The Australian Idol 2025 cast who've scored a Golden Ticket

The wait is over! Australian Idol 2025 has officially kicked off, and the search for the nation’s next music superstar is well underway. With thousands of hopefuls stepping up to the mic, the Australian Idol judges have been making dreams come true (or crushing them) as they hand out those coveted Golden Tickets.

Returning to the judging panel this season are Australian Idol OG and pop icon Marcia Hines, ARIA Award-winning artist Amy Shark, and radio heavyweight Kyle Sandilands.

Together, they’re on the hunt for raw talent, stage presence, and that undeniable X-factor that could take an aspiring artist from unknown to unforgettable.

Meanwhile, favourite duo Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie are back at the helm as the Australian Idol 2025 hosts. The pair have been guiding contestants and fans through the highs and lows of the competition since the show’s reboot in 2023, and this year is shaping up to be one of the most intense yet.

Now, with auditions are in full swing, performers belting out their best notes in hopes of impressing the judges and securing a spot in the next round. But with only 30 Golden Tickets up for grabs, competition is fierce.

This season, the judges are looking for more than just vocal talent. They want the full package: star power, stage presence, and the ability to command an audience.

So, who’s made it through?

Here’s a running list of the lucky contestants who have secured a Golden Ticket and are one step closer to becoming Australia’s next Idol.

Episode 1

Iilysh Retallick, 17, NSW

Iilysh Retallick smiles while auditioning on the Australian Idol 2025 stage, wearing a white dress with ruffled sleeves and gold accessories — Iilysh Retallick. Image: Seven

Iilysh delivered a powerhouse performance of You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette.

Emma Jones, 23, ACT

Emma Jones smiles while auditioning on the Australian Idol 2025 stage, wearing a patterned spaghetti strap dress with wavy blonde hair — Emma Jones. Image: Seven

Emma impressed with a heartfelt rendition of To Love Somebody by the Bee Gees.

John Van Beek, 18, WA

John Van Beek smiles while auditioning on the Australian Idol 2025 stage, wearing a casual grey sweatshirt with tousled brown hair. — John Van Beek. Image: Seven

John gave a raw and real cover of I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith.

William Le Brun, 20, VIC

William Le Brun smiles while auditioning on the Australian Idol 2025 stage, wearing a dark brown suit with a black tie and a white pocket square — William Le Brun. Image: Seven

William gave Blinding Lights by The Weeknd a suave and jazzy twist.

Geistare, 23, SA

Geistare smiles in a close-up portrait for Australian Idol 2025, with long, straight brown hair and natural makeup against a white background — Geistare. Image: Seven

Geista delivered a beautiful acoustic version of Flowers by Miley Cyrus.

Episode 2

Marshall Hamburger, 19, QLD

Marshall Hamburger smiles while auditioning on the Australian Idol 2025 stage, wearing a red and white baseball-style shirt with a small soup can graphic on the chest — Marshall Hamburger. Image: Seven

Marshall wowed the judges with a piano version of Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police.

Izellah Connelly, 17, WLD

Izellah Connelly sings passionately while auditioning on the Australian Idol 2025 stage, wearing a denim dress and holding a microphone — Izellah Connelly. Image: Seven

Izellah had us in our feels with her soulful cover of Jealous by Labrinth.

Jaymon Bob, 22, QLD

Jaymon Bob smiles while holding his Golden Ticket at the Australian Idol 2025 auditions, wearing a brown short-sleeve button-up shirt against a backdrop of vertical blue and yellow lights — Jaymon Bob with his Golden Ticket at the Australian Idol 2025 auditions. Image: Seven

Jaymon treated the judges to an absolutely beautiful guitar performance of If Tomorrow Never Comes by Garth Brooks.

Majeda, 26, NSW

Majeda smiles brightly while auditioning on the Australian Idol 2025 stage, wearing a vibrant pink cropped hoodie, a studded white belt, and denim patchwork pants — Majeda. Image: Seven

Majeda had us feeling funky with her cover of Juice by Lizzo.

Episode 3

Aaliyah Duchesne, 27, NSW

Aaliyah Duchesne smiles while auditioning on the Australian Idol 2025 stage, wearing a white cropped blouse and a beige pleated skirt — Aaliyah Duchesne. Image: Seven

Aaliyah moved the judges to tears with her rendition of Angel of Mine by Monica, dedicated to her mum.

Dinley Jones, 26, NSW

Dinley Jones smiles while auditioning on the Australian Idol 2025 stage, wearing a denim jacket with red hoodie accents over a white t-shirt and holding a microphone — Dinley Jones. Image: Seven

The Sydney Kings Mascot, Dinley, had us grooving with his take on Classic by MKTO.

Jake Whittaker, 29, QLD

Jake Whittaker performs while auditioning on the Australian Idol 2025 stage, wearing a black cowboy hat, a green and white striped shirt, and playing an acoustic guitar — Jake Whittaker. Image: Seven

Jake delivered a surprisingly stunning country guitar version of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

Clint Posselt, 29, QLD

Clint Posselt smiles while auditioning on the Australian Idol 2025 stage, wearing a beige jacket over a white t-shirt with blue jeans — Clint Posselt. Image: Seven

Clint had us doing a double take when he busted out a rap during his take on Black and Gold by Sam Sparro.

Catch Australian Idol 2025 on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays on Channel 7 and 7plus.

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Here's the Australian Idol 2025 cast who've scored a Golden Ticket and make up the top 30