The nation has chosen Dylan Wright from Northern Rivers, NSW as its Australian Idol during a night of breathtaking live television on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Dylan was in disbelief as hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie announced the 31-year-old had won the crown, a recording contract with industry giant Sony Music Entertainment Australia, plus $100,000 in prize money.
The father of two acknowledged cementing his place in Australian Idol history was life-changing. Overwhelmed, he said: “Thank you. I’m about to cry.”
Holding tears at bay, Dylan took to the stage to perform his winners single Paper Heart.
Dylan praised his wife Georgia and children – 4-year-old Piper and 1-year-old Rivi – admitting: “If I didn’t have them to ground me, I would be lost.”
Judges Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy Shark acknowledged Dylan’s star power from his very first audition.
Kyle, who has shed tears during Dylan’s previous performances, said: “The whole country is in love with you, you are fantastic. You are truly remarkable and a decent human being. You deserve it.”
Amy added: “You are Australian Idol. It is so your turn Dylan. I’m so happy for you.”
From thousands of hopefuls, Dylan and his fellow Top 3 members – 25-year-old Amy from Broome and 24-year-old Denvah from Rockhampton – made a monumental mark on the country with their unique sound, style, and star power.
The show opened with a celebratory performance of You Get What You Give with Grand Final stars Amy, Denvah and Dylan, supported by the returning members of the Top 12.
The Grand Finalists then returned to the stage to perform their chosen solo song before Ricki-Lee and Scott announced Denvah from Rockhampton had secured the least viewer votes and would leave the competition.
After departing the show, Denvah said: “I am nothing but happy. I’m so blessed to have done what I’ve done I’m happy.”
The judges were in full admiration of the quirky country star’s talent.
Marcia said: “You hold a large piece of Australia’s heart.”
Amy added: “I think you are going to go on tour after this. I want to work with you, I am such a fan.”
In a full circle moment, Dylan and Amy then took to the stage to reprise their incredible audition songs.
Amy was announced runner up in the competition after her breathtaking performance of Aretha Franklin’s (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.
Amy said: “A couple of weeks ago, no-one knew who I was. This experience has opened so many doors for me. I feel like I’ve grown up somehow in this competition.”
Kyle declared Amy: “A true superstar” and “beautiful person.”
Dylan returned to the stage with a poignant performance of his original audition song Better Be Home Soon by Crowded House, before Australia crowned the former house painter Australian Idol 2024.
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