New season of Australian Idol to launch on Channel 7, Monday January 30th

Australian Idol is ready to unearth a new generation of artists when it premieres on Channel 7 at 7:30 pm on Monday January 30th.

Helping find the next idol to take Australia by storm is a panel of the most well-renowned and award-winning names in music, including Harry Connick, Meghan Trainor, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark, and special guest judge and Australian music treasure, Marcia Hines.

In his search for the next Australian Idol, Kyle says he’s focused on the bigger picture: “Can this performer become a superstar who’ll have commercial success? Are they good enough to sell out shows and have radio and streaming platforms begging them for new music? I know there’s a beauty to examining the artistry of music, but you can’t buy a house and a Lambo with artistry.”

Amy agrees, saying a successful artist needs more than just a good voice: “We’re looking for the package. Unfortunately, gone are the days of just being able to sing. You have to be a likeable, talented and hardworking character to really make it in this business.”

Aspiring artists aged between 15 and 28 will showcase their talents during the nail-biting judges’ audition rounds of the competition covering Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and the Gold Coast. Judges will also travel to regional Australia to ensure no stone is left unturned in their search for the best-emerging music artists.

Australian audiences will vote each week of the live rounds to decide who will be crowned the next Australian Idol. The winner will receive a recording contract with industry giant Sony Music and $100,000 in prize money.

Australian Idol is 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.