In the constellation of rising stars on Australian Idol 2025, another bright star is emerging: Iilysh Retallick. At just 17 years old, this small-town girl from Culcairn, New South Wales, has captivated audiences and judges alike with her powerhouse vocals and undeniable stage presence. From her debut in the auditions to her current standing in the Top 8, Iilysh’s journey is a testament to her determination and commanding stage presence. As the competition heats up, all eyes are on this rock-inspired sensation who’s proving that age is no barrier to chasing big dreams.
Born and raised in Culcairn—a rural town of about 1,400 people—Iilysh’s musical roots run deep. She began singing at the tender age of eight, jamming with her father in their backyard shed as he strummed the guitar. “I started singing as a little girl, jamming with my Dad,” she shared on Instagram, crediting her family as her earliest influences. Those humble beginnings sparked a passion that’s carried her from local stages to the national spotlight, with her love for rock music shaping her unique sound and fierce performance style.
Iilysh’s Australian Idol journey kicked off with a bang, when she opened the season with a soulful rendition of Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know.” The choice was unexpected for a teenager, but it paid off spectacularly. Judge Kyle Sandilands called her performance “unexpected, unbelievable, unforgettable,” while Amy Shark and Marcia Hines were equally floored. Hailing from a town so small the judges hadn’t heard of it—“Cold can? As in put it in the esky?” Sandilands quipped—Iilysh turned her obscurity into an asset, earning a golden ticket to the Top 30.
Her rise didn’t stop there. During the Top 30 week, Iilysh faced a series of challenges that tested her versatility and grit. In the chorus line task, she stood out among her peers with a rock-infused take on 5 Seconds of Summer’s “Youngblood.” Later, in the overnight group challenge, she raced to snag Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” for her team, delivering a performance that showcased her ability to blend power and personality. By the solo challenge, despite a nerve-wracking moment with Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” she secured her spot in the Top 21, proving she could hold her own under pressure.
The Top 12 live shows marked a turning point for Iilysh. Clad in a black ensemble with a purple plaid skirt, she tackled Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen” for movie week, dedicating it to her Billabong High School music teacher, Sandra Taylor. The judges were unanimous in their praise: Marcia Hines lauded her “power and confidence,” Amy Shark called her “awesome to watch,” and Sandilands revealed his family—including his niece Willow—were die-hard fans. Granted immunity from the public vote, Iilysh sailed into the Top 10, a moment she described as “mind-boggling.”
Culcairn has rallied behind their hometown hero. On March 6, the community gathered at the Culcairn Lions’ sports ground to cheer her on ahead of her live performance. Local butcher Stuart Weily even created the “Iilysh sausage”—a sweet chili and mango blend—showcasing the town’s pride.
Her Top 10 journey continued to dazzle. During famous fans week, Iilysh performed Ava Max’s “Sweet But Psycho,” a song handpicked by the artist herself. Dressed in deep cardinal red, she owned the stage, with Amy Shark noting, “You seriously are like two different people!” Guest judge Kate Ceberano praised her relatability, calling her a “real artist.” The performance earned her a spot in the Top 8, cementing her status as a frontrunner in a competition that’s only getting tougher.
Iilysh’s appeal lies in her authenticity. “As a young girl, I discovered how people can be moved by music and that everyone can connect through the power of song,” she told producers. That belief drives her performances, whether she’s belting out angsty rock anthems or connecting with fans—especially young girls—who see her as an inspiration. “It means a lot that there are little girls supporting me,” she said, reflecting on signing posters for her Culcairn admirers. Her humility keeps her grounded, even as the spotlight intensifies.
Win or lose, Iilysh Retallick has already made her mark. From a shed in Culcairn to the Australian Idol stage, she’s living proof that talent and tenacity can transcend any postcode. Her journey resonates beyond the competition, inspiring a new generation to chase their passions with courage. As the nation watches her next move, one thing is clear: this rock chick isn’t just a contestant—she’s a star in the making, and her story is only beginning.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neill_frazer
