I kinda expected the guest performance to be pre-recorded similar to how they always did the Monday guest performances.
So it was only Amy & Kyle for that performance which was before 7pm & I assume it was only revealed to everyone what had happened with
Marcia when the show began airing
Nice to see the other nine eliminated contestants in the audience tonight. They were in the standing area to the left of stage, and only shown once on TV.
What was the comment?
Marcia collapsed backstage a few hours before the show and was rushed to hospital. How do you think they were going to get Shannon Noll in to appear at the last minute?
Guy Sebastian was already appearing on the show and has experience as a judge on these types of shows. It made perfect sense.
Shannon Noll was there too. He performed with contestant, Dylan.
Oh. I see.
Still. Guy has the experience and the eloquence to think on his feet and string a number of sentences together.
Yep. Guy was the better choice of course.
Marcia posted on her Instagram last night:
I’m very sorry that I’m not there with you all tonight. It’s been a big few days of work and I was feeling a little unwell. I’m resting up now so I can be back with you all tomorrow night.
Last night felt like a bit of a set up for Dylan to win with that Shannon Noll pairing. Literally one of the original idols and most well known songs to come from the show. I think it could be the reason that Amy doesn’t win, as Firestorm didn’t really pair that well with her or give her a chance to sing big like she normally does. Even Denvah at least got an artist and song that really suited her. I would’ve preferred these performances with other artists be on tonight’s show after voting or been at the start of the show so at least the song they picked would be the lasting impression.
Not sure if anywhere else was affected, but seemed to be a playout glitch in Melbourne just then, at the start of the Aus Idol encore (midday). As Kyle interrupted Ricki-Lee regarding Marcia Hines medical incident, the picture froze and stayed that way for a whole minute.
When double-checking, 7HD then said “program not available” (black screen) yet checked another network (9HD) and was fine. Should’ve checked a Seven m/c, but assume it was just main.
Wonder what happened. @TV.Cynic
Marcia Hines is back for tonight’s grand final decider. She told the hosts that she did have stitches on the gashes on her forehead, and would return to hospital after tonight’s show.
EDIT:
Looks like supporters of Amy (in Broome) and Denvah (in Rockhampton) are watching a live feed of the finale, due to time difference.
Geez, was it absolutely necessary she take part tonight, as unfortunate as it is. Surely the Seven/Fremantle lawyers weren’t waving the contact in her face.
Maybe Marcia insisted on attending to see the season out?
I think it speaks volumes of Marcia’s excellent work ethic. Let’s not forget that since the Top-21 shows in February she had been juggling Idol in Sydney and Grease The Musical in Melbourne.
Edit: Far out, I didn’t know she was 70 … what a trooper.
Quite right.
One gash on her head. Hospital is a precaution to make sure nothing else. I had a similar experience six months ago. Passed out due to dehydration and dxhaustion. Split my head but stitches not required .Had to stay in hospital overnight for tests to rule certain things out.
Oh mate, hope you’re okay now. Head injuries are no joke.
Cheers, mate. All good now. It took quite a while to actually diagnose the cause. I originally had some sort of virus before all this.
I had this persistent cough for about three months as well. Things actually got worse before they got better with a build up of fluid in my lungs and and around my heart and was hospitalised again before Christmas. Medication finally cleared things up and am fighting fit now. 
+20 minute overrun for the final tonight.
My fetch guide had it finishing at 9:15pm and it still overran by 5-10mins
Spoiler. The wrong person won. 