Recap | Australian Idol on Channel 7 top 3 revealed – Harlan, Kalani and Kesha chase Grand Finale glory
Tonight, in an emotionally charged live verdict, Australia voted 19-year-old Harlan Goode from Queensland, 23-year-old Kalani Artis from Central Coast, NSW, and 21-year-old Kesha Oayda from Jindabyne, NSW, as their Australian Idol Grand Finalists on Seven and 7plus.
Ahead of hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie revealing Australia’s verdict,the Top 6 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.
Queensland’s ballad king Harlan, 19, hit a high note with Scared To Be Lonely by Martin Garrix and Dua Lipa, while jukebox John, 17, from Bunbury WA had the crowd on their feet with Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley.
Kalani left no doubt he belongs on stage after his performance of Bruises by Lewis Capaldi, while Jacinta, 25, from Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, shone in Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer.
Singing skier Kesha showed off her stunning vocals with ABBA’s classic Dancing Queen while doting dad Trè’s smooth vocals entranced on John Legend’s Ordinary People.
In a heartbreaking result, John, Jacinta and Trè were eliminated from the competition.
On her departure, after thanking everyone, an emotional Jacinta reflected: “I would often tell my mum I felt like I didn’t have a place in the world, but I finally feel like I have one.”
Judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark celebrated how far the shy and unique singer has come since her first audition.
Kyle assured Jacinta “you belong here” as Amy urged her to “take this opportunity and run”.
John thanked the Australian Idol team and his fellow contestants, singling out Harlan for how much he has taught him.
Upbeat, John said: “Everything has been out of this world. I’m so happy for how far I’ve got.”
The judges widely praised for the joy and positive energy John brought to the competition.
Kyle shared: “You’ve been a pleasure to watch. I think a lot of people are going to show up and pay tickets to see you perform.”
Trè congratulated the Grand Finalists as he humbly shared: “I feel lucky to be up here. I’ve learnt so much. I’ve grown a lot.”
Amy assured him: “You have got so much ahead of you. It’s not the end, that’s all I want to say.”
Moments after earning his spot in the Australian Idol Grand Finale, a shocked Harlan 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, grateful for the “life-changing experience”, thanked her friends and family “from the bottom of my heart”.
Reacting to his place in the Grand Finale, Kalani said: “I am beyond excited. This has been such a wild experience. This show molds 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).
Monday and Tuesday 7.30pm: Australian Idol’s massive live Grand Finale week will see the Top 3 perform, plus the biggest names in Aussie music, including Vanessa Amorosi, Morgan Evans, Anthony Callea and Australian Idol’s very own Amy Shark.
Watch the Australian Idol Grand Finalists Harlan, Kalani and Kesha as they perform live at Westfield Hurstville this Thursday, 9 April from 5.30pm. Event details here.
The Australian Idol 2026 Top 3:
- Harlan Goode, 18, Brisbane, QLD
- Kalani Artis, 23, Central Coast, NSW
- Kesha Oayda, 21, Jindabyne, NSW
The winner will receive $100,000 in prize money, an exclusive recording package with Hive Sound Studios, attend a songwriting camp with Sony Music Publishing, marketing and social media support from The Annex, VIP tickets to the ARIA Awards and TV WEEK Logie Awards and the esteemed title of Australian Idol 2026.
Australian Idol – Live Grand Finale 7.30 Monday on Seven and 7plus
Live winner announced 7.30pm Tuesday on Seven and 7plus
Listen to Australian Idol performances HERE
TV Central Seven content HERE
Recap | Australian Idol on Channel 7 top 3 revealed
