Recap | Australian Idol dreams within reach – Gisella, Iilysh and Marshall vie for Grand Finale glory.
Tonight, in a tense and emotional live verdict, Australia voted 16-year-old Gisella Colletti from WA, 17-year-old Iilysh Retallick from Culcairn, NSW, and 19-year-old Marshall Hamburger from Queensland as their Australian Idol Grand Finalists on Seven and 7plus.
Australian Idol’sTop 6 burst straight out of the gates with a high-energy group performance of There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back by Shawn Mendes.
Hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie revealed that a record-breaking one million votes had been cast, and less than 1% separated those who made the Grand Finale from those who would bid a heartbreaking farewell.
Emotions ran high as each contestant performed solo before learning their fate.
Queensland cowboy Jake Whittaker, 30, put his country spin on John Cougar Mellencamp’s old-school hit Hurts So Good whileIilysh let her rock chick shine in Mr Brightside by The Killers.
Jaymon Bob, 23, from Queensland put his artistry on show with Post Malone’s Circles, while Gisella once again proved a voice beyond her years with a stunning performance of Celine Dion’s All By Myself.
William Le Brun, 21, from Melbourne, confirmed his swing king crown on High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco, while Marshall showed off his musical moves with Go West’s King Of Wishful Thinking.
In a heartbreaking result, Jake, Jaymon and William were eliminated from the competition.
On his departure, Jake thanked his wife and baby son, alongside the Australian Idol crew: “I honestly feel so good. I loved my time; it was an amazing experience. This is not the end of Jake Whittaker. I’ve got gigs coming up, check me out, I’m ready for this.”
Kyle Sandilands added: “You are sorted, it’s going to get better for you, man, good luck.”
Jaymon shared: “What a ride! I’ve only been doing this for a little bit. To audition for you legends and get to do what I want to do week in week out has been amazing.”
Marcia Hines said: “There is something so solid and honest about you, when you smile you need to know you light up the room.”
Amy Shark assured the talented performer: “You’re going to do some brilliant things. You are absolutely amazing.”
William thanked his family and fellow contestants: “It’s a privilege and a pleasure to be part of this group. Thank you so much couldn’t have wished for more. My dream has come true. This is not the end.”
Marcia noted the “joy” William brought to the Idol stage, adding she already had a duet in mind for them.
After receiving her life-changing spot in the Grand Finale, Iilysh shared: “I am over the moon. Thinking back to my audition day and to think I am here now, I can’t even believe it.”
“Thank you so, so much. You are making a little girl’s dream right now. I am ready to get rock and rolling!” she added.
Gisella said: “I’m so excited. It feels amazing to have this opportunity. Thank you Australia for voting. Thank you Perth for backing me.”
On his Grand Finale berth, Marshall, in true unique style, said: “I feel it my bones mate, I feel it in my bones.”
Kyle reflected: “I think Australia has voted really well, even though some people we love went home, what a Top 3 we have.”
In her first performance since the birth of daughter Mia, superstarJessica Mauboy stunned the crowd with a powerful delivery of her ballad I’m Sorry.
The Australian Idol alumni shared: “I’ve been all around the world playing music, I’ve played incredible stages and met incredible people but she’s the most incredible person I’ve ever met. Motherhood is sleepless nights, and that’s ok, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Sunday 7.00pm and Monday 7.30pm: Australian Idol’s massive Grand Finale week will see the Top 3 perform, plus the biggest names in Aussie music, including Idol legends Guy Sebastian and Casey Donovan, iconic artist Tina Arena and our very own Australian Idol queen Marcia Hines.
Meet the Australian Idol Grand Finalists Gisella, Iilysh and Marshall at Westfield Paramatta this Thursday, 3 April from 5.30pm. Event details here.
Australian Idol – Continues 7.00pm Sunday on Seven and 7plus
Listen to Australian Idol performances HERE
Media Release – Seven
TV Central Seven content HERE
Recap | Australian Idol dreams within reach
