The nation’s search for a singing sensation begins tonight. Australian Idol returns, already shattering records with thousands of hopefuls auditioning across the country. We’ll witness their triumphs, their struggles, and perhaps even their…

The competition progresses as the judges travel to Perth and Adelaide, seeking the next voice to emerge from Australia's hopefuls.

The judging panel journeys to Sydney and Townsville in pursuit of Australia's next singing sensation.

The judging panel concludes its search, visiting final audition sites in hopes of discovering Australia's next singing sensation.

The initial two days of the Sydney tournament witnessed a dramatic reduction in the field, with over half of the top 125 players eliminated.

The third and final day of the pre-finals unfolded in Sydney. Judges met individually with each remaining contestant, deliberating to determine the final twenty-four.

A group of six boys took to the stage.

The jury delivered its decision for the initial cohort of six boys, followed by the presentations of the first six girls.

The jury's decision regarding the initial cohort of young women was announced, followed by the presentations from the subsequent group of six male performers.

The program commenced with the pronouncement of a verdict for the second cohort of six boys, followed by the concluding performances of the final group of six girls.

The results for the final group were revealed, followed by the announcement of the contestants who would advance as wildcards.

The Wildcards will compete for a place among the final four, vying for positions within the Top 12 of Australian Idol 2006.

The remaining four places within the Top 12 have now been revealed.

The twelve finalists of 2006 compete this week for a place in the affections of Australia. This week, the Idols themselves will decide their repertoire.

A wave of emotion swept through Australia as Joseph Gatehau departed the competition, marking the first elimination of the season in 2006. The farewell was heartfelt, with many viewers moved by the singer's departure.

The eleventh and final group of contestants presented their performances, each delivering a song rooted in the rock genre.

One more contender must withdraw from the contest.

This evening's performance features a song that recently topped the Australian charts.

One more contender must withdraw from the contest.

This evening's performances feature songs from the contestants' birth years.

The moment of judgment has arrived for the final nine contestants.

This evening, the contestants will perform a song from the disco era.

One more contender must withdraw from the contest.

For the first time in its history, *Idol* will offer contestants the option of performing with a musical instrument during their audition.

One more contender is being eliminated from the contest.

This week's competition features a departure from the standard format: the singers will perform a song of their own choosing.

The familiar brass and woodwinds – saxophone, trumpet, trombone, harp – along with the steady pulse of the rhythm section, return for a new season. The Final Six are ready to perform.

For one aspiring soul, the visions of glory and wealth dissolve into dust.

This evening, the Final Five will present performances featuring songs by artists honored with induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

Another contender has been eliminated from the contest.

The competition has narrowed to four finalists, and this week you hold the power to select their song. With the end of the contest drawing near, they will strive to showcase their talent and demonstrate their capacity for stardom.

The competition demands a sacrifice: one hopeful must be eliminated. The Australian public now holds the power to determine who will not be crowned the 2006 Australian Idol.

The judges now determine the final three contestants who will perform, for the last time in the standard setting of this year's competition. Each remaining contestant will sing two songs.

The outcome of the significant deliberation preceding the 2006 grand final is now known, determining the two finalists who will perform at the Opera House in a few weeks.

Driven by ambition, the two singers step onto the stage, vying for the opportunity to launch their careers as recording artists. Each performs a song of their own choosing, with the audience ultimately deciding which will become the winner'…

As with all things, a conclusion awaits, and like the turning of the seasons, Australian Idol 06 will ultimately crown a single champion. The final episodes feature performances from past contestants, culminating in the final twelve vying f…