Channel Seven has revealed the judges for the return of Australian Idol, announcing 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.
Harry Connick Jnr said: “I’m looking forward to hearing all the new talent… I love the idea of musical competition; it forces performers to focus on a bunch of things that contribute to their development as artists.”
Launching careers of Australian award-winning artists including Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Matt Corby, Ricki-Lee, Anthony Callea, Stan Walker, Casey Donovan and Courtney Act, Idol has been a global success, with international icons Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert launching their careers from the American franchise.
Meghan Trainor said: “Idol is an iconic show. I grew up watching it and I am honoured to be involved. I can’t wait to sit front row and meet new talent. I haven’t been to Australia since 2015, so I’m really excited to get to see the whole country and basically get to live there!”
Australian Idol will be 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.
Kyle Sandilands said: “I’ve done all the shows over the years, pretty much all of them, but Australian Idol is the big one. We all know the stars that came out of Idol.”
Amy Shark said: “I’m excited about the auditions. It’s going to be pretty special to find that diamond in the rough and then see how they progress through the show. Idol has changed the lives of so many artists in the past, so I’m excited to be part of that.”
Australian Idol will premiere on Channel Seven and 7Plus in 2023.