In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 season of Australian Idol, Perth teenager Gisella Colletti captured the hearts of viewers but ultimately finished third, while Queensland's Marshall Hamburger was crowned the champion during a nail-biting finale on April 7, 2025. The grand finale featured an impressive showdown between Colletti, Hamburger, and New South Wales' Iilysh Retallick, with a staggering 1.2 million votes cast in total.
The night began with a vibrant performance by the top twelve contestants, who united to sing Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten." Following this, each finalist took the stage to showcase their signature songs in hopes of winning the coveted title. Colletti, wearing a stunning purple dress, performed a heartfelt rendition of Irene Cara's "Flashdance... What A Feeling," while Hamburger chose to sing the classic "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by The Police. Retallick opted for Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know," which earned her praise from the judges.
As the tension mounted, the moment of truth arrived. Host Ricki-Lee Coulter announced the results, revealing that Colletti had received the fewest votes and would be eliminated first, leaving Hamburger and Retallick to compete for the title. Colletti expressed her gratitude for the experience, stating, "I left my heart out on that stage. I’m never turning back, no matter what happens, I’m so ready to go out there and make my own music!" Her determination resonated with fans, many of whom took to social media to voice their support.
Despite her disappointment, Colletti's journey was far from over. The singer was awarded a guest spot on Tina Arena's upcoming tour, a result of their captivating duet during the finale. Colletti shared her excitement about the opportunity, saying, "When I met Tina for the first time, we sort of clicked. She’s Italian, and she’s a beautiful, beautiful human, and she’s so down to earth. I just really felt a connection." This unexpected opportunity brightened her spirits after a challenging night.
Meanwhile, Hamburger, the 19-year-old from the Sunshine Coast, was overwhelmed with emotion as he was named the winner. "Thank you, Australia! You’re going to hear a lot from me in the future!" he exclaimed, visibly shocked by the announcement. Along with the title, Hamburger took home $100,000 in prize money and an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios. His win was celebrated not only by fans but also by fellow contestants, who praised his talent and dedication.
Reflecting on his journey, Hamburger said, "I honestly can’t believe it. I’ve changed so much, I’ve definitely stepped out of my shell." His performances throughout the competition showcased his unique musicality, earning him accolades from judges such as Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines. Sandilands remarked, "I would love to get a psychic medium to find out which dead music legend you’ve reincarnated. It’s just not possible that such a young, fresh boy is such a seasoned genius musician."
As the night unfolded, the performances continued to captivate the audience. Iilysh Retallick, who finished as the runner-up, delivered a powerful rendition of her audition song, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the music industry. "You showed me who you are… you’re a bloody good person. Never stop being you, you’re a genius and you’re an Idol to me and Australia no matter what happens," she said, expressing her admiration for Hamburger.
The finale also featured special performances, including a duet between Hamburger and music legend Leo Sayer, where they sang "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing." The evening was filled with emotional moments, as each contestant reflected on their growth and the support they received from their communities. Premier Roger Cook even joined in, urging Western Australians to rally behind Colletti, stating, "Gisella is an amazing talent, and it would be fantastic to see her cap off her remarkable performances with a win."
Colletti's school, Corpus Christi College in Bateman, joined in the celebrations, decorating their walls to support their star student. Friends and family gathered at The Victoria Park Hotel to cheer her on, with her cousin Amanda Ranieri expressing pride in her achievements. "We just can’t believe she’s got this far. We’re amazed, we knew she was talented, but it’s just incredible to see her get this far," Ranieri said.
As the night came to a close, the competition left a lasting impression on all involved. The top three contestants showcased their exceptional talent and determination, leaving fans eager to see what the future holds for each of them. With Hamburger's victory, the stage is set for an exciting career ahead, and Colletti's journey is just beginning as she prepares to embark on her musical path.
In a world where talent shines bright, the 2025 season of Australian Idol has proven to be a remarkable journey for all contestants, and it’s clear that the future of Australian music is in good hands.
