After 21 episodes on Seven and 7plus, Royston was named as the new Australian Idol in a Live Grand Finale.
The three finalists were introduced one last time on the episode by hosts Ricki Lee and Scott Tweedie to the judges Kyle Sandilands, Meghan Trainor, Amy Shark and Harry Connick Jr.
Australian voters had chosen 23-year-old Royston Sagigi-Baira, 15-year-old Phoebe Stewart, and 20-year-old Josh Hannan as the final three to compete for the Australian Idol crown.
Idol hosts Ricki Lee and Scott Tweedie
439,000 watched overnight last week as the top six became top three. It was a bittersweet night for 19-year-old Anya Hynninen, 24-year-old Ben Sheehy, and 16-year-old Amali Dimond, who were eliminated after failing to secure enough public votes to keep them in the competition.
Judge Kyle Sandilands indicated they had no favourite: “We are happy with whichever one of the three win.”
Rickie Lee reminded viewers it had been 20 years since Guy Sebastian was the first winner of Australian Idol.
The first song on the episode featured Royston, Phoebe and Josh with the remaining nine finalists joining them halfway through the number.
Other entertainment in the Live Grand Finale came from judge Harry Connick Jr and Australian Idol royalty – Jessica Mauboy.
See also:
Australian Idol Live Finale photo special: Royston wins ahead of Phoebe and Josh
Taking his place in Idol history and acknowledging the support of his family seated in the audience, the proud indigenous singer Royston said the win would change his life.
“I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. Thank all this mob up here, all my family and friends for coming. Everyone who’s been voting, thank you so much!,” said Royston, before performing his new single, Invincible.
Australian Idol judges Harry Connick Jr, Meghan Trainor, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark celebrated Royston’s win, praising his time in the competition.
“Your journey through the process has been one of the greatest I’ve seen. It’s been cool. It’s going to be fun to watch your career. I’m proud of you, man, really proud of you,” said Harry.
Meghan added: “You win at always picking the perfect song for you. You’re ready. You’re so…I can’t speak tonight. You are amazing. I love you.”
Winner Royston is now $100,000 richer and has landed a recording contract with Sony Music. The new Idol star performed his new single Invincible at the end of the episode.
A global success since 2001, the Idol franchise has launched the careers of many multi-award-winning artists, including Aussies Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Matt Corby, Ricki-Lee Coulter, Anthony Callea, Stan Walker, Casey Donovan and Courtney Act.
It’s a big week on Australian TV with the reality franchises Married at First Sight (Nine) and Australian Survivor (10) also wrapping up their 2023 series ahead of the Easter ratings break.