He was the 17-year-old who sang to financially support his family, and with his kind soul and pure musical talent, Isaiah Firebrace, won Australia’s heart, crowning him winner of X-Factor 2016. It’s been a wild few months for the Victorian-born teenager, with dreams of becoming an international artist well on the horizon. Isaiah took some time out from his busy schedule to answer a few up close and personal questions for this month’s Last Word.

I grew up in… Moama, Echuca on the banks of the Murray River.

My childhood dream was… to become an international artist – even at primary school I knew this was what I wanted to do.

If I could be better at anything it would be… definitely dancing! I’m working on it.

My most embarrassing moment was… forgetting my lyrics on X-Factor.

My most annoying habit is… mumbling my words.

My favourite X-Factor performance was… the duet with Jess Mauboy.

My hidden talent is… cooking – I love to bake!

My favourite food is… sushi and Mexican.

If I could have a superpower I would… have the ability to read people’s thoughts.

The last thing I do before I go to bed is… crack my back, check my phone and answer any messages.