Tonight, Australia chose 23-year-old Denvah Baker-Moller from Rockingham, 24-year-old Amy Reeves from Broome, and 30-year-old Dylan Wright from the Northern Rivers as their Australian Idol Grand Finalists live on Channel Seven and 7plus.
The Top 6 opened the show with an inspiring performance of Giant by Calvin Harris and Rag’n’Bone man, before hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie announced each contestant would perform again solo. Then, it was time to say goodbye to three incredibly talented performers.
Judges Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy Shark recognised how difficult it was to say goodbye, as Australian Idol farewelled 22-year-old Trent Richardson from Emu Park, Queensland; 20-year-old Ivana Ilic from Melbourne; and 23-year-old Isaac McCallum from Ulladulla, NSW.
On departing the competition, Ivana admitted: “Obviously, you want to go all the way but that’s not what this is all about. I’ve gone out there and showed Australia who I am and who I want to be as an artist.”
Amy said: “You are such a powerhouse I’m so excited for your career. Everyone watching you is so aware of how incredible you are.”
Issac thanked the judges for believing in him. “It is what it is, at the end of the day. I am grateful to make the Top 6 who would have ever thought!”
Kyle said: “You’re the one I’m most proud of… you’re the one I was most worried about, you stood up and you have shined.”
Trent said: “Idol was my first-time singing, with a crowd, on stage. I’ve loved every minute of it, I feel at home. I can promise this won’t be the last time on this stage.”
Marcia said: “There is something really special about you, you’re a beautiful young man.”
Denvah acknowledged making the Grand Finale was a bittersweet moment: “I always take so long to process; my heart just went with Ivana then. I’m so excited Australia. Thank you. I went on this thinking I’m just a country singer, but maybe I’m the country singer not just a country singer anymore!”
Denvah put her unique country spin on a moving rendition of Tina Turner’s classic Simply The Best, as Marcia reflected on Denvah’s first audition and praised her “for staying true to who she is.”
Amy cemented her Grand Finale spot after a “elegant” rendition of Gravity by Sara Bareilles.
Emotional, Amy said: “I have no words other than thank you Australia, I’m shaking like a leaf right now.”
Amy Shark said: “You really could go all the way.” Marcia admitted: “I adore listening to you.”
Dylan called his Idol Grand Finale berth “unexpected” before praising his fellow contestants who have become close friends.
After his performance of Ordinary People by John Legend, Amy declared: “I think there is no stopping you now.”
Kyle shared: “We love you every single week. You’ve made me cry twice!”
The winner of Australian Idol will receive a recording contract with industry giant Sony Music Entertainment Australia and $100,000 in prize money.
