Seven is currently only showing two episodes of Idol each week, perhaps due to the impact of MAFS and Winter Olympics.
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Some great voices already this season.
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Australian Idol Season 2 stars reunite after 22 years in emotional reunion: ‘Love our unique bond’
A group of Australian Idol contestants have reunited after 22 years in an emotional show of support for one of their former fellow contestants.
Seven of the contestants from the second season of the singing competition gathered for lunch at Amali Ward’s backyard, with Anthony Callea, Ricki-Lee Coulter, Em Rusciano, Marty Worrall, Hayley Jensen and Courtney Murphy all in attendance.
“IDOL REUNION 22 YEARS LATER,” Callea captioned some photos from their meet-up on Instagram. ️“Today filled my heart…. love you all and our unique bond!”
“We love you @courtneymurphymusic and always sending you love and strength,” he added, directly addressing Murphy, who is battling cancer.
“Thank you @amaligolden for hosting.”
The reunion comes almost two years after Murphy was diagnosed with late-stage bowel cancer.
Jessica Mauboy would be a guest judge on next week’s audition episodes.
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Just the Sunday episode
Kyle chucked a sickie. So he doesn’t just do it on his radio show? 
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Yes he has probably chucked at least a sickie on every series of Idol since Seven have had the series. I think the 3 women of Marcia, Amy Shark and Jessica Mauboy worked well on tonight’s show maybe Kyle should not return as a judge next year. They could probably save a bit of money with Jess
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I’ve just finished the episode and can’t say I’ve missed him. I kinda forgot he was meant to be there.
Free audience tickets are now available for the following sessions at That’s the Ticket website. The show will again be filmed at Sydney Coliseum, Rooty Hill.
Top 21: Friday February 27, Saturday February 28 and Sunday March 1 (all twilight sessions)
Week 1 performance: Saturday March 14 (evening)
Week 1 results: Tuesday March 17 (evening)
Week 2 performance: Saturday March 21 (evening)
Week 2 results: Tuesday March 21 (evening)
Like last year, the performance shows will be shown on either Sunday or Monday nights (or both), pending on the number of contestants and guest acts. The results show will again air on Tuesday nights.
Also, there is a two week gap between top 21 and top 12 performance show. That could mean Seven will show the top 21 shows on the week starting March 8. However, there is a possible schedule clash with the AFL game between St Kilda and Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday night, March 8.
There is an interview with Ricki-Lee in The Courier-Mail’s Q Weekend mostly about Australian Idol.
It’s been more than 20 years since you were a contestant on Australian Idol. How does it feel to be part of the show in a different way?
Australian Idol means so much to me. I am a product of this show and an example of what it can do for a young artist. I love that we can give young artists the opportunity to be seen by millions and get their foot in the door. I’m able to approach my job as a host in a way nobody else can because I’ve walked in their shoes and I understand what they’re feeling and what they are going through every step of the way.
What’s the most important lesson you try to pass on to contestants?
Never shy away from being yourself – authenticity is the most important thing in this business. And I tell everyone to leave it all out on the stage every time you’re out there.
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Last season there were 7 audition episodes and four top 31 episodes.
This season there are again seven audition episodes. The final audition episode is this Sunday, with two top 30 episodes scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. It will be interesting to see if there is any reduction in the number of episodes before the final 12 is decided.
American singer Anastacia was guest judge on the final audition episode, to air this Sunday night. She did a four city concert tour of Australia in September last year.
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Someone who was last relevant in 2002 or so. Says a lot about the show.
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IIRC, she topped the charts with “Left Outside Alone” in 2004; it was a great song though not as big as “I’m Outta Love” IMO.
Don’t forget Marcia Hines was at her peak in the 1970s. 
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Anastacia is a decent Singer and she did Win or appear on channel 10’s The Masked Singer in 2021?
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Powerhouse Top 30 revealed on Australian Idol
Favourites set to soar and stumble in toughest challenges yet
Tonight on Seven and 7plus, four remarkable final contenders cemented their place in the Australian Idol Top 30.
After thousands of hopefuls stepped up to chase their moment, only the most exceptional voices walked away with a Golden Ticket.
In Idol’s boldest and most unpredictable season yet, the Top 30 now face a series of intense challenges set by judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark.
The judges are searching for more than just a voice: it’s about the full package of talent, presence and undeniable star quality.
Amy said: “We have assembled a spectacular Top 30. It’s a great mix of style and sound.”
Marcia shared: “Top 30 is all about who sinks and who will swim.”
Some will soar towards stardom, but the pressure will crush one fan favourite.
“We need someone who can learn a song overnight, who can collaborate and command a crowd,” Amy explained.
Kyle added: “We don’t hand out participation medals here. We are looking for the Australian Idol.”
Nine hopefuls will go home. Only the very best will keep their Australian Idol dream alive.
The Australian Idol 2026 Top 30:
- Achille Fong, 20, Sydney, NSW
- Alita Santhosh, 22, Adelaide, SA
- Asher Iyer, 16, Brisbane, QLD
- Charlie Moon, 31, Perth, WA
- Cody James, 20 Karratha, WA
- Eva Ilov, 20, Brisbane, QLD
- Harlan Goode, 18, Brisbane, QLD
- Harriet Kenworthy, 19, Perth, WA
- Harry Lamb, 26, Ballarat, VIC
- Jacinta Guirguis, 25, Bacchus Marsh, VIC
- Jamie Lamont, 20, Gold Coast, QLD
- John Standley, 16, Bunbury, WA
- Kahlia Henao, 27, Western Sydney, NSW
- Kalani Artis, 23, Central Coast, NSW
- Kesha Oayda, 21, Jindabyne, NSW
- Lachie Clue, 20, Melbourne, VIC
- Lily-Grace Grant, 17, Northern Rivers, NSW
- Lydia Virgo, 24, Sydney, NSW
- Mat Rigby, 17, Melbourne, VIC
- Natalie Lockhart, 25, Gold Coast, QLD
- Nicholas Storm, 19, Gawler, SA
- Olivia Giaourtas, 21, Camden, NSW
- Riley Zischke, 23, Longreach, QLD
- Rochelle Ballard, 23, Longreach, QLD
- Simela Petridis, 31, Adelaide, SA
- Sophie Poidevin, 19, Melbourne, VIC
- Taiyo Marchand, 15, Sydney, NSW
- Trè Samuels, 26, Melbourne, VIC
- Vince Phillips, 25, Hawkesbury, NSW
- Wanwue Tarpeh, 21, Melbourne, VIC
Monday on Australian Idol: The Top 30 face three epic challenges that will push them like never before. Some will soar towards stardom, while others will crumble under pressure.
Australian Idol
Continues 7.30pm Monday and Tuesday on Seven and 7plus
This season also featured some auditions by kids in front of the three judges. The four videos are now available on 7plus and Australian Idol’s YouTube channel.
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You don’t have to have a current hit on the charts to be a successful artist and to be able to judge new talent. Someone who has survived in the industry is actually more likely to have that skill.
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