After weeks of nail-biting competition, father of two Dylan Wright has won the title of Australian Idol for 2024.
The Northern Rivers native will also take home a cool $100,000 to kickstart his music career and a very well-deserved recording contract with Sony Music Australia.
WATCH NOW: Kyle Sandilands sings on Australian Idol.
Following in the footsteps of 2023 winner Royston Sagigi-Baira, Dylan was in disbelief to hear he had won the reality singing show, telling the audience that he was “about to cry.”
The 31-year-old then went on to praise his childhood sweetheart Georgia and their children Piper, 4, and Rivi, 1, admitting “If I didn’t have them to ground me I would be lost.”
It was a full circle moment for the former painter whose final performance on the Australian Idol stage was a rendition of Crowded House classic Better Be Home Soon – the song he originally auditioned with.
Kyle, who was visibly emotional during Dylan’s previous performances, said: “The whole country is in love with you, you are fantastic. You are truly remarkable and a decent human being. You deserve it.”
Amy added: You are Australian Idol. It is so your turn Dylan. I am so happy for you.”
After taking home the crown, Dylan went on to perform his original single Paper Hearts, his friends and family joining him on stage to celebrate his achievement.
Throughout the season, Dylan has been a fan favourite to win alongside Amy Reeves and country crooner Denvah Baker-Moller who placed second and third respectively in the competition.
After his emotional acoustic initial audition, which he dedicated to his late mother, it was clear the painter from Bangalow was one to watch in the competition.
And with incredible follow-up performances such as his mesmerizing take on Walking on Memphis, I’m Gonna Be (500 miles), Have You Ever Seen The Rain, End Of The Road, How Deep Is Your Love, Ordinary People, and more recently Never Tear Us Apart by INXS, it was clear Dylan would be tough competition for his fellow finalists to beat.
Taking to his Instagram stories the morning after the grand finale aired, Dylan said his win still hadn’t sunk in.
“It won’t be sinking in for a while and there are a lot of people to thank but I was so honoured to have shared the stage and the final week with @amypania and @denvah_music you two are absolutely incredible musicians and I can’t wait to be front row at your shows and buying all your merch.”
Congratulations Dylan! We can’t wait to see what’s next!
