"He’s a real crooner": Kyle reveals judging line-up for return of Australian Idol
Kyle Sandilands revealed the new judges that will be joining him on Australian Idol.
The radio shock jock made the surprise announcement on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, explaining he was actually meant to wait for his appearance on Sunrise before dropping the news.
Australian Idol has been off screens for 10 years and will be back on Channel 7 in 2023.
Sandilands previously shared that he is the only original judge remaining on the panel as he announced that he will be joined by US singers Meghan Trainor and Harry Connick Jr and Australian pop star Amy Shark.
“(We) start filming the auditions next week. It’ll be me. The other Australian I’ve chosen, Amy Shark will be the other Australian. She’s excellent. She’s a nice girl but she’s been busy, she writes songs, she works hard, she’ll be fabulous,” Sandilands said.
“Meghan Trainor … and from American Idol … Harry Connick Jr. Yes grannies, get your panties wet now. Harry Connick Jr. is on Australian Idol. He’s a real crooner.”
The show will also be hosted by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.
Sandilands joked that he only agreed to come back to the show if Channel 7 hand delivered his contract.
“I think they’re bringing the contract, I said I’ll only sign it on the radio show, so all the big head honchos have to march into the studio with the contract. I’ll sign it live on-air,” he said.
He also claims that he was involved in picking the judges and purposely did not pick Osher Gunsberg due to his multiple roles on Channel 10.
“They can’t sign on someone else unless I sign off on it … I’m not going to be doing the show with a bunch of knobs,” Sandilands continued.
“I’ve got a long list of knobs I won’t work with. I’d like at least one other Australian, and I would love a big name US and a big name UK, but it all depends, everyone’s touring around … But there’s a lot of big stars interested.”
Australian Idol will take back its old format in which contestants from around Australia will audition before a top 12 is chosen for live shows.
Past seasons have come out with incredible stars including Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy and Casey Donovan.
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