Known as the shy tradie, Kalani Artis has been proving himself week after week on Australian Idol, and now, he’s made it to the grand finale.

He made himself known in the competition right after judge Amy Shark said his audition was the best she’d ever seen.

As he made his way to the final three, Australian Idol fell in love with his story and his vocals.
Kalani has been thriving on Australian Idol. (Credit: Channel Seven)

Who is Kalani Artis from Australian Idol?

Kalani’s love of music began when his nan gave him his first guitar as a teenager.

Australian Idol has been a lifelong dream for him, and he was thrilled to make it to the final.

Speaking exclusively to New Idea, he described it all as a “fever dream”.

“It’s been unbelievable,” he continued about Australia supporting his journey.

“I didn’t have any expectations after the audition, so to be where I am now and know Australia is behind me and investing in my progress, in my story, and my growth is so overwhelming, and I’m full to the brim with love right now.”

Hailing from Bensville in the Central Coast, his local community has also been rallying behind him. While he is determined to share his story through his music, he is also passionate about representing his town.

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“I love all the support from around Australia, but it’s really nice to have the locals behind me and to solidify that sense of community from where I come from,” he told Coast Community News.

Speaking with Australian Idol in a behind-the-scenes clip, he said his music drew on his memories growing up.

The competition has become a major turning point in how he views himself, and he feels like he can “stand” on his “two feet” more.

“I feel like I’ve really, really sort of sunken into the musician that I’m meant to be today,” he told New Idea. “Ultimately, the biggest thing that I’ve taken away is confidence, and I guess the sense of purpose, a bigger sense of purpose.”

Even if he doesn’t win, this won’t be the last we see of Kalani – he told New Idea that he already has shows booked, and will announce dates soon.

Not only that, he’s been working on a music “manifesto” for more than a year, and is ready to share it.

“I sort of had a big break-up and had lots of sort of epiphanies and changed a lot of things about myself, my lifestyle, which was fed into this project,” he explained to us.

“My ultimate goal is to be as relatable as possible and show my audience that I can grow with them, and now I’m just good enough.
Do you think Kalani has what it takes to win? (Credit: Channel Seven)
As for what he’s got planned for his grand finale performance?

He didn’t give much away, but he promised New Idea that it would be “massive” and something Australia won’t want to miss.

“I’m putting absolutely every single bit of blood, sweat, and tears into this performance,” he explained. “If I’m going out and going out with a bang, and I want to show Australia absolutely everything that I’ve got.”

Watch Australian Idol on Channel Seven and 7plus on Monday and Tuesday at 7.30pm.