"Where is the diversity?": Australian Idol judging panel hits first major snag
Australian Idol is yet to hit the screens but it’s already facing a major problem with its lack of diversity.
Radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands announced that he will be joined by US singers Meghan Trainor and Harry Connick Jr and Australian pop star Amy Shark as judges on the talent show.
The show’s social media accounts also shared the news but many people asked about the lack of diversity with the judges.
“Where is the diversity?” queried former ABC News reporter Mark Kearney.
“The OG Australian Idol had at the heart of its panel Marcia Hines. This one has … a foul shock jock with a history of racism, misogyny and homophobia? Yucky.”
Co-founder of Media Diversity AU Antoinette Lattouf sarcastically said there was a bit of diversity because one of the judges has a hyphen in their name.
“This is an epic and exciting opportunity to get judged by six white people. (To be fair there is some diversity, one has a hyphen in their name.)” she tweeted.
“Not sure why anyone is surprised about the Australian Idol judging panel - the other talent shows on our screens are just as bad. If they want diversity they always just have Mel B on,” someone else commented.
“I LoVe tHiS rEpReSenTatiOn oF oUr MuLtiCuLtuRaL cOunTrY,” another wrote.
Australian Idol first hit the screen 10 years ago and will come back on Channel 7 in 2023.
“(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.”
It 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.
Images: Instagram