After a two-month-long season, the 2023 winner of Australian Idol has been crowned! Royston Sagigi-Baira has been named the eighth-ever winner of the series, taking home the title after a nail-biting finale.
Up against Phoebe Stewart and Joshua Hannan, who placed second and third respectively, it came down to the vote of Australia, who decided Royston was their 2023 Idol.
WATCH: Phoebe Stewart, Joshua Hannan, and Royston Sagigi-Baira are Australian Idol’s Top Three. Article continues after video.
Royston stunned the judges at his preliminary audition in the Gold Coast where he sung I’m Not The Only One by Sam Smith. Since, he has remained a consistent contender, capturing the hearts of the audience along the way.
Speaking exclusively to New Idea, Royston told us he’s “feeling overjoyed” following his epic win.
“This is the best possible outcome! I worked so hard on the show…and to think it was all worth it- this is so insane and I’m just so grateful that Australia has really embraced me and welcomed me with open arms,” he told New Idea.
Hailing from Far North Queensland, Royston Sagigi-Baira has nailed the brief every week. It’s evident his honey-like voice is an intrinsic quality.
Each week, the judges have shared their approval of his tear-jerking, soulful performances. Opening up to the live crowd and those watching at home, it’s no wonder he captured the hearts of so many.
“It’s been hard trying to be vulnerable on the show because you don’t know how people are going to take you…with your different life experiences and stories. It was pretty risky for me but I’m just happy that Australia really embraced me.”
Upon winning, the newly-crowned Australian Idol took to the stage once again to perform his new single, Invincible.
“It’s about empowerment and following your dreams and the trials and tribulations that come with that as well – and to be persistent and just keep going,” the singer said.
While viewers may have witnessed what seemed like a tech malfunction, Royston also set the record straight with New Idea saying, “The in-ears were playing in my ears, obviously, and I was singing, but there was no audio. The judges couldn’t hear anything and neither could the audience.”
“I found out this morning that everyone on the television could hear, which, if I knew that, I would have kept singing.”
Regardless, the artist performed beautifully, giving us a taste of what’s to come now he’s a signed artist with Sony Music Australia.
Considering himself a pop and R&B artist, Royston says he’s ready to get to work.
“I’ve worked hard to get here and I’m definitely going to work hard with this competition to really make my stamp in the music industry here in Australia and hopefully, internationally.”
After a 14-year-long hiatus, Australian Idol returned with a bang, enlisting the help of superstar judges Meghan Trainor, Harry Connick Jr., Amy Shark, and Kyle Sandilands (who reprised his previous judging position).
Making an appearance in Top 50 Week, former celebrity judge Marcia Hines also joined the panel, sharing her signature pearls of wisdom with the hopeful contenders.
Throughout the course of the season, the audience have been guided along by the charismatic Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.
But that’s not the last of the OG Idol appearances! The winner of Australian Idol’s fourth season, Jessica Mauboy, (Royston’s dream artist to collab with) made a guest appearance during the Grand Finale, performing her latest single Right Here Right Now.
Viewers have witnessed some epic performances over the season. With so much talent in one place, and a panel of successful judges at the helm, tensions have risen in the competitive environment.
Of course, we are speaking about Harry Connick Jr. and Kyle Sandilands, who have engaged in some telling moments of bickering.
According to Sandilands, the pair do not get along, which has made itself apparent over the season.
In spite of this, the four panellists have maintained a relatively united front, guiding the contestants throughout their journeys and, ultimately, contributing to Royston’s win by pushing them into the Top 12, where Australian viewers took the reins.
