The live verdict is in, and Australia has spoken. Marshall Hamburger, a quirky, soulful, and extremely talented singer, has won Australian Idol 2025! In what will be remembered as one of the most electrifying finales in Australian Idol history, viewers were treated to two nights of powerhouse vocals, emotional storytelling, and jaw-dropping performances.Season 10 concluded with over 1.2 million votes cast from across the country as fans rallied behind their favorites. But in the end, it was 19-year-old Marshall Hamburger from the Sunshine Coast who won the title, taking home $100,000, a recording contract with Hive Sound Studios, and exclusive red carpet access to the ARIAs, TikTok Awards, and Logies.
Who is Marshall Hamburger?
Marshall Hamburger, labeled the “quirky underdog,” is anything from conventional. The Doonan native describes himself as a “nerd” with a great passion for music, groove, and soul. Marshall was raised in a family-run music school on the Sunshine Coast, so his journey was anything but ordinary.
Marshall had previously shared in an exclusive interview with an Aussie publication how he has always been into music and his earlier influence from a band he discovered.
How about his audition? A stripped-back cover of Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely wowed the judges right away. Marshall Hamburger developed his own route from that point forward, sticking to his style of anything with groove or soul.
Performances That Set the Stage on Fire.
The Monday night finale was nothing less than magnificent. Starting with a collective performance of Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” by the season’s Top 12, the excitement was unrivaled.
Marshall performed a show-stopping solo of Little River Band‘s “Playing to Win” before stunning fans with a happy duet of “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” with music great Leo Sayer.
Upon being revealed as the winner, a very stunned Marshall Hamburger was left in shock.
Iilysh Retallick and Gisella Colletti Bring the Heat!
Iilysh Retallick, the firecracker from Queensland, finished second, with fans roaring for her punk-inspired style and high-octane performances. She tore up the stage with Divinyls‘ “Boys in Town” before joining Wolfmother for a gritty version of “Joker and the Thief.” Her strong rendition of “You Oughta Know” received a standing ovation.
Gisella Colletti, a fan favorite and lyrical powerhouse from Washington, finished third, sparking a social media firestorm. Many fans deemed her exit premature and gathered online to show their support for the singer.
Despite being eliminated, Gisella left the competition with a significant win—a surprise invitation to join Tina Arena on her Australian tour.
Praise for Marshall Hamburger
Within minutes following the announcement, fans and industry leaders went to social media to congratulate the new Idol king:
“My eyes leaked well deserved,” one commenter wrote.
“AMAZING Well done, Marshall! A true performer with an amazing personality,” observed another.
Marshall’s grounded personality and unrivaled talent won hearts, earning the admiration of his other participants. He gave special respect to Gisella, saying: “She is simply fantastic. One of the most talented vocalists I’ve worked with.”
“Respect the music”
Marshall shared a message of inspiration to young, budding musicians to stay true to themselves and their identity as artists
He also thanks his parents for the best instruction he’s ever received: “Respect the music.”
What’s next for the Idol winner?
Marshall’s first post-Idol release, The Idol Collection, will include 11 of his most memorable performances from the season — and it’s already on fans’ wish lists. Meanwhile, the show’s producers have started applications for Australian Idol 2026, encouraging the next wave of talent to follow in Marshall’s footsteps.
In exciting news, hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie confirmed that right after the finale that applications for next installment, Australian Idol 2026 are open!
