This Friday 3 October, Australian Idol winner Marshall Hamburger will headline a special concert for the finale of the South Australian talent show Search For A Star.
Tony Rocca and Teresa Bruno started Search For A Star at Fellini’s in North Adelaide, turning it into a significant fundraiser and talent showcase. The grand finale will see finalists compete for spectacular prizes, including a paid performance on a Vietnam Mekong River Cruise, valued at more than $20,000, a session of two days in a recording studio, and a share of a $50,000 prize pool.
Marshall Hamburger, nicknamed ‘Burger Boy’, has captivated the nation with his charm and musical prowess. An unforgettable highlight of his Australian Idol journey was a duet with Leo Sayer on You Make Me Feel Like Dancing that demonstrated his natural skills for retro-pop and his ability to turn classic tracks for a modern audience.
Marshall spoke with Glam Adelaide in the lead up to the finale of Search For A Star about the competition, his music and where his love of music grew from.
“Music was always a part of life, and I was interested in the arts from a young age. I was actually torn between being a filmmaker and director or an actor. Those were the two areas that I was looking into. Then at the end of grade 12 I did an open mic with my friends and a band we put together. We were rehearsing this one song by this band called Lawrence and I remember how I was feeling during that whole process, watching the crowd respond to all the work that we’ve put in musically. I remember seeing that pay off and I realised how much I loved everything about performing. From then on, I knew I wanted to perform in one way or another.”
Marshall shared with us what drew him to audition for Australian Idol.
“I remember watching it last year in 2024, and seeing that there was someone from the Sunshine Coast doing it. I remember having that feeling like it was more attainable, the fact that there was someone so close to where I live. I went in this year based on that feeling and gave the audition process a go, and here we are.”
We were curious to know if there was a point of the competition where Marshall got a feeling he could win Australian Idol.
“I always took every week very carefully and cautiously – I was worried every week. Every time the elimination rounds came up I knew I might have to pack up my belongings and leave the competition. But when I performed as the days went by, and the moments sort of happened, I started to have this feeling that I could do it and go all the way.”
Since winning, many industry doors have opened for Marshall.
“There have been a lot of doors open that weren’t opened before. Lots of people who talked to us wouldn’t have known our name before. which has been really helpful, especially when it comes to music production. The guy who’s been producing my songs is Dorian West. He has worked with Tina Arena, and was the music director for Australian Idol. I remember during the show I got his number. Then after the show, I sent him some demos. I asked if he was keen to work with me on them. Thankfully he said yes.”
Shows like Australian Idol and events like Search For A Star are great platforms for artists to be seen in what is a very competitive industry.
“I think the hardest part of the music industry is really those first couple of years where you’re trying to get people to remember your name. Having these talent shows that are really about the talent and not about how someone looks or acts are a good platform for people to see talent in its purest form. It’s a great way for young artists to have their potential be seen and be heard.”
Coming off a sold-out national tour, Marshall, along with his eight-piece band, will perform at the Search For A Star Grand Finale on October 3rd.
“I’m very excited to be playing some originals for everyone, which will be cool. I’m excited to also see some of the new talent at the talent show. It’s going to be a great night celebrating the best Adelaide acts and sharing my new music with them all.”
Search for a Star Grand Final
When: October 3rd 2025
Where: Futures Event Centre, 57 Darley Rd Paradise SA 5075
For more information, visit: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1415856
