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Marshall Hamburger wins Australian Idol 2025

19 year old Queenslander wins the public vote with his unique brand of retro-pop.

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“It’s time for a nerd to win” Marshall Hamburger, 19, said at his first Australian Idol audition.

Last night, he did just that, defeating 17 year old vocalists Iilysh Retallick and Gisella with his own brand of retro-pop.

The Sunshine Coast performer, the song of musical parents, had managed to bring a 2025 vibe to songs by Huey Lewis & the News, Glenn Frey, Steve Winwood, Go West, The Police and Leo Sayer to claim the title.

‘Burger Boy,’ as he became nicknamed, wins $100,000, a studio recording package and red carpet appearances.

“Australia, thank you so much! You are going to hear a lot from me in the future. I’m going to be out there,” he said.

17 year old Iilysh was voted runner-up with her ‘rock chick’ performances, with judge Kyle Sandilands even offering to buy her a van for touring.

“I’ve learnt so much about myself, others and the industry. My secret weapon during this whole journey has been the support from my hometown Culcairn,” she said.

Gisella Colletti’s vocal powers saw her finish in third place and an offer to perform at Tina Arena’s upcoming Perth concert.

“I left my heart out on that stage. I’m never turning back, no matter what happens, I’m so ready to go out there and make my own music,” Gisella added.

It was a strong year of young vocalists this year, with registration for an 11th Australian season now underway.

Last night the Eureka show also signed off confirming a 2026 return.

Updated.

15 Responses

  2. I have not watched a single second of the rebooted version of this show. But I am beyond thrilled that someone called Marshall Hamburger has won.

    1. Well you missed out on probably the best talent ever on this show. Any of the top 6 could easily have won without surprise, they were all that good.

  3. This was definitely the strongest season of the show since its return on Channel 7. A good mix of performers, Rikki Lee is highly competent as the host (even if she is technically a co host), and dare I say I even quite enjoyed a lot of Kyle’s contributions. Marshall’s voice did sound tired this week, but he was the best overall all season, so am happy with his win.

  5. Idol was obliterated night after night by Married at First Sight. The Seven Network now seems content with that and totally unwillingly to try anything new to take down MAFS.

    1. I think Idol is strong for 7 but nothing will compete with MAFS until people get tired of it. Idols numbers keeps 7 competitive with MAFS so that’s why they have it to start the year.

      If they moved Idol to air after Easter then it probably would win vs what 9 & 10 would offer but 7 would be completely dead to start the year. So it makes sense why 7 have Idol airing vs MAFS

    2. Idol has grown into Seven’s biggest show and based on the success of this season, I think it will only get bigger next year. The live shows are so good, and I think it is a great competitor to MAFS and may even beat them in the ratings in the future.
      Idol is one of my fave shows on air – it has the perfect recipe. Fantastic host in Ricki and Scott (although Ricki is a stand out), great judging panel with Kyle and Marcia (although Amy is an average), and it finds young authentic talent – not like those MAFS wannabes. I loved the finale, the Aussie singer cameos and would have been happy with any 3 of the finalists to have won. I wish all of them nothing but success in their careers.

      1. @joany208121, I couldn’t have worded it better myself. The only points I will add is that Scott Tweedie is underutilised and needs his own show on the weekends, similar to Network Ten’s “The Loop”. Also, both the performance and elimination show needs to be live as it was during the heyday at Network Ten.
        With regard to others commenting on how we rarely hear from the contestants upon graduation, this isn’t a reflection on the talent nor the show itself. In the 2000’s when it aired on Network Ten, Apple iTunes and other services were in their freshman years and broadcast radio was the destination where we would learn about artists. Times have changed drastically and not for the benefit of the aspiring artists.

  6. Great snapshot DK. Terrific ending. (letting you know the 2nd time you mention Iilyish she is only 7).

    It was a wonderful season and a fab two night finale. I was definitely barracking for Marshall but frankly his performance of LRB’s ‘Playing To Win’ was pretty shabby i thought. Pitchy, screechy. He has tackled some big songs and with great gusto but for me it was telling of just how incredible Farnham is, that even Marshall could not come any where near John’s rendition of that LRB song. But his other performances were stellar. I wondered if that might have cost him votes. Clearly not. I guess by the finale; the fan bases are rusted on. I felt bad for Gisela coming 3rd. I thought she would win or be runner up.

    Marshall seems a lovely young man; infinitely talented and a bright future. An enjoyable season – Ricki and Scott are excellent hosts and i love Marcia and Amy. That’s all he wrote!

    1. Agree Playing to Win got away from him, but maybe vocally tired this week, his audition of Every Little Thing She Does is Magic was marginally better than the one last night. I’m being picky (he needs to sing Billy Field next!), he was always my pick from the get go. I actually thought Iilysh peaked at the right time, Sunday. Gisella strong vocals for her age, I think viewers connected with the personalities and stories though.

      2. I agree with you, I think the enormity of the finales messed with his usual precision. What a nifty idea. Billy Field. Can’t help myself…bad habits!

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