Meet the Top 6 Contestants of Australian Idol 2026
Australian Idol 2026 has been a thrilling ride, with the competition intensifying as the top six contestants prepare to battle for the ultimate title. Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie, and guided by judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands, and Marcia Hines, the show continues to deliver unforgettable performances, dramatic moments, and emotional highs and lows.
As the season progresses, here are the six standout contestants who have made it to the final stage:
01 Kesha Odeya, 21 – Jindabyne, NSW
Kesha Odeya may hail from the ski slopes, but her heart belongs on the stage. Growing up in a musical household, she was nurtured by her father, a musician who helped shape her vocal talents. Her community has also supported her, especially through her weekly performances at the local Man From Snowy River Hotel — the same venue where her parents met.
Her audition performance of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile” impressed the judges, and her rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted To You” earned her immunity and sent her straight to the top eight.
02 Harlan Goode, 18 – Redland, QLD
Harlan Goode is no stranger to pressure. Balancing his Year 12 exams with an audition for Australian Idol, this 18-year-old found inspiration in artists like Ariana Grande and Adam Lambert. His powerful vocals shone during his audition with ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All,” which left judge Kyle Sandilands comparing him to Elvis Presley.
His performance of Queen’s “Somebody To Love” earned him immunity and secured his spot in the top six.
03 Jacinta Guirguis, 25 – Bacchus Marsh, VIC
Jacinta Guirguis, a forklift driver, has come a long way since her initial audition with Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know.” She transformed her style from oversized hoodies to a bolder look, and with that came a surge in confidence.
Diagnosed with an anxiety disorder six years ago, Jacinta overcame her fears on her third attempt to join the show. As an indie songwriter, she has proven that dreams can be achieved despite life’s challenges.
04 Kalani Artis, 23 – Central Coast, NSW
Kalani Artis has been a standout from the moment he first stepped onto the stage. Judge Amy Shark praised his audition of Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” as the best she had ever seen.
Kalani credits his love for music to his grandmother, Sue, who gifted him his first guitar at 14. Despite a recent breakup, he has delivered powerful performances throughout the season and is now a strong contender for the top spot.
05 Tre Samuels, 26 – Melbourne, VIC
At just 26, Tre Samuels has already made a name for himself in the music industry. Starting his journey at age 10, he signed with Warner Chappell two years later and has written songs for big names like Chris Brown.
His audition performance of Brian McKnight’s “Back At One” wowed the judges, and his rendition of “Stay” by the Kid Laroi earned him immunity and a place in the top eight.
06 John Standley, 17 – Bunbury, WA
John Standley may be only 17, but his talent is anything but young. A fan of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, his musical taste is mature beyond his years. He impressed the judges with his performance of The Isley Brothers’ “Shout” during his audition.
He has been a consistent performer this season, never entering the bottom four and is currently one of the favorites for the top spot.
Australian Idol 2026 continues to air on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights at 7:30pm, returning next week after the Easter break on Channel Seven and 7Plus.
