Australian Idol Contestants 2026 : Full List, Names, Bios & Latest Updates
Last updated: February 2, 2026 (Premiered tonight on Channel 7 & 7plus – page will be refreshed with new reveals on Australian Idol Contestants 2026 from episodes!)
Early episodes focus on auditions and Golden Tickets, with only a handful teased in promos, Instagram reels, and media previews (e.g., Women’s Weekly, Now to Love, New Idea).
This guide compiles known teases + the expanded fan-sourced list below
Known & Teased Australian Idol 2026 Contestants (Official Promos & Media)
These are the most prominently featured in Channel 7 previews, Instagram, and articles:
| Contestant Name | Age/Location/Background | Audition Song / Highlight | Status (as of Feb 2, 2026) | Social |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalani Artis | 23, Umina Beach, Central Coast, NSW (landscaper) | “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia – shy but powerful, wowed Amy Shark | Advanced / Teased strongly | Central Coast media, Instagram, Now to Love |
| Eva | 20, Brisbane | |||
| Charlie Moon (Charlie-Moon Meader) | Perth, WA | “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish – emotional, judges in tears | Audition highlighted | New Idea/PerthNow (Jan clip), inspired by late mother |
| Natalie Lockhart | 25, Gold Coast, QLD | Pop covers specialist (e.g., Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift) – rejected from The Voice previously | Teased / Profiled | YouTube @nattlockhart, fan sites |
| Em Hudd | Unknown | Featured in group promo teases | Teased | https://www.instagram.com/p/DUH6A1XE4W-/ |
| Harriet Hawthorne | Unknown | Group teaser appearance | Teased | https://www.instagram.com/harriet_hawthorne/ |
| Jacinta | Forklift driver | Emotional raw vocal – powerful personal storyline teased | Highlighted in promo | https://www.instagram.com/cynta/ |
Expanded Unofficial Contestant List
20+ contestants profiled for Season 11 (2026), likely early audition advancers or those with bios available
| Contestant Name | Age (if listed) | Hometown/State | Occupation/Background | Notes | Insta / Youtube |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natalie Lockhart | 25 | Gold Coast, QLD | Broom singer (pop dreams, YouTube covers) | Pop specialist, emotional depth | https://www.youtube.com/@nattlockhart |
| Jake Kalysha | – | Sydney, NSW | Dancer, choreographer, recording artist | Multi-talented | https://www.instagram.com/cynta/ |
| Wanwue Tarpeh | – | Melbourne, VIC | Singer and waitress | – | |
| Vince Phillips | – | Hawkesbury, NSW | Country artist | Country standout | |
| Uma Sivalingakumar | – | Melbourne, VIC | Singer | – | |
| Tyra Andrade | – | Chapel Hill, QLD | Singer, songwriter, producer, model | Versatile | |
| Tre Samuels | – | Melbourne, VIC | Model, singer/songwriter, producer | – | |
| Taiyo Marchand | Teenage | Sydney, NSW | Musician | Young talent | |
| Sophie Poidevin | – | Melbourne, VIC | Model and music artist | – | |
| Simela Petridis | – | Adelaide, SA | School teacher | Relatable story potential | |
| Rochelle Ballard | – | Longreach, QLD | Country singer and truck driver | Rural/country vibe | |
| Riley Zischke | – | Longreach, QLD | Singer/songwriter and cattle farmer | Outback background | |
| Olivia Giaourtas | – | Camden, NSW | Cheerleader | Energetic | |
| Nicholas Storm | – | Gawler River, SA | Singer-songwriter | – | |
| Mikayla Burke | – | New Gisborne, VIC | Aged care worker | Heartwarming | |
| Mat Rigby | – | Melbourne, VIC | Singer-songwriter | – | |
| Lydia Virgo | – | Sydney, NSW | Singer and dancer | – | |
| Luke Lupano | – | Townsville, QLD | Singer | – | |
| Lily-Grace Grant | – | Lennox Head, NSW | Singer-songwriter | – | |
| Lachie Clue | 20 | Melbourne, VIC | Singer, songwriter, backup dancer | Young and versatile |
More contestants may appear in coming episodes (e.g., group auditions like “Hello” by The Cat Empire in teasers). Fan sites note individual profiles for these, but details are sparse.
Past Australian Idol Winners & Context
From Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy to 2025 winner Marshall Hamburger (Sunshine Coast). Early standouts often rise – follow now for the edge!
Predictions, Fan Favorites & Early Buzz
Kalani Artis and Charlie Moon lead promo hype for relatability and emotion. Natalie Lockhart’s covers suggest strong potential. Socials (Instagram @australianidol) explode post-premiere – who’s your pick? Comment below!
How to Watch Australian Idol 2026 & Stay Updated
- Mondays 7:30 PM on Channel 7.
- Stream on 7plus.
- Follow @australianidol on Instagram for clips and reveals.
- Voting details TBA with lives.
Who are the Australian Idol 2026 contestants?
Teased: Kalani Artis, Charlie Moon, Natalie Lockhart, Em Hudd, Harriet Hawthorne, Jacinta + expanded fan list above. Full official reveal ongoing.
Has the full list been released?
No – progressive via episodes.
When did Australian Idol 2026 premiere?
February 2, 2026, 7:30 PM on Channel 7 & 7plus.
Who are the judges?
Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines, Amy Shark.
What’s the prize?
$100,000 + recording deal, marketing, ARIA/Logies tickets.