Australian Idol 2025 officially came to an end on April 7, and honestly, it was one of those seasons that’s going to stick with people for a long time. The finale wasn’t just a big event, it was packed with performances that made you stop and go, “Wow.” Whether you’ve been watching since the start or just caught the last few episodes, there were some moments that really stood out and had the whole country buzzing.
Iilysh Retallick & Wolfmother – A Performance That Lit Up the Stage
Okay, let’s talk about Iilysh Retallick. When she got up there with the legendary rock band Wolfmother, it felt like something major was about to happen — and it did. From the very first note, the energy was insane. Her voice had that raw edge, and when it blended with Wolfmother’s heavy rock vibe, it just worked.
It didn’t feel like a contestant performing with a guest artist — it felt like a real rock show. And Iilysh? She owned the stage. Confident, loud, full of energy. It was the kind of performance that made people sit up and say, Yep, she’s the real deal.
Gisella Colletti & Tina Arena – A Moment That Hit Everyone in the Feels
If you’re someone who connects with emotional music, Gisella’s duet with Tina Arena probably hit you right in the heart. They sang this slow, emotional ballad, and honestly, it was beautiful. Gisella didn’t just sing the song — she felt every word, and you could tell.
Even judge Kyle Sandilands, who usually plays it cool, looked genuinely moved. There was something so powerful about seeing a young singer hold her own next to someone as experienced as Tina Arena. It was quiet, honest, and left the whole room silent for a moment. That’s how you know it landed.
Marshall Hamburger & Leo Sayer – Pure Fun With a Touch of Nostalgia
Now this one was just pure joy. Marshall Hamburger teamed up with Leo Sayer, and it was like watching two friends from different generations have a great time on stage. Their chemistry was really natural, and the song choice was upbeat and fun.
What made this performance stand out was how comfortable Marshall looked. He didn’t try to outshine Leo, but he didn’t hold back either. He just went with the flow and brought his own vibe to it. It was fun, feel-good, and honestly a reminder that music doesn’t always need to be serious to be memorable.
Some Other Moments That Deserve a Shout-Out
Besides the big finale night, there were a few other performances during the season that really showed how much talent this group had. A few that stood out:
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Gisella’s solo in the semi-finals: She sang a modern pop ballad and totally nailed the vocals. Clean, powerful, and emotional.
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Iilysh’s acoustic set: Stripped-down and simple. It was just her and the guitar, and you could hear every detail in her voice. Super moving.
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Marshall’s surprise genre switch: In one of the earlier rounds, he jumped from pop to jazz — and pulled it off. It was unexpected but showed how versatile he is.
Why These Performances Really Hit Different
It’s easy to say someone sang well, but what made these performances stand out was more than that. Here’s what really made them special:
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The singers stayed true to who they are.
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They didn’t just sing — they felt the songs.
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Their vocals were strong but never over-the-top.
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Most importantly, they connected with the audience.
Whether you’re into rock, pop, or emotional ballads, this season had something for everyone. And while only one person can win, moments like these are why people keep watching Australian Idol year after year.
