On last night’s episode of Australian Idol, the competition tightened as Bony Onyango and Hannah Waddell were eliminated following a closely contested public vote.
Despite strong performances, the duo fell short, leaving just eight contestants in the running for the title.
With the stakes higher than ever, the remaining hopefuls are now one step closer to Idol glory.
From Seven:
Last night, Bony Onyango and Hannah Waddell departed the competition after the nation voted for their Top 8 Australian Idol contestants on Seven and 7plus.
Ahead of tonight’s verdict the Australian Idol Top 10 united for an electrifying performance of Praising You by Rita Ora.
In one of the strongest fields in Australian Idol history, hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie again revealed that only a handful of votes divided those who made the Top 8 and those who would leave the competition.
Disco diva Hannah, 25 from WA, plus progressive auto-tune artist Bony, 25; country cowboy Jake Whittaker, 30; and John Van Beek, 19 – all from QLD – landed in the bottom.
Judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark reflected on the Top 10.
Marcia admitted: “The talent this year is on another level.”
“It’s a numbers game as each week goes along it’s going to be heart-destroying,” Kyle added.
Amy acknowledged:
“The Australian music industry is a tough competition, not just Idol so any chance you get to sing in front of the country is a huge opportunity.”
Sixteen-year-old singing sensation Gisella Coletti from WA and powerhouse vocalist Emma Jones, 23 from ACT, were advanced straight into the Top 8 by the judges, and safe from the public vote, after their incredible routines during the performance shows.
The four contestants with the lowest votes performed again in a last-bid sing-off to show they had the star power to stay in the competition.
Jake’s “awesome” performance of Tina Turner’s (Simply) The Best showed he was back to top form “letting that mullet fly free,” while Hannah proved disco will never die with Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive.
Bony’s natural talent shone on I Don’t Care by Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber, while John won the crowd with The Script’s Breakeven.
All three judges were shocked at Hannah’s elimination after her “effortless vocal perfection” each week.
Amy admitted: “You have one of the strongest voices we have ever seen in Idol.”
Kyle implored:
“Get yourself a booking agent. I would book you for a party, a wedding or corporate gigs. Go and start your career!”
A grateful Hannah shared: “Thank you judges for this whole experience. I am so lucky and extremely grateful. This is not the end.”
After his elimination, Bony said: “Thank you for how you guys received me. It’s been super dope I guess we will see you guys on the other side.”
Kyle shared: “You are an artist. If this is your last night sail forward my friend go and get your dream.”
“I’m not worried about you at all, tomorrow you are going to get back into the studio,” added Amy.
The Australian Idol 2025 Top 8:
- Emma Jones , 23, Canberra, ACT
- Gisella Colletti, 16, Perth, WA
- Iilysh Retallick, 17, Culcairn, NSW
- Jake Whittaker, 30, Stockleigh, QLD
- Jaymon Bob 23, Rockhampton, QLD
- John Van Beek 19, Perth, WA
- Marshall Hamburger, 19, Doonan, QLD
- William Le Brun 21, Melbourne, VIC
Listen to Australian Idol performances HERE
Sunday night on Australian Idol: It’s viewers choice, as Australia decides what songs the Top 8 Idols will perform.
William for the win …rest screamers
Margaret Gough .. Jaymon doesn’t scream 😳😫 he’s my choice
Margaret Gough no. All the songs he sings sound the same. ,
Margaret Gough he reminds me of bouble
Wendy Lockhart William reminds me in looks of Victor Mature an actor in the 50’s. William is a real all round entertainer and this is what they say Idol is all about. Singing without screaming is not possible for a lot and that, to me, is not entertainment.
Margaret Gough nope Hamburger or gisella.
Jodi Ann she just screams
Margaret Gough agreed
Margaret Gough Marshall is no screamer pure entertainment he will win.
Margaret Gough nope he wont win…….the great boy will
John Win Australia ldol
Sarah Hearne he’s out
Sarah Hearne he is out
Jaymon wins for CQ
Joy Williams don’t forget to give him your 10 votes .. I surely am
Mitchell is the most versatile performer but none are extremely impressive. Emma has the best voice among the girls.
Kerry Allis yes
Gisella to win as she will go far. Not a fan of Jake the cowboy. William or John a very handsome young lad could be a winner too. My top 3
Wendy Leach she is a screamer
Hard to decide- personally happy for William, Marshall, John, Jaymon or Jake to win.
Can”t stand screechers in the girls. Gisella great in her live audition during Marcia’s concert but now screeching is full force. Iilysh is a definite no. Emma the easiest of the girls to listen to
hope William wins
Christine Floyd Brookes you are so funny
John Smith why is that funny
Gisella, William or Marshall to win.
Juliette Jazz yep but I really think Marshell win win it.
Marshall is going to win
Visnja Cilic the rest are rubbish !!!
Visnja Cilic yes he definitely will
Go go Burger king
John Smith yes he’s my pick
Love William
Marshall or William, but I would like to add all the remaining contestants deserve to be there.
All the way for William 🙏🩵🎤but Marshall will go close.
i like William❤️❤️
William or Marshall to win 🙂
You all deserve to be there
Visnja Cilic agree
I love listening to william ,i always put my 10 allowable votes onhim .
I agree love william to win ,i spend my 10 allowable votes on him
Come on Jake all the way
William for the win
All they do is scream. Terrible I don’t like idol.
The voice is classiest
Hard to listen to
Being “An Oldie”..Love William.. Reminds Me of “Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra” Days..Perfect Rythm..!! & So at Ease Naturally..Love “John” but a Bit Young Yet.. “Will be a Star”..!!.. “Giselle” the Same..Great Vocals for “16”..!!🌷💞
10 votes to William
Yes reminds me of Dean Martin love him good luck