Australian Idol has released the premiere date and official trailer for the upcoming ninth season.
The next edition of the hit singing competition premieres on Monday, January 29, 2024 – exactly two decades after Guy Sebastian made history in the inaugural season.
The new season sees the return of original judge Marcia Hines, who is back to work full-time.
She already served as a guest judge last season, but now her role has been upgraded.
Marcia was part of the original Australian Idol judging panel alongside record executive Ian “Dicko” Dickson and singer Mark Holden.
The new season of Australian Idol premieres on Monday, January 29, 2024. Pictured are judges Kyle Sandilands, Maricia Hines and Amy Shark
A heartwarming trailer for the season shows a host of young hopefuls making their way to the auditions to become the next big star
The pop legend will join ARIA-winning singer Amy Shark and radio royalty Kyle Sandilands.
Meanwhile, fellow judges Harry Connick Jr. and Meghan Trainor will not be returning, leaving the jury with one less person.
An insider told Yahoo that part of the reason for revamping the series was to ensure that next year’s season would focus more on the music than the behind-the-scenes drama.
“There are too many singing shows where the judges distract from the contestants and this year they want the talent to be the focus,” they said.
“Last year, Kyle and Harry’s feud often overshadowed performances.”
Marcia will join ARIA-winning singer Amy Shark and radio royalty Kyle Sandilands in the new season of the series
Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie are also back as hosts
Also back are Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie, who are back as official hosts.
According to TV Blackbox, this will be “the most challenging season yet” with a focus on finding diverse talent.
A heartwarming trailer for the season shows a host of young hopefuls making their way to the auditions to become the next big star.
Meghan TrainorKyle Sandilands