The country voted, putting Harlan, Kalani and Kesha through to the competition’s grand final.
Ahead of hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie revealing Australia’s verdict on Tuesday night, the top six joined forces for an inspiring group performance of Adele’s smash hit Set Fire To The Rain.
Tensions peaked as each contestant performed solo before learning their fate, with John, Jacinta and Trè eliminated from the competition.
Moments after earning his spot in the Australian Idol finale, 19-year-old Harlan, from Queensland, said: “I don’t think anyone can prepare you for this whole experience. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I’m so grateful to be here!”
Kesha, 21, from NSW, said she was grateful for the “life-changing experience” and thanked her loved ones for their continued support.
Reacting to his place in the top three, Kalani, 23, said: “I am beyond excited. This has been such a wild experience. This show moulds people. I am speechless I can’t thank everyone enough.”
Australian Idol judge and national treasure Marcia Hines also hit the stage alongside the cast of her new stage show Velvet Inferno for a stunning performance of Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer’s iconic disco diva hit No More Tears (Enough Is Enough).
Speaking on Sunrise on Thursday, Harlan admitted it was “bloody awful” having to go head-to-head with John for a spot in the finale.
“No one can prepare you for that feeling, you can’t describe it,” Harlan said.
“You’re in a line with someone you care so much about, and you have no idea what’s going to happen.
“It’s fully out of your control.”
Sunrise host Matt Shirvington told the contestants the audience’s greatest love is watching the artists evolve throughout the competition.
“It definitely moulds people,” Kalani added.
“I feel like I’ve gained a whole new confidence for the craft and I’m so appreciative of that.
“It’s been a moment me and family have forever waited for, and I’ll never forget — no matter what happens.”
Co-host Nat Barr joked with Kesha, telling her to: “Beat the boys.”
After sharing a few laughs, the 21-year-old hopeful reiterated whatever the outcome, she and her fellow contestants had become “life-long friends”.
“We’ve been there for all the highs and lows,” Kesha said.
“We’ve really seen each other in very tough situations …. we’ve all been there for each other and I don’t think that will stop after the show.”
Harlan Goode, 19, Brisbane, QLD
Kalani Artis, 23, Central Coast, NSW
Kesha Oayda, 21, Jindabyne, NSW
