Not again! Lol
Yes, again. 
Ricky Lee said see you next year.
2 Likes
Did they not even acknowledge the runner up after the announcement? I may have missed it.
I have to say this season was much better than last.
I did notice Australian Idol is trending online tonight, unlike nearly every other episode this season. Vs Married and Survivor and now Celebrity which dominate the TV trends nightly, usually No. 1 ahead of non-television topics.
Overall, a really good season of Idol.
Would love some discussion around my take on the good and the bad.
The Good
-
Right length - Producers have worked out a formula that works in terms of building the familiarity of the contestants with the public.
-
Judging Panel - Idol needs an all aussie judging panel, what a breath of fresh air. This is the right panel.
-
Great promotional support. Seven do a wonderful job on the cross promote.
-
Nostalgia. Idol has a rich history to draw from. Last night was a fantastic example.
The Bad
-
No Opera House finale! Bring it back! It’s event television at its finest and sorely missed.
-
Yet again, no winners singles performed on the last performace show. Come on, guys.
-
Lack of live shows. It adds the element of danger.
All in all, massive improvement on last year.
7 Likes
The winner did perform their single
2 Likes
Probably the overrun. 3rd place had more of a chance to talk after their result than runner up
2 Likes
On the performance show, the night before. Back in the day, both finalists would perform the potential single, before the actual finale.
1 Like
Agree with all of the above. Bringing back Marcia Hines was a major positive for the series, while having the first Idol and runner-up on last night’s show also brought back some great memories, not least Noll performing his signature hit “What About Me”.
Idol was never going to topple the juggernaut that was MAFS on Nine, but at least it performed/rated much better than last season.
I missed the Opera House finales too, but I think Seven didn’t want to go over the top with its iteration of Idol.
3 Likes
Marcia’s return to this season has been a huge get - and been very positive across the board.
I also miss the Grand Final being at the Opera House Steps. But those days are long gone, and can’t see that happening anytime soon.
The Final tonight was good overall. I actually likes the top two - so i didn’t mind which one won.
4 Likes
Dylan Wright wins Australian Idol
Father of two from NSW takes crown
Tonight, the nation chose Dylan Wright from Northern Rivers, NSW as its Australian Idol during a night of breathtaking live television on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Dylan was in disbelief as hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie announced the 31-year-old had won the crown, a recording contract with industry giant Sony Music Entertainment Australia, plus $100,000 in prize money.
The father of two acknowledged cementing his place in Australian Idol history was life-changing. Overwhelmed, he said: “Thank you. I’m about to cry.”
Holding tears at bay, Dylan took to the stage to perform his winners single Paper Heart.
Dylan praised his wife Georgia and children – 4-year-old Piper and 1-year-old Rivi – admitting: “If I didn’t have them to ground me, I would be lost.”
Judges Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy Shark acknowledged Dylan’s star power from his very first audition.
Kyle, who has shed tears during Dylan’s previous performances, said: “The whole country is in love with you, you are fantastic. You are truly remarkable and a decent human being. You deserve it.”
Amy added: “You are Australian Idol. It is so your turn Dylan. I’m so happy for you.”
From thousands of hopefuls, Dylan and his fellow Top 3 members – 25-year-old Amy from Broome and 24-year-old Denvah from Rockhampton – made a monumental mark on the country with their unique sound, style, and star power.
The show opened with a celebratory performance of You Get What You Give with Grand Final stars Amy, Denvah and Dylan, supported by the returning members of the Top 12.
The Grand Finalists then returned to the stage to perform their chosen solo song before Ricki-Lee and Scott announced Denvah from Rockhampton had secured the least viewer votes and would leave the competition.
After departing the show, Denvah said: “I am nothing but happy. I’m so blessed to have done what I’ve done I’m happy.”
The judges were in full admiration of the quirky country star’s talent.
Marcia said: “You hold a large piece of Australia’s heart.”
Amy added: “I think you are going to go on tour after this. I want to work with you, I am such a fan.”
In a full circle moment, Dylan and Amy then took to the stage to reprise their incredible audition songs.
Amy was announced runner up in the competition after her breathtaking performance of Aretha Franklin’s (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.
Amy said: “A couple of weeks ago, no-one knew who I was. This experience has opened so many doors for me. I feel like I’ve grown up somehow in this competition.”
Kyle declared Amy: “A true superstar” and “beautiful person.”
Dylan returned to the stage with a poignant performance of his original audition song Better Be Home Soon by Crowded House, before Australia crowned the former house painter Australian Idol 2024.
Aussie superstar Delta Goodrem also took to the stage with her incredible new single Hearts on the Run.
3 Likes
Agree with your points.
I would love to see the finale returning to Sydney Opera House. However, it costs a lot of money to rent a theatre for a couple of days and bookings are taken well in advance. If Seven really wants an Opera House finale it will need to talk to the office pretty soon.
In regards to live shows, while it will be great the Sunday performance show is filmed on the same day, I think the producers will stick with the Saturday night filming, as fans (mainly young people) will be able to stay up late.
It was a great finale tonight, I didn’t mind the eventual result. As a Delta Goodrem fan myself it was nice to see her perform her latest single on stage.
2 Likes
Yeah. That was a bit rude. They should have spent a couple of minutes talking to the runner up so the winner had a chance to compose themself before singing.
I agree but I would like to see a longer season as the final 12 to final 3 seemed rushed. They could have had a week off over Easter if they insist upon having a break. Having about this time being mid season would probably worked OK. I suspect next year the season will be longer as Easter is later. I am hoping Farmer does not rate well so the show doesn’t return next year mainly because I don’t like Sam. I would think delaying the show by a few weeks would not have hurt.
I’d like to see 4 judges returning but with all Australians maybe with Jess Mauboy or Shannon Noll as the 4th judge but 3 judges did work well but only because Marcia was back.
So happy the right person won! So happy for Dylan. Well done australia.
2 Likes
Idol has been great this year - and to have a top 3 where you wouldn’t mind who won, just goes to show the depth of talent they found this year.
Kyle, Marcia & Amy have been fantastic together.
Much better having Marcia there than both the judges they had last year. Those judges were a turn off so the ratings boost this year makes sense.
1 Like
I think as well, having an all Aussie lineup feels more… authentic? Clearly resonated with viewers, along with the other changes they made.
1 Like
I am quite disappointed that Amy didn’t get the title. Dylan was great all series but Amy was in a league of her own. Being given the opportunity to perform with Shannon Noll on Sunday would have definitely been the reason he won.
That winners song was awful. I’m not sure why they even bother with one these days. Back in the day they used to perform it on the performance show so by the time it was released we’d heard it a few times. Nobody will remember it.
1 Like
To be fair, nobody will remember Dylan either.
It’s just the way these shows work now. The winner of The Voice which only ended a few months ago is nowhere to be seen either.
These kids aren’t supported after the shows. And no commitment either to keep trying to enter the industry.
1 Like