SYDNEY, 08 February 2026 – The Australian music landscape continues to be shaped by the enduring legacy of Australian Idol. As the tenth season progresses through its early stages in 2026, the competition remains a focal point for emerging talent, following a resurgent 2025 season that saw record-breaking engagement from the Australian public.
Latest Updates: Season 10 and Beyond
The tenth season of Australian Idol officially commenced on 2 February 2025, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. In recent developments, hopeful Lily-Grace Grant has emerged as a notable contender, revealing a personal connection to 2024 winner Dylan Wright. Grant’s decision to leave school at 15 to pursue her musical ambitions has sparked conversations regarding the dedication required for the competition.
Meanwhile, former Australian Idol contestants are making waves internationally. Sheldon Riley, a prominent figure in the Australian music scene and former Eurovision representative, recently surprised audiences with an appearance on American Idol Season 24. His audition, which aired on 2 February 2026, saw him unveiling his “true self” to a panel including Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, further cementing the global reach of the Idol brand.
Australian Idol Winners and History
Since its inception in 2003, Australian Idol has produced some of the country’s most successful recording artists. From the inaugural win by Guy Sebastian to the history-making victory of Casey Donovan—who remains the show’s youngest winner at age 16—the programme has been a launchpad for diverse talent.
| Season | Year | Winner | Notable Judges |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003 | Guy Sebastian | Ian “Dicko” Dickson, Marcia Hines, Mark Holden |
| 2 | 2004 | Casey Donovan | Ian “Dicko” Dickson, Marcia Hines, Mark Holden |
| 3 | 2005 | Kate DeAraugo | Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands, Mark Holden |
| 9 | 2024 | Dylan Wright | Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines, Amy Shark |
The 2025 Season Recap
The 2025 season was characterised by intense competition and high viewer participation. By late March 2025, the field had narrowed to a Top 6 following the eliminations of John Van Beek and Emma Jones. The Grand Final featured standout performances from Perth’s Gisella Colletti, who secured her place in the final three after a series of stunning vocal displays. The 2025 finale was notable for drawing over one million votes, highlighting the show’s continued relevance in the streaming era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the current judges of Australian Idol?
As of the most recent seasons (2024–2026), the judging panel has featured long-time judge Kyle Sandilands alongside Australian music icon Marcia Hines and ARIA Award-winner Amy Shark. Harry Connick Jr. also served as a judge during the show’s initial return to Seven.
Can an Australian win American Idol?
While Australian artists like Sheldon Riley have auditioned for American Idol to gain international exposure, competition rules generally require contestants to be legal U.S. residents to progress through the voting stages and win the title.
What happened to the original judges?
The original trio of Ian “Dicko” Dickson, Marcia Hines, and Mark Holden defined the early years of the show. While Marcia Hines returned for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Dicko and Holden have moved on to other media projects, with Dicko occasionally providing “insider” accounts of the show’s early success.
Who was the youngest winner of Australian Idol?
Casey Donovan holds the record for the youngest winner in the show’s history, winning the second season in 2004 at the age of 16.