Dozens of proud friends and relatives gathered at Victoria Park Hotel on Monday night, their hearts full of pride and anticipation, as they watched Perth teen Gisella Colletti give the performance of a lifetime in the grand finale of Australian Idol 2025. The 17-year-old Corpus Christi student, draped in shimmering purple and glowing with confidence, represented Western Australia with incredible poise and talent.
Family and Community Cheer from Afar
Back in Perth, the atmosphere at the local pub was electric. Gisella’s supporters, many wearing handmade “Team Gisella” T-shirts, erupted in cheers with every note she sang. For Gisella’s cousin Amanda Ranieri, the moment was emotional and surreal.
“We are beyond proud,” she said. “She’s always been a star at family gatherings, but seeing her shine on national television—it’s just something else.”
From backyard birthdays to Christmas concerts, Gisella has long been the family’s go-to performer. Her older cousin Sienna Ranieri added, “She’s always been gifted, but the growth we’ve seen in her performance and confidence over the years is just mind-blowing.”
A Stage Shared with Legends
Gisella’s duet with Australian music icon Tina Arena during the Sunday night segment of the finale marked one of the standout moments of the show. The pair delivered a powerful rendition of Heaven Help My Heart, earning a standing ovation from the judges: Kyle Sandilands, Amy Shark, and Marcia Hines.
“Tina was such a dream to sing with,” Gisella said backstage. “I’ve looked up to her my whole life. To be able to share that stage with her… it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Her Monday solo performance of Flashdance… What a Feeling was equally riveting. Dressed in a regal purple gown, Gisella’s stripped-back interpretation of the classic hit showcased not only her vocal prowess but also her remarkable stage presence.
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Dreams Deferred, But Not Diminished
Despite her breathtaking performances, Gisella was eliminated before the final round, with the crown eventually going to 19-year-old Queenslander Marshall Hamburger. The young singer walked away with a $100,000 prize and a record deal with Hive Sounds Studios.
However, Gisella’s journey is far from over. Tina Arena has already extended an invitation for her to join the national tour later this year—an opportunity that could serve as a launchpad for her music career.
“I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved,” Gisella said after the show. “Of course I would’ve loved to win, but this experience has taught me so much. And the support I’ve felt from WA has been overwhelming.”
Local Pride Runs Deep
Back in Victoria Park, tears of pride and joy flowed freely. Jessica Seera, a longtime family friend, said, “She’s a star, no doubt about it. Whether or not she won tonight, she’s won in our hearts.”
Even strangers in the pub, who had come to watch out of curiosity, were swept up in the emotion of the night. “You could just feel the love in that room,” one attendee remarked. “She brought everyone together.”
Looking to the Future
While Gisella may not have claimed the Idol title, her name is now etched in the memories of fans across Australia. Her raw talent, maturity, and connection to her audience have set her apart—and earned her a place in the country’s growing music scene.
With offers already coming in and mentorship from one of Australia’s greatest voices, the future looks bright for the Perth teenager. For her supporters, the journey is just beginning.
“This is just her first chapter,” Amanda Ranieri said. “We know we’ll be seeing her name in lights for years to come.”
