Australian Idol Contestant Kesha Oayda Overcomes Elimination Threat to Secure Top 10 Spot
Australian Idol's Top 10 contestants are preparing to perform this Sunday in a critical round to remain in the competition, but aspiring musician Kesha Oayda has already experienced the intense pressure of nearly being eliminated. During Tuesday night's episode, the 22-year-old singer from Jindabyne, New South Wales, found herself among the four contestants with the fewest votes, forcing her to return to the stage and prove she deserved to continue.
Bottom Four Showdown and Eliminations
Alongside Oayda, fellow contestants Lily-Grace Grant, Harry Lamb, and Sophie Poidevin also landed at the bottom of the leaderboard following the performance shows. In a tense elimination round, Grant and Poidevin were ultimately sent home, while Oayda and Lamb managed to secure their positions in the competition. Judge Kyle Sandilands expressed disappointment at seeing Oayda in the bottom group, but the singer maintained a positive outlook on the challenging situation.
"You can only go up from here," Oayda told 7NEWS.com.au. "I didn't see it as a negative. I saw it as another opportunity to sing on that amazing stage and showcase my abilities vocally. I took it on the chin and just went for it and, you know, poured my heart out into the song."
Oayda's Musical Background and Competitive Spirit
While music has always been a central part of her life, Oayda is also an accomplished competitive skier and runner, bringing a unique athletic mindset to the Idol stage. She credits her father for fostering her musical passion from a young age.
"I can't remember a time when my dad didn't have a guitar in his hand, or wasn't teaching me a new song," Oayda recalled. "It's always been around me. I've grown up with amazing music teachers that have taught me just how much music can share happiness, and how much love it brings into your life."
Her father also encouraged her to embrace nerves as a natural part of performance. "Everything's good in moderation," she explained. "From skiing competitions to running, I've been competing my whole life. I'm a competitive person and I love the adrenaline."
Preparation and Mindset for Performance
The young singer manages her pre-performance anxiety by mentally rehearsing her song early in the day, then focusing on staying calm before taking the stage. Despite her composed approach, she acknowledges the unpredictable nature of live television competitions.
"It's in Australia's hands and there's nothing you can really do except show your personality and be kind and grateful," Oayda said. "It's definitely nerve-wracking, but I think nerves are a good thing because it shows that you care and I really do."
Australian Idol 2026 Top 10 Contestants
The remaining competitors in Australian Idol's Top 10 represent diverse backgrounds and musical styles across Australia:
- Charlie Moon, 31, Perth, WA: Soul singer known for his signature glasses and bright beanie.
- Harlan Goode, 18, Brisbane, QLD: Born with a powerful voice and a passion for powerhouse ballads.
- Harry Lamb, 26, Ballarat, VIC: Barber pursuing his music dream.
- Jacinta Guirguis, 25, Bacchus Marsh, VIC: Forklift driver with a distinctive voice working to overcome self-doubt.
- John Standley, 17, Bunbury, WA: Modern-day throwback with a heart set in the jukebox rock 'n' roll era.
- Kalani Artis, 23, Central Coast, NSW: Landscaper whose life was transformed by music and his grandmother.
- Kesha Oayda, 22, Jindabyne, NSW: Competitive skier trading slopes for the Idol stage.
- Simela Petridis, 31, Adelaide, SA: High school teacher and busy mother chasing her lifelong musical ambition.
- Trè Samuels, 26, Melbourne, VIC: Devoted father, husband, and accomplished songwriter stepping into the spotlight as an artist.
- Wanwue Tarpeh: Jazz and soul-singing waitress with a vibrant personality matching her vocal talent.
Australian Idol continues with Aussie Week programming, airing at 7pm on Sunday and 7.30pm on Monday on Seven and 7plus. The episodes will be available to stream free on the platform as the competition intensifies toward the finale.
