Hold onto your headphones, because Australian Idol 2025 has sliced and diced its way down to the Top 12.

We are absolutely obsessed with this season — it’s like a rollercoaster of raw talent, jaw-dropping performances, and those oh-so-dramatic eliminations that keep us glued to our screens.

Over three unforgettable (and let’s be honest, extremely dramatic) nights, our fearless contestants strutted their stuff on the Idol stage for those make-or-break performances. No pressure, right?

Meanwhile, judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands, and Amy Shark each got a shiny fast pass. Yep, one golden ticket each to send someone straight to the Top 12, regardless of what their fellow judges thought.

With so much competition this season, here are the Australian Idol contestants we’ve got our eye on.

Iilysh Retallick.

Iilyish the rocker-chick! Image: Seven.

Well, well, well… Iilyish Retallick, our fierce rock-chick from NSW, isn’t messing around. She confidently declared, “I want to show Australia a small-town country girl has what it takes to be in the music industry and represent.” And guess what? She totally delivered.

At just 17, Iilyish’s electrifying rendition of ‘Just A Girl’ had the audience on their feet, handing out standing ovations like there’s no tomorrow. The judges? Absolutely floored. No doubt she’s earned her spot in the Top 12. Move over, big city stars — this small-town sensation is here to stay.

Jake Whittaker.

We love a humble man! Image: Seven. 

Jake Whittaker, 30 from sunny Queensland, decided to give The Choirboys’ classic ‘Run To Paradise’ a cheeky country makeover and, guess what? He nabbed Kyle Sandilands’ elusive Fast Pass.

Looking humble amidst all the spotlight, Jake said, “There are so many deserving people out there tonight. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. This means the world to me.” We love the modesty.

Gisella Colletti.

Image: Seven.

Well, talk about a glow-up! Gisella, the 16-year-old sensation from WA, traded her school uniform for the Idol spotlight and absolutely nailed Michael Bolton’s ‘How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.’ But the real achievement? She had none other than Marcia Hines reaching for the tissues.

“I’m sitting here crying. I love that you are here. I love that you are game and so damn talented,” Marcia said.

Who knew a schoolgirl could pack such an emotional punch?

Aaliyah Duchesne.

Aaliyah performed K-Ci & JoJo’s ‘All My Life’. Image: Seven. 

Well, hello Aaliyah! The 27-year-old from Prospect, NSW, didn’t just audition for Australian Idol — she completely owned the stage with Monica’s ‘Angel of Mine’.

But was that enough? Apparently not for our ambitious songstress.

To lock in her coveted Top 12 spot, Aaliyah decided to bring the house down with K-Ci & JoJo’s ‘All My Life.’

An absolute classic. Talk about raising the bar. We’re not saying we got goosebumps, but… okay, we definitely got goosebumps.

John Van Beek.

The recipient of Amy Shark’s fast pass. Image: Seven.

John Van Beek, the 19-year-old from WA, had Amy Shark throwing curveballs after his take on James Arthur’s ‘Impossible’ didn’t quite hit the mark for everyone.

While the other judges were ready to call it quits, Amy decided to stir the pot by using her coveted Fast Pass to rocket John straight into the Top 12. Because why let a little disagreement rain on your Idol parade, right?

“I don’t think that was your best performance…but I believe in you that much, and I want to give you something to make sure you don’t go anywhere,” Amy confessed.

Bony Onyango.

Bony Onyango’s performance was so good it made Amy Shark backtrack on her previous comment. Image: Seven. 

Hold onto your microphones, folks. Bony Onyango, 25, is one step closer to Idol glory after delivering an amazing rendition of Ne-Yo’s signature jam.

Hailing from the sunny shores of Queensland, Bony didn’t just sing his heart out — he stirred the pot with his live autotune antics. Love him or leave him, there’s no denying he left both the crowd and the judges absolutely wowed.

In a classic Amy Shark moment, she had to backtrack on her previous comments.

“I would like to apologise for calling it cheating. I did think you were coming into the audition to swindle your way through. Now I know this is your artistry, this is your sound, this is who you are. That was incredible.” Well played, Bony.

Marshall Hamburger.

Sir Elton would be proud. Image: Seven.

Marshall, the 19-year-old from the Sunshine Coast, blew everyone away with his rendition of ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic’ by Sting during his audition. And yes, he played the piano at the same time. Because apparently being adorable and talented isn’t enough these days.

The teen sensation didn’t stop there. To secure his well-deserved spot in the Top 12, Marshall belted out Elton John’s iconic ‘Bennie and the Jets — and let’s just say, Sir Elton would be proud.

Australian Idol airs Sunday, Monday and Tuesday on Channel 7 and 7Plus.

Feature Image: Seven.