Kyle Sandilands is having one hell of a year. He’s one of the two stars hosting FM radio’s most successful breakfast show that is currently basking in the highest ratings Kyle and Jackie O have ever had.
One of the two highest-paid entertainers in Australia is also running a number of successful business ventures including his Nueva Drinks Co and the forthcoming Netflix series Luxe Listings Sydney.
Never ones to overlook a business opportunity, Kyle and Jackie, ARN and manager Bruno Bouchet turned the 50th birthday of Kyle Sandilands into a commercial success.
Although it may have even been too successful. At one stage on air during Thursday’s KIIS 1065 birthday breakfast show, Sandilands even muttered, “I don’t like too much attention on me!” However in the world of commercial breakfast radio, too much is never enough.
Highlight of the breakfast show was perhaps the roast from Kyle’s favourite comedian Jim Jeffries. If ARN didn’t send an invoice they should have. It was a wonderful promo for Jeffries’ forthcoming Australian tour. The US-based Aussie comedian said it was a challenge to roast Sandilands as the two had only ever met once briefly. He did well though. A couple of his gags:
• “I’d like to appear on your 60th birthday too, but I doubt we’ll make it to that.”
• “Kyle is still the most-hated celebrity in Australia – even after Rolf Harris was convicted of being a paedophile. Imagine losing a popularity contest to a person who dates younger women than you do.”
Jim Jeffries roasts Kyle Sandilands
Jeffries saved one zinger for Jackie too:
• “You have a lot in common with the original Jackie O. You sit next to important men and you contribute nothing.”
Before the breakfast show started Kyle was met at home by a team from KIIS 1065 and he was escorted to work with Sandilands piloting his luxury vehicle behind a KIIS promotional street team convoy that included a truck carrying a birthday billboard! (Photo above)
On arrival at the Macquarie Park studio facility he was greeted by a team of cheerleaders.
The Thursday Kyle and Jackie Show was loaded with birthday tributes with more stars than we could list here. No wait, we can: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban called in live to sing “Happy Birthday” with Urban on piano too. Other stars wishing him well included Kesha, Tyra Banks, Kim Kardashian, Zac Efron, Rhianna, P!nk, Tones and I, Guy Sebastian, Miranda Kerr, Rita Ora, Kris Jenner, Delta Goodrem, The Jonas Brother, Amy Shark, James Blunt and Katy Perry.
After presenting Kyle with her special gifts, Jackie Henderson recalled their early days together, noting that despite all sorts of tantrums over their 21 years together, Sandilands had never once lost his temper with Jackie. He reminded her she had stormed out a couple of times across those two decades.
“You are the most loyal friend anyone could ever have,” said Jackie.
She then recalled their first big “F-up” was in the lead-up to the magical first Rumba show in Sydney for 2Day FM. Kyle managed to upset Geri Halliwell so much in an interview that she cancelled her trip down under to appear at the event.
Jackie also recalled the day Kyle rang to tell her they were leaving 2Day FM for what was then Mix 106.5. Despite only recently committing to a large mortgage, Henderson trusted his decision and it paid off handsomely for them both.
Birthday gifts: Sandilands drove his Rolls Royce to work Thursday because it has a huge boot that would accommodate his birthday gifts. Among the gifts were Versace pet bowls from newsreader Brooklyn Ross. Best mate Simon Main tracked down a gold toilet for him, Premier Gladys Berejiklian gave him cufflinks, girlfriend Tegan gave him a Panerai watch.
Things we didn’t need to know: “I can still ejaculate” boasted the birthday boy.
Birthday cake: Partner Tegan and manager Bruno and a group of friends celebrated the birthday with a Rolls Royce Phantom birthday cake.
Birthday cruise: Aboard a special cruise on the harbour this weekend on the superyacht Oneworld will be a mix of friends and colleagues including Jackie O, Karl Stefanovic, Ben Fordham, Beau Ryan, Darryn Lyons, Samantha Jade, John Ibrahim, Guy Sebastian, Jeff Fenech and Michael Pell.
Kyle and Jackie O Mediaweek podcasts
Kyle and Jackie O: Learn more about the public and private lives of Australia’s highest rating and highest-paid entertainers on these exclusive Mediaweek podcasts.
Kyle Sandilands and his manager Bruno
Podcast: Kyle Sandilands with manager Bruno. Listen here
Jackie and the breakfast team at KIIS 1065
Podcast: Jackie O in the KIIS breakfast studio. Listen here
Read also: Kyle Sandilands and Bruno Bouchet podcast: Uncensored, unedited