We’ve come long way since the days where Guy Sebastian and Rikki Lee nervously performed for the Australian Idol judges. In 2025, the Australian Idol competition is still just as spectacular as it was in its heyday, with 12 stellar contestants currently preparing to face off for $100,000, an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios, and (of course), the title of Australian Idol 2025.
Wondering which of the OG picks have made it through? Scroll on for a list of the top 12 Australian Idol contestants this season.
Who Are The Australian Idol 2025 Judges?
Singing superstar Marcia Hines, eight-time ARIA winning Aussie pop icon Amy Shark, and internationally known radio host and media personality Kyle Sandilands have all returned to the Australian Idol judging panel foe 2025.
The trio have their hearts and ears set on uncovering the ultimate musical performer, an individual with the talent, charisma and natural star power to go all the way on the coveted television competition, and the greater global music scene!
Sign up to spiciest newsletter on the internet & we'll slide into your inbox with more stories like this one.
Plus the latest celebrity news, style advice, beauty deals and the hottest sex tips.
By signing up, I agree to KK Press’s Terms & Conditions; my information will be used as described in its Privacy Policy.
Top 12 Australian Idol Contestants 2025
The talent you need to know are:
- Iilysh Retallick
- Emma Jones
- Bony Onyango
- John Van Beek
- Aaliyah Duchesne
- Jaymon Bob
- Marshall Hamburger
- Jake Whittaker
- Hannah Waddell
- Gisella Colletti
- Mzuki
- William Le Brun
Iilysh Retallick
17-year-old Iilysh Retallick has effortlessly sung her way into the top 12 after undergoing an extreme rocker-chick makeover—which appears to be paying off!
Coming from the small town of Culcairn in NSW, Iilysh’s most recent performance was an energetic cover of No Doubt’s “Just a Girl,” where the audience and judges were stunned by her standout vocals, cementing herself a promising place in the next stage of the fiercely competitive Idol competition!
Emma Jones
Hailing from the country’s capital, Canberra, ACT—Emma Jones certainly knows how to bring the house down. Performing an original cover of The Pretenders’ classic “I’ll Stand By You,” the 23-year-old song bird knew all the right chords to strike, advancing herself further into the competition.
Her electric performance was infectious, winning over the judges and bringing the audience to their feet, Emma has secured herself a coveted spot in the Australian Idol top 12, a huge step closer to the grand finale!
Bony Onyango
Everyone loves a good throwback! Supplying the ultimate 2000s vibes to the Australian Idol competition, 25-year-old Bony Onyango performed a classic—Ne-Yo’s “Closer”—impressing fans and the judges with his immaculate vocals and smooth skills on the dance floor.
We can’t wait to see more of Bony now that he has progressed to the top 12!
John Van Beek
Bravely taking on Shontelle’s “Impossible,” 18-year-old John Van Beek’s rendition didn’t win over all of the judges, with Marcia and Kyle divided from the rest and not entirely sold on the young lads’ performance.
Despite the negative feedback from two thirds of the judging panel, Amy admitted that his most recent performance may not have been his strongest, she would still love to see him advance—so she played her ‘Fast Pass’ vote to fast-track him through to the show’s top 12.
The 27-year-old from Prospect, NSW pulled out all the stops. Aaliyah Duchesne put on a truly souful performance and had the audience on the edge of their seats during her beautiful take on K-Ci & JoJo’s “All My Life.”
The judges were entranced, and wooed by her voice, sending her through to the next round as the final contestant to make it to the final dozen.
Jaymon Bob
Stepping out on stage with a guitar in hand, 22-year-old Jaymon Bob gave an incredibly moving performance of John Farnham’s “Two Strong Hearts.” The judges felt that the talented young man from Rockhampton has what it takes to go all the way in the competition, sending him through to the top 12 without hesitation!
Marshall Hamburger
Performing a crowd favourite banger, Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets,” 19-year-old Marshall Hamburger from Doonan, QLD, stunned the crowd with an electrifying performance—going all-out and perfectly embodying Elton’s spirit.
Undergoing a personal branding revamp throughout the competition, the new and improved retro rockstar was showered with compliments by the judges, then swiftly being sent through to the next round.
Jake Whittaker
With a performance so enamouring that the audience sang along, 29-year-old Jake Whittaker captured the hearts of audiences nationwide with his powerful rendition of The Choirboys’ “Run to Paradise.” Commended by the judges for his show-stopping performance, Kyle wasted no time using his ‘Fast Pass’ vote to propel Jake through to the top 12.
Hannah Waddell
Touching down all the way from Doubleview, WA, 25-year-old Hannah Waddell’s rendition of Sneaky Sound System’s “UFO” was out of this world, quickly taking hold over the audience and judges.
Brought to his feet and dancing along with the crowd, Panelist Kyle told Hannah: “Tonight, you became a proper artist… You nailed that with ease. You’re ready to go as far as I’m concerned.” The judges had no inhibitions about sending the stunning young talent through!
Gisella Colletti
Similarly traveling great lengths from Perth, WA, 16-year-old Gisella Colletti moved the audience to tears with her standout rendition of Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.” Along with the audience, Gisella’s musical delivery also brought the panel to tears, “I’m sitting here crying. I love that you are here. I love that you are game and so damn talented,” Marcia shared.
Without a doubt, all three judges felt Gisella was more than deserving of her spot in the Idol’s top 12.
Mzuki
Mzuki, 28, from Melbourne, VIC, brought immaculate vibes with her energy-packed performance of a classic, MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This.” Mzuki got the green light through to the top 12 from all three judges after some pretty compelling bars and a couple cheeky judge name drops!
Last but definitely not least, performing a truly marvellous rendition of Coldplay’s “Something Just Like This,” 21-year-old William Le Brun showed off his old-school charm to win over the audience and judges instantly, so much so that with Marcia used her ‘Fast Pass’ to send him straight through to the final 12!
When & Where To Watch Australian Idol 2025
You can catch the rest of the season on Channel Seven, or stream Australian Idol live and catch-up on Seven Plus.
With new episodes airing every Sunday and Tuesday, contestants are turning it on as the finale nears, so make sure to tune in if you don’t want to miss any of these unforgettable performances!
Cosmo's latest issue is out now!
Subscribe to have future issues delivered to your doorstep.
