Australian Idol’s Transformation Week didn’t just give the contestants a makeover – it flipped the competition on its head!
With the final spots in the Top 12 on the line, the stage was packed with powerhouse performances, a dash of controversy, and some unexpected Fast Pass decisions from judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands, and Amy Shark.
From country spins to live autotune redemption arcs, the night was anything but predictable.
From Seven:
The final night of Transformation Week saw spectacular performances and superstar makeovers as the last four artists finalised their place in Australian Idol’s Top 12.
Over three incredible nights, contestants took to the Idol stage for a make-or-break performance and their final chance to show the judges they deserved a coveted spot in the Top 12.
Judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark were allocated one fast pass each, which allowed them to advance someone directly to the Top 12, despite what their fellow judges thought.
Jake Whittaker, 30 from QLD, put a country spin on The Choirboys’ classic Run To Paradise, earning Kyle’s Fast Pass.
Humbled, Jake said:
“There are so many deserving people out there tonight. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. This means the world to me.”
After disagreeing with her fellow judges on John Van Beek’s performance of James Arthur’s Impossible, Amy used her fast past to advance the 19-year-old from WA into the Top 12.
Amy admitted:
“I don’t think that was your best performance…but I believe in you that much, and I want to give you something to make sure you don’t go anywhere.”
“You are better than that, so come back and show us you are,” she added.
Twenty-one-year-old Victorian William Le Brun was emotional after his signature swing spin on Coldplay’s Something Just Like This earnt Marcia’s Fast Pass.
Bony Onyango, 25, moved one step Closer to his Idol dream, singing Ne-Yo’s signature tune. The QLD singer – who controversially uses live autotune in his performances – wowed the crowd and judges.
Amy shared:
“I would like to apologise for calling it cheating. I did think you were coming into the audition to swindle your way through. Now I know this is your artistry, this is your sound, this is who you are. That was incredible.”
Rock-chick Iilyish Retallick from NSW declared:
“I want to show Australia a small-town country girl has what it takes to be in the music industry and represent.”
The 17-year-old’s rendition of Just A Girl earned a standing ovation and left the judges No Doubt that she had what it takes to be in the Top 12.
Gisella, 16, transformed from schoolgirl to Idol star singing Michael Bolton’s How Am I Supposed to Live Without You. The WA teen brought Marcia to tears:
“I’m sitting here crying. I love that you are here. I love that you are game and so damn talented.”
Hannah Waddell, 25 from WA, took Sneaky Sound System’s track UFO to another stratosphere.
Kyle declared:
“Tonight, you became a proper artist. It was so effortless. You nailed that with ease. You are ready to go as far as I’m concerned.”
The Australian Idol 2025 Top 12:
- Aaliyah Duchesne, 27, Prospect, NSW
- Bony Onyango, 25, Brisbane, QLD
- Emma Jones , 23, Canberra, ATC
- Gisella Colletti, 16, Perth, WA
- Hannah Waddell, 25, Doubleview, WA
- Iilysh Retallick, 17, Culcairn, NSW
- Jake Whittaker, Stockleigh, QLD
- Jaymon Bob 23, Rockhampton, QLD
- John Van Beek 19, Perth, WA
- Marshall Hamburger, 19, Doonan, QLD
- Mzuki 28, Melbourne, VIC
- William Le Brun 21, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday night on Australian Idol: Live TV is back! The Top 12 compete live-to-air to fight for their place in the competition.
