‘Australian Idol’ season x finalist Lee Harding was on the phone with Kyle and Jackie O. of 2day FM in Sydney on Friday (July 7) to discuss being in Iraq to perform for the Australian and American troops. Harding was staying in one of Saddam Hussein’s old homes in Baghdad and talked about getting Kyle an “Iraqi royalty blanket”, being careful, and how Jackie’s rescued dog is doing. 2dayfm.com.au has since removed the audio.

Australian Assocated Press reports ‘Australian Idol’ season three finalist Lee Harding is headed to Iraq to entertain troops involved in Operation Catalyst, the Australian Defense Force’s contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. “It’s one of those opportunities you wouldn’t get in normal life and I am so, so thankful I get to do it,” said 23-year-old Harding. “I can’t believe I am doing this. I have never ever been overseas and my first time is to do this. It’s very exciting.” Read more.