EXCLUSIVE: The Truth Behind My Feud With Harry Connick Jr.: Kyle Sandilands reveals what he really thinks about his Australian Idol judge and why he was destined to clash with America’s heartthrob
Kyle Sandilands has revealed what he really thinks about Australian Idol judge Harry Connick Jr as their on-screen bickering continues to grab the headlines.
While their rivalry has generated plenty of tension, Kyle, 51, says he has nothing but “respect” for the American hitmaker, 55.
“People keep saying it’s some kind of ‘feud’, but it’s not a feud. Harry is Harry. He’s nice, he’s a muso … he’s an artist, with all the flowery bulls that come with being an artist,” Kyle told Chron Australia this week.
“It’s fun to have a bit of controversy [the show]’ he added with a smile.
Kyle explained that the two men would always clash over their differing views on what advice should be given to candidates.
Kyle Sandilands, 51, (left) has put cold water in the way of rumors about his so-called “feud” with Australian Idol judge Harry Connick Jr., 55 (right).
While Kyle worked in commercial radio for decades and believes that aspiring pop stars should focus on delivering non-stop hits, Harry believes artistic expression is paramount to a successful career.
‘He is very nice. We just have different opinions about what is important. But I still have a lot of respect for him and he respects me a lot,” Kyle explained.
“There is no growling at each other in the background. I wouldn’t put up with that.’
“People keep saying it’s some kind of ‘feud,’ but it’s not a feud. Harry is Harry. He’s nice, he’s a muso … he’s an artist, with all the flowery bulls that come with being an artist,” Kyle told Chron Australia this week
He also noted that the “extremely polite” Harry was in for a shock when he first met Kyle, who is known for his sharp tongue and uncompromising attitude.
“When he first came to Australia he was like, ‘Holy shit, who is this guy telling kids, ‘Fuck you go!’? That was probably very challenging for him because he’s soft and nice,” he explained.
Elsewhere, Kyle offered some brutal advice to the young singers competing on Australian Idol this year.
Kyle explained that they would always clash due to their differing views on what type of advice should be given to contestants
‘[The contestants] guess that’s the hard part, winning. It’s not like it’s every record you put out, you’re only as good as your last song,” he warned.
“So, you bet three [bad] Songs in a row and you’re dead, it’s over for you. You have to start over and convince everyone that you are worth investing in. That’s the hard part.”
Australian Idol winner will receive $100,000 in cash and a record deal with Sony Music.
Joining Kyle and Harry on the Australian Idol judging panel are local pop sensation Amy Shark and US hitmaker Meghan Trainor.
Joining Kyle and Harry on the Australian Idol judging panel are local pop sensation Amy Shark (second right) and US hitmaker Meghan Trainor (second left).