‘This is unforgettable.’

Kesha Oayda has won Australian Idol with the 21-year-old crowned the nation’s best singer and the first female winner of the show in 19 years.

With over one million votes cast across the top three, Kesha was stunned when hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie announced the life-changing result.

Kesha paid tribute to her support system, including her hometown of Jindabyne and her dad, Nolen, who performed on the Idol stage with her during Heroes and Tributes week.

“The Idol experience has been nothing short of life-changing,” she said.

“This is unforgettable.

“I need 50 billion people to pinch me to wake up from whatever dream this is.

“I feel like I have grown so much since my audition.”

Kesha 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 ARIA Awards and TV WEEK Logie Awards and the esteemed title of Australian Idol 2026.

The country voted, putting 18-year-old Harlan Goode from Brisbane, 23-year-old Kalani Atis from the NSW Central Coast and 21-year-old Kesha from Jindabyne through to the competition’s grand final.

Tuesday’s show began on a high when the top three, supported by members of the top 12, performed I Love You Always and Forever by Donna Lewis.

After the trio performed their solos, Kalani sadly received the fewest votes and Ricki-Lee and Scott told her he would leave the competition.

“My life has changed so much since I’ve been on this show,” he said.

But he didn’t leave without praise, Amy Shark telling the 23-year-old: “You’re the reason I love this show. A tradie from Central Coast is just out there with that magic voice, it really is magic.”

Marcia Hines added: “You sing a song as if you wrote it or it was written for you. It’s a true gift.”

Harlan and Kesha performed reprises of their breakout audition performances with the 18-year-old singing ABBA’s The Winner Takes it All while the 21-year-old sang Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ Die With A Smile.

Kyle Sandilands praised Kesha’s performance, saying: You are a brilliant performer, you never ever let us down, from day one, you have never let the audience down.”

Young Harlan who still delivered a show stopping performance told the audience: “Life has turned completely upside down from Idol, it’s amazing to have the support of Australia. I still have a lot in me and I’m so excited for what’s to come.”

Monday’s ‘surreal’ performances

The grand final bonanza began on Monday night when the trio treated Australians to an unforgettable night of music. Kalani sung David Bowie’s iconic song Heroes, Harlan sung Irene Cara’s Fame while Kesha sung When We Were Young by Adele.

The trio then united with some of the biggest names in Australian music for duets.

Aussie icon singer-songwriter Pete Murray joined Kalani for a soulful rendition of Better Days.

“It’s a spin out, we grew up listening to Pete’s music, it’s very surreal. I’m having so much fun,” Kalani said.

Pete called Kalani “the real deal, there’s a big future for you”.

Kesha was joined by vocal powerhouse Vanessa Amorosi for a performance of Shine that stunned the judges and audience.

“I was so enraptured with your voice, she’s the coolest person ever. I just had the best time of my life,” Kesha said.

Harlan teamed up with Australian Idol legend Anthony Callea for a revival of The Prayer that brought the stadium to thunderous applause.

Joking that Harlan wasn’t even born when he first performed The Prayer on the Idol stage, Callea said it was “a privilege to sing the song again and an honour to share the stage with Harlan”.

Country superstar Morgan Evans also hit the stage with his new song Letting You Go.