‘Trainwreck’: Australian Idol finale roasted by viewers

Australian Idol’s rebooted series wrapped up last night – but things did not exactly go to plan.

Channel 7’s rebooted Australian Idol series wrapped up with its grand finale on Sunday night – and things did not go to plan.

The final episode in the 2023 season, which saw Kyle Sandilands, Meghan Trainor, Harry Connick Jr and Amy Shark on the judges’ panel, was plagued with technical issues during a key moment and an unfortunate accident by one of its contestants.

Heading into the showdown were 15-year-old Phoebe Stewart, Royston Sagigi-Baira, 23, and Josh Hannan, 20.

Josh was the first to be voted out, leaving the other two to compete for the crown.

However, in the moments before the winner was announced, Phoebe suffered an embarrassing slip which saw her trip down the stairs and land on the ground.

Well that happened…
#australianidolpic.twitter.com/9HywDdVrM7

— Niall Ginsbourg 🤷‍♂️ (@niall_bigscreen) March 26, 2023

Royston was quick to help her up, with Phoebe joking: “Good role models don’t do that, guys. That’s not a good example. Continue!”

Phoebe’s face said it all.

She landed on the ground.

Omg poor Phoebe #AustralianIdol

— JJ (@JJWWDaya) March 26, 2023

The teenager later made another gracious reference to the accident, telling the audience: “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.”

But that wasn’t the end of the snafus.

After Royston was announced as the winner, he took to the stage to belt out his single, Invincible – and while he was able to showcase his powerhouse voice, it was clear something was wrong with the audio.

Royston’s winner’s performance hit a snag.

He tapped his ear to indicate he couldn’t hear.

At one point, he turned around confusedly as he mumbled through the lyrics, and then muttered “What?” as he tapped his ear, indicating he couldn’t hear the guide track.

What a train wreck of an ending! #australianidol

— Mel (@Melwerri) March 26, 2023

This final is so awkward….
Awkward jokes, awkwardness, awkward moments of talking over others, awkwaaardddd #australianidol@AustralianIdol

— 💕🧡 (@m_ishka) March 26, 2023

Live TV is great hahaha
Phoebe falls down the stairs and then Royston forgets the words to his own winners song 😂🙊🤭 #whoops#AustralianIdol@AustralianIdol

— R. (@r__hickey) March 26, 2023

Hilarious ending lol won’t be back next year #AustralianIdol

— Not Cheryl Kernot (@notcherylkernot) March 26, 2023

That was a bit of a car crash at the end, hey? #AustralianIdol

— Jo Printz (@JoPrintz) March 26, 2023

what happened there, gotta love live tv, sound techs definitely drop the ball tonight #australianidol

— Cresco (@Thereis83cresco) March 26, 2023

Despite the issues with his performance, Royston no doubt was still able to celebrate last night after scoring a prize of $100,000, a record deal with Sony Music and a trip to the US to work with industry heavyweights.

“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!” he told the crowd.

Connick Jr was quick to praise the Idol winner.

“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.”