Aspiring singers have belted out their highest notes and poured their souls into every song, but only one contestant could be crowned the winner of Australian Idol 2026.
After many painful eliminations, the Top Three finalists were determined: 18-year-old Harlan Goode, 23-year-old Kalani Artis, and Kesha Oayda, 21.
But before the country cast their vote for the winner, the finalists showed off their skills.
Kalani performed Heroes by David Bowie, before stepping on stage with Pete Murray to sing Better Days. Kesha was joined on-stage by Vanessa Amorosi to perform Shine, followed by a powerful rendition of When We Were Young by Adele.
Lastly, but not least, Harlan sang Irene Cara’s Fame, then teamed up with Australian Idol legend Anthony Callea to perform The Prayer – which received a huge applause from the crowd.
But for the grand finale, we were treated with a very special performance by Australian Idol’s own judge, Amy Shark. Plus, the final three were supported by returning members of the Top 12 to perform a beautiful rendition of I Love You Always Forever by Donna Lewis.
The finalists then performed solo, when the hosts revealed Kalani received the fewest votes and therefore leave the competition. It was down to Halan and Kesha…
With the anticipation building higher by the minute, viewers were on the edge of their seats, waiting to discover who would be crowned the winner.
The winner of Australian Idol 2026 was none other than Kesha!
“I need 50 billion people to pinch me to wake up from whatever dream this is. The Idol experience has been nothing short of life-changing,” she said following her win.
“I feel like I have grown so much since my audition.”
Kesha also broken an Australian Idol streak as the first female winner since 2007.
As this season’s champion, Kesha has received an incredible $100,000 in prize money, an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios, attend a songwriting camp with Sony Music Publishing, and marketing and social media support from The Annex.
Some other benefits include VIP tickets to the ARIA Awards and the TV WEEK Logie Awards. And bragging rights of course.
This has wrapped up an incredible season of the beloved singing competition. Reflecting on the past episodes, we’ve met people from all walks of life this season. From a forklift driver, country artist, teacher, devoted father and a competitive skier.
