Former Port Hacking High and Gymea Bay Public student Dylan Wright is the 2024 winner of Australian Idol.

The performer and painter, who now calls the NSW North Coast home, was announced as the winner on Monday night.

Port Hacking High, where Dylan met his wife Georgia on his first day at the school, posted a congratulatory message on its Facebook page immediately after the announcement.

“Congratulations to Dylan Wright, class of 2011 on winning Australian Idol 2024!” the school posted.

“The Port Hacking High community is so proud of your achievements, and we are honoured to have supported and nurtured your love for music during your time at our school.

“We cannot wait to see where your future takes you, now enjoy the win!”

Principal Rick Turansky said the school community was right behind Dylan as he progressed through the competition.

"As principal I can tell you that strong support and a strong vibe has resonated throughout the school. The Port Hacking High community is so proud of Dylan's achievement," he said.

"Living in the local area I can recall Dylan busking in the streets of Gymea, with an audience stopping to watch his performances from a young age.

"He epitomises the true values of Port Hacking High School and what we stand for, and in the judges own words, Dylan is a great human being as well."

Dylan's music teacher at Port Hacking High, Sheridan Prestidge, said his musical ability was obvious from a young age.

"As soon as Dylan started high school it was evident to all of us in the music department that we had a star in the making," she said.

"In Year 7 he was able to sing and play the guitar with astounding ability. His amazing voice and versatility as a musician prompted me to feature him as a soloist in several choir performances in particular 'Angels' by Robbie Williams, the audience was blown away.

"There is no style that Dylan couldn’t master from rock to jazz. He also busked on the weekends for pocket money. What a well deserved win for this outstanding musician and I look forward to seeing the exciting musical opportunities that will come his way."

Ahead of the final, Gymea Bay Public, where Dylan attended primary school, posted a video message from the musician in which he thanked students and staff for their support.

“I loved the video you sent through, it brought a tear to my eye,” he said.

“I used to be vice-captain of Gymea Bay and I loved it so much, and I love music so much.

“If you love music, keep listening to Ms Graham and playing the music, because it has helped me so much, and hopefully we can see you on TV one day.”

After his win, Dylan told local paper the St George and Sutherland Leader that victory had come as a complete surprise.

“I was in utter shock. All I remember was hearing my name and seeing confetti and my family’s faces melt, in tears and screaming,” he said.

“There is no way I thought I’d be here. I’ve watched Idol forever. I was in Year 3 playing handball with my friends arguing if Guy (Sebastian) or Shannon (Noll) was going to win.”

For winning Australian Idol, Dylan walks away with a recording contract with Sony Music Entertainment Australia and $100,000 in prize money.

Dylan was named winner ahead of runner-up Amy Reeves and third placegetter Denvah Baker-Moller.