Aspiring Rapper Asher Iyer's Second Chance Triumph on Australian Idol
It was a story of redemption and resilience for 17-year-old Asher Iyer, who turned a disappointing first audition into a golden ticket success on Australian Idol. After forgetting his lyrics in Brisbane, Iyer flew to Sydney for a second chance, determined to prove his worth to the judges. His perseverance paid off, earning him a coveted spot in the competition's Top 30, a dream he has chased since age 11.
Music as a Lifeline Through Dark Times
Iyer revealed that music has been more than just a passion—it has been a crucial coping mechanism during some of his toughest years. "I always used to write stories and little novels in my spare time," he shared. However, when bullying became a daily ordeal at school, friends introduced him to rap music, which he embraced for its storytelling power. "I really loved the storytelling element of it, so I started writing lyrics about what I was going through in my life," Iyer explained. "It just took off from there."
Born and raised in New Zealand with Indian heritage, Iyer moved to Brisbane with his family at age 14. He found inspiration in artists like Eminem, using music to process his emotions and build self-respect. "That feeling doesn't go away, the pain doesn't really go away," he admitted. "But I guess you find joy in your craft and you find joy in writing these lyrics, making songs. That joy gives you hope and gets you through the day."
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Studio Dreams
Driven to make his musical ambitions a reality, Iyer took matters into his own hands. Last year, he began working weekend shifts at KFC to save money for a home recording studio. After pitching a business plan to his parents—offering to cover 20 percent of the rent—he transformed a spare bedroom into a professional setup. Under the name Air Audio Australia, he launched Instagram and TikTok pages to offer affordable recording services to young Brisbane artists.
"My aim was to give artists like me, young artists, a space to record for cheaper than the industry average," Iyer said. The initiative quickly gained traction, with 10 people signing up in the first week alone. "It took off faster than I thought it would," he noted, highlighting his entrepreneurial drive alongside his artistic pursuits.
Overcoming Nerves and Redefining Rap
Despite his success, Iyer acknowledges the challenges of performing under pressure, especially after his initial audition mishap. "The nerves are always going to be there," he confessed. "It's going to be very hard to get rid of the nerves now because I messed up. But I have to focus on why I'm here and why I love music."
Looking ahead, Iyer plans to finish school and attend university while pursuing his music career. He sees Australian Idol as a pivotal platform to challenge stereotypes about rap music. "I want to show Australia, and eventually the world, what rap music is—it's not a genre of violence and vulgarity, it's a genre of storytelling," he asserted. With his golden ticket in hand, Iyer is poised to inspire others with his journey of perseverance, creativity, and hope.
