Australian Idol names Morgan Evans as new judge
Evans joins Marcia Hines and Amy Shark as Seven refreshes its judging panel for Australian Idol's 2027 season on Seven+.
Morgan Evans will join Australian Idol as a judge in 2027, alongside returning judges Marcia Hines and Amy Shark.
His addition comes following former judge Kyle Sandilands' departure.
The Australian country singer-songwriter becomes the third member of the Seven program’s judging panel after appearing on the 2026 grand finale to perform his single Letting You Go.
Evans, who divides his time between Australia and Nashville, has recorded more than one billion global streams across his career.
Evans joins 2027 panel
Evans said he was looking forward to joining the program.
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“I’m stoked to be joining Amy, Marcia and the Idol crew next year! I reckon if you've got music in you, that's something the world needs to hear, and I've enjoyed helping new artists find that since I was teaching guitar in Newcastle.
“I've learned a lot in my travels, some of it the fun way, some of it the other way, and look forward to sharing what I can. Can't wait to hear what Australia's got”
Seven’s Director of Content, Unscripted, Majella Hay, said: “It’s a new era for Australian Idol. Morgan is the real deal. He’s one of the few home-grown artists to crack Nashville, and with more than a billion global streams, he is an Aussie success story. He's the perfect addition to the lineup.”
From Newcastle to Nashville
Evans released his self-titled debut album in 2014 before expanding his career into North America and Europe.
His 2018 album Things That We Drink To included Kiss Somebody, which became his first country radio number one, and Day Drunk.
He has since toured internationally and headlined CMC Rocks in Australia in 2022.
His single Over For You was followed by two sold-out performances at the Sydney Opera House and the release of Live at the Sydney Opera House in 2024.
Evans released his second studio album, Steel Town, in 2026. The album drew inspiration from time spent reconnecting with his hometown of Newcastle.
Idol returns in 2027
Australian Idol will return to Seven and 7plus in 2027, with Evans joining Hines and Shark in the search for the competition’s next winner.
Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie will be back to host.
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