Iconic Aussie reality show Australian Idol is back for 2026!
This will be the show’s fourth season since the reboot launched, and it promises to be the toughest yet, with talent from diverse genres battling it out for the crown, $100,000 and a recording deal.
Radio host Kyle Sandilands, Queen of Pop Marcia Hines and eight-time ARIA winner Amy Shark are back to helm the judging panel, with former contestant Ricki-Lee Coulter also returning, alongside Scott Tweedie, to host the show.
With auditions done and dusted, we can’t wait to see who will be the next Australian Idol!
So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about the new season (plus, purely for your viewing pleasure, one of Idol alum Ricki-Lee’s greatest hits).
When does Australian Idol 2026 premiere?
Don’t worry Idol fans, there’s not long to wait! Although, if you also a Married At First Sight fan, you might have to pick a favourite to watch first.
Australian Idol 2026 will premiere on Monday, February 2, on Channel Seven and 7Plus. Yep, the very same night as MAFS!
Aren’t you glad both networks have On Demand streaming too?
Who are the Australian Idol 2026 contestants?
While we haven’t seen a full list of Australian Idol’s 2026 talented contestants, some have been identified thanks to the colourful promo which dropped in December last year.
According to the Instagram comments, a few hopefuls seem to be Em Hudd, Kalani Artis and Harriet Kenworthy.
We can’t wait to get to know them, and the rest of the songbirds, when the season kicks off!
Who’s scored a Golden Ticket so far on Australian Idol 2026?
At present, 26 out of 30 Golden Tickets have been given out during the Australian Idol auditions.
With just four spots remaining, the competition is tighter than ever!
Here are the lucky contestants who have scored themselves a Golden Ticket and a guaranteed spot in the live shows.
Kalani Artis, 23, Central Coast, NSW
Eva Ilov, 20, Brisbane, Qld
Lily-Grace Grant, 17, Northern Rivers, NSW
John Standley, 16, Bunbury, WA
Mat Rigby, 17, Melbourne, Vic
Charlie Moon, 31, Perth, WA
Harriet Kenworthy, 19, Perth, WA
Jacinta Guirguis, 25, Bacchus Marsh, Vic
Achille Fong, 20, Sydney, NSW
Taiyo Marchand, 15, Sydney, NSW
Simela Petridis, 31,Adelaide, SA
Vince Phillips, 25, Hawkesbury, NSW
Olivia Giaourtas, 21, Camden, NSW
Riley Ziskey, 23, Longreach, Qld
Wanwue Tarpeh, 21, Melbourne, Vic
Cody James, 20, Karratha, WA
Nicholas Storm, 19, Gawler River, SA
Trè Samuels, 26, Melbourne, Vic
Sophie Poidevin, 19, Melbourne, Vic
Harry Lamb, 26, Ballarat, Vic
Kesha Oayda, 21, Jindabyne, NSW
Lydia Virgo, 24, Sydney, NSW
Harlan Goode, 18, Brisbane, Qld
Rochelle Ballard, 23, Longreach, Qld
Asher Iyer, 16, Brisbane, Qld
Alita Santhosh, 22, Adelaide, SA
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
