Kyle Sandilands Returning As ‘Australian Idol’ Judge

Kyle Sandilands will return as a judge on the upcoming Australian Idol reboot.

The news was confirmed this morning on the Kyle & Jackie O Show, with Sandilands making the announcement on-air, despite being told not to just yet.

“I think this week they’re bringing the contract. I said I’ll only sign it on the radio show, so all the big head honchos have to march into the studio with the contract and I’ll sign it live on-air,” he said, confirming he’s “verbally agreed” to return to the show.

The singing competition is set to premiere on Channel 7 next year, following its initial seven-season run on Channel 10 from 2003 until 2009 with contestants including Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Matt Corby, Casey Donovan, Damien Leith and more.

Unfortunately, Sandilands revealed that he would be the only returning judge, ruling out Marcia Hines, Ian Dickson and Mark Holden as possibilities, while also stating that Osher Günsberg was too busy to reprise his role as host.

Following the revival’s announcement in 2020, it was rumoured that Guy Sebastian, Delta Goodrem, Ricki-Lee Coulter and Keith Urban were being eyed as potential judges. Although anyone sitting alongside Sandilands will have to win him over first. 

“They can’t even sign on someone else unless I sign off on, because I’m not going to be doing this show with a bunch of knobs,” Sandilands said.

“I’d like at least one other Australian… and I would love a big-name US and a big-name UK, but it all depends, everyone’s touring around.”

Sandilands added that “there’s a lot of big stars interested”.

He also took the opportunity to throw shade on The Voice.

“I like The Voice, but I won’t be one of them wishy-washy Voice judges who are like, ‘No matter how disgusting you are to look at, you’ve got a great voice.’ “I’m not interested in that shit… I can only be myself.”

It’s expected that The Voice will make its return in early 2023.

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