Royston Sagigi-Baira struggles to perform a new single after winning Australian Idol during a mistake-ridden finale, while judge Kyle Sandilands surprises with his cruel comments for teen finalist Phoebe Stewart.
Royston Sagigi-Baira won the 2023 season of Australian Idol after the public’s votes were counted during the Sunday night grand finale.
The winner takes home $100,000 prize money and a record deal with Sony Music, plus a trip to the US to work with industry leaders.
“I just want to say thank you,” Royston said through tears after the announcement was made.
‘Thank you very much to everyone who voted for me. Thanks to all this mob up here, to all my family and friends,’ he continued.
‘Everyone who has been voting. I do not know what else to say. Thank you so much!’ she added.
Royston Sagigi-Baira won the 2023 season of Australian Idol after the public’s votes were counted during the Sunday night grand finale. Pictured with runner-up Phoebe Stewart
The winner takes home $100,000 in prize money and a record deal with Sony Music, as well as a trip to the US to work with industry leaders.
Royston had kind words for runner-up Phoebe Stewart, saying she was like a sister to him and he had a “great career” ahead of him.
He then performed his winner’s single, Invincible, but was plagued with audio problems and seemed confused as he mumbled several of the lyrics during a shaky start.
Despite the initial fumble, Royston managed to launch himself onto the court with gusto after the first verse.
It was a tense showdown between the three finalists, Royston Sagigi-Baira, 23, Phoebe Stewart, 15, and Josh Hannan, 20.
Josh was eliminated from the competition in third place, leaving Phoebe and Royston to compete for the crown.
When asked who would like to play tomorrow on this KIIS FM radio show, judge Kyle Sandilands surprised viewers with his dismissive comments.
“Whoever wins will keep the record… I’ll never hear from the other one again,” he said, drawing audible gasps from the studio audience.
“Well, just saying,” he shrugged, before adding that he’ll try to “keep in touch” with the runner-up.
The finale was plagued with problems, from Royston’s final performance to Kyle’s comments to a literal stumbling block by Phoebe.
The teen cartwheeled as the winner’s announcement neared, tripping and falling as she approached the hosts to make the final decision.
‘Good role models don’t do that, guys. That is not a good example. Carry on,’ she said awkwardly before the show continued.