Get ready to sing your heart out, Idols!
Iconic Aussie reality show Australian Idol is back for 2026! This marks the fourth season since the show’s big comeback, and it’s shaping up to be the toughest yet. Singers from all kinds of musical styles will compete for the title, a $100,000 cash prize, and a recording deal.
Fan-favourite judges Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines, and Amy Shark are returning to the panel. Former contestant Ricki-Lee Coulter is also back as host, joined once again by Scott Tweedie.
Now that auditions are wrapped up, we’re excited to find out who will be crowned the next Australian Idol! So, here’s everything you need to know about the new season, plus a throwback to one of Ricki-Lee Coulter’s biggest hits, just for fun.
How to watch Australian Idol 2026 in the US, UK, and Canada
To stream Australian Idol 2026 outside Australia, follow these steps:
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to the UK server.
- Open Channel 7 website and log in.
- Watch Australian Idol 2026 from anywhere.
Why you need a VPN to watch Australian Idol 2026?
Australian Idol streams for free on Seven Network via 7plus — but there’s a catch. The platform only works inside Australia. If you try to watch from places like the US, UK, or Canada, playback is blocked based on your location.
That’s where a VPN helps. A VPN gives you an Australian IP address, making it look like you’re browsing from Australia, so 7plus loads normally. You don’t need a paid TV subscription either, just a free 7plus account.
For smooth streaming, choose a VPN with Australian servers, fast HD speeds, and apps for phones, laptops, and smart TVs. Services like ExpressVPN are popular because they’re quick, easy to use, and work on multiple devices.
When does Australian Idol 2026 premiere?
Idol fans, you won’t have to wait much longer. But if you’re also into Married At First Sight Australia, you might be stuck choosing which show to watch first.
Australian Idol 2026 kicks off on Monday, February 2, airing on Seven Network and 7plus — yep, the exact same night as MAFS.
Who are the Australian Idol 2026 contestants?
A full list hasn’t been released by Channel 7. However, they shared a cute preview in November of the upcoming season featuring the idols, and here they are (in alphabetical order):
- Achille Fong, 20, Sydney NSW; “pop-punk stagehand.”
- Alita Santhosh, 22, Adelaide, SA: “Y2K R&B princess.”
- Asher Iyer, 16, Brisbane, QLD: “Teen rapper.”
- Art Cooper, 20, Longreach, QLD: “Sheepstation rouseabout.”
- Beau Skyes, 26, Adelaide, SA: “Norse Bushman.”
- Charlie Moon, 31, Perth, WA: “Soul man doing it for Mum.”
- Cody James, 20, Karratha, WA: “Kid from Karratha.”
- Deiniol Chynoweth, 32, Sydney, NSW: “Dad was a musician and shared the same dreams.”
- Eva Ilov, 20, Brisbane, QLD: “Musical chameleon.”
- Hana Takagi, 18, Melbourne, VIC: “Japanese pop star goes solo.”
- Harlan Goode, 18, Brisbane, QLD: “Big-voiced black sheep.”
- Harriet Kenworthy, 19, Perth, WA: “Songwriting bartender”.
- Harry Lamb, 26, Ballarat, VIC: “Barber.”
- Jacinta Guirguis, 25, Bacchus Marsh, VIC: “Forklift driver with a unique voice.”
- Jakob Bigson, 20, Exeter, TAS: “Small town hip-hop singer.”
- James McGoran, 32, Hillbank, SA: “Pest control crooner.”
- Jamie Lamont, 20, Gold Coast, QLD: “Straight out of the 70s.”
- John Standley, 16, Bunbury, WA: “Johnny jukebox.”
- Kahlia Henao, 27, Western Sydney, NSW: “Rapping make-up artist.”
- Kalani Artis, 23, Central Coast, NSW: “Landscaper whose best mate is his nan.”
- Kesha Oayda, 21, Jindabyne, NSW: “Singing skier.”
- Lachie Clue, 20, Melbourne, VIC: “Back-up dancer.”
- Lily-Grace Grant, 17, Northern Rivers, NSW: “Country-pop horse rider.”
- Luke Lupano, 25, Townsville, QLD: ” Shower Singer.”
- Lydia Virgo, 24, Sydney, NSW: ‘Harbour bridge audition.”
- Mat Rigby, 17, Melbourne, VIC: “Teen sporty TikTok singer.”
- Mikayla Burke, 20, New Gisborne, VIC: “Aged care worker with hearing loss.”
- Natalie Lockhart, 25, Gold Coast, QLD: “Broom singer with pop dreams.”
- Nicholas Storm, 19, Gawler River, SA: “Small town teen heart throb.”
- Olivia Giaourtas, 12, Camden, NSW: “Cheerleader.”
- Riley Zischke, 23, Longreach, QLD: “Cattle farmer.”
- Rochelle Ballard, 23, Longreach, QLD: “Truck driver from the mines.”
- Simela Petridis, 31, Adelaide, SA: “school teacher.”
- Sophie Poidevin, 19, Melbourne, VIC: “Art-pop model.”
- Taiyo Marchand, 15, Sydney, NSW: “Teen busker.”
- Tre Samuels, 26, Melbourne, VIC: “Doting Dad.”
- Tyra Andrade, 26, Chapel Hill, QLD: “Spiritual belly dancer.”
- Uma Sivalingakumar, 21, Melbourne, VIC: “Indian singer fusing styles.”
- Vince Phillips, 25, Hawkesbury, NSW: “Cheeky cowboy.”
- Wanwue Tarpeh, 21, Melbourne, VIC: “Jazz-singing waitress.”
Conclusion
All in all, Australian Idol 2026 is shaping up to be another exciting season packed with fresh talent, big moments, and plenty of surprises. Whether you’re watching for the performances or cheering on your favourite contestants, it’s definitely one you won’t want to miss. And if you’re outside Australia, you can still tune in on Seven Network via 7plus by using ExpressVPN to connect to an Australian server, so you don’t miss a single episode.