Australian Idol finalist Courtney Murphy has revealed he’s “not beating” his battle with cancer, 18 months after being diagnosed.

Former Australian Idol star Courtney Murphy has given a devastating update on his cancer battle, 18 months after being diagnosed with late-stage bowel cancer.

The 45-year-old singer admitted he’s “not beating this”, and is trying to create as much music with his two brothers, Chris and Kieran, while he’s still able to.

“I’m not beating this, I’m just going to be as strong as long as I can, and that’s all I’m going to focus on,” Courtney told PerthNow on Friday.

WA singer and father-of-three Courtney Murphy has admitted he’s “not beating” his battle with late-stage bowel cancer. Picture: Facebook
“There’s two truths happening at once, one is, I’m going to pass away at some point, but I’ll deal with that when that comes.

“The other truth is I’m here, and I’m going to put out as much creative output as I possibly can with these two amazing human beings next to me,” he said referring to his brothers.

Murphy, a father-of-three, rose to fame on the second season of Australian Idol where he finished third after Anthony Callea and winner Casey Donovan.

His brother Chris appeared on the series two years later in 2006, and together with drummer Kieran, they have since formed The Murphy Brothers.

“I’ve never seen a braver person than my brother dealing with this, he never complains,” Chris told the publication.

He said that Courtney masks his pain well and that they adjust their recording schedule around his energy and pain levels.

Courtney was a finalist on Australian Idol in 2004.

Courtney and brother Chris pictured in 2005.
In January the band released their album Something in The Water, and are hoping to release another next year.

The brothers last year launched a GoFundMe page for Courtney, who also appeared in Queen musical We Will Rock You in 2018, to help support him during his battle with cancer.

They’ve since raised about $140,000.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share Court has been diagnosed with advanced stage bowel cancer. It’s very serious,” they wrote at the time.

“Many of you will know Courtney for his amazing musical talent and his big voice.

“We think it’s fair to say he’s been entertaining West Aussies for the best part of 30 years – either as a wide-eyed kid on Australian Idol, on stage in We Will Rock You, or just gigging with us – his brothers – in Murphy’s Lore and The Murphy Brothers.

Courtney and his brothers Chris and Kieran are recording another album for The Murphy Brothers. Picture: Instagram
“Anyone who knows Courtney knows that his heart is as a big as his voice and we’ve set up this GoFundMe page in the hope that we can ease some of the burden on his young family.

“Any funds generated will go directly to Courtney Murphy, his wife Jane and children as they navigate the difficult road ahead.”