Eumundi Voice Issue 115, 17 April 2025

Local music sensation Marshall Hamburger secured the most votes to be declared the winner of reality TV competition Australian Idol. The win secures him $100,000 in prize money and an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios.

With 1.2M votes cast in support of the top 3 contestants, the 19yo from Doonan was left visibly shocked when the result was announced. “Australia, thank you so much. You are going to hear a lot from me in the future. I’m going to be out there,” he said.

An album of 11 of Marshall’s standout performances from the show have been brought together in his first album called The Idol Collection. The album made it to number 1 on the iTunes Pop Charts in less than 8 hours.

Local supporters have been rallying behind Marshall throughout his Idol journey. A grand finale watch party was held at New York Minute in Noosa Heads for Marshall’s fans, with the crowd wearing red and white and a variety of hamburger–branded paraphernalia in support.

Event organiser Robyn Simpson said, “This is the power of positive marketing and collaboration. Yes, he sings. Yes, he plays piano like a pro, but what truly sets him apart is his attitude –grounded, gracious, full of heart and humility. Marshall isn’t just chasing fame – he’s becoming a role model for kindness. And that’s the kind of influence the world needs more of.”

Marshall performed John Farnham’s Playing to Win and a duet of You Make Me Feel Like Dancing with Leo Sayer on the final night of competition before voting opened. At the grand finale he performed his original audition song Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police. Judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark acknowledged Marshall’s unique musicality and outstanding star quality. “I would love to get a psychic medium to find out which dead music legend you’ve reincarnated. It’s just not possible that such a young, fresh boy is such a seasoned genius musician,” Sandilands said.

Throughout his time on Idol, Marshall brought charisma and positivity to all his performances. Before his name was called, Kyle praised him for his kindness and humility, adding that all the crew members had nothing but positive things to say about him. “Never lose that,” he said.

During the competition, he was writing music and is now ready to get into a studio, produce it, and is planning to tour in the near future. His album Marshall Hamburger – The Idol Collection is available at music.apple.com/au/ album/the-idol-collection/1806384043. Tania Watson