Australian Idol 2025 Winner Revealed: Marshall Hamburger Takes the Crown!
Marshall Hamburger Wins Australian Idol 2025 – Who’s the Runner-Up?
The wait is over! On April 7, 2025, Australian Idol 2025 crowned its season 10 champion in a thrilling grand finale broadcast live on Channel Seven and 7plus.
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Marshall Hamburger, the 19-year-old from Doonan, Queensland, emerged victorious, beating out Iilysh Retallick and Gisella Colletti to claim the title, $100,000 prize money, and a recording contract with Hive Sound Studios.
Iilysh Retallick took the runner-up spot, while Gisella Colletti finished third. Here’s the full scoop on the Australian Idol 2025 winner, the finale performances, prize details, and what’s next for the top 3.
Grand Finale Recap: Who Won Australian Idol 2025?
The two-night grand finale, aired April 6-7, 2025, was a rollercoaster of talent. Voting closed after Sunday’s performances at 7:00 PM AEDT (2:00 AM PDT), with over 1.2 million votes cast, per TV Blackbox.
On Monday, hosts Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie revealed the results: Gisella placed third after her elimination on night one, leaving Iilysh and Marshall as the top 2. In a nail-biting finish, Marshall was named the Australian Idol 2025 winner. “Thank you, Australia, you’re gonna hear a lot from me!” he told the roaring crowd, as reported by Yahoo Lifestyle.
Finalists’ Standout Performances: How Marshall Won
Here’s an updated table of the top 3 finalists’ journey, including their grand finale performances that sealed their fates:
| Contestant | Age | Hometown | Audition Song | Top 6 Performance | Grand Finale Solo | Judges’ Feedback Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall Hamburger | 19 | Doonan, QLD | “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” | “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone | “Shake a Tail Feather” | Amy Shark: “You’re a genius, every song’s your own” |
| Iilysh Retallick | 17 | Culcairn, NSW | “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette | “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish | “Good 4 U” by Olivia Rodrigo | Marcia Hines: “You’ve become this rock chick!” |
| Gisella Colletti | 17 | Perth, WA | “I Am Changing” by Jennifer Hudson | “Break Free” by Ariana Grande | “What a Feeling” (power ballad) | Amy Shark: “Can’t believe you’re only 17, incredible” |
- Marshall’s Triumph: His electrifying “Shake a Tail Feather” and duet with Leo Sayer on “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” showcased his quirky charm and versatility, winning Australia’s vote.
- Iilysh’s Rock Edge: Her punk-charged “Good 4 U” and duet with Wolfmother on “Joker and the Thief” cemented her runner-up status with fierce stage presence.
- Gisella’s Vocal Prowess: Her reimagined “What a Feeling” and duet with Tina Arena on “Heaven Help My Heart” were breathtaking, earning her third place and a tour invite from Arena.
Australian Idol 2025 Prize Money & Rewards
Marshall Hamburger’s win nets him:
- $100,000 Cash Prize: A life-changing sum to launch his career.
- Recording Contract: A deal with Hive Sound Studios to produce his debut single and album.
- Industry Perks: Red carpet access to the ARIAs, TikTok Awards, and Logies, plus mentorship from music pros.
Iilysh and Gisella, while not winners, gain massive exposure, with Gisella already scoring a guest spot on Tina Arena’s Aussie tour, per Pedestrian.tv.
Why Marshall Hamburger Won Australian Idol 2025
Marshall’s victory aligns with past trends—pop and rock artists like Guy Sebastian and Wes Carr have historically thrived. His “gamer nerd” persona, soulful performances, and social media buzz (e.g., “marshall hamburger age” with 208 impressions) built a dedicated fanbase. Posts on X from April 7, 2025, like @rob_mcknight’s “Australia has spoken – it’s Marshall Hamburger’s name they were chanting,” reflect his widespread appeal. Judge Amy Shark noted, “He’s the full package—unique, talented, and relatable,” per Yahoo Lifestyle.
Runner-Up Iilysh Retallick: A Rockstar in the Making
Iilysh, at 17, nearly snatched the crown with her emotional depth and rockstar transformation. Her hometown of Culcairn rallied behind her, and fans on X praised her “KILLER stage presence + RAD vocals.” While she didn’t win, her runner-up finish positions her for a bright future, with speculation of a record deal already swirling.
Gisella Colletti’s Third-Place Shine
Gisella, also 17, dazzled with vocal power and theatrical flair, earning Katy Perry’s praise earlier in the season. Though third, her finale duet with Tina Arena and subsequent tour invite signal big things ahead. Fans on X, like @vbaudeIaire, argued “Gisella should have won—absolutely insane voice,” showing her strong support.
Previous Australian Idol Winners: Where Are They Now?
Here’s a look at past champs for context:
| Year | Winner | Notable Post-Win Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Guy Sebastian | 10 top 10 albums, 6× platinum debut |
| 2004 | Casey Donovan | Pop/soul hits, musical theatre star |
| 2005 | Kate DeAraugo | Young Divas success, mental health advocate |
| 2006 | Damien Leith | Pop/rock albums, author |
| 2007 | Natalie Gauci | Debut album success, jazz/electronic ventures |
| 2008 | Wes Carr | Pop albums, extensive touring |
| 2009 | Stan Walker | R&B/pop hits, international fame |
| 2013 | Taylor Henderson | Country/pop, ARIA nominations |
| 2024 | Dylan Wright | Debut album Half a World Away hit ARIA top 12 |
Marshall joins this elite list, with his win announced at the Sydney Coliseum Theatre, a nod to the show’s grand tradition.
What’s Next for the Australian Idol 2025 Top 3?
- Marshall: His winner’s single drops soon, with a national tour in the works, per Channel Seven.
- Iilysh: Expect a rock EP and festival gigs, building on her finale momentum.
- Gisella: She’ll join Tina Arena on tour, with pop/R&B projects teased to TV WEEK.
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