‘They Didn’t See It Coming!’ Australian Idol’s Top 3 REVEALED… The SECRET Drama Behind Their Rise!
The time has finally come for the 2026 Australian Idol Top 3 to battle it out on the finale stage. With hosts Scott Tweedie and Ricki-Lee Coulter keeping us hyped, and judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines spearheading the shocks, snubs, and successes, this season of Australian Idol has been nothing short of wild.
After an incredible group performance of Adele’s Set Fire To The Rain followed by the contestants’ solo performances, some tense live voting took place on Tuesday night, April 7.
In the end, Australia decided their top 3, eliminating John Van Beek, Jacinta Gulisano and Trè Samuels.
While the Australian Idol grand finale will take place on April 13 and 14, the reality show announced some exciting news for super fans who want the chance to watch the final three contestants perform before their final showdown next week.
This Thursday, April 9, fans can watch the top 3 perform at Westfield Hurtsville — proving just how much of a connection this show has with Australian fans.
Harlan Goode, 18
Harlan, 18, auditioned for Australia Idol while finishing his year 12 exams and cited Ariana Grande and fellow Idol alumni Adam Lambert as his musical influences.
After auditioning with The Winner Takes It All by ABBA, dazzling the judges – Kyle Sandilands in particular – he was given immunity and sent through to the top six after his performance of ‘Somebody To Love’ by Queen.
Now, in the top three, Harlan is being praised for his moving Elton John dedication.
Kalani Artis, 23
From the moment he stepped in front of the judges, Kalani has stunned audiences.
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 channelled the Backstreet Boys in recent performances and dedicated his powerful vocals to nana Sue.
Kesha Oayda, 21
Kesha, 21, grew up in both a sporty and musical household, with a musician father that nurtured her vocal talent while she hit the ski slopes in her spare time.
Her tight-knit community also has her back, as they’re all familiar with Kesha’s abilities from her weekly stint at the local Man From Snowy River Hotel.
In her audition, she mastered Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ Die With A Smile and has wowed the crowd with her performance of Hopelessly Devoted To You.
Now in the top three, Kesha has won the hearts of Australians watching at home with her rendition of Miley Cyrus’ The Climb (where her dad accompanied her on guitar) — a song choice symbolic of her journey on the competition show so far.
When is the 2026 Australian Idol Grande Finale?
Australian Idol’s live grand finale will air on April 13 and April 14 at 7:30pm on Seven and 7plus.
What does the Australian Idol winner receive?
The winner will receive $100,000 in prize money and a recording package with Hive Sound Studios.
They will also attend a song writing camp with Sony Music Publishing, receive marketing and social media support from The Annex, and attend the ARIA and Logie Awards.
Safe to say it’s quite the package!