Harlan Goode, the 18-year-old singer from Brisbane, Queensland (representing the Redlands area), has quickly become a standout on Australian Idol Season 11 (2026).

Never Miss Your Chance to Audition!

Join our WhatsApp Channel for exclusive casting calls and audition alerts!

Join Now

With vocals that sound far beyond his years — powerful, soulful, and full of maturity — Harlan dazzled the judges and fans alike during his audition, earning widespread praise and a Golden Ticket to the Top 30.

His audition episode aired on February 16, 2026 (on Channel 7 and 7plus), as part of one of the final batches of the audition rounds. The official @australianidol Instagram reel captured the moment perfectly, captioning it:
“Harlan left the Judges speechless with a powerhouse performance of an Abba classic 😭👏❤️ 🎤: @harlan.goode 🎵: @abbamusic”

Audition Details: “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA

Harlan chose “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA — a challenging, emotionally charged ballad that demands vocal control, range, and depth. He delivered a powerhouse rendition that showcased his impressive tone, emotional delivery, and effortless command of the song’s dramatic highs and lows.

The performance was so striking that it left the judges visibly stunned. Fans in comments on the official reel described it as “outstanding,” “speechless,” and compared his vibe to Adam Lambert, with one saying: “Best voice and vibe on Idol since Adam Lambert! I hope you go far Harlan 👏👏”

His full audition performance was released as a single: “The Winner Takes It All – Australian Idol Performance” by Harlan Goode on Spotify and other platforms (under 19 Recordings), allowing fans to relive the moment.

Judges’ Reactions

The judges were blown away by Harlan’s maturity and vocal prowess:

• Kyle Sandilands (known for tough feedback) gave high praise, likening Harlan to a young Elvis — a massive compliment from Idol’s sharpest critic. Kyle highlighted how Harlan’s voice exuded experience far beyond his 18 years.
• Marcia Hines and Amy Shark joined in the acclaim, praising the emotional depth, control, and star quality. The unanimous reaction was one of awe, with the performance described as leaving them “speechless.”

This glowing feedback led to a unanimous yes and a Golden Ticket to the Top 30, securing his spot in the next phase.

Post-Audition Celebration & Background

Harlan celebrated on his Instagram (@harlan.goode), sharing excitement and gratitude. Local Redlands community groups (e.g., Cleveland, Ormiston, Raby Bay) rallied around him, with posts calling him a “talented Australian Idol 2026 contestant” and sharing stories of dinners and support from family and friends.

Hailing from Brisbane’s Redlands region, Harlan has been building buzz locally and on socials. Pre-season features (like Now To Love) noted his powerful vocals and predicted he’d go far — and his audition proved them right. No controversies; his story is pure talent, youth, and community pride.

Current Status & What’s Next

As of February 20, 2026, Harlan Goode is confirmed in the Top 30 and advancing through early competition rounds (group challenges and transformations ahead). With his mature sound and fan support, he’s tipped as a strong contender in the pop/soul lane.

Follow Harlan for updates:

• Instagram: @harlan.goode (active with reactions, clips, and behind-the-scenes)

Catch his full “The Winner Takes It All” audition on 7plus (catch-up episodes available). New episodes air Sundays & Mondays at 7:00/7:30 PM AEST on Channel 7.

From Brisbane local to national sensation, Harlan Goode’s Idol journey is just beginning — and with that voice, he’s already winning hearts! 🎤✨