Scoping out Western Plains Zoo's 'Rhino Encounters', Mr Ryan was backing up after his special guest spot at the Dubbo Outback Icon final.

The affable ex-Idol said he was blown away by the level of talent on show.

"It was amazing - those kids were so talented and so comfortable on stage," he said.

"I had a ball - country hospitality is such a good thing."

Mr Ryan rose to the Idol finals after working on a pig farm but he's going the whole hog in music now: "I'm doing an album so I'm going to give the music thing a go."

The atmosphere was electric as singers from the Orana region gave a "fantastic" performance at the grand finale of the Dubbo Outback Icon competition.

Australian Idol finalist Peter Ryan was left asking questions after finalist Justin Standly performed the classic Unchained Melody.

"How am I supposed to follow that?" Ryan asked.

It turned out to be Trundle farmer Jason Goodsell's night of nights as he sung his way to the top clinching the senior spot, while Dubbo Delroy campus student Chanai Kelleher took out the juniors' section against Dubbo Senior campus student Tim Kent.

It's been a tough few weeks for Gilgandra girl Melissa Mackney who sang with a cracked rib during her two songs to win the Icon title.

"I've had a pretty rough few weeks," Mackney said.

"It started with a bad back, then a sore throat and now I have this cracked rib. It's just getting worse."

It was a close finish with Narromine's Carrie Prosser also shining on stage during her two songs.

The judges awarded 12-year-old Merindah Towney the encouragement award as the most improved performer.

"Fantastic, the talent is unbelievable," Peter Ryan said.