SYDNEY — Nineteen-year-old Harlan Goode from Queensland's Redlands region brought the house down during the Australian Idol 2026 grand finale week, delivering a high-energy performance that earned a standing ovation from judges and cemented his status as one of the competition's most memorable breakout stars.

The Cleveland native, a recent Sheldon College graduate, advanced to the top three alongside Kalani Artis, 23, from New South Wales' Central Coast, and Kesha Oayda, 21, from Jindabyne. The two-night grand finale kicked off Monday night on Channel 7 and 7plus, with the winner set to be crowned Tuesday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. AEST.

Goode's journey has been marked by consistent powerhouse vocals and daring stage presence. In the top six "Heroes and Tributes" episode, he climbed atop a piano for a bold rendition dedicated to the women in his life — his nan, mother and former music teacher Mrs. Moore from Sheldon College. The performance of Elton John's "I'm Still Standing" drew immediate praise and a standing ovation, with judge Kyle Sandilands dancing in his seat and calling it big-stage energy.

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"Those notes are stupid good," judge Marcia Hines said, while Amy Shark added, "You look like a superstar." Sandilands compared the moment to a paid concert.

The Redlands talent has drawn comparisons to artists like Adam Lambert for his commanding presence and emotional depth. Goode draws inspiration from modern pop stars including Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Smith and Lana Del Rey, blending big ballads with theatrical flair rooted in his musical theatre background.

Throughout the season, Goode has been described as an "unstoppable force" who constantly raised the bar. His audition with ABBA's "The Winner Takes It All" turned heads early, showcasing a mature voice and stage command beyond his years. He balanced the competition with finishing Year 12 exams, a detail that endeared him to........

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