We are getting closer and closer to crowning the 2026 Australian Idol winner now our top 12 have been announced. Judges Marcia Hines, Amy Shark and Kyle Sandilands have seen a wide range of talented singers but there can only be one winner for season 11, and it will be someone from this group!
The top 21 singers performed over three nights, with four progressing each night to make up the top 12. Each judge is also given a Fast Pass which automatically sends someone into that top 12. Think Golden Buzzer in Australia’s Got Talent vibes.
So without further ado, please welcome your finalists!
Trè Samuels
Melbourne singer-songwriter and dad of two Trè had us all swaying along to his cover of Boyz II Men’s I’ll Make Love To You.
“Thank you for the love on last night’s performance. It means the world!” he shared with his social media followers on Thursday.
John Standley
For a 16-year-old, this top 12 singer has some old school music taste!
The teenager wowed with his take on James Brown’s all time classic I Got You (I Feel Good).
Wanwue Tarpeh
21-year-old Melbourne waitress and student Wanwue wowed on stage with her makeover that matches her superstar voice.
Her rendition of Rihanna’s Only Girl In The World got her the spot in the top 12.
Kalani Artis
From a shy tradie to the top 12!
We had chills when this landscaper from Bensville on the Central Coast performed his version of The Calling’s Wherever You Will Go.
Simela Petridis
The 31-year-old won the judges over with her powerful rendition of Sia’s Alive.
Now that she’s made it into the top 12, can this Adelaide art teacher and mum be Australia’s next big star?
Lily-Grace Grant
The baby of the group, aged just 17, hails from Lennox Head in the Northern Rivers and wowed with her version of The Rolling Stones’ (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.
She left school in year 10 to pursue her music dreams and it looks like she’s making those dreams a reality!
Kesha Oayda
21-year-old Kesha is already making a name for herself with her powerful voice.
She secured her spot in the top 12 with her take on Hozier’s Take Me To Church and was even supported by her former school in the NSW Snowy Mountains on social media.
Charlie-Moon Meader
The 31-year-old Perth singer made the top 12 thanks to a fast pass from judge Marcia Hines after his rendition of Beatles classic With A Little Help From My Friends.
“I dedicated this performance to my friends who supported me through the hard times in my life, you guys know who you are, I wouldn’t be here with out you,” he wrote on social media.
Jacinta Guirguis
Her makeover left everyone with their jaws on the floor, and forklift operator Jacinta is resembling a superstar more and more these days.
She sang her way to victory with a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s hit Everywhere.
Harry Lamb
He had us all singing along with his take on The Killers rock anthem Somebody Told Me and the Barber from Ballarat has a lot of love for his supporters.
“Thank you guys so much for all the positive feedback I got on my top 21 performance. It was really nice to see that everyone enjoyed it and I had a great time with the transformation.”
Harlan Goode
Kyle Sandilands used his Fast Pass to get the 18-year-old into the top 12.
The Brisbane boy wowed with his powerful take on Diana Ross’ Chain Reaction.
Sophie Poidevin
She killed it with a poppy take on Kim Carnes’ Bette Davis Eyes and this Melbourne girl is grateful to all her fans.
“I feel so loved and supported and I’m just really appreciative and thankful and grateful for you all,” she said on her Instagram Stories.
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