Kiwi sings his way to 'Idol' win

Stan Walker performs during the 2009 Australian Idol final outside the Sydney Opera House. Photo / Getty Images

The judges said he was "Stan-tastic" and the people agreed - New Zealander Stan Walker has taken the title as the seventh Australian Idol.

Scenes from the show, which aired live in Australia on Sunday night but won't be shown here until Friday, shows an anxious Walker embracing the other finalist, Hayley Warner, before his name is announced.

Walker takes a moment to register the news, then appears amazed, before breaking into a beaming grin. The 18-year-old, raised in Mt Maunganui, had been the favourite to win.

His whanau in New Zealand were yesterday still pinching themselves, and many were trying to watch the final on YouTube.

They've also asked that Walker and his immediate family be home by Friday, in time for TV2's delayed broadcast and to celebrate the victory.

Verna Ohia, who is related to Walker through Ngati Potiki, Ngati Pukenga and Ngaiterangi connections, was busily trying to organise a welcome home at Tamapahore Marae in the Bay of Plenty.

Failing that, the marae will still be packed for a celebration, she said.

"We've put the tono [request] to my cousins [Walker's parents]. I've asked if he could come, and the family's taking that on. It'll be lovely to see him," Ms Ohia said.

Friday nights - when the previous Australian Idol episodes have screened - had become dedicated to the teenager singing, she said.

"My mum's 83 and she made sure she was home at 8.30 on the dot. That's how it was around the whole of Tauranga. When he sang Amazing Grace, that was so special, we loved that.

"We are a big singing family - he gets it from all sides."

Walker has spoken of a rough upbringing around gangs before his parents found God and moved to the Gold Coast.

His aunt Poihaere Walker said it was great to see the family doing so well. "They made the changes and they've made some fantastic strides. We just wish him the best. We hope he goes from strength to strength.

"It's like a fairytale. He's such a down-to-earth kid, and that's from his parents - they're good people."

About 100 whanau members were at the Sydney Opera House, where the final was filmed outside.

The news.com.au website reported that the crowd broke into screams of delight as Walker's name was announced. He broke into tears, and his whanau performed a haka at his feet. Fireworks lit up the night sky.

"I just want to thank God, man. Hey, I want to thank my family for coming and supporting me. My family, they came from New Zealand," the teenager said after the win.

Walker's success earned him a $200,000 development fund and a Sony recording contract.

The final episode of Australian Idol will be broadcast on TV2 on Friday at 8.30pm.