Australian Idol contestant Simela Petridis has advanced to the Top 8 of the country’s most popular singing competition, quickly becoming a fan favourite.
Petridis, an arts high school teacher and mother, was born and raised in Adelaide and has family roots in Kastoria, Greece.
At this stage of the competition, Judges Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark no longer decide which contestants stay, with the public vote determining the outcome.
Petridis’ performance this round saw her sing Bachelor Girls’ Buses and Trains to a captivated audience.
The Top 10 opened Tuesday night’s episode with a group performance of Noiseworks’ Touch. The episode concluded with contestants Harry Lamb and Wanwue Tarpeh eliminated after receiving the lowest votes, reducing the field to the Top 8.
Joining Petridis in the Top 8 are Charlie Moon, Harlan Goode, Jacinta Guirguis, John Standley, Kalani Artis, Kesha Oayda and Trè Samuels.
The contestants continue moving one step closer to the 2026 Australian Idol title, competing for the prize package of $100,000, a recording deal and industry opportunities.
Judge Ms Hines praised the level of talent this season and said it has continued to improve.
Follow Petridis’ Australian Idol journey this Sunday 29 March at 7pm and Monday 30 March at 7.30pm on Seven and 7plus.
