THE PAIN behind Eva's smile

THIS EARLY FAVOURITE SINGS FOR A SPECIAL REASON

- Celia Whitley

This season of Australian Idol is in full swing.

And emerging as an early frontrunner from the group of talented songbirds is Eva Ilov, who was declared a surebet for the crown by viewers the moment she stepped on to the Auditions stage.

Eva, 20, has always loved singing, with music playing a big part in her life since childhood.

"I have a big musical family on both sides," the Queensland-native tells New Idea. "Music was everywhere! Weekends were often spent at weddings doing traditional dances, celebrating, and I wa always surrounded by sounds that felt alive and different.