My Story
“That works, actually, that works its ass off”
My journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, I’ve focused on staying true to my values and bringing something that hasn’t been done before. I’ve always wanted my positivity and joy to show during all of my performances- representing more than just my artistry but me as a person.
Most Memorable Singing Experience- Las Vegas
Aside from my experiences on Australian Idol, this is without a doubt my most memorable singing moment.
I was 13 years old on a family holiday in the United States, and our final stop was Las Vegas. We were staying at The Venetian Resort, and one evening, while having dinner in St Mark’s Square, we were listening to a live singer perform.
During his break, he came over and started chatting with us. I mentioned that the songs he was performing were the same ones I loved to sing. Normally, he said, he never invites people up—but this time, he made an exception and asked if I’d like to perform. I didn’t hesitate. Opportunities like that don’t come around often.
I got up and sang “You Raise Me Up.” At first, I was completely focused on the performance and didn’t take in the crowd. But as I finished, I looked up to see everyone in sight on their feet, applauding, with phones out recording. A 13-year-old from Australia, standing there in board shorts and a t-shirt, singing to a packed crowd—it was an unforgettable moment.
But the experience didn’t end there. Just two days before my 14th birthday, we were offered something incredible. A pilot, who had seen the performance, invited me up for a private flight over Las Vegas, through the canyons, and over the Hoover Dam. The next morning, before we left for Los Angeles to fly home to Australia, I was up in the air—an experience I’ll never forget.
Moments like these are what fuel my passion for performing, and the video of that performance is still out there on YouTube today.
When I Began
My journey as a singer began when I was about nine years old. I had always loved music and spent time experimenting with different instruments—piano, guitar, piano accordion, and clarinet—but I never really believed I could sing.
That changed when my parents signed me up for piano lessons. During one lesson, I found myself singing along, and my teacher encouraged it. She believed all her students should try to play and sing, so I gave it a go—and from that moment on, I began taking singing lessons.
At the time, I was incredibly shy about singing in front of others. To help me overcome that, my teacher encouraged me to busk at a local shopping centre. I remember asking her beforehand, “What’s the most money any of your students have made?” She told me $70, and I thought if I could make $40, I’d be happy. By the end of the day, I had made over $100.
That experience gave me the confidence to face my fears and go back again the following year, where I made $200. Later that same year, during the Christmas period, I busked three times in one week—something I still can’t quite believe.
Those early experiences sparked a genuine love for performing, and from that point on, I knew that singing was something I never wanted to stop doing.
Who I Am
My name is John Standley, though most people now know me as Johnny Jukebox. I’m 17 years old and have been passionate about music from a young age.
I first discovered singing when I was nine years old. What started as piano lessons quickly turned into something more—I walked in to learn piano and walked out singing. From that moment on, it became more than just a hobby. I began practising every day, simply because I loved it.
Over time, I developed a strong connection to Jukebox-style music. The timeless songs, the energy, and the way they bring people together are what drew me in, and they continue to inspire me every time I perform.
I have big ambitions to share this music with audiences around the world and keep the spirit of these classics alive for a new generation.
For bookings or enquiries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch
When I Found My Passion for This Music
I discovered my passion for Jukebox-style music through years of performing it live. What started as simply singing the songs that suited my gigs quickly grew into something much more.
A big part of my approach as a performer is tailoring every set to the crowd, and time and time again, these classic hits were what connected most with audiences. Through that experience, I developed a genuine love for the music and the energy it brings.
Today, I’m passionate about keeping that sound alive and bringing the timeless feel of Jukebox music to new audiences.
When I Began
My journey as a singer began when I was about nine years old. I had always loved music and spent time experimenting with different instruments—piano, guitar, piano accordion, and clarinet—but I never really believed I could sing.
That changed when my parents signed me up for piano lessons. During one lesson, I found myself singing along, and my teacher encouraged it. She believed all her students should try to play and sing, so I gave it a go—and from that moment on, I began taking singing lessons.
At the time, I was incredibly shy about singing in front of others. To help me overcome that, my teacher encouraged me to busk at a local shopping centre. I remember asking her beforehand, “What’s the most money any of your students have made?” She told me $70, and I thought if I could make $40, I’d be happy. By the end of the day, I had made over $100.
That experience gave me the confidence to face my fears and go back again the following year, where I made $200. Later that same year, during the Christmas period, I busked three times in one week—something I still can’t quite believe.
Those early experiences sparked a genuine love for performing, and from that point on, I knew that singing was something I never wanted to stop doing.
“The kid they call Johnny Jukebox will be bringing a lot more of his infectious energy into the talent show’s next phase.”
-Perth Now