Royston wins!

I, about following dreams, and the struggles and triumph that can come with that journey.

“I’m feeling over the moon, this still feels like a dream” is how Royston Sagigi-Baira from Mapoon community describes the feeling of being this year’s winner of Australian Idol.

Royston said he felt incredibly supported by all those who voted for him every week and continuously during the show.

“I just want to say thank you so much for everybody supporting me,” he said.

“It feels like the whole of Far North Queensland support got together and got behind me.

“I feel uplifted, inspired, and empowered by all of you.”

BY TALEI ELU Continued

Royston has signed with Sony music and released his latest single, Invincible, a song written for him by Australian artist Tones and

He said the song was like his journey to stardom, and had a message for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in remote communities.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, if you come from a small Indigenous community or rural or remote, you can follow and achieve your dreams,” he said.

Royston grew up in Mapoon before leaving for the big smoke to pursue his dreams of becoming a singer.

He said it was hard to make the decision to leave his home and family behind.

“I had to leave everything behind to pursue my passion for music in the city,” he said.