Australian Idol’s Transformation Week has ended in a spectacular showdown, with jaw-dropping performances securing the final spots in the Top 12.
Over three suspenseful nights, hopefuls faced the ultimate challenge as they fought for judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark’s coveted tick of approval.
Queensland-native Jake Whittaker, 30, stole the show with a country twist on The Choirboys’ classic Run To Paradise, and he earned Kyle’s fast pass amid emotional scenes.
‘There are so many deserving people out there tonight. This means the world to me,’ an overwhelmed Jake told the judging panel.
Elsewhere, Judge Amy Shark sparked controversy by using her fast pass on 19-year-old John Van Beek from WA.
Shark had disagreed with her fellow judges on the contestant’s emotional rendition of James Arthur’s Impossible.
Australian Idol’s Transformation Week has ended in a spectacular showdown, with jaw-dropping performances securing the final spots in the Top 12. Pictured
‘I believe in you that much,’ Shark declared, urging John to return stronger.
Meanwhile, emotions ran high as Victorian William Le Brun, 21, showcased his incredible voice on Coldplay’s Something Just Like This, taking home Marcia’s fast pass.
However, the eliminations were not without controversy as Shark initially accused contestant Bony Onyango of ‘cheating’ by using auto-tune as he belted out a Ne-Yo ballad.
Shark later backtracked as she realised it was an important part of his performance: ‘I apologise for calling it cheating. Now I know this is your artistry, this is your sound, who you are. That was incredible.’
After a suspenseful contest, the Australian Idol 2025 Top 12 finally emerged, ready to take centre stage: Aaliyah Duchesne, Bony Onyango, Emma Jones, Gisella Colletti, Hannah Waddell, Iilysh Retallick, Jake Whittaker, Jaymon Bob, John Van Beek, Marshall Hamburger, Mzuki, and William Le Brun.
The show was not without its trademark funny moments, as Kyle Sandilands had the audience in stitches as he cheekily ‘auditioned’ for a spot in the Top 12 by performing a cringeworthy rendition of the David Lee Roth song I’m Just A Gigolo.
The young hopefuls will begin battling it out on live TV on Sunday on Channel Seven at 7:00pm.
Earlier in the year, Sandilands was forced to take a break from judging duties on Australian Idol following his shock brain aneurysm diagnosis.
Over three electrifying nights, hopefuls faced the ultimate test, vying for judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark’s coveted tick of approval
The show was not without its trademark funny moments, as Kyle Sandilands had the audience in stitches as he cheekily ‘auditioned’ for a spot in the Top 12 by performing a cringeworthy rendition of the David Lee Roth song I’m Just A Gigolo
Series veteran Ricki-Lee Coulter replaced the shock jock last month during an episode of the singing contest.
According to TV Tonight, Kyle will be featured in upcoming shows and no official explanation has been offered for his absence.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out for comment.
Ricki-Lee, 39, is well-known to fans of Australian Idol after the pop singer appeared on the program as a judge in 2008 and 2009.
After disappearing from screens for 14 years, Seven rebooted the show in 2023.
Kyle is judging the current season alongside Marcia Hines and Amy Shark.
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