The singer-songwriter, 16, is in Idol-lockdown with her mother Ruth in Sydney and will perform live on national television on Wednesday night for a place in the top 12.

A public vote will decide if she stays in the competition.

The year 10 student at Scots School, a performer since she was 12, said she was relying on her school friends for support.

“They’ve told me they are going to use all their phone credit to vote for me,” she said.

Mitchell auditioned for Idol in Albury in April and she quickly became one of the judges’ favourites, moving into the top 130 and then the top 24.

Lapping-up the attention of camera crews and fans in Sydney, she said she had “loved every minute” and was making the most of vocal workshops with industry professionals.

“The people I’ve worked with have told me I have an innocent aura so I hope that helps me in the competition,” she said.

Juggling school work with rehearsals, Mitchell said she wasn’t nervous about her impending live television performance.

“I’m actually really excited more than anything,” she said.

“But maybe that will change when I get on stage.”

Mitchell said all 24 of the final contestants were extremely talented and it would be a tough fight to win.

Fellow contestant Brendon Boney, 19, from Wagga, thinks Mitchell has what it takes to win.

“I’m a huge fan of Lisa’s music — she’s amazing,” Boney said.

Boney, who has represented Australia in soccer, described his music as a mix of blues, pop and rock.

He was to the point about his ambition for the competition.

“I don’t just want the exposure, I want to win,” he said.

Boney will perform live on Australian Idol, Southern Cross Ten, on Sunday at 7.30pm.