Self-proclaimed “nerd” Marshall Hamburger achieved his goal last night, winning the 2025 season of Australian Idol. The 19-year-old performer from the Sunshine Coast edged out two talented 17-year-olds with his distinctive retro-pop sound.
Here’s the Lowdown: Hamburger, nicknamed ‘Burger Boy,’ impressed viewers by putting a modern spin on classic tracks from artists like Huey Lewis & the News, The Police, and Leo Sayer. His victory secured him a $100,000 prize, a studio recording package, and future red-carpet appearances. He defeated fellow finalists Iilysh Retallick, who finished second with her rock performances, and Gisella Colletti, whose strong vocals earned her third place.
What This Means Now: Hamburger declared Australia would “hear a lot from me in the future.” Runner-up Iilysh received an offer from judge Kyle Sandilands for a touring van, while third-place Gisella was invited by Tina Arena to perform at her upcoming Perth concert. Both young singers expressed readiness to pursue their music careers.
The Bigger Picture: This season highlighted a strong contingent of young singers. The show itself, produced by Eureka, has been confirmed for a return in 2026, demonstrating its continued place in the Australian television schedule. Registrations for the eleventh season are already open, seeking the next potential star.
