At just 16 years old, Gisella Colletti has emerged as a force to be reckoned with on the Australian Idol 2025 stage. Hailing from Perth, Western Australia, this Year 11 student from Corpus Christi College has captivated audiences and judges alike with her commanding vocals, theatrical flair, and an emotional depth that belies her age. As one of the standout contestants in Season 10, Gisella’s journey is not just a quest for a recording contract and the $100,000 prize—it’s a testament to the power of raw talent, dedication, and a community rallying behind one of their own. But who is the girl behind the golden ticket, and what drives her to shine so brightly under the national spotlight?
Gisella’s Australian Idol story began in a way that felt almost destined. During a concert by judge Marcia Hines in Perth, the teenager was invited on stage to perform Jennifer Holliday’s “I Am Changing.” What followed was a performance so electrifying that it earned her a coveted golden ticket to the top 30, bypassing the traditional audition process. The moment was a whirlwind of emotion, with Gisella recalling the shock of seeing Hines at her family’s doorstep earlier that day. “All of a sudden the door opens and Marcia’s like, ‘Hello, Gisella’—and it’s Marcia Hines,” she shared in an interview. “I just started bawling my eyes out. And then Dad’s bawling, and then Mum started bawling. It was such an incredible moment.” This wasn’t just a ticket to the competition; it was a validation of years of hard work in Perth’s theatre scene.
Theatre has been Gisella’s training ground, shaping her into the performer she is today. Known as Corpus Christi College’s “resident national anthem singer,” she has also taken on iconic roles in school and community productions, from Ariel in The Little Mermaid to belting out “Defying Gravity” from Wicked at the Elite Eisteddfod. Her performances aren’t limited to the stage, though—she’s sung with the Joondalup Symphony Orchestra for a Disney tribute and even joined the Perth Orchestra for The Music of Taylor Swift Reimagined. These experiences have honed her ability to command a stage, a skill that has translated seamlessly to the Idol live shows.
her ability to connect emotionally was on full display during her top 12 performance of Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.” The rendition moved judge Marcia Hines to tears, with Hines confessing, “I’m sitting here crying. I love that you are here. I love that you are game and so damn talented.” The audience, too, was spellbound, erupting into a standing ovation as Gisella delivered a performance that felt both intimate and monumental. It was a moment that underscored her ability to transcend her youth, delivering a maturity and vocal control that rivals seasoned professionals. For many, it cemented her as a frontrunner in the competition.
Beyond Idol, Gisella’s resume already boasts achievements many performers only dream of. Her performance of “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child at the 2024 Channel 7 Telethon, alongside three other singers, helped raise funds for sick, vulnerable, and disadvantaged children in Western Australia. She’s also sung the national anthem for the Perth Wildcats, showcasing her versatility and community spirit. These moments highlight a performer who is not just chasing fame but using her voice for a greater good. Judges Amy Shark and Kyle Sandilands have praised her ability to adapt, with Shark noting, “You’re so young, but you perform like you’ve been doing this for decades.” Sandilands, known for his blunt critiques, has been equally effusive, calling her “a popstar in the making.”
Perth has never produced an Australian Idol winner, and the city is buzzing with hope that one of its three top 12 contestants might break that drought. For Gisella, the pressure is palpable, but she remains grounded. Her humility, paired with her undeniable talent, has endeared her to fans across the country, who see in her a star who is as relatable as she is remarkable.
As Australian Idol Season 10 heads toward its grand finale, all eyes are on Gisella Colletti. Will she become Perth’s first-ever Idol champion, or will her journey be the start of an even bigger story? One thing is certain: this “certified theatre kid” has already left an indelible mark on the competition, proving that age is no barrier to greatness. With her voice, her heart, and her story, Gisella is not just singing for a title—she’s singing for a legacy. And Australia is listening.
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