5 hours Ago By Zach Margolius and Jessica Evensen
Perth teenager Gisella Colletti’s bid to become WA’s first-ever Australian Idol winner ended in third place on Monday night, with Queensland’s Marshall Hamburger crowned champion. Facing off against NSW’s Iilysh Retallick, 17, and 19-year-old Hamburger, the impressive all-teen top three drew a whopping 1.2 million votes between them.
Unfortunately, the votes didn’t fall Colletti’s way as she failed to proceed to the final two following a tense announcement that had the entire room holding its breath. However, it was quickly revealed she wouldn’t leave empty-handed — invited to perform on stage for Tina Arena in her Australian tour after the pair’s impressive duet on Sunday night. In the night’s crowning moment, a long pause ended with the 19-year-old Sunshine Coast teen’s name as he was swarmed by his fellow top 12.
“You’re going to hear a lot of me in the future,” he told viewers following the announcement. The finale began with season’s top 12 combining to perform Nathash Bedingfield’s Unwritten, with fellow Perth contestants John Van Beek and Hannah Waddell returning to give their hometown heroine one final push. Performing one last time for Australia, Colletti quickly emerged once more in a purple dress to sing a stripped-back version of Flashdance.
.. What A Feeling by Irene Cara.
Colletti’s entry to the show began with a knock on the door at home from iconic judge Marcia Hines, who invited the teen to perform at her concert in Perth in what would become an audition for the Idol stage. She was granted a golden ticket the same night, but could never have predicted how far she’d go — as even her parents admitted they were content with a top 12 finish. On Monday, Corpus Christi College in Bateman “Gisella-fied” its walls and offices, with the school’s bells ringing out her familiar songs in support of their star student.
Even Premier Roger Cook joined Colletti’s fan club, urging the State to rally behind her. “Western Australians are so proud of Gisella Colletti and of what she’s achieved so far. It’s great to see her showing those over east how it’s done,” he told The West Australian on Monday.
“Gisella is an amazing talent, and it would be fantastic to see her cap off her remarkable performances with a win.” The singer’s family and friends invited fans to a watching party at The Victoria Park Hotel on Monday night to cheer her on from the other side of the country. Her cousin Amanda Ranieri said she was “so proud” of the youngster.
“We just can’t believe she’s got this far,” Ms Ranieri said. “We’re amazed, we knew she was talented, but it’s just incredible to see her get this far. “When we get together for someone’s birthday or Christmas or have a family get-together, she always gets up and sings.
“You can see over the years how much she’s just improved...
we love getting together and hearing her.” Colletti’s friend Jessica Seera expressed her joy in watching the talent perform in front of the nation. “I’m so excited for her .
.. no matter what happens I’m so proud of her,” she said.
“It’s been so amazing to watch her on the big screen...
she’s so amazing, she’s a star.” Marshall Hamburger will take home $100,000 in prize money, an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios, along with bragging rights to the Australian Idol 2025 crown..
