Harriet Kenworthy Biography: Australian Idol 2026 Contestant

Harriet Kenworthy is an Australian singer-songwriter from Perth, Western Australia, best known for being a contestant on Australian Idol Season 11 (2026). In media profiles she’s often described as a “songwriting bartender” – a reference to her dual role performing music while working as a bartender. Kenworthy is 19 years old (as of early 2026), and has built her profile through local performances and her appearance on Idol.

Early Life and Education

Kenworthy grew up in the Perth area (specifically Fremantle) and developed a passion for music from a young age. She attended a performing arts high school and went on to earn an Advanced Diploma in Music from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2025. This training helped her hone her songwriting and vocal skills. Aside from her public persona, details about her family and upbringing are not widely available; she keeps her personal life private.

Music Career

Harriet Kenworthy is a self-taught singer-songwriter. She began writing her own songs in her teens – notably penning her first song, “Flowers Laced With Vitriol,” at age 15 – and performs original music at local venues around Perth. In November 2025 she released that debut single (“Flowers Laced With Vitriol”) under the stage name Harriet Hawthorne. Her style mixes indie-pop, rock and folk influences, and Kenworthy cites contemporary singer-songwriter artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Olivia Dean and Maisie Peters as inspirations. Press coverage notes that her earnest, emotional lyrics and vocal style have drawn comparisons to legends like Joni Mitchell. Working as a bartender by day, she balances gigging around Perth with songwriting and recording; this “bubbly” bartending background has become part of her underdog appeal.

Australian Idol 2026

In late January 2026 Kenworthy auditioned for Australian Idol Season 11 (premiering Feb 2, 2026). She performed Missy Higgins’s song “Scar” in her audition. The judges were impressed: Kenworthy earned three “yes” votes, which secured her a coveted “golden ticket” into the Top 30 contestants. During her audition, judge Amy Shark noted that Kenworthy seemed “super, super ready” to perform, and Kyle Sandilands described her rendition as “incredibly, genuinely effortless”. This successful audition drew local press coverage; PerthNow and other outlets highlighted the Fremantle bartender’s standout vocals and stage presence. As Idol continues its live rounds, Harriet’s performances (and original songwriting style) are a focal point of fan interest.

Personal Details

  • Age: 19 (born circa 2006–2007).
  • Hometown: Perth (Fremantle area), Western Australia.
  • Occupation: Singer-songwriter and bartender.
  • Stage Name: Releases music as Harriet Hawthorne.
  • Net Worth: Not publicly known or estimated. (As a new independent artist, Kenworthy has modest pre-Idol earnings from bar work and music streams.)
  • Height: Not publicly disclosed.
  • Family/Relationships: Harriet keeps her personal life private. No public information about parents or any partner is available.

Social Media Presence

Harriet is building an online presence around her music. She is active on Instagram under the handle @harriet_hawthorne , where she posts music clips, behind-the-scenes snapshots, and updates about her Australian Idol journey. Her content (including previews of her single and clips from Idol rehearsals) is gaining followers. (No other official social accounts are known at this time.)

Public Interest and Media Coverage

Because Harriet Kenworthy is a newcomer to national TV, detailed public information about her is limited. Most interest stems from her Australian Idol appearances and her debut single. Media outlets have begun profiling her: for example, The Australian Women’s Weekly listed her among the 2026 contestants (calling her a “songwriting bartender” from Perth), and PerthNow wrote features on her successful audition. Entertainment magazines (e.g. Now to Love) have run interviews with her, emphasizing that she is an up-and-coming talent. Common Google searches about Harriet are likely focused on her Idol performance clips, her age and background, and where to hear her music. As her television run continues, new details (song choices, judge feedback, etc.) may emerge, so fans often look online for Idol recaps and social media updates.

FAQ

  • Who is Harriet Kenworthy?
    Harriet Kenworthy is a 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Perth, Western Australia. She works as a bartender and is currently a contestant on Australian Idol 2026.
  • How old is Harriet Kenworthy?
    She is 19 years old (as of early 2026).
  • What is Harriet Kenworthy known for?
    Kenworthy is best known for auditioning on Australian Idol Season 11 (2026) and for her original music. She released a debut single, “Flowers Laced With Vitriol,” in November 2025 under the name Harriet Hawthorne.
  • What did Harriet Kenworthy perform on Australian Idol?
    In her televised audition (February 2026), Harriet performed Missy Higgins’s “Scar.” Her performance earned three “yes” votes from the judges, earning her a spot in the Top 30.
  • Does Harriet Kenworthy have any other music?
    So far, her only released track is the single “Flowers Laced With Vitriol” (Nov 2025) under the name Harriet Hawthorne. No album or other singles have been released to date.
  • Is “Harriet Hawthorne” the same person?
    Yes. Harriet Hawthorne is the stage name used by Harriet Kenworthy for her music releases.
  • What is her Instagram or social media?
    Her main public account is Instagram @harriet_hawthorne, where she posts music and Idol updates.
  • Where is she from?
    She is from Perth, Western Australia (specifically the Fremantle area).
  • What is her net worth?
    There is no public information on her net worth. As a young independent artist before national fame, she likely has only modest earnings from music and bartending.
  • Does Harriet Kenworthy have a boyfriend/husband?
    No information about her personal relationships is publicly available. She appears to keep her private life out of the public eye.
  • How tall is Harriet Kenworthy?
    Her height has not been publicly disclosed.
  • Where can I watch her Australian Idol performances?
    Australian Idol Season 11 airs on Channel 7 (Australia) and on the 7plus streaming platform. Audition and performance clips may also appear on Idol’s official sites or YouTube.

Conclusion

Harriet Kenworthy is an emerging Australian artist garnering attention through Australian Idol 2026. While much about her remains private, reliable sources confirm her age, background and musical debut. Fans interested in her journey can follow Australian Idol episodes and her Instagram for updates. As the competition progresses, more of her story and music may come to light, so stay tuned to official Idol recaps and media interviews for the latest on her promising career.