'When You Back Local Music, Aussies Show Up': Local-Themed 'Australian Idol' Episodes Most-Watched of 2026

The Australian Idol judges said last week's episodes of the show proved how important local music is to the industry and fans.

The "Aussie Music Week" episodes of the singing competition show pulled the biggest audiences for the Seven Network. Last Sunday night’s episode drew a national reach of 1.79 million and an audience of 938,000, up 8% week-on-week and a significant 65% surge on 7plus.

Monday’s episode, which hooked 922,000 viewers, was up 6% year-on-year, including a 96% jump on 7plus. Tuesday’s live results show then scored an 87% year-on-year lift.

“I think the reason the show with all Australian songs struck such a chord with audiences is because music is the tapestry of our lives," Marcia Hines told The Music Network. Everyone has lived one of those songs at some point whether they’ve broken up to it, celebrated with it, or turned to it during a moment in their life. That’s why it resonated so strongly this week.”

A number of classic songs were performed on the episode, including John Farnham's "A Touch of Paradise", Olivia Newton-John's "Hopelessly Devoted to You", Bachelor Girl's "Buses and Trains", and The Living End's "White Noise".

“I think Aussie music just connects because it feels really honest, people see themselves in it," Amy Shark said.

"This week was so fun to watch, and it was cool hearing artists put their own spin on songs we all know. It kind of reminds you how strong Australian music really is.”

Kyle Sandilands added: “Aussie songs just hit harder people know them, love them, and they go off. You could feel it straight away. When you back local music, Aussies show up."

The news comes after Australian Idol declared it was doubling down on artist development beyond the TV stage, working closely with the local music industry, including Sony Music Publishing, the Annex, and Hive Sound Studios.