Kyle Shilling has been declared the winner of Dancing With The Stars Australia 2025. He danced with his fellow professional, Lily Cornish. The duo performed an impassioned and technically astute freestyle.
Their last dance on the finale was deserving of a perfect 40 from all four judges. The piece was performed to “Native Tongue” by Australian singer Mo’Ju. The didgeridoo was played live by Kyle during their final act, bringing out another layer of rawness and authenticity.
Their routine was described as breathtaking and deeply moving. Helen Richey said of the performance, “One of the best dances we’ve ever seen.”
The performance argued for Indigenous culture and storytelling through contemporary dance. It was lauded for authenticity and innovation.
Kyle Shilling and Lily Cornish win DWTS 2025 with a powerful and flawless freestyle finale.
Who else competed in the grand finale?
The finale was attended by six celebrity finalists vying for the Mirror Ball trophy. Alongside Kyle Shilling were Shaun Micallef, Trent Cotchin, Felicity Ward, Brittany Hockley, and Michael Usher.
Shaun Micallef and Ash-Leigh Hunter were declared the runners-up. They ended with 37 points, just three shy of Kyle and Lily.
Former AFL star Trent Cotchin got 35, while comedian Felicity Ward earned 33. Brittany Hockley and Michael Usher went through with 32 and 28 points, respectively.
Despite these strong competition levels, Kyle stands out due to his emotional storytelling. His connection with the audience and judges was just unquestionable. The crowd erupted into a magnificent standing ovation after the final performance.
What made Kyle Shilling’s win so powerful?
Kyle Shilling is the first Indigenous actor to appear on Home and Away. He is of Widjabul lineage from the Bundjalung Nation. Prior to acting, Kyle trained with the world-famous Bangarra Dance Theatre.
His association with dance is heartfelt, interspersing tradition with his own identity. Throughout the season, Kyle injected cultural meaning into each performance. With DWTS, he gave a platform to honor his people and their stories.
His final dance was said to be a spiritual and visual celebration of Indigenous culture. It was more than a performance; it was a moment of national cultural pride.
Why did Kyle’s performance resonate with Australia?
Kyle was applauded for a truly meaningful use of this platform. Quiet on him—he just danced and educated the world. The social media streams were flooded with praises for the performance in the finale.
Some viewed it as one of the most touching performances ever witnessed on television. Usually, in DWTS, symbolism and messaging stay pretty basic; hence, this brought in something quite unique. Attention was drawn to identity, resilience, and connection to the country.
Fans believed Kyle brought an entirely new, authentic voice to reality TV. The storytelling execution was praised as ground-breaking for Australian primetime television.
The audience connected not just with his craft-teach skills but with his integrity. He became a role model for young Indigenous Australians across the continent.
$20,000 prize donated to Indigenous Literacy Foundation
Within the contest, Kyle was given the sum of $20,000 for a charity he might nominate. He nominated the Indigenous Literacy Foundation in support of remote communities in accessing books.
Kyle extended thanks to the program and audience, saying, “The foundation means everything to me and my family.” In the midst of tears, Kyle expressed his gratitude for his team and cultural advisors.
“This isn’t just a win for me,” “It is a win for our stories, our communities, and for the next generation.” Kyle dedicated the performance to little Indigenous kids who were watching at home.
He asked them to “stand proud, and never hide your culture.” An entertainment event became another proud cultural occasion.
Kyle Shilling donates $20K DWTS prize to Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
What’s next for Kyle Shilling after DWTS?
The star of Kyle is still ascending with the Mirror Ball trophy. Fans have called for more cultural programming in mainstream entertainment. There is an increasing buzz about Kyle’s leading stage or film project.
He continues his role on Home and Away where he made history in 2023. He is now widely considered one of Australia’s brightest young stars. Kyle has already slated projects for cultural outreach and youth mentoring.
Indigenous arts programs will continue to be an area where he and his family put effort. Meanwhile, partner Lily Cornish garnered much acclaim for her artistry and integrity. Together, they gave the show an incredibly rare glamour.
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Conclusion
Kyle Shilling’s Dancing with the Stars victory was much more than a win; it was truly monumental culturally. His collaboration with Lily Cornish was a manifestation of dance as a voice for truth and identity.
With a perfect score rewarding $20,000 to charity and the country’s unabashed acclaim, Kyle shall forever have an indelible impact. His voice, talent, and pride will be implanted within the psyche of dance generations to come, both on and off the floor.
