As of January 10, 2026, excitement is building for the 11th season of Australian Idol, set to premiere on Channel 7 and stream on 7plus starting February 2, 2026 — exactly one year after the 2025 season kicked off.

The beloved talent show, which has launched careers of stars like Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, and host Ricki-Lee Coulter, is back for another round of undiscovered talent chasing the $100,000 cash prize and a recording package. Auditions have already wrapped, with filming for the Top 30 completed in October 2025, and the show promises to deliver a diverse mix of genres including pop, rock, country, and rap.

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Returning Judges and Hosts

The judging panel remains unchanged, bringing their signature mix of tough love, encouragement, and expertise:

  • Kyle Sandilands — the outspoken radio personality known for his no-nonsense feedback.
  • Marcia Hines — the iconic singer and original Idol judge, offering timeless wisdom.
  • Amy Shark — the chart-topping artist providing modern industry insights.

Hosting duties continue with Ricki-Lee Coulter (an Australian Idol alum) and Scott Tweedie, ensuring the energy stays high throughout the live shows.

What We Know About the 2026 Contestants So Far

While the full list of contestants hasn’t been officially released yet (as the season is still pre-premiere), Channel 7 has teased some early standouts in promotional clips and trailers.

One of the first contestants highlighted is Kalani Artis, a 23-year-old landscaper from the Central Coast. His shy yet powerful acoustic rendition of Natalie Imbruglia’s Torn impressed the judges, with Amy Shark praising him as “exactly what we hope to see walk through these doors.” He appears to be a strong early favourite based on the hype!

The official teaser trailer features a group of hopefuls performing a lively rendition of The Cat Empire‘s Hello, showcasing a colourful array of aspiring singers from various backgrounds. Producers have emphasized that this season focuses on “undiscovered talent” with stories from everyday Aussies, and the competition is described as tougher than ever.

The Top 30 has already been selected after nationwide auditions, and live shows will see public voting decide who advances week by week.

Looking Back at 2025 for Context

The 2025 season (Season 10) was won by Marshall Hamburger from Queensland, who beat runner-up Iliysh Retallick and third-placed Gisella Colletti in a thrilling finale. Marshall’s energetic performances, including covers like Bennie and the Jets, won over the nation.

This sets a high bar for the 2026 hopefuls, who will aim to follow in the footsteps of past winners and create their own breakout moments.

Where to Watch and Stay Updated

Tune in starting February 2, 2026, on Channel 7 or stream on 7plus. Keep an eye on the official Australian Idol social media channels (including Facebook and Instagram) for more contestant reveals, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and updates as the premiere approaches.

With the judges reunited and fresh talent ready to shine, Australian Idol 2026 is shaping up to be another unforgettable season. Who will be the next Australian singing sensation? Only time will tell — but the journey starts soon!