22 year old stand-up comic Chelsea Finlayson has claimed the coveted sash as the winner of Generation Fresh for 2026.
She battled through four rounds of challenges – including live radio, phone calls and co-hosting alongside Fresh 927’s Tom and Callum – to take the win.
Chelsea said “When the winner was announced, I started clapping before realising — wait, that’s my name! I was in total disbelief. You’d think someone who talks for a living would be better with speeches, but I was completely lost for words. I reckon I said ‘thank you’ about 200 times in two minutes — and I still can’t wipe the smile off my face.”
Coincidently, she shares the same first name as last year’s inaugural Generation Fresh winner, Chelsea Barber.
This year’s final five were judged by Emma G from SAFM’s Breakfast show Bel, Bernie and Emma G.
Emma’s connection to Fresh runs deep … she volunteered at the station for 15 years, working across almost every department and show.
Emma said “Generation Fresh this year showcased brilliant talent and potential. Chelsea stood out with her relaxed, down-to-earth style and quick wit. She delivered fun, relatable content and made personal stories resonate with listeners. I’m excited to hear what Chelsea – and all the Gen Fresh finalists do next.”
Chelsea wins a permanent weekend show on Fresh 927, plus a scholarship to the Australian Radio School Masterclass.
She now joins an impressive list of Fresh alumni, including Emma G, Triple M’s Loz and Thomo, KIIS 1023’s Ben and Liam and Power FM’s Chelsea Barber, all of whom launched successful commercial radio careers from Fresh.
Images supplied.