The lad from Wingham, near Taree, was thrown a

lifeline on Sunday when school teacher Toby Moulton pulled out of the competition, saying his true passion was in the classroom.

Had Moulton not quit, James would have been

heading home after the last round, based on audience votes.

Now, he’s in the final four.

“I was going to be going home if he hadn’t pulled out, so it definitely was a big favour for me,” James told the Port News yesterday.

“It’s changed things a lot. It was really unexpected.

“I’m not really sure where I sit [in the competition] now,” he said.

James thanked his fans from the Mid-North Coast, but also had a message for them – please vote.

“At the end of the day, I guess that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

One person who definitely will vote this week is Kempsey fan Haley Haberfield, 23, who has anxiously followed James’ progress through the competition.

“We knew him beforehand, and he’s just a good kid

who’s down to earth.

“He means well and he deserves a break from the judges,” Ms Haberfield said.

She first heard James play at the Mercure Centro Hotel, where she works, and since then has struck up a

friendship with the musician.

He even performed at her brother’s 21st birthday party.

Ms Haberfield urged other people from the area to get behind James.

“You’ve got to support the locals,” she said.

If James wins the national competition, he will walk

away with $200,000, a recording contract and a car.

The only way to keep James in the competition is to

SMS James to 19 10 10 or call 1902 55 55 62 before midnight on Friday.