Australian Idol 2023: Shannon Noll’s niece seeks ‘vengeance’ with audition

A family member of one of Australian Idol’s most iconic names auditioned to seek “vengeance” after her uncle was “robbed”.

Shannon Noll’s family want their share.

The legendary Australian Idol runner-up, who shot to fame back in 2003, has maintained a long-running legacy despite famously losing to Guy Sebastian in the original series.

And now his niece, fellow Condobolin, NSW resident Tessa Noll, has returned to the scene of the robbery two decades later seeking “vengeance”.

The 24-year-old administration officer auditioned on Sunday night’s episode of the rebooted Seven show, and instantly charmed the panel of judges with her laid-back humour.

After Tessa introduced herself, Kyle Sandilands’ ears pricked up, “Any relation to the Australian Idol famous Shannon Noll?” before Tessa confirmed Nollsie was indeed her uncle.

Shannon Noll famously lost Australian Idol in 2003, with many declaring he was robbed of the title in the decades since. Picture: AAP Image/Sydney Morning Herald/Edwina Pickles

Shannon Noll's niece Tessa has auditioned for Australian Idol 2023.

Fellow Australian-born panellist Amy Shark reacted in shock to the news, while US-based stars Harry Connick Jr. and Meghan Trainor were understandably confused by the revelation.

“Who are we talking about?!” Trainor asked.

Sandilands went on to explain Noll, now 47, has had an “amazing career” in the decades since the original Idol.

“So I’m here for vengeance,” Tessa said. “He got robbed of the win, I’m here to win it back.

“All those years ago it got stripped from my family name.”

Kyle Sandilands was stunned with Tessa’s appearance, while Meghan Trainor had no idea what was going on.

Tessa auditioned with Trainor’s big ballad, Like I’m Gonna Lose You, and even though she’d already won over the judges, the performance fell a little flat.

“What I got was a really great young lady whose got a sweet voice, who is not in the least prepared for the competition,” Harry Connick Jr. said.

Shark added, “I could hear the nerves. I think you might just need to do it like 1000 more times. It just wasn’t the best audition, but you have a beautiful voice.”

Trainor told Tessa she was “definitely the best at singing my songs on this show”, but that she was up against “crazy vocalists” with “no nerves”.

Ultimately, Tessa received four “no’s” from the judges, with Sandilands saying it was a shame because he “would’ve loved another Noll in the competition”.

Just like her uncle, Tessa took the defeat like a champion.

“Thank you for the opportunity guys,” she said with a smile.

Tessa Noll for Prime Minister of Australia.

Idol, which returned to screens last week after a 14-year hiatus, is still airing the audition phase of the competition.

The judges are seen travelling to cities around the country to pick their top 50 contestants.

Australian Idol continues Monday night at 7.30pm on Seven

Originally published as Australian Idol 2023: Shannon Noll’s niece seeks ‘vengeance’ with audition