Kyle Sandilands starts Australian Idol with trademark style

Singing competition Australian Idol returned to the screen for the first time since 2009 last week, with former judge Kyle Sandilands also making a comeback, bringing his classic style with him.

Joining Kyle on the panel is Australian singer Amy Shark and American singers Harry Connick Jr and Meghan Trainor to comb through waves of auditions before those selected compete for the top spot, all while having a laugh at some eccentric characters along the way.

Kyle was a judge on Australian Idol from 2005 to 2008 before being dropped for several controversies involving comments made to contestants. One incident was a comment made to Jessica Mauboy insisting she loses her “jelly belly”.

If the recent past is any indication of Kyle’s behaviour, then evidence suggests that he has very much stayed the same, and not to the detriment of the Kyle and Jackie O Show. 

Last year, Kyle and Jackie O were inducted into the Australian Commercial Radio Awards Hall of Fame on the back of 30 consecutive surveys as the number one FM show. There’s something about the show’s segments, blow-ups and brutal banter that appeals to audiences, but walks the line. Now that formula has been taken back to Australian Idol.

Not surprisingly, Kyle has already attracted some attention since Australian Idol began last week, asking one contestant, Ali, if she was singing The Veronicas’ song ‘Untouched’ because she was untouched.

Contestant Ali responded, “I don’t know if I can answer that.”

 

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Ali gifted a copy of her book ‘Outside’ to the judges before she performed to their amusement. After the performance had ended, Kyle suggested that she go “Outside” while holding a copy of Ali’s book to his face. 

Ironically, Australian Idol posted a photo on Instagram urging viewers to “respect the artists who are giving their all on our show.”

“Comments are encouraged, but offensive or personal attacks will not be permitted.”

 

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The Instagram post by Australian Idol has since been criticised and the attention shifted to Kyle for his comments on the show.

We’re happy to convince awful singers to audition and film them and then use the footage to humiliate them on national tv but seriously guys show some respect!!! #australianidol https://t.co/mtKK7TLOFQ

— Radio Mike (@itsradiomike) January 30, 2023

But it hasn’t all been bad. Many exchanges have been pleasant, with contestants being gently shown the door when subpar.

Some contestants even brought in cookies and cakes for judges to get on their good side. One gift brought in had Kyle’s face on a cookie.

Australian Idol airs Sunday 7.00pm and Mon, Tue at 7.30pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.