Lebanese-Australian hijabi singer eliminated from Australian Idol after making final 8

Lebanese-Australian singer Noorah H was eliminated from Australian Idol on Monday, after becoming the first hijab-wearing woman to be in the 'top 8' contestants of any season on the show.

The 28-year-old musician felt "incredibly grateful" to have made it into the competition’s later stages, however her supporters said "Australia really got it wrong" when she was eliminated following a public vote.

After making it into the top 12 contestants, Noorah said the show "completely turned" her life around.

"I can’t even put into words how much of an honour its been being on the Australian Idol Journey let alone being in the top 12… @australianidol has completely turned my life around and I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity," she tweeted on 22 February. 

However, Noorah has had her fair share of negative social media comments, some of which were derogatory towards her faith. This left her feeling "disappointed”, she told Australian outlet Media Week.

"It’s been really hard, especially when you have put your best foot forward… I’m totally okay with my voice not being for everyone, but when it gets really disrespectful, it breaks your heart,” she told the outlet.

"Australia is not ready for someone like me," she added, however she also highlighted the "beautiful support" she received throughout the show, which she says kept her going.

"I’ve inspired so many and there will be more after me. And if I had to kind of get myself out there and go through all that just to inspire others. I’ll do it again."