Interesting twist at the end of tonight’s episode, when Amy, Marcia and Jess could not determine which of the two remaining contestants, Eva and Natalie, should get the final spot in the top 21. So the judges decided on a sudden death sing-off. Both Eva and Natalie had to sing a verse to Sia’s Titanium on the spot, before the judges decided who advanced.
Kyle Sandilands has been missing on recent episodes of Australian Idol, sparking concern about whether he will be returning to the Channel Seven show.
His absence coincides with the recent on-air clash with Jackie ‘O’ Henderson on KIIS FM’s The Kyle & Jackie O Show.
The radio star, 54, has not been featured in five recent audition episodes, with his absence left unexplained while 2006 runner-up Jessica Mauboy sat in Kyle’s seat.
It is believed that the episodes Kyle was absent from were filmed on the evening of Friday, February 20, several hours after he had an explosive on-air clash with his co-star Jackie, which resulted in her leaving the show.
We do see Kyle in the ads for the Makeover Shows. So he does return…
For the Top 12 shows though… we will wait and see.
The Daily Mail got the dates wrong. The top 30 episodes were actually filmed in October last year.
Tickets were given out for the top 30 solo performance show on October 19.
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Daily Mail. So trustworthy as always 
Just trying to do some math and it doesn’t look like it’s possible for this season to finish before Easter. Has this happened before? It’s usually finished the weekend before Easter and then they start the next show on Easter Monday?
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In 2023 Live shows started Ep 13 on Feb 26th with finale 26th March - 21 total episodes
In 2024 Live shows started Ep 15 March 10 with finale 25th March - 26 total episodes
2025 Live shows started Ep 15 March 9th with Finale 7th April - 26 total episodes
So 2026 Live shows should start Ep16 March 11th. So it’s not that late compared to other years.
I didn’t say anything about it being late. I’m saying Easter must be early this year because I don’t think it’s ever gone on past Easter.
2024 Easter was at the end of March. So that was early too. But that year they avoided going past Easter. That season was 9 weeks.
I think this season is longer because it’s been mainly 2 episodes a week. This season is already 6 weeks before the typical 5 weeks of live shows. So will be 11 weeks.
So with it being about 1-2 weeks longer than previous years & the early Easter is probably why it’s going to finish about 1 week after the Easter break
FastPass returned for the top 21 week aka transformation week. Each judge had a FastPass which he or she could use to send a contestant directly into the top 12.
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It’s quite interesting seeing Idol’s numbers steadily track upwards. Numbers will certainly remain an insignificant blip on MAFS’ radar, but Idol’s clearly got a following.
MONDAY NIGHTS
23/2 (Kyle) … 762,000
2/3 (Jess) … 826,000 (+8% vs previous week)
9/3 (Kyle) … 884,000 (+7% vs previous week | +16% vs 23/2)
TUESDAY NIGHTS
24/2 (Kyle) … 750,000
3/3 (Jess) … 766,000 (+2% vs previous week)
10/3 (Kyle) … 898,000 (+17% vs previous week | +20% vs 24/2)
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Marcia is special guest on Better Homes and Gardens this Friday.
Australian Idol’s Top 12 is here
Superstar makeovers and major music moments collide
The final night of Australian Idol’s Transformation Week on Seven and 7plus saw the last four artists lock in a life-changing spot in Australian Idol’s Top 12.
Across three electric nights, 21 contestants delivered show-stopping performances and unveiled superstar makeovers to prove to judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark that they belonged in this season’s Top 12.
Each judge held one powerful Fast Pass, allowing them to send a standout artist straight through to the Top 12.
On Monday, Charlie Moon’s breathtaking performance of The Beatles’ classic With a Little Help from My Friends earned Marcia’s Fast Pass.
Shocked, Charlie said: “This is crazy for me. Unbelievable. I’m in my 30s, this is the last roll of the dice; it means the world to me.”
Kesha Oayda, 21, from Jindabyne, NSW, was a standout with her powerful performance of Hozier’s Take Me to Church. Kyle told the 21-year-old: “You looked incredible, you are killing it. You are a real contender.”
On Tuesday, Kyle awarded his Fast Pass to Harlan Goode, 18 from QLD, for his incredible transformation of Diana Ross’s disco classic Chain Reaction to a ballad.
Kyle said: “I can’t fault that in any way, shape, or form. The only thing I can do is give you the Fast Pass.”
Kyle also praised Sophie Poidevin’s stage work and vocals on Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes. “I would play that version on the radio. I can see it playing at a festival. You’ve got the whole package.”
The judges declared tonight’s talent-stacked performances the “toughest” to decide.
Amy’s Fast Pass went to landscaper Kalani Artis, after he levelled up his stage presence with Wherever You Will Go by The Calling. The 24-year-old from the NSW Central Coast impressed all three judges.
Marcia praised: “The amount of heart you showed was beautiful. You took it to another place.”
Wanwue Tarpeh, 21, from Victoria, brought “effortless” vibes needed for Rihanna’s Only Girl in the World. Amy acclaimed: “You walked around the stage and owned it. You are so meant to be up there.”
Trè Samuels, 26, from Victoria, gave his “best performance yet” on the 90s Boyz II Men classic I’ll Make Love to You. Amy noted: “You can’t teach what you have. You have ultimate charisma.”
John Standley’s energetic, modern take on James Brown’s I Got You (I Feel Good) had the crowd on their feet and received a standing ovation from the judges as the 16-year-old from Bunbury, WA, secured his spot in the Top 12.
The Australian Idol 2026 Top 12:
- Charlie Moon, 31, Perth, WA
- Harlan Goode, 18, Brisbane, QLD
- Harry Lamb, 26, Ballarat, VIC
- Jacinta Guirguis, 25, Bacchus Marsh, VIC
- John Standley, 17, Bunbury, WA
- Kalani Artis, 23, Central Coast, NSW
- Kesha Oayda, 21, Jindabyne, NSW
- Lily-Grace Grant , 17, Northern Rivers, NSW
- Simela Petridis, 31, Adelaide, SA
- Sophie Poidevin 19, Melbourne, VIC
- Trè Samuels, 26, Melbourne, VIC
- Wanwue Tarpeh, 21, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday on Australian Idol: Live TV is back! The Top 12 hit the Australian Idol stage in a bid to keep their dream alive.
The winner 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, VIP tickets to the ARIAs and TV WEEK Logie Awards and the esteemed title of Australian Idol 2026.
Idol airs three times next week - Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
I forget how the previous few years has been, but I assume that 6 week sing on Sunday, the other 6 on Monday, and the results will be on Tuesday?
Not sure why they cant have the top 12 sing on Sunday - like the “early days”. It can be done if singers just come on stage and sing, without showing much rehearsal time on air (if needed - show 30 seconds of it). And no need for huge set changes until the pointy end of the tournament.
Sunday and Monday are recorded on Saturday ‘as live’ then Tuesday is live.
Synopsis:
Sunday Top 12 week kicks off tonight as the first group take to the stage and perform in front of the judges, a huge live audience, and the viewers at home who can vote for their favourites!
Monday The final six performers take to the stage tonight as Top 12 week continues in front of a huge live audience. They’re all hoping to win Australia’s vote, but who can secure their spot in the Top 10?
Tuesday Top 12 week comes to a dramatic live conclusion. Australia has voted and now it’s time to find out who is in the Top 10 and who’s Idol journey has come to an end. Will your favourite make it through?
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Because they want to stretch it out to three days.
I get that. It’s annoying though.
They did the same with DWTS with splitting the groups into two for the first few weeks before merging them together.
I think it works better than having a two or three hour show.
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