Every winner since 2003.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 22: Andrew Gunsberg (L) and Hayley Warner (R) look on as Stan Walker is named as the winner at the 2009 Australian Idol Final at the Sydney Opera House on November 22, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)

Since its debut in 2003, Australian Idol has launched the careers of some of the country’s most successful music artists. From chart-topping hits to television appearances and unexpected career pivots, here’s what the Australian Idol winners have been up to since their victories.

Guy Sebastian

Season 1, 2003

The first-ever Australian Idol winner, Guy Sebastian has had one of the most successful careers of all the champions. With multiple ARIA Awards, hit singles like Battle Scars, and a stint as a judge on both The X Factor Australia and The Voice Australia, Sebastian remains a staple in the music industry. In recent years, he’s continued to tour, release new music, and has even launched a charity with his wife Jules, The Sebastian Foundation, to support youth mental health.

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Casey Donovan

Season 2, 2004

Casey Donovan made history as the youngest winner at just 16 years old. From her Australian Idol winners journey, she transitioned into musical theatre, starring in productions like Chicago and We Will Rock You, became a beloved television personality, winning I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2017. She is currently touring the stage show Sister Act The Musical playing the role of Deloris Van Cartier, made famous by Whoopi Goldberg in the 1992 film.

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Kate DeAraugo

Season 3, 2005

Kate DeAraugo’s post-Idol journey had its highs and lows. She found early success with singing group the Young Divas but later struggled with personal challenges. In recent years, she has become a mental health advocate doing speaking engagements and running the popular podcast, Why do I feel this way?, while also releasing new music and touring.

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Damien Leith

Season 4, 2006

Irish-Australian singer Damien Leith won the hearts of Australia with his distinctive voice and heartfelt ballads. Since his win, he has released multiple albums, authored novels, and hosted radio shows. Leith continues to perform and tour, particularly in tribute shows honouring legendary artists like Roy Orbison.

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Natalie Gauci

Season 5, 2007

Natalie Gauci’s debut album, The Winner’s Journey, saw commercial success following her Idol win. Over the years, she has experimented with different music styles, including jazz and electronic music. She released a new album, Brand New Day, last year, alongside an e-book of the same name.

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Wes Carr

Season 6, 2008

Wes Carr quickly gained fame with his hit Feels Like Woah and in 2011 he decided to release his music independently. He has since explored wellness and mindfulness through music, working on projects that blend storytelling and meditation. Carr continues to perform at intimate gigs across Australia.

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Stan Walker

Season 7, 2009

Stan Walker, the final winner before the show’s hiatus, has had an enduring career in both music and film. He has released multiple albums, starred in movies like Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and advocates for Indigenous rights in New Zealand. In 2017 he discovered that he inherited a rare-cancer causing gene mutation and underwent stomach removal surgery, which was the subject of his feature-length documentary Stan that was released the following year. Since then he has released new music in English and Maori language, and continues to tour and perform.

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Royston Sagigi-Baira

Season 8, 2023

After a 14-year break, Australian Idol returned in 2023 with Royston Sagigi-Baira, known as Royston Noell, taking the crown. The First Nations artist from Far North Queensland has recently released his debut EP Sunrise, and become a vocal advocate for Indigenous representation in the music industry

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Dylan Wright

Seaon 9, 2024

The most recent winner, Dylan Wright, captivated audiences with his soulful voice and heartfelt performances. Since his win, he has been busy recording music and playing live shows. His latest EP Half A World Away was released late last year, and he will be joining Tina Arena on her tour around Australia.