Iconic star-maker series Australian Idol is ready to unearth a new generation of Australian artists when it premieres next week
Helping find the next idol to take Australia by storm will be celebrated American Idol judge, musician, singer, composer and multiple Grammy® award-winning Harry Connick Jr; powerhouse Grammy® award-winning singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor; unfiltered and unapologetic top-rating broadcaster Kyle Sandilands; and beloved eight-time ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Shark.
Australian musical treasure and former Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines also joins the series as a special guest judge.
In his search for the next Australian Idol, Kyle says he’s focused on the bigger picture: “Can this performer become a superstar who’ll have commercial success? Are they good enough to sell out shows and have radio and streaming platforms begging them for new music? I know there’s a beauty to examining the artistry of music, but you can’t buy a house and a Lambo with artistry.”
Amy agrees, saying a successful artist needs more than just a good voice: “We’re looking for the package. Unfortunately, gone are the days of just being able to sing. You have to be a likeable, talented and hardworking character to really make it in this business.”
Aspiring artists aged between 15 and 28 will showcase their talents during the nail-biting judges’ audition rounds of the competition covering Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and the Gold Coast. Judges will also travel to regional Australia to ensure no stone is left unturned in their search for the best emerging music artists.
From the thousands of contestants who audition, those lucky enough to score a Golden Ticket from the judges will automatically claim their coveted spot in the top 50. The judges will narrow 50 to 24 and 24 down to just 12 artists, who will feature in the live performance round of the competition.
Australian audiences will vote each week of the live rounds to decide who will be crowned the next Australian Idol. The winner will receive a recording contract with industry giant Sony Music and $100,000 in prize money.
Australian Idol is hosted by multi-platinum selling, ARIA Award-nominated singer-songwriter Ricki-Lee – who was discovered on Australian Idol in 2004 – and internationally renowned entertainment presenter and former E! host Scott Tweedie.
Australian Idol Premieres 7.30pm Monday, 30 January on Channel 7
