As the year comes to a close there are few words that sum up 2013 better for X Factor winner Dami Im than “unexpected”.
“I didn’t expect to win X factor at all. When it all happened it didn’t even seem real. I didn’t know how to feel,” says the 25 year-old Korean-born Brisbane resident.
Dami’s childhood interest in music saw her complete a Bachelor of Music at the University of Queensland and pursue a career worked as a gospel singer in South Korea.
“I wanted to sing in Australia but I didn’t have an audience here. It was my husband who said, “You should go on X Factor, don’t be afraid to try new things.” I thought, “Oh well, I might as well have a go. You never know what might happen and if anything it will just be a good experience.”
After a staggered start in the initial rounds of the hit television show, Dami went on to amaze the X Factor judges and win overwhelming support of the Australian public.
Since then things have been anything but ordinary. In the month following her win she had her initial single “Alive” soar to the top of the Aria charts, shot her first music video, recorded and released her self-titled debut album, and embarked on a nationwide tour with other X Factor alumni.
The highlight however was her performance on Dancing With the Stars when she had her first taste of performing without critique.
“It was great not having anyone to judge me after my performance and give me their opinion. I could just be myself and didn’t have to please anyone.”
“And I got to take some selfies with Todd (McKenney).”
Throughout her success Im has credited her husband Noah as her greatest support.
“I don’t think I would have even auditioned if Noah wasn’t there in the first place. He is like my real mentor in a way; brainwashing me to do good things and keep going for it.”
“Without him I think I wouldn’t have been able to take all this emotional stress. His support just means everything to me.”
With X Factor catapulting her into the national spotlight Dami is now looking to her future as an artist.
“I am already planning on writing new songs or even reworking songs that I have written. I think that is where an artist truly gets their satisfaction: it’s a really great way to communicate with people.”
Im isn’t taking her newfound notoriety lightly. As one of the few Asian-Australian performers in the mainstream entertainment industry Im is hoping that her success will be an inspiration for other Asian-Australians.
“To think about what impact it might have made to people’s lives—not just Asians but all the immigrants that are in Australia—is such an overwhelming thought and I am really proud that I can represent that part of the community on national TV.”
Dami Im’s first single Alive and self titled album are both available for purchase.
