Australia has crowned 21-year-old Kesha Oayda from Jindabyne the winner of Australian Idol 2026, following a live Grand Finale on Seven and 7plus that drew more than one million votes across the Top three.
The announcement, delivered by hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie, marked the conclusion of the latest season of the franchise, with Kesha defeating fellow finalists Harlan and Kalani.
Kesha acknowledged her support system following the win, including her hometown and her father, Nolen, who joined her on stage earlier in the season.
“The Idol experience has been nothing short of life-changing,” she said. “This is unforgettable.”
She added, “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.”
First female winner since 2007
Kesha becomes the first female winner of Australian Idol since 2007, emerging from a field of thousands of auditionees.
From her first appearance, judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark consistently praised her vocal ability and stage presence.
Alongside the title, Kesha receives $100,000 in prize money, a recording package with Hive Sound Studios, a songwriting camp with Sony Music Publishing, and marketing and social media support from The Annex. The prize also includes VIP tickets to the ARIA Awards and TV WEEK Logie Awards.
Finale performances and elimination
The Grand Finale opened with a group performance of I Love You Always Forever by Donna Lewis, featuring the Top three alongside returning Top 12 contestants.
Each finalist then performed solo before Kalani was eliminated after receiving the fewest votes.
Reflecting on his exit, Kalani said, “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.”
Shark 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.”
While Hines added, “You sing a song as if you wrote it or it was written for you. It’s a true gift.”
Final performances decide winner
The final two, Harlan and Kesha, returned to the stage for a final round of performances.
Harlan performed ABBA’s The Winner Takes It All, finishing the competition as runner-up.
“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,” he said.
Kesha closed the night with a performance of Die With A Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
Sandilands said: “You are a brilliant performer, you never ever let us down, from day one, you have never let the audience down.”
Shark added: “You are so real, you’re the kind of girl I love my nieces looking up to.”
Release and broadcast reach
Kesha’s post-show release, The Idol Collection, features 11 performances from the series, along with a bonus track, All Night Long, performed by the Top 12.
The finale also featured a performance from Shark, who debuted her new single The Biggest Dick during the broadcast.