Australian Idol has officially crowned its winner for 2025 in a thrilling grand finale that captivated audiences across the nation. On Monday night, April 7, the competition reached its climax as 19-year-old Marshall Hamburger emerged victorious, taking home the coveted title and a prize package worth $100,000.
The finale was a culmination of weeks of intense performances, showcasing the immense talent of the top three finalists: Marshall Hamburger from Queensland, Iilysh Retallick from New South Wales, and Gisella Colletti from Western Australia. Each contestant displayed their unique vocal prowess and stage presence, making the competition fierce.
The grand finale kicked off with a spectacular show on Sunday night, April 6, where the finalists performed solo and duet numbers that highlighted their journeys throughout the season. Marshall Hamburger opened with a powerful rendition of "Playing to Win," a classic made famous by John Farnham and the Little River Band. His performance was met with enthusiasm from both the audience and judges.
Meanwhile, Gisella Colletti, a 17-year-old student from Corpus Christi College, dazzled the crowd with her performance of Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know." Her stage presence, complete with a sparkling pink outfit, earned her praise from the judges, particularly from Amy Shark, who remarked, "My mind is blown. You are such an incredible artist." In a dream come true moment, Gisella later performed a duet with her idol, Tina Arena, singing "Heaven Help My Heart," which drew a standing ovation.
Iilysh Retallick, also 17, represented New South Wales and electrified the audience with her rendition of "Boys in Town" by the Divinyls. Her performance was followed by a duet with Andrew Stockdale from Wolfmother, where they performed "Joker and the Thief." Iilysh expressed her excitement, saying, "That felt amazing, I’m singing with Andrew Stockdale from Wolfmother!"
The anticipation built as the final votes were counted, culminating in the live announcement of the winner. Marshall Hamburger was declared the champion, and he expressed his gratitude, stating, "Thank you, Australia, thank you so much. You're gonna hear a lot of me in the future, I'll be out there." His victory not only secured him the title of Australian Idol 2025 but also included a recording package with Hive Sound Studios, setting the stage for his future music career.
As the news spread, fans took to social media to celebrate Marshall’s win. Comments poured in, with fans exclaiming their joy and support for the young star. One fan wrote, "I’m so happy congratulations Marshall!" while another added, "What a legend!"
In a behind-the-scenes look at the finale, host Scott Tweedie shared insights into the live announcement process. He explained the meticulous preparations that ensure the winner's name is kept secret until the last moment. "We have it written down, so there’s no way that communication can be wrong. The winner’s name is handwritten on a card seconds before the announcement to prevent errors," Tweedie detailed.
The excitement of the finale extended beyond the television screen. A watch party was held at New York Minute in Noosa, where the community gathered to support Marshall. Attendees were encouraged to wear red and white to show their Idol spirit as they cheered for their local star.
As the season comes to a close, the impact of the competition on all three finalists is evident. Each contestant has expressed their aspirations for a future in music. Gisella, who aimed to be the first Australian Idol from Western Australia, reflected on her journey, stating, "This is what I would love to do for the rest of my life. I hope all young Australians follow their dreams."
The Australian Idol 2025 season has not only showcased incredible talent but also fostered camaraderie among the contestants. Judge Marcia Hines praised the finalists for their kindness towards each other, saying, "I couldn’t be prouder of the three of you. You’ve all done well, but I want to thank you for the kindness you’ve shown to each other. We are all in this together."
As fans look forward to what’s next for Marshall Hamburger and the other finalists, the excitement of Australian Idol continues to resonate across the country. With applications for Australian Idol 2026 already open, the search for the next singing sensation is underway. For those who missed the finale, highlights and full episodes are available for catch-up on Seven's streaming service, 7plus.
In conclusion, Australian Idol 2025 has successfully crowned a new champion, with Marshall Hamburger's victory marking a significant moment in the competition's history. The show remains a vital platform for aspiring artists to showcase their talents and achieve their dreams. With the spotlight now on Marshall and the other finalists, the future looks bright for these emerging stars.
