CAIRNS labourer James Campbell may soon be downing tools forever as he chases his dream of becoming Australia's next big music star. 

The 25-year-old construction worker has reached Australian Idol’s top 100 after an impressive audition in front of the show’s judges in Brisbane last week.

Mr Campbell beat hundreds of other Queensland hopefuls and has moved closer to scoring a lucrative recording contract.

His next step is a trip to Sydney later this month for a shot at the top 24 of the popular singing contest.

Mr Campbell impressed the judges in Brisbane with an a capella version of Let's Get Married by American R&B group Jagged Edge and a rendition of his own original acoustic number The Letter.

Despite receiving some quality advice from Idol judge Marcia Hines, he could not escape some criticism from controversial judge Kyle Sandilands.

"Yeah, Kyle gave me a bit," Mr Campbell said.

"I wore a red cardigan and he hated it."

Mr Campbell’s music taste varies from acoustic soul to hip-hop and he has even recorded his own EP, Rock City Blues.

He hopes the combination of his vocal range and some accomplished guitar and piano skills can help him make the next cut and take his music career to the next stage.

"If I stay focused, committed and work really hard I can do well in Sydney," he said.

Australian Idol will be aired on Channel 10 from late July.

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