Hot times at Australian Idol Headquarters, it would seem!

Gossip magazines have engaged in a bidding frenzy over steamy spa snaps of two Australian Idol hopefuls.

Photos show 16-year-old Matt Corby and Brianna Carpenter, five years his senior, cuddling in the spa of the $15 million Idol mansion.

Both finalists have claimed to be in relationships outside the program.

You'd never have caught Guy Sebastian and Paulini indulging in such lustful behaviour.

According to the article, the photos have been sold for "thousands" of dollars. So just how steamy are they?

Corby is shown with Carpenter on his knee while the two laugh in their swimwear. Teen heart-throb Corby's arms are around Carpenter's waist.

Well, we suppose if you're the poster boy for warbling Assembly of God teens, then news you've been seen laughing (whilst putting your arm around her, no less!) with infuriatingly twee older lady Brianna won't work in your SMS vote gathering favour.

Personally we're waiting for the glorious day we open the paper and learn of a pill-and-amyl binge occurring in the Idol house, the drug bender resulting in a wild, frenzied orgy. If it emerged that a canny Cal Wilson, hidden behind the piano in Idol HQ, had filmed and narrated the entire thing, and planned on releasing it on video tape under the deliciously dodgy porn title The REAL Inside Idol? We would faint with excitement and glee.

Until then, however, we'll probably have to accept the fact we're always going to end up disappointed by all the so-called scandalous acts performed by the wannabe pop stars.

Tags: au | australian idol | brianna carpenter | cal wilson | matt corby