Even though he was pegged to win, Australian Idol's Ripley Alexander had a feeling he was going home

Viewers were left shocked after the first Australian Idol live elimination show saw favourite Ripley Alexander sent home. 

After 1.3 million votes were cast, Ripley, alongside fellow contestants Ivana, Imogen and TJ were placed in the bottom four, leaving viewers, the judges and Ripley himself, "shocked".

"I'm still a bit sad that it's all coming to an end, but at the same time, it's also just the beginning for me," the 19-year-old said in an interview with Chattr the morning after his elimination.

"I woke up yesterday (on the morning of the live show) and I just had a feeling I was going home. I woke up thinking it just doesn't feel right today."

Picked as a favourite by many to win the show, viewers weren't the only people left shocked as the judging panel were also blown away by the decision.

Ripley reveals that even though he looked stoic on air, he was a "blubbering mess" behind the scenes. 

"It all just came out because I loved being on the show and hugging all my friends I think set me off. It was also validating to see all of the judges just in awe that it was Ivana and I in the bottom two.

"Then hearing Ivana's name and that she was safe, it really didn't sink in and then I looked over to Marcia and she's just got her head in her hands.

"To be honest, I don't think I could have picked a better week to go out on because I sang Uptown Girl by Billy Joel. I was completely and utterly me and I'm proud of myself."

When Ripley rose to stardom with his take on Mamma Mia during the audition round, people were quick to liken him to Harry Styles. 

While he used to say he was different to the megastar, he now says he doesn't "give him enough credit."

“I don’t think I’d be as comfortable being myself if it wasn’t for him,” he said.

Australian Idol continues at 7.00 pm on Sundays and Mondays and Tuesdays at 7.30 pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.