‘Robbed’: Viewers left stunned as Australian Idol 2025 winner is announced

After a nail-biting grand finale that saw the three finalists blow the judges away, the Australian Idol winner has finally been revealed.

The winner of Australian Idol 2025 has been revealed following an action-packed finale.

After a jaw-dropping show on Sunday that saw finalists Gisella Colletti, Iilysh Retallick and Marshall Hamburger deliver their biggest performances yet, it came down to the wire on Monday night’s nail-biting grand finale.

In the end it was Marshall who walked away with a recording contract with Hive Sound Studios and $100,000 in prize money.

“Thank you, Australia, thank you so much. You’re going to hear a lot of me in future. I’ll be out there,” gushed the singer.

The winner of this year's series of Australian Idol was announced on Monday night. Picture: 10

Fans of the show took to social media to congratulate the 19-year-old, calling his performance “authentic,” “incredible,” and “absolute magic.”

One person described him as a “true showman,” while another said, “I knew from your audition that you were a star, Marshall you are going to do amazing things.”

However, the reaction wasn’t as positive earlier in the night when fellow contestant Gisella was booted from the final three.

Expressing her disappointment after it was revealed only Marshall and Iilysh would remain in contention, Gisella told viewers: “I am so grateful and I can’t wait to show you guys the real me. I’m so proud, and I’m so proud of you guys. Thank you for making this so easy. I love you, you guys are like a family. This has been such an incredible journey, experience, and I’m so ready to go out there and make my own music!”

Despite failing to win the title, host Ricki-Lee Coulter revealed that Aussie legend Tina Arena had invited Gisella to perform with her at a future live gig - a piece of news which left the 17-year-old overcome with emotion.

“She’s like an older version of me,” she gushed about the Chains singer.

Viewers rushed to social media to share their shock at Gisella’s elimination, with many claiming she had the best chance of a career after the show.

“Gisella didn’t make top 2? Is this show even for real, she was the most likely of all three to go on and have a successful music career #AustralianIdol,” ranted one person.

A second commented: “Poor choice again! Gisela definitely should’ve been at the top 2 and Marshall to win. #AustralianIdol”.

“GISELLA … GIRL … YOU WERE ROBBED!!! ROBBED!!!” remarked a third baffled fan.

Another ranted: “Wow. How does the best of the 3 get voted out?! This show is a disgrace to credibility!”

Gisella was knocked out first during the action-packed grand finale. Picture: Seven

Both the remaining contestants took to the stage to perform their audition tracks one final time for the judges. Picture: Seven.

Across a whirlwind 48 hours, the three stars took to the stage with megastars to perform duets; Iilysh rocked out on stage with Wolfmother, Gisella hit the high notes with Tina Arena, and Marshall belted it out with Leo Sayer.

And then it was time for them to step out onto the stage for one final night to battle it out, with each of the three stars picking a song they felt represented them best in order to try and bag more votes.

It was Iilysh that received the most praise from the judges after she belted out an Olivia Rodrigo classic which led to judge Kyle Sandilands proclaiming that he could “hear you on radio right now”.

After a performance from former winner Guy Sebastian, it all came down to Iilysh from NSW and Marshall Hamburger from Queensland to fight for the crown.

They both were given the chance to sing the song that first made Australia fall in love with them during their very first auditions.

Marshall Hamburger wowed the judges with his final performance. Picture: Seven.

In the end it was Marshall who was crowed the winner. Picture: Seven.

Small town rocker Iilysh belted out You Oughta Know by Alanis Morrisette, while Marshall sang Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police.

“You can always smell it in the air, the victory,” said Kyle after Iilysh finished singing. “You could be the next big deal in this country.”

While Marcia Hines told Marshall: “You ‘ve grown so much and you’re such a musician and you’re ready to take on the world. I’m such a fan of you, Marshall Hamburger. You’re incredible.”

With their final performances complete, it was down to Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie to reveal the result of the public vote.

The audience broke into applause as the hosts revealed that Marshall had received the most votes and was officially the winner of this year’s series.

Marshall couldn't hide his shock at hearing his name being announced. Picture: Seven.

After his win was announced, fans rushed to social media to share their reactions, with one confused why the show had axed the Winner’s Single.

“Getting rid of the winners single certainly ruins the ending! What a bad idea that was???” complained one.

“Congrats Marshall but Gisella not being in the final two was true bogan voting,” remarked another.

Others were happy to see the singer take home the title, with one commenting: “What an excellent result, a very talented musician and all round great young man, congratulations Marshall!”

Originally published as ‘Robbed’: Viewers left stunned as Australian Idol 2025 winner is announced