Australia has chosen its newest Idol in the form of 19-year-old Marshall Hamburger.
The retro-pop talent from Queensland took home the 2025 Australian Idol crown in a high-energy Grand Finale on Seven and 7plus, drawing 1.2 million viewer votes and commanding national attention on social and streaming platforms alike.
Visibly stunned by the announcement, Marshall said: “Australia, thank you so much! You are going to hear a lot from me in the future. I’m going to be out there.”
The win earns him $100,000 in prize money and a recording deal with Hive Sound Studios, and sets the stage for a potentially lucrative commercial career.
A stunned Marshall Hamburger.
From piano prodigy to commercial powerhouse
From his first audition, Marshall’s musical instincts stood out.
Judge Kyle Sandilands called him “a seasoned genius musician,” while Amy Shark said he “morphed into a superstar” from the moment he touched the keys.
His knack for reviving ’80s hits in a Gen Z context gives brands a new sound to watch, and a fresh face with authentic appeal for campaigns targeting younger audiences.
Finale opens with anthem of ambition
The Grand Finale kicked off on a high note with a rousing group performance of Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten. Finalists Marshall, Iilysh Retallick and Gisella then took centre stage, backed by the returning Top 12, delivering a feel-good moment made for TV (and TikTok).
Gisella exits with grace
The tension rose as hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie revealed the first cut of the night. Despite her powerhouse vocals and stage presence, 17-year-old Gisella from WA received the fewest viewer votes and exited the competition. But her farewell was anything but final.
“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 said.
Back to where it all began
In a full-circle moment loaded with emotion, finalists Iilysh and Marshall returned to the stage to reprise the songs that first won over the judges, and the nation.
It was a reminder of how far they’d come, and just how powerful a well-timed callback can be in live TV storytelling.
Runner-up, but no less a revelation
Iilysh delivered a blistering version of Alanis Morissette’s You Oughta Know, earning her the runner-up title and a standing ovation.
Reflecting on her journey, she said: “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.”
A winning reprise for a rising star
Marshall followed with his now-signature rendition of Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police, a performance that bookended his Idol journey and sealed his win.
Marshall’s album, The Idol Collection, brings together 11 of his standout performances from the show, plus bonus track Listen to the Music, performed by the Top 12. You can pre-order here now.