The Australian Idol winner for 2024 has been crowned.
Monday night’s Grand Finale saw 23-year-old Denvah Baker-Moller from Rockhampton, 25-year-old Amy Reeves from Broome, and 31-year-old Dylan Wright from the Northern Rivers give it everything they had in a bid to make their dream come true and cement their place in Idol history.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Marcia Hines returns for Australian Idol Grand Finale.
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Country queen Denvah, powerhouse vocalist Amy, and soulful father-of-two Dylan have blown judges Kyle Sandilands, Amy Shark and Marcia Hines away from their very first auditions to spectacular, tear-jerking live performances.
On Sunday’s live performance night, guest judge Guy Sebastian stood in as the bombshell announcement was made that regular judge Marcia Hines had fallen ill.
But she was back for the Grand Finale, earning rapturous crowd applause as she took to the stage.
What followed was a nail-biting, nerve-wracking wait for Amy, Denvah and Dylan to find out who Australia had voted for.
Each finalist performed a song to remind everyone of why they were there in the first place.
First up was Denvah singing the Fleetwood Mac classic Landslide, bringing her own country inflection to the beloved song.
“You always pick the perfect song,” Kyle said after her performance.
“You nail it.
“That’s why you’re in the top three.”
Next up up was Amy singing the pop hit Bang Bang by Jessie J ft. Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj — and her performance left Marcia, who knew Amy’s late father, “tearing up”.
“I’m all teared up because, as you know, I knew your Dad,” Marcia said.
“And in heaven, I’m sure he’s up there, smiling on you.
“I am so proud of you. You have just stepped up and (are) leaving people in you wake.”
Finally, Dylan sang the Elton John classic Tiny Dancer.
“It is so your turn, Dylan,” an impressed Amy Shark said.
“I’m so happy for you.”
“The whole country’s in love with you,” Kyle added.
“You are fantastic.”
Mid-show elimination
Halfway through Monday night’s Grand Finale, Australia’s votes were tallied to find out who had the least votes — and sadly for Denvah, she was heading home as Dylan and Amy made it through to the top two.
Denvah she felt “blessed” to have been given the opportunity to make it through to the final three.
“Regardless of what happens, I think you’re going to be just fine,” Marcia said, while Amy said she would love with work with Denvah in the future.
“Denvah, you are an absolute star,” Kyle added.
“Thank you very much for sharing your gift with us.
“I’m a new country fan because of your music.”
After Delta Goodrem took to the stage to perform her single Hearts on the Run, it was time to get down to business — and find out who was going to be crowned the winner of Australian Idol for 2024.
Dylan and Amy performed the songs they had originally auditioned with in a full circle moment for both of them.
For Amy, that song was the Aretha Franklin classic (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, while for Dylan it was Better Be Home Soon by Crowded House.
And the winner is …
After a spectacular season, Australia voted — and the winner was Dylan Wright.
The stunned 31-year-old was almost speechless as his name was called out.
“Oh thank you,” he said.
“I’m about to cry!
“Thank you!”
Dylan has won a recording contract with industry giant Sony Music Entertainment Australia and $100,000 in prize money.
