Royston Sagigi-Baira, 23, from Cape York in Far North Queensland was crowned the winner of Australian Idol during an incredible night of live television and electrifying performances tonight on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Royston fought back tears as Australian Idol hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie announced he had won the coveted Australian Idol title for season eight and the ultimate prize – a recording contract with industry giant Sony Music and $100,000 in prize money.Â
Taking his place in Australian Idol history and acknowledging the support of his family seated in the audience, the proud indigenous singer said the win would change his life.Â
Royston said, before performing his new single, Invincible:
“I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. Thank all this mob up here, all my family and friends for coming. Everyone who’s been voting, thank you so much!”
Australian Idol judges Harry Connick Jr, Meghan Trainor, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark celebrated Royston’s win, praising his time in the competition.Â
Harry said:
“Your journey through the process has been one of the greatest I’ve seen. It’s been cool. It’s going to be fun to watch your career. I’m proud of you, man, really proud of you.”
Meghan added:
“You win at always picking the perfect song for you. You’re ready. You’re so…I can’t speak tonight. You are amazing. I love you.”
Phoebe Stewart, 15, from Busselton in Western Australia was named the competition’s runner-up after her performance of Elton John’s Your Song reduced the judges to tears.Â
A stumble down the stairs didn’t stop the teenager from thanking everyone who had supported her:
“I just want to say thank you, everyone, and for not laughing too much when I fell down the stairs. Seriously, this has been the best. I’m so proud of myself and everyone. This has just been a gift. I’m just so grateful for everything.”
The Grand Finale show opened with a powerful performance of Ed Sheeran’s Celestial featuring the Grand Finalists Josh Hannan, Phoebe and Royston, supported by the other members of Australian Idol’s Top 12.
The three Grand Finalists then returned to the stage to perform their chosen solo song before hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott announced Josh would be the first artist to leave the competition after securing the least viewer votes.
On leaving the competition, Josh said:
“I’m just so grateful for everything…thank you to everyone else who voted for me. Thank you very much. This is not the end for me.”
A global success since 2001, the Australian Idol franchise has launched the careers of many multi-award-winning artists including Aussies Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Matt Corby, Ricki-Lee, Anthony Callea, Stan Walker, Casey Donovan and Courtney Act.Â
International music icons Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert also started their brilliant careers on the Idol stage.
See tonight’s performances here.Â
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