Seven
It’s been a wild few months of performances on Australian Idol season 11, and the competition is getting closer and closer, with the top six contestants narrowing in for that top spot. Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie, and with judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines at the helm, we’ve witnessed all the highs, lows, shocks and snubs that are familiar to Idol fans.
Now, as the competition enters its final stages, scroll down to see who has progressed to the top six of Australian Idol 2026.
01
Kesha Odeya, 21
Jindabyne, NSW
She may be from the ski slopes but Kesha belongs on the stage. She grew up in both a sporty and musical household, with a musician father that nurtured her vocal talent. Her tight-knit community also has her back, as their all familiar with Kesha’s abilities from her weekly stint at the local Man From Snowy River Hotel — the very same venue where her parents met.
The competitive skier turned singer impressed the judges at her audition when she mastered Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ ‘Die With A Smile’. She also wowed the crowd with her performance of ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’, which granted her immunity and sent her straight to the top eight.
02
Harlan Goode, 18
Redland, QLD
While many may be overwhelmed by their Year 12 exams, Harlan kicked the pressure up a notch by auditioning for Australia Idol while finishing them up. The 18-year-old cites Ariana Grande and fellow Idol alumni Adam Lambert as his musical influences.
He used his powerful vocals to audition with ‘The Winner Takes It All’ by ABBA, dazzling the judges. He was even compared to Elvis Presley by judge Kyle Sandilands. He was given immunity and sent through to the top six after his performance of ‘Somebody To Love’ by Queen.
03
Jacinta Guirguis, 25
Bacchus Marsh, VIC
The forklift driver has undergone quite the transformation since she auditioned with Gotye’s ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ which earnt her a golden ticket. She’s swapped the oversized hoodies for a bolder look, and the confidence has followed with it.
Diagnosed with an anxiety disorder six years ago, taking to the Australian Idol stage was no easy feat. But on her third attempt at applying for the show, the indie-songwriter has proven that anyone can pursue their dreams despite the struggles that may come with it.
04
Kalani Artis, 23
Central Coast, NSW
From the moment he stepped in front of the judges, Kalani has been one to watch. Judge Amy Shark even claimed his audition of ‘Torn’ by Natalie Imbruglia was the best she’d ever seen.
The former landscaper attributes his love of music to his nana Sue, who gifted him his first guitar at 14-years-old. With the emotional weight of a recent breakup weighing heavy on his shoulders, he’s certainly showed off his powerhouse vocals throughout the season and has become a hot favourite for first place.
05
Tre Samuels, 26
Melbourne, VIC
At only 26-years-old, Tre has already made a bit of a name for himself in the industry. Starting his singing journey at age 10, he signed to music publishing company Warner Chappell two years later and has gone on to write songs for some very familiar faces in the industry, including Chris Brown.
He smashed his audition, wowing the judges with his rendition of ‘Back At One’ by Brian McKnight. Throughout the season he’s been a strong contender, winning immunity and being sent through to the top eight for his performance of ‘Stay‘ by the Kid Laroi.
06
John Standley, 17
Bunbury, WA
It’s hard to believe that this multi-talented musician is only 17-years-old. Being a fan of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, his taste in music is wise beyond his years, impressing judges with his rendition of ‘Shout’ by The Isley Brothers for his audition.
He’s a strong favourite for first place, having not entered the bottom four in any round so far this season!
Australian Idol airs on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights at 7.30pm, and will return next week after the Easter break on Channel Seven and 7Plus.
