A huge finale, more than a million votes and a standout winner, Australian Idol wrapped its 2026 season last night with 21 year old Kesha Oayda from Jindabyne taking the crown.
The final 3 of Kesha, Harlan and Kalani would have to be one of the strongest line ups in years, closing out a season packed with standout talent, genuine star potential and stronger backing for the winner beyond the show.
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Last night, Australia chose 21-year-old Kesha Oayda from Jindabyne as its Australian Idol after a spectacular night of performances and nail-biting live television on Seven.
With over one million votes cast across the Top 3, Kesha was stunned when hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie announced the life-changing result.
Hosts Scott Tweedie and Ricki-Lee with winner Kesha and runner up Harlan following a huge finale result (image – Seven)
Kesha paid tribute to her support system, including her hometown of Jindabyne and her dad, Nolen, who performed on the Idol stage with her during Heroes and Tributes week.
“The Idol experience has been nothing short of life-changing,” she said.
“This is unforgettable.”
From the very first audition, judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands, and Amy Shark acknowledged Kesha’s incredible voice and stage presence.
Alongside the esteemed title of Australian Idol 2026, Kesha 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 and VIP tickets to the ARIA Awards and TV WEEK Logie Awards.
Kesha, who won Jindy Idol as a young girl, is the first female winner of Australian Idol since 2007.
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Kesha confessed:
“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. I feel like I have grown so much since my audition.”
From thousands of hopefuls, Harlan, Kesha and Kalani remained united at the final hurdle after forging a remarkable connection along their Australian Idol journey.
The Grand Finale started on a high note as Kesha, alongside 18-year-old Harlan and 23-year-old Kalani, supported by the returning members of the Top 12, performed an inspiring rendition of I Love You Always Forever by Donna Lewis.
All three returned to the stage to perform solo, then hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott announced that Kalani received the fewest votes and would leave the competition.
After departing the show, a grateful Kalani paid tribute to his fellow Grand Finalists.
“It’s unbelievable to see these two incredible artists at the top. I’ve learnt so much from these guys. My life has changed so much since I’ve been on this show,” he shared.
Amy said:
“You’re the reason I love this show. A tradie from Central Coast is just out there with that magic voice, it really is magic.”
Marcia said:
“You sing a song as if you wrote it or it was written for you. It’s a true gift.”
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In an emotional reflection of how far they’ve come, Harlan and Kesha took to the stage once more, delivering powerful reprises of their breakout audition performances.
Ballad king Harlan claimed runner‑up honours after delivering a spellbinding performance of The Winner Takes It All by ABBA.
Grateful, Harlan said:
“Life has turned completely upside down from Idol, it’s amazing to have the support of Australia. I still have a lot in me and I’m so excited for what’s to come.”
Kesha’s stunning performance of her original audition song Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars had the whole stadium on their feet.
Kyle said:
“You are a brilliant performer, you never ever let us down, from day one, you have never let the audience down.”
Amy added:
“You are so real, you’re the kind of girl I love my nieces looking up to.”
Kesha’s album, The Idol Collection, brings together 11 of her standout performances from the show, plus bonus track All Night Long, performed by the Top 12.
Pre-order here.
Australian Idol’s own Amy Shark also hit the stage to perform her new single The Biggest Dick.
Missed the journey or want to relive the big moments? Every episode of Australian Idol’s 2026 season is now streaming on 7plus.
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