"No end in sight": Australian Idol star's sad health update
Courtney Murphy, beloved Australian Idol finalist from 2004, has shared a difficult update nearly a year after being diagnosed with late-stage bowel cancer.
The 45-year-old musician revealed in an interview with Perth Now that his fight against the disease remains ongoing, with no clear end in sight.
“It’s nearly a year on now from my diagnosis, and there’s no end in sight as far as treatment goes,” Murphy said. “I’ve told my doctors to throw everything they’ve got at it. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’m going to keep looking forward to putting out the next album.”
Murphy was diagnosed with advanced-stage bowel cancer in March 2024 and has been undergoing intensive treatment since.
Murphy first captured Australia’s hearts during Australian Idol, where his powerhouse vocals and heartfelt performances earned him a devoted fanbase. Following the competition, he continued to thrive as a musician, joining the cast of the Queen-inspired musical We Will Rock You in 2018 and performing both as a solo artist and with his siblings in their band, The Murphy Brothers.
Over the years, Murphy has entertained audiences across WA and beyond, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the local music scene.
Murphy’s diagnosis has been a devastating blow for his family, especially coming so soon after the loss of his father, Kim, who passed away following a brief battle with an aggressive brain tumour.
In April 2024, Murphy’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help support him and his young family through the challenges ahead. The father of three, who is unable to work during treatment, has been relying on the generosity of his community to ease the financial burden.
“Our beautiful brother Courtney Murphy is in for the fight of his life,” the family wrote on the fundraising page. “Many of you will know Courtney for his amazing musical talent and his big voice. We think it’s fair to say he’s been entertaining West Aussies for the best part of 30 years… Now, we’re asking for your help to support him as he faces this incredible challenge.”
For those who wish to contribute, donations can be made through the family’s GoFundMe page, which serves as a lifeline for Murphy, his wife, and their three young children during this difficult time. At the time of writing, donations had soared above $140,000, well on its way to the $200k target.