on the hit musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The show starts with open auditions, with the most talented performers joining the famous Priscilla bus, retracing the steps of the movie, from Sydney to Alice Springs, performing at outback locations on the way.
Top 12 contestants Name Age Occupation Portrayed as StatusMichael Snell28Dance InstructorWants to be Leading ManWinnerTom Sharah24Cabaret PerformerThe StarRunner-UpNathan Foley32Former Hi-5 memberReinventing himself3rd PlaceRohan Seinor42Mine WorkerLight hearted/Funny4th PlaceStephen Mahy 29PerformerWin at all costs5th PlaceBrendan Hanson 39Performing Arts TeacherLoving father6th PlaceMatt McFarlane28Former Australian rules football PlayerMusical Theatre Type7th PlaceAdrian Espulso 23MechanicThe Underdog8th PlaceDavin Griffiths-Jones25Former Child StarThe Bitchy Villain9th PlaceJamie Jewell43Costume DesignerDrama Queen10th PlaceFrank Kerr22Weekend Radio AnnouncerNice Guy11th PlaceSean Perez23Luna Park EntertainerCry Baby12th Place
Challenges Contestants 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10MichaelSAFE SAFE Bottom 3 SAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE Bottom 2 WINNERTomSAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE Bottom 3 SAFE SAFE SAFE OUTNathanSAFE SAFE SAFE Bottom 3 SAFE SAFE Bottom 3 SAFE SAFE OUTRohanSAFE Bottom 3 SAFE SAFE SAFE Bottom 3 SAFE Bottom 2 OUT StephenSAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE Bottom 3 SAFE Bottom 3 OUT BrendanSAFE SAFE SAFE Bottom 3 SAFE SAFE OUT Matt Bottom 3 SAFE SAFE SAFE Bottom 3 OUT AdrianSAFE SAFE Bottom 3 SAFE OUT DavinSAFE Bottom 3 SAFE OUT JamieSAFE SAFE OUT Frank Bottom 3 OUT Sean OUT
Ratings Episode Original airdate Timeslot Viewers Episode 1 Tuesday – 506,000 Episode 2 Wednesday – 427,000 Episode 3 Tuesday – 364,000 Episode 4 Wednesday – 360,000 Episode 5 Tuesday – 391,000 Episode 6 Wednesday – 338,000 Episode 7 Tuesday – 336,000 Episode 8 Wednesday – 281,000 Episode 9 Tuesday – 358,000 Episode 10 Tuesday – 277,000 Episode 11 Episode 12 Episode 13 Episode 14
References