Kim Waters
Ceres’ Cameron Henderson is coming back down to Earth after an emotional roller coaster ride to the finals of television show Australia’s Got Talent this week.
The 42-year-old singer/songwriter was runner-up to a breakdancing group after tipping out of the final episode his son Taylor, who finished third.
Mr Cameron finished the program with a consolation prize of singing the national anthem at the MCG at the start of this year’s AFL grand final.
Mr Cameron, a builder, said he only auditioned for the show after Taylor persuaded him to tag along as moral support.
“We were standing in a line of 500 people at that first audition and were just about to go in when I walked off to the side and sat down because I thought I couldn’t do it,” Mr Henderson revealed.
“When Taylor got to the front of the line he turned to me and said ‘Come on dad, you can do this’, so I went in with him.
“It turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.”
The self-taught musician said he had received “quite a few calls” from industry professionals after the finale but was “still processing” his options.
“I’ve had a couple of really good chats with people interested in my future as an artist but I can’t really reveal more than that at this stage,” he said.
“I’ll continue with my building because I have a few contracts to finish up but after that if it turns out that I can make a living from this I will definitely be considering it as an option.
“It’s all so new to me and I’m just learning as I go.”
Mr Henderson described the past few months as “emotionally draining”.
Tuesday night’s show had “incredible highs and lows” as he vied for first place in front of a national audience.
“The first time Taylor and I walked out on the stage in front of about 2000 people my heart was in my throat,” he admitted.
“We’ve both come so far and watching Taylor last night just made me as proud as punch.
“Our bond has grown even stronger throughout this competition and the support I’ve gotten from him has been so fantastic.”
Mr Henderson said his gig at the grand final in September was intimidating but still “a dream come true”.
“I’m slightly terrified about singing in front of so many people but I think it’s a good mix of terror and excitement.”