Australian Idol is back! And in its 11th season, there’s no shortage of talent.
Hosted once again by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie, judges Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy Shark have their work cut out for them whittling down the thousands of auditionees to just 30.
This year, the competition kicked off with 30 talented contestants making it past the auditions. Now, we’re more than half way through, with the top 12 contestants going through Transformation Week.
Who got Golden Tickets on Australian Idol 2026?
Kalani Artis, 23
Central Coast, NSW
This landscaper from Bensville on the Central Coast was inspired to pursue music after being given his first guitar by his beloved Nan as a teenager.
Kalani dazzled the judges with his raw, emotional rendition of “Torn” – made famous by Natalie Imbruglia in 1997.
Channelling the pain of a recent break-up, he acknowledges that impacted his powerful delivery. And the judges felt every word of it.
“It is very rare to see an Idol come to life at the audition stage,” praised Kyle.
Eva Ilov, 20
Brisbane, Qld
Seamlessly blending soulful pop and R’n’B, Brisbane juice bar worker Eva commanded attention during her audition.
Having been performing since the age of eight, after she was gifted a guitar for Christmas by her Pop, the 20-year-old honed her skills at the Young Conservatorium of Music and, currently, under the guidance of vocal coach Lisa Lockland-Bell.
Capitalising on her international recognition, Eva is driven, confident and “unafraid to push creative boundaries”.
Lily-Grace Grant, 17
Northern Rivers, NSW
A country-pop singer from Lennox Head in the Northern Rivers, 17-year-old Lily-Grace was inspired to audition for Idol after meeting 2024 winner Dylan Wright.
He was super stoked I auditioned, she tells TV WEEK.
Having picked up her first guitar at the tender age of six, she’s already a veteran on the country festival circuit.
Citing the likes of Tina Turner, Taylor Swift and Kasey Chambers as her musical inspirations, the teen comes from a musical family, with her maternal grandparents having been opera singers.
She’s more than ready to step out of their shadows and make a name for herself – with the full support of her mum Suzie and the rest of her family.
John Standley, 16
Bunbury, WA
He may be a teenager, but there’s nothing juvenile about 17-year-old John’s musical taste.
A self-professed fan of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, the multi-talented musician says he’s drawn to the upbeat, feelgood energy of 1950s music.
Indeed, John impressed the judges with his rendition of 1959 song “Shout”, by The Isley Brothers.
Forget modern-day pop and singing about heartbreak – this old soul is determined to bring classic ’50s music back into the mainstream.
Mat Rigby, 17
Melbourne, Vic
A classically trained vocalist, Melbourne teen Mat describes himself as a “passionate singer-songwriter”, who writes and performs contemporary songs.
Extremely sporty growing up – having played footy and basketball, and surfing and rowing – Mat is now using songwriting to process his emotions and connect with others.
That musical connection is something he shares with his 81-year-old grandpa, who is suffering from dementia, which only strengths his resolve to “create music that’s honest, personal and deeply resonant”.
Charlie Moon, 31
Perth, WA
Perth singer Charlie’s Idol audition brought hardened judge Kyle to tears – before he even began singing!
The soulful singer revealed he had recently lost his mum to brain cancer and is now a full-time carer for his dad, who has bowel cancer. His parents, he said, are the reason he decided to go on the show.
His moving version of Billie Eilish’s “Birds Of A Feather” couldn’t have resonated more with the judges.
“That was beautiful, fantastic,” Kyle enthused. “You are effortlessly brilliant!”
Harriet Kenworthy, 19
Perth, WA
A singer-songwriter who cites Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and Missy Higgins as her inspiration, 19-year-old Harriet impressed with her cover of the latter’s hit song, “Scar”.
Already an accomplished musician, the teen released her debut single, “Flowers Laced With Vitriol”, in November 2025 under the name Harriet Hawthorne – and hasn’t looked back since.
Channelling the thoughts and feelings of an average young woman into her heartfelt music, the Perth native is sure to captivate audiences with her honest and relatable songs.
Jacinta Guirguis, 25
Bacchus Marsh, Vic
A forklift driver by night, Jacinta is busy making a name for herself as an indie singer-songwriter by day.
Having overcome crippling nerves and self-doubt, the self-professed “silent assassin” is now ready to take Idol by storm.
With her mum and twin sister cheering her on, the 25-year-old is determined to prove herself and show that there’s more to her than meets the eye.
Achille Fong, 20
Sydney, NSW
Twenty-year-old Achille may work as a stagehand, helping set up shows for the likes of Green Day, Coldplay and Twenty One Pilots, but he dreams of one day being up on the stage headlining concerts himself.
Coming from a showbusiness family – his mum is former Hong Kong supermodel Christine Au Yang and his brother Atilla Fong is a popular K-Pop singer living in Hong Kong – Achille made the move to Australia aged just 14 to pursue his own musical ambitions.
Performing in his school’s Battle of the Bands in Year 8, he discovered his love for pop punk. He’s now ready to path his own path.
Taiyo Marchand, 15
Sydney, NSW
A talented busker from Manly, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Taiyo has been entertaining the masses since he was just six years old!
In 2023, he competed on The Voice Kids France – something he hopes will give him a leg-up in this competition.
Wowing the judges with his rendition of Bruno Mars’ “Treasure”, this teen appears well on his way to stardom.
Simela Petridis, 31
Adelaide, SA
Art teacher Simela hopes to inspire her students to reach for the stars and follow their dreams by chasing her own.
Having previously competed on The X Factor 16 years ago, the mum-of-two has more experience and confidence under her belt now, which she plans to use to her advantage.
While she put her own musical aspirations aside to become a mum and a teacher, she’s now ready to step back into the spotlight and shine!
“In this industry, you really need to have some thick skin,” she says. “I didn’t really have thick skin [back] then. It took me a while to regain the courage to put myself out there again.”
Vince Phillips, 25
Hawkesbury, NSW
Country crooner Vince has always dreamed of being a country music artist – and his rendition of Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” saw him get one step closer.
The youngest of 10 siblings, Vince says music was an integral part of his upbringing in his vibrant, bustling family.
Judges may have their concerns that his vocals aren’t up to scratch, but Vince is bursting with charisma and ready to fight for his place in the competition.
Olivia Giaourtas, 21
Camden, NSW
A cheerleader for NRL team the Sydney City Roosters, Olivia has plenty of experience wowing a crowd.
While she’s only recently started singing, she brought judge Kyle Sandilands to tears with her rendition of Wilson Phillips’ “Hold On” – which earnt her a Golden Ticket on the spot.
“I did something completely out of my comfort zone,” she says of auditioning for Idol. “Younger me would’ve never had the courage to do something this insane but here I am.”
Riley Ziskey, 23
Longreach, Qld
Having grown up on cattle stations, aspiring country music artist Riley relocated to Brisbane to follow his dreams.
Putting a unique, modern spin on country classics, he’s already making a name for himself, having performed at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2025.
Writing his own music, this talented singer and guitarist is excited to bring his unique sound to the masses with the backing of the show.
Wanwue Tarpeh, 21
Melbourne, Vic
For waitress and student Wanwue, music runs through her veins and is deep within her soul.
And that couldn’t have been more obvious than when she performed Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like A Woman”.
“I always knew I’d be on a big stage, I just never knew when or how?? But look mama!!!” she says.
Cody James, 20
Karratha, WA
Small-town musician Cody has spent years working hard to make it onto the Australian Idol stage.
Growing up in the Pilbara, he never could have imagined he would actually get a shot at fame – but here we are!
His rendition of “Fire And The Flood” by Vance Joy earnt him the praise of all three judges, and now he’s well on his way to achieving his dreams.
“This creative journey has had its ups and downs, but this has definitely been one of the biggest ups,” he says.
Nicholas Storm, 19
Gawler River, SA
He may have only been singing for less than a year, but you wouldn’t know it judging by Nicholas’ Idol audition.
The teen had the judges enthralled with his rendition of “Treat You Better” by Shawn Mendes, and something tells us there’s plenty more to come.
“Couldn’t be any more grateful for the outcome,” he says.
Trè Samuels, 26
Melbourne, Vic
Trè is no stranger to the spotlight. Having started singing at the age of 10, he’s already a successful songwriter.
Signed to Warner Chappell as a songwriter at the tender age of 12, Trè has written songs for legendary R’n’B artists including Chris Brown.
He’s also had a stellar modelling career, walking runways for the likes of Prada.
Now married with two daughters, Trè is ready to rewrite his story as a singer-songwriter.
“It’s incredible. It’s such an amazing opportunity,” he says.
Sophie Poidevin, 19
Melbourne, Vic
After failing to wow the judges with Adele’s “Feel My Love” – which Kyle dubbed an “old lady sad song” that didn’t show who she really is – Sophie was given a second chance.
Sent away to pick a better song, she returned all fired up to perform “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell. And it did the trick!
Oozing sass and confidence, all three judges were won over by the effortlessly energetic performance.
“I got to sing twice!! whattttt!” she says.
Harry Lamb, 26
Ballarat, Vic
A barber from Ballarat, Harry impressed with his husky, soulful rendition of Survivor’s “Eye Of The Tiger”.
This despite forgetting some of the lyrics!
Thankfully, the judges were able to see past the mistake to the talent that lies beneath – but he’ll have plenty to prove going forward that their faith in him wasn’t for nothing.
Kesha Oayda, 21
Jindabyne, NSW
Growing up in the NSW Snowy Mountains, Kesha is an avid skier.
She’s also a talented singer since childhood – even winning her local Jindy Idol talent competition when she was eight!
Inspired by her musician father, Nolen, it’s clear that Kesha has the talent to support her dreams.
“I am so lucky to have grown up in a community that has surrounded me with undying love and support throughout my music career,” she says. “I feel incredibly lucky to have been presented with this opportunity and am so excited for it.”
Lydia Virgo, 24
Sydney, NSW
Lydia’s sky-high first performance – atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge – blew judge Amy away.
And the viewers are right behind her, too.
The bubbly redhead, who is a talented professional dancer and performer, was born to be on stage – and we can’t wait to see what she does next!
Harlan Goode, 18
Brisbane, Qld
You wouldn’t know Harlan is just 18 listening to him perform.
With powerful vocals exuding experience beyond his years, he dazzled the judges with his rendition of “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA.
Likened to a young Elvis by Kyle, that’s some his praise from Idol’s toughest judge! But something tells us he’s going to step up to the challenge and go places.
Rochelle Ballard, 23
Longreach, Qld
Rochelle’s heartrending performance of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” was a beautiful tribute to her Nan, who gave her her first guitar as a child.
The song resonated with each of the judges, bringing them to tears – and cementing her as one to watch.
A trucker in the mining industry, something tells us she won’t be for much longer!
Asher Iyer, 16
Brisbane, Qld
After forgetting the lyrics and failing to impress during his first audition, Asher boldly returned, determined to redeem himself.
And he did just that! The hip-hop singer, who has been pursuing his dream since the age of 11, gave a roaring rendition of Naughty By Nature’s “Hip Hop Hooray”, delighting the judges.
“I’ll never take this support for granted,” he says. “God’s Timing > My Timing.”
Alita Santhosh, 22
Adelaide, SA
Alita looked and sounded the part as she performed Mary Mary’s “Shackles” – her upbeat performance even getting the judges grooving in their seats!
And it got her one step closer to achieving her dream of being a R’n’B queen.
“Forever grateful for the chance to stand on that stage and sing my heart out,” she says. “This is just the beginning.”
Who has been eliminated from Australian Idol 2026 so far?
Australian Idol continues Sunday at 7pm and Monday at 7.30pm on Channel Seven and 7plus.
