So is the Grand Finale performance show actually live? If that’s the case no excuse not to do all the performance shows live too.
I am sure that the Sunday show will be pre-recorded like every other week.
Were the Idol performance shows actually live back in the day? I have a feeling even back then they were possibly filmed on the Saturday or earlier in the day on the Sunday. I saw a clip recently from Season 5 when Tarisai had that blow up with Mark Holden. They filmed her going off at him backstage after the show and you could see out the window that it was daylight outside.
According to That’s the Ticket website, Sunday’s grand final performance will actually be filmed on the day.
Not “filmed” but broadcast live. The promo says Live AEST.
The early arrival times are to allow some guest performances to be filmed first, and then shown during the live broadcast.
Who will be the Australian Idol?
Gisella, Iilysh and Marshall on the edge of Idol glory
Over two unmissable nights on Seven and 7plus, 17-year-old Gisella Colletti from WA, 17-year-old Iilysh Retallick from Culcairn, NSW, and 19-year-old Marshall Hamburger from Queensland will battle it out for the coveted Australian Idol title.
From her very first audition, rock chick Iilysh – a small-town girl with big dreams – captivated the nation with her incredible voice and humble charm.
Marshall, affectionately known as Burger Boy, has stolen hearts across Australia with his unique artistry, passion for 1980s music, and electrifying live performances.
Gisella’s powerhouse vocals and effortless ability to stun the Idol stadium with just one note have induced goosebumps.
Grand Finale glory is just days away. Will Iilysh’s captivating charm and undeniable star quality see the queen of Culcairn crowned our next Idol? Will Marshall’s magnetic stage presence see the skilled virtuoso take out the title, or will Gisella’s soaring vocals secure her place as the ultimate Australian Idol?
Judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark will oversee the nail-biting showdown as the Top 3 teens take their final steps toward the life-changing Australian Idol crown.
The massive Grand Finale kicks off this Sunday, featuring performances from the Top 3 finalists, alongside the biggest names in Australian music, including Idol legend Guy Sebastian, rock royalty Wolfmother, music titan Leo Sayer, iconic artist Tina Arena, Australian Idol queen Marcia Hines and Idol luminary Casey Donovan.
The winner will receive $100,000 in prize money, an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios and the esteemed title of Australian Idol 2025.
Australian Idol
Live Grand Finale 7.00pm Sunday on Seven and 7plus
Live winner announced 7.30pm Monday on Seven and 7plus
Iilysh, Gisella and Marshall appeared on Sunrise yesterday morning to talk about their journey on this season.
Sunrise also filmed a short for each contestant.
Iilysh’s home town of Culcairn even underwent a temporary name change yesterday to “Cold Can” to show the town’s support for the schoolgirl. It was unveiled by Greater Hume Shire Council mayor Lea Parker.
The winner will also be invited to walk on the red carpet at the TV Week Logie Awards, Tiktok Awards, and the ARIA Awards later this year.
Gisella had posted photos of the three grand finalists’ performance at Westfield Parramatta on Thursday. She just turned 17 the day before.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIBlmIXPbVb/?img_index=12&igsh=dTRmY3JpbDV0d2lx
Idol fever peaks
Gisella, Iilysh and Marshall shine in Grand Finale showdown
Tonight, on Seven and 7plus, 17-year-old Gisella Colletti from WA, 17-year-old Iilysh Retallick from Culcairn, NSW, and 19-year-old Marshall Hamburger from Queensland proved why they belong in the Australian Idol Grand Finale.
On one of the biggest nights of their lives, Idol’s Top 3 showcased their remarkable journey, evolving from their very first auditions to tonight’s breathtaking solo performances.
Marshall showed he’s Playing to Win, channelling the spirit of the John Farnham and Little River Band classic, while making it his own. Gisella dazzled once more, performing How Will I Know by Whitney Houston. Meanwhile, Iilysh electrified the crowd with Divinyls Boys in Town.
Then they joined forces with some of the biggest names in Australian music for spectacular, show-stopping duets.
Rock royalty Wolfmother teamed up with Iilysh for a thrilling rendition of Joker and the Thief, leaving the audience buzzing with energy.
“That felt amazing, I’m singing with Andrew Stockdale from Wolfmother!” Iilysh declared.
Gisella’s dream became reality as she joined her idol Tina Arena, for a breathtaking duet of Heaven Help My Heart. Gisella beamed with excitement, exclaiming, “This is an absolute pinch me moment. I can’t believe I’m standing next to you and performing with you!”
Marshall and GRAMMY Award-winning music titan Leo Sayer’s disco duet You Make Me Feel Like Dancing had the judges and crowd on their feet.
Marshall reflected: “The fact that I’m this close has made me want to win even more. Every note I sing on this stage really counts. This performance is the last hurdle to becoming the Australian Idol.”
Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines joined Casey Donovan for an epic disco diva duet of Donna Summer’s She Works Hard for the Money. Casey also reunited with fellow Idol alum Ricki-Lee, reminiscing about their season 21 years ago, the year Casey claimed the Australian Idol crown.
Grand Finale glory is just days away for Gisella, Iilysh or Marshall. The winner will receive $100,000 in prize money, an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios and the esteemed title of Australian Idol 2025.
Marcia shared: “I couldn’t be prouder of the three of you. You’ve all done well, but I want to thank you for the kindness you’ve shown to each other. We are all in this together.”
Tomorrow night, in the unmissable live verdict, Australia will crown their Idol, plus the Top 12 return and Idol legend Guy Sebastian performs.
Australian Idol Live winner announced 7.30pm Monday on Seven and 7plus
A great finale episode tonight!
It was an interesting episode because I think it really opened the race up for of them to win.
Gisella has always been the front runner for me but her performances last night didn’t stand out as much as her previous weeks, especially her solo performance. That more upbeat Whiteny song was sung well but the sit didn’t really give her a moment in the finale like she usually does.
Iilysh who I have thought as the weakest of the final 3 all season then had her best night by far. So it could really put her in the running now. Marshall did what he normally does which is good but not sure how that ranks between the other 3. So yeah - the vote could go to anyone. My votes are going to Gisella as she’s been the best overall this season.
Some nice guest performances and it was fun to see Marcia and Casey performing together.
Australian Idol is done and dusted. Was a great Grand Final. Production was great. Ricki-Lee is a great host too.
Happy with the winner too.
According to some social media, the running order of tonight final episode is identical to 2024.
2024:
First performance
Denvah, Amy & Dylan - Denvah = 3rd
Then audition song
Amy & Dylan with Dylan = winning
2025
First performance
Person 1, Person 2 & Person 3 - Person 1 = 3rd
Then audition song
Person 2 & Person 3 with Person 3 = winning
Marshall Hamburger wins Australian Idol
Talented teen takes a bite out of stardom
Tonight, Australia chose 19-year-old Marshall Hamburger from Queensland as its Australian Idol during a night of absolutely riveting live television on Seven and 7plus.
With 1.2 million votes cast in support of the Top 3, Marshall was shocked when hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie announced the life-changing result.
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.”
With the prestigious title of Australian Idol 2025, Marshall secures $100,000 in prize money and an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios.
Marshall, whose passion for music was inspired by his parents, confessed: "I honestly can’t believe it. I’ve changed so much, I’ve definitely stepped out of my shell.”
From Marshall’s very first audition, judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands, and Amy Shark acknowledged his unique musicality and outstanding star quality.
Kyle said: “I would love to get a psychic medium to find out which dead music legend you’ve reincarnated. It’s just not possible that such a young, fresh boy is such a seasoned genius musician.”
Marcia praised the joy Marshall brought to the stage. Amy agreed: “From the first second you came into that audition room and sat at that piano, you morphed into a superstar. Now you are an absolute weapon ready to take on the world.”
From thousands of hopefuls, Marshall and his fellow Grand Finalists – 17-year-old Iilysh and 17-year-old Gisella – were united in their support of each other, forming an extraordinary bond.
The show opened with a triumphant performance of Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten with Grand Finale stars Gisella, Iilysh and Marshall leading the charge, supported by the returning members of the Top 12.
The Grand Finalists returned to the stage to perform their chosen solo song. Ricki-Lee and Scott then announced that powerhouse performer Gisella, 17 from WA, had secured the fewest viewer votes and would depart the competition.
After leaving the show, a grateful Gisella thanked her fellow Grand Finalists. “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 declared.
Kyle professed: “It’s been a joy to watch you. You are up there with someone who could do movies, musicals, pop music or anything you choose. Go for your dreams.”
In a touching full-circle moment, Iilysh and Marshall returned to the stage to deliver powerful reprises of their unforgettable audition songs.
Iilysh earned the title of runner-up in the competition following her show-stopping performance of Alanis Morissette’s You Outta Know leaving the audience in awe.
A grateful Iilysh shared: “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.”
Marshall returned to the stage with an incredible performance of his original audition song Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police, before Australia crowned the skilled virtuoso the Australian Idol 2025.
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. Pre-order here now.
Aussie superstar Guy Sebastian also took to the stage with his incredible new single Maybe.
Just so predictable who would win, have a moment in the limelight and return to obscurity. 
I am a bit surprised by the result.
Just the same bland sort of performer that appeals to teenage girls. Same as last year. Should have been obvious.
I was surprised that Marshall won in the end as well. When Gisella was eliminated I thought that Iilysh was going to take it out as she seemed really popular. I guess having 2 young girls vs a guy made him stand out a bit more.
I think Marshall was good all season but I also don’t take him that seriously as an artist. He didn’t really show much of himself or emotion IMO. He’s more like a good act at covering older music.