Royston Noell

On Sunday 26 March, Australian Idol announced the first winner of the series since 2009 to be 24-year-old fan favourite Royston Noell. 

Royston is a Thanakwith and Wagadagam queer man who grew up in the small community of Mapoon, right at the tip of Far North Queensland – a population of 400. Australia first met Royston during his first audition where he performed Sam Smith’s ‘I’m Not The Only One’. This performance alone made him a fan favourite at home and with the judges, Royston was described by Kyle Sandilands as “One in million”.

During the grand finale, Royston performed his new single ‘Invincible’ for the first time which led to roars from the audience in the grand stand and at home.  Speaking on his win Royston said, “The main reason I came on this show was to show representation and show the kids that it doesn’t matter where you come from. In remote Indigenous communities there’s not a lot of opportunities and kids feel like they can’t follow their dreams. If I can change one little kid’s mind and make them think ‘wow if Royston can do it then I can’, then my job’s done”.

Royston’s new single ‘Invincible’ is available now on all streaming platforms.