Auditions for the 2025 season of Australian Idol are firing up hopes and dreams for aspiring singers across the country. With 30 coveted golden tickets available, contestants are pouring their hearts out, hoping to impress the trio of judges: Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands, and Marcia Hines. This year, the competition is fierce, with the judges on the lookout for standout talent.
One of the hopefuls is 18-year-old Keely Ellen from Bundaberg, Queensland. Having left school after Year 10 to chase her musical dreams, Keely's audition is monumental for her. "I was really nervous," she expressed to TV WEEK. "It’s such a big opportunity and knowing it is going to be on TV was really intimidating." Keely’s family, particularly her late Pop, Denis Cox, who passed away last year, served as her inspiration to take the leap. "He’d be really proud of me [for auditioning]," she reflected. "I always watched Idol growing up and finally took the leap. He’d be proud I’m pursuing what I love."
Keely captivated the judges with her rendition of Willie Nelson’s "Always On My Mind," which struck a chord with Kyle Sandilands, moving him to tears. "He was the judge I was most worried about," she admitted, wondering whether her powerful performance would earn her the Golden Ticket.
Another standout from the auditions is John Van Beek, aged 18, from Perth. He took the challenge head-on by auditioning with Aerosmith’s classic ballad, "I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing." John, who initially feared disappointment as silence engulfed the room post-performance, was overjoyed when the judges praised him. "I thought oh no I’ve stuffed it. I’ve just made fun of myself on national television," he recalled, only to be reassured by Amy Shark’s enthusiastic remarks on his captivating delivery. "The judges want to help me," he shared, glowing with confidence.
John’s background is quite fascinating. He was once on the Olympic gymnastics track until an injury shifted his focus from the gym to the stage. "I was quite nervous as there was a lot at stake. I thought if I made mistakes, my career might have been ruined," he confessed, showing both vulnerability and determination.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Iilysh Retallick from Culcairn, NSW, has also made waves by belting out "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette. With her rise to the top 30, she reflects on her experience of standing out among fierce competition. "I wanted to bring my own flair to the performance, and I’m thrilled it connected with the judges," she said.
Emma Jones, 23, from Canberra, ACT, enchanted the audience with her goosebump-inducing rendition of "To Love Somebody" by the Bee Gees. Her emotional delivery captured hearts and secured her spot among the top contestants. The judges noted the depth of her performance, emphasizing the skill and talent necessary for this challenging season.
William Le Brun, another talented contender at age 20 from Melbourne, VIC, delighted judges with his playful rendition of "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd. His fresh take on the hit shows the vibrant creativity of the new generation of artists hoping to make their mark on the music scene.
With the heightened stakes and tough competition, the 2025 season is set to be one of the most thrilling yet. Notably, this round of auditions has demanded the best from each participant, proving to be the ultimate test for those aspiring to stardom. All contestants face the pressure of their performances and emotional backstories, striving to impress not only the judges but also audiences nationwide.
Filming is currently underway, showing glimpses of raw talent intermixed with emotional moments behind the scenes. Australian Idol continues airing on Monday nights at 7:30 PM on Channel 7, bringing viewers closer to the heart of the action as participants chase their dreams and reveal their personal stories through music.