Ronan Keating has won the X Factor Australia – and immediately hinted he was set to quit the show.
The Boyzone frontman mentored 15-year-old schoolgirl Marlisa Punzalan to a win on the Oz version of the show.
But Ronan, 37 – who has sat on the show since 2010 – hinted that he could be leaving the programme now.
Panel: Ronan hinted he’ll be leaving the show
He told Marlisa: “If this is my last year on the show I hope that I can leave with a worthy winner like you.”
And the Life Is A Rollercoaster singer wasn’t confirmed to be staying by Channel Seven, who produces the show.
They said: “No decisions have been made for 2015 [on the judges] as yet.”
Currently, he sits on the show’s panel with Dannii Minogue, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Redfoo.
He was previously accused by Louis Walsh of trying to steal his seat on the X Factor UK – although the ex-Westlife manager has signaled this will now be his last year.
Speaking on the X Factor Australia final, Ronan said that the world will soon hear about Marlisa.
Winner: Marlisa performing on the X Factor Australia
He gushed: “She’s such an unbelievable talent for only 15 years of age, her voice is incredible and she has such composure. When she sings you forget how young she is,” he said.
“I love that when she’s not on stage, she’s still a kid and totally acts like one. I think she’s got a great head on her shoulders and will go far.”
