Australian Idol’s final Top 21 has been locked in following an intense week of performances, unexpected second chances, and a major twist from Kyle Sandilands.
Young rising stars stole the spotlight, while returning contestants fought for redemption in a pressure-packed solo challenge with a live band and audience.
From Seven:
Last night, Australian Idol’s final Top 21 stars were revealed following a series of bombshells and surprises that made the competition tougher than ever.
The hopefuls took on three massive challenges across four nights, with 25 contestants advancing through the chorus and overnight challenge. Next, they faced a make-or-break moment: performing solo with a live band and audience.
Marcia Hines revealed:
“It’s designed to see how the singers work with a crowd and a live band. If you want to make it to the Top 21 you must show up.”
Amy Shark added:
“We are looking for someone who can play live shows and captivate an audience.”
Some performers struggled while others soared in the pressure-cooker environment as contestants were either sent straight to the Top 21 or put on notice, facing potential elimination.
Four of Australia’s youngest Idols stunned in their solo challenge. Doonan’s Marshall Hamburger, 19; Keely Ellen, 17, from Bundaberg; and 16-year-olds Gisella Colletti from Perth and Hazel Sofia Symonds from Mildura, blew the judges away with performances beyond their years.
Kyle Sandilands dropped a bombshell on his fellow judges when he brought controversial Brisbane contender Bony Onyango, the 25-year-old who uses live autotune in his performances, back to the competition.
After Bony’s solo performance, Marcia admitted:
“We are so happy Kyle did what he did.” Kyle added: “There are a lot of musos that think autotune is cheating. This guy makes his own beats and plays his own stuff. This is a popstar waiting to be discovered.”
Castle Hill’s Majeda Beatty, 26, was given another chance after forgetting lyrics and being put on notice three times during Top 30 week. The hip-hop singer acknowledged: “This is finally my moment to really prove myself and get the judges on my side.”
Early standouts Iilyish Retallick, the 17-year-old from Culcairn, and 29-year-old Jake Whittaker from Stockleigh, were both on notice after their solo performance but ultimately advanced to the Top 21.
The Australian Idol 2025 Top 21:
- Aaliyah Duchesne, 27, Prospect, NSW
- Bony, Onyango, 25, Brisbane, QLD
- Chris Ah Gee, 31, Buddina, QLD
- Clint Posselt, 29, Maroochydore, QLD
- Dinley Jones, 26, Sydney, NSW
- Emma Jones, 23, Canberra, ATC
- Gisella Colletti, 16, Perth, WA
- Hannah Waddell, 25, Doubleview, WA
- Hazel Sofia Symonds, 16, Mildura, VIC
- Iilysh Retallick, 17, Culcairn, NSW
- Izellah Connelly, 18, Southport, QLD
- Jake Whittaker, 29, Stockleigh, QLD
- Jaylena Heuskes, 24, Adelaide, SA
- Jaymon Bob, 22, Rockhampton, QLD
- Jinja Blue, 21, Buddina, QLD
- John Van Beek, 18, Perth, WA
- Keely Ellen, 17, Bundaberg, QLD
- Majeda Beatty, 26, Castle Hill, NSW
- Marshall Hamburger, 19, Doonan, QLD
- Mzuki, 28, Melbourne, VIC
- William Le Brun, 20, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday night on Australian Idol: The Top 21 will transform and level up their singing, style and star power to prove they belong in the Top 12.
