Hundreds turn out to support rising star Phoebe Stewart in Australian Idol grand final

South West singing sensation Phoebe Stewart may have been pipped at the post for the title of Australian Idol, but she is still the idol of our hearts.

The 15-year-old came runner-up in Sunday night’s grand finale episode, going down to Queensland’s Royston Sagigi-Baira who claimed the title after more than 2 million votes flooded in from across the nation.

But that didn’t stop hundreds of Busselton locals turning up to Hally’s Bar to be part of the grand final celebrations, the restaurant packed out with friends and family to cheer on the talented singer from the other side of the country.

With glittering signs and balloons in tow, the community watched in awe-filled silence as the teenager belted out Cher classic Believe in her opening performance for the night.

None were more proud than best friends Hayley Wellstead and Asha Macpherson who shared their excitement for their best friend.

“She was absolutely amazing, I’m not surprised she’s always been so amazing and I’m just so proud of her for doing what she loves,” gushed Wellstead.

“She’s going to go so many places, she’s so talented, it was mesmerising,” Macpherson added.

Melbourne singer Josh Hannan was sent home halfway through the night when the top two were announced, Stewart backing up her sensational sing with a spine-tingling rendition of Elton John’s Your Song.

All four judges sang their praises for the teen, American pop sensation Trainor calling her a “queen” who was “set to be a big star” while Connick Jr said he “couldn’t stop smiling”.

And though winning was not meant to be, Stewart told Australia she was so “grateful” for the experience.

“I’m very proud of myself for coming this far,” she said.

“It’s a phenomenal thing I got to do.”

Back home in Busselton, glowing dad Alexander told the Busselton Dunsborough Times he couldn’t wait to “have his little girl back”.

“They were all fantastic and she has done a huge job. . . she’s amazing,” he said.

“She’s got a career, she knows what she’s doing, so who knows from here?

“I’m blown away by all these beautiful people that have come out to support her.”