At just 19 years old, Marshall Hamburger was crowned the winner of Australian Idol 2025, making him the first contestant under 25 to take out the title since 2009.
It was a teenage affair at the grand final, as Marshall was up against Iilysh Retalick and Gisella Colletti, who are both 17.
During a post-win interview with Chattr, Marshall called being named the winner “surreal”, and shared why he believes winning Australian Idol at such a young age is a huge advantage.
“I definitely do think [it’s an advantage]. We’re just really at the start of all of our careers and all in the beginning of our vocal development,” he explained, referring to his Top 3 competitors, as well.
“We’ve still all got our 20s to really reach our peaks as singers, and we’ve got tons of time to work on our craft and really get stuff going.”

What will Australian Idol winner Marshall Hamburger spend his prize money on?
Marshall took home the title of Australian Idol 2025, as well as $100,000 in prize money plus a recording contract with Hive Sound Studios. So, what is he planning to spend his winnings on?
“The first thing I want to spend money on is music gear to get a tour ready, an in-ear monitor system and a new keyboard, a more professional one,” he told Chattr.
Marshall also wants to buy something special for his Queensland-based parents, who have supported his love of music since he was a baby.
“I want to try and give my parents back some money because they’ve been spending thousands of dollars to come to Idol for every show. I’ve tried to give them some money. They won’t accept it, but I’ll keep trying!”
What’s next for Marshall?
Marshall’s official Australian Idol album, The Idol Collection, is already available for pre-order.
“There’s a winner’s album coming out of all of my top hits that I’ve done on the show,” he explained. “[The songs will] be Beautiful Things, Higher Love, As the Days Go By, and I think Benny and Jets is on there in there as well.”
After that, Marshall plans to release his own original album, and wants to hit the road on a tour once that’s done.
“I’m finishing writing up my original album, which will be really cool. I just need to work on production and really getting it ready to release to the public, and then I’ll be working out a show, and then hopefully going on tour soon,” he said.
“I can definitely see myself going on tour. I’ve got a band ready to go, so we just have to get a show together, and then we’ll be on the road.”
Where do we buy tickets?!
Stream Australian Idol 2025 on 7plus.
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