2005

In 2005, Australian Idol had a massive cultural footprint — Anthony Callea's coronation ballad 'The Prayer' became the fastest-selling Australian single ever and topped the year-end chart. Pop, R&B, and novelty hits dominated, with international acts filling most of the top 10 alongside the Idol-fuelled local surge. The mid-2000s marked peak mainstream radio dominance before digital downloads reshaped the market.