After a night of performances and close voting, Australian Idol farewelled Mzuki and Aaliyah Dechesne, as the competition narrowed down to its Top 10 on Seven and 7plus.
Australian Idol singers Mzuki and Aaliyah Dechesne.
Tight voting sees two artists eliminated
Before the results were announced, the Top 12 delivered a group performance of their single Listen to the Music, which has since reached #1 on iTunes. Hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie revealed that only a small number of votes separated those who advanced from those at risk of elimination.
Mzuki, Bony Onyango, Hannah Waddell, and Aaliyah Dechesne landed in the bottom four, with judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands, and Amy Shark acknowledging the difficulty of the decision. “I have fallen in love with all of them, it doesn’t matter who goes, it sucks,” Amy said. Meanwhile, Iilysh Retallick and Marshall Hamburger were sent straight to the Top 10 by the judges.
Final performances before elimination
Each of the bottom four performed one last time in a bid to secure a spot. Bony performed Jay Sean’s Down, while Mzuki showcased her rap talent with Players by Coi Leray. Aaliyah’s rendition of Who’s Loving You by The Jackson 5 earned a standing ovation, and Hannah delivered a disco-infused take on Blondie’s Heart of Glass.
Despite strong performances, Mzuki and Aaliyah were ultimately eliminated. “Thank you, Australia. Thank you for having me, and to everyone who voted for me. I am going to keep going,” Mzuki said following the results. Kyle Sandilands called her exit a “disappointment,” adding, “It’s a shame. Keep in touch. When you put a record out, I would love to have the chance to play it for you.”
Aaliyah expressed gratitude for the judges’ support, saying, “Thank you for seeing something in me when I didn’t even see it in myself. I will continue on my musical journey.” Marcia Hines praised her parting performance, adding, “Thank you for your grace, your talent, and your humility.”
The 2025 Australian Idol Top Ten
Bony Onyango, 25, Brisbane, QLD
Emma Jones , 23, Canberra, ACT
Gisella Colletti, 16, Perth, WA
Hannah Waddell, 25, Doubleview, WA
Iilysh Retallick, 17, Culcairn, NSW
Jake Whittaker, 30, Stockleigh, QLD
Jaymon Bob 23, Rockhampton, QLD
John Van Beek 19, Perth, WA
Marshall Hamburger, 19, Doonan, QLD
William Le Brun 21, Melbourne, VIC
Australian Idol continues 7.00pm Sunday on Seven and 7plus