After weeks of intense public voting, Australia has chosen 23-year-old Royston Sagigi-Baira, 15-year-old Phoebe Stewart, and 20-year-old Josh Hannan to compete for the Australian Idol Grand Finale Crown.
While dreams were realised for the newly minted Grand Finalists, it was a bittersweet night for 19-year-old Anya Hynninen, 24-year-old Ben Sheehy, and 16-year-old Amali Dimond, who were eliminated after failing to secure enough public votes to keep them in the competition.
The Top 6 opened the show with a killer performance of I Feel Good by David Guetta FT Bebe Rexha, then hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie announced each contestant would sing again before finding out who was headed to the Grand Finale.
Royston was first on stage, performing the power ballad I Want To Know What Love is by Foreigner, followed by Anya who delivered a soulful performance of It’s a Man’s Man’s World by James Brown.
Anya and Royston stood side-by-side as Ricki-Lee announced Royston was the first Grand Finalist.
“I can’t believe this. This is crazy!” he said. “This is a testament [to the fact] that no matter where you come from, as long as you work hard, you can follow your dreams and they can come true.”
Ben was next to perform, taking on the Joe Cocker classic The Letter before Phoebe hit the stage with a moving performance of Lost Without You by Freya Ridings.
Scott announced Phoebe as the second contestant heading to the Grand Finale.
“Thank you everyone for taking the time out of your life to appreciate music, the show and me. And I’m really happy I’m here. Thank you,” said Phoebe as she fought back tears.
Josh and Amali were next on stage. Josh performed Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley while Amali nailed Demi Lovato’s Warrior.
Ricki-Lee announced Josh as the third and final singer to perform in Sunday’s Grand Finale.
“It’s a bit emotional,” said Josh wiping his tears. “Everyone who voted for me. It is an absolute dream for me to be here.”
The winner of Australian Idol will receive a recording contract with industry giant Sony Music and $100,000 in prize money.
Voting is now open! In Sunday’s Grand Finale one contestant will walk away with the glory and title of the latest Australian Idol. Plus superstars Harry Connick Jr and Jessica Mauboy perform exclusively.
