# Australian Idol

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For the most recent season, see [*Australian Idol* season 11](/source/Australian_Idol_season_11).

***Australian Idol*** is an Australian singing competition, which began its first season in July 2003 and ended its initial run in November 2009. As part of the [*Idol* franchise](/source/Idol_series), Australian Idol originated from the [reality program](/source/Reality_program) *[Pop Idol](/source/Pop_Idol)*, which was created by British entertainment executive [Simon Fuller](/source/Simon_Fuller). Australian Idol was televised on [Network Ten](/source/Network_10) for its first seven series and was broadcast on the [Southern Cross Austereo](/source/Austereo) Radio Network between 2005 and 2007. The series was revived on the [Seven Network](/source/Seven_Network) in 2023.

## Finalists

Australian Idol finalists (with dates of elimination) Australian Idol season 1 finalists Guy Sebastian Winner Shannon Noll 19 November Cosima De Vito 3 November Paulini Curuenavuli 27 October Rob Mills 20 October Levi Kereama† 13 October Rebekah LaVauney 6 October Kelly Cavuoto 6 October Lauren Buckley 29 September Cle Wootton 29 September Peter Ryan 22 September Mathew Chadwick 22 September Australian Idol season 2 (2004) finalists Casey Donovan Winner Anthony Callea 21 November Courtney Murphy 8 November Hayley Jensen 1 November Chanel Cole 25 October Marty Worrall 18 October Ricki-Lee Coulter 11 October Daniel Belle 4 October Emelia Rusciano 27 September Amali Ward 20 September Dan O'Connor 13 September Angeline Narayan 6 September Australian Idol season 3 (2005) finalists Kate DeAraugo Winner Emily Williams 21 November Lee Harding 14 November Dan England 7 November Daniel Spillane 31 October Anne Robertson 24 October James Kannis 17 October Milly Edwards 10 October Roxane LeBrasse 3 October Laura Gissara 26 September Natalie Zahra 19 September Chris Luder 12 September Tarni Stephens 12 September Australian Idol season 4 (2006) finalists Damien Leith Winner Jessica Mauboy 26 November Dean Geyer 13 November Chris Murphy 6 November Ricky Muscat 30 October Lisa Mitchell 23 October Bobby Flynn 16 October Lavina Williams 9 October Guy "Mutto" Mutton 2 October Klancie Keough 25 September Reigan Derry 18 September Joseph Gatehau 11 September Australian Idol season 5 (2007) finalists Natalie Gauci Winner Matt Corby 25 November Carl Riseley 12 November Marty Simpson 5 November Tarisai Vushe 29 October Daniel Mifsud 22 October Ben McKenzie 15 October Jacob Butler 8 October Mark Da Costa 1 October Lana Krost 24 September Brianna Carpenter 17 September Holly Weinert 10 September Australian Idol season 6 (2008) finalists Wes Carr Winner Luke Dickens 23 November Mark Spano 17 November Teale Jakubenko 10 November Chrislyn Hamilton 3 November Roshani Priddis 27 October Sophie Paterson 20 October Thanh Bui 13 October Madam Parker 6 October Tom Williams 29 September Brooke Addamo 22 September Jonny Taylor 15 September Australian Idol season 7 (2009) finalists Stan Walker Winner Hayley Warner 22 November James Johnston 15 November Nathan Brake 8 November Toby Moulton 1 November Kate Cook 25 October Kim Cooper 18 October Scott Newnham 11 October Jared Gundy 4 October Sabrina Batshon 27 September Casey Barnes 20 September Ashleigh Toole 13 September Australian Idol season 8 (2023) finalists Royston Sagigi-Baira Winner Phoebe Stewart Runner-up Josh Hannan 26 March Amali Dimond 20 March Ben Sheehy 20 March Anya Hynninen 20 March Angelina Curtis 13 March Noora H 13 March Sash Seabourne 6 March Harry Hayden 6 March Maya Weiss 27 February Jasey Fox 27 February Australian Idol season 9 (2024) finalists Dylan Wright Winner Amy Reeves Runner-up Denvah Baker-Moller 25 March Trent Richardson 18 March Issac McCallum 18 March Ivana Ilic 18 March Drea Onamade 11 March Kiani Smith 11 March Tyler Hammill 5 March TJ Zimba 5 March Ripley Alexander 27 February Imogen Spendlove 27 February Australian Idol season 10 (2025) finalists Marshall Hamburger Winner Iilysh Retallick Runner-up Gisella Colletti 7 April William Le Brun 31 March Jaymon Bob 31 March Jake Whittaker 31 March Emma Jones 24 March John Van Beek 24 March Bony Onynango 18 March Hannah Waddell 18 March Aaliyah Duchesne 11 March Mzuki 11 March Australian Idol season 11 (2026) finalists Kesha Oayda Winner Harlan Goode Runner-Up Kalani Artis April 14 Tre Samuels 7 April Jacinta Guirguis 7 April John Standley 7 April Charlie Moon 30 March Simela Petridis 30 March Wanwue Tarpeh 24 March Harry Lamb 24 March Sophie Poidevin 17 March Lily-Grace Grant 17 March

## Series overview

Season Episodes Originally Aired Result Judges Hosts Network Premiere Finale Winner Runner-up One 44 27 July 2003 19 November 2003 Guy Sebastian Shannon Noll Mark Holden Marcia Hines Ian Dickson Andrew G James Mathison Ten Two 37 13 July 2004 21 November 2004 Casey Donovan Anthony Callea Three 53 26 July 2005 21 November 2005 Kate DeAraugo Emily Williams Mark Holden Marcia Hines Kyle Sandilands Four 36 6 August 2006 26 November 2006 Damien Leith[1] Jessica Mauboy Five 37 5 August 2007 25 November 2007 Natalie Gauci Matt Corby Mark Holden Marcia Hines Ian Dickson Kyle Sandilands Six 35 24 August 2008 23 November 2008 Wes Carr Luke Dickens Marcia Hines Ian Dickson Kyle Sandilands Andrew G James Mathison Ricki-Lee Coulter Seven 20 9 August 2009 22 November 2009 Stan Walker Hayley Warner Kyle Sandilands Jay Dee Springbett Marcia Hines Ian Dickson Andrew G Ricki-Lee Coulter Eight 21 30 January 2023 26 March 2023 Royston Sagigi-Baira Phoebe Stewart Harry Connick Jr. Meghan Trainor Amy Shark Kyle Sandilands Ricki-Lee Coulter Scott Tweedie Seven Nine 26 29 January 2024 25 March 2024 Dylan Wright Amy Reeves Kyle Sandilands Marcia Hines Amy Shark Ten 2 February 2025 7 April 2025 Marshall Hamburger Iilysh Retallick Eleven 27 2 February 2026 14 April 2026 Kesha Oayda Harlan Goode Twelve TBD 2027 2027 TBD TBD TBD TBD

## Judges and hosts

Cast member Season 1 (2003) 2 (2004) 3 (2005) 4 (2006) 5 (2007) 6 (2008) 7 (2009) 8 (2023) 9 (2024) 10 (2025) 11 (2026) Judge Marcia Hines colspan="7" colspan="3" Mark Holden colspan="5" Ian Dickson colspan="2" colspan="3" Kyle Sandilands colspan="4" colspan="4" Jay Dee Springbett Amy Shark colspan="4" Meghan Trainor Harry Connick Jr Host Andrew G colspan="7" James Mathison colspan="6" Ricki-Lee Coulter colspan="1" colspan="5" Scott Tweedie colspan="4"

## History

*Australian Idol* sought to discover the most commercial young singer in Australia through a series of nationwide auditions. The outcomes of the later stages of this competition were determined by public voting. It was the first show to use this system of voting in Australia.[citation needed] The original judging panel featured [Mark Holden](/source/Mark_Holden), [Marcia Hines](/source/Marcia_Hines) and [Ian 'Dicko' Dickson](/source/Ian_Dickson_(music_mogul)). In 2005, this was changed as Dickson was replaced by [Kyle Sandilands](/source/Kyle_Sandilands).

In 2007, Dickson again returned to the program, when Holden left at the end of the season. In 2009, Sandilands was replaced by [Jay Dee Springbett](/source/Jay_Dee_Springbett).[2]

### Cancellation

[Network Ten](/source/Network_Ten) made the decision to "rest" the program for 2010 after poor ratings in 2009.[3] No further comment was formally made regarding the future of *Australian Idol* on Network Ten until early 2013, following the network's acquisition of rights to the American series, when program chief Beverley McGarvey hinted it may return. However, later that same year, a Ten spokesperson confirmed that it would not be returning.[4]

### Revival

On 21 October 2020, [Seven Network](/source/Seven_Network) announced at their annual upfronts that they would be reviving the series, originally slated for 2022.[5][6][7]

On 28 September 2022, Seven announced that [Ricki-Lee Coulter](/source/Ricki-Lee_Coulter) and [Scott Tweedie](/source/Scott_Tweedie) would be the new hosts, with the judging panel consisting of former *[American Idol](/source/American_Idol)* judge [Harry Connick Jr.](/source/Harry_Connick_Jr.), former *Australian Idol* judge [Kyle Sandilands](/source/Kyle_Sandilands), [Amy Shark](/source/Amy_Shark) and [Meghan Trainor](/source/Meghan_Trainor).[8][9] Original judge [Marcia Hines](/source/Marcia_Hines) appeared as a guest judge.[10] The revival premiered on 30 January 2023.[11]

In July 2023, it was officially revealed that the show had been renewed by Seven Network for a ninth season, set to premiere in 2024.[12] It was later revealed that Coulter and Tweedie would return as hosts, and that Sandilands and Shark will be returning to their judging positions. However, Connick Jr. and Trainor will not be returning, with Trainor leaving due to family reasons. Original judge Marcia Hines will return as a main judge.[13][14] Seven officially confirmed the 2024 judges at their upfronts in October 2023.[15] In November 2024, the series was renewed for a tenth season by Seven with Sandilands, Hines and Shark returning as judges with Coulter & Tweedie returning as hosts.[16] On March 29, 2025, it was confirmed during a live show of the 2025 season, that the show would be renewed for an eleventh season in 2026. Sandilands, Hines and Shark are all slated to return as judges with Coulter & Tweedie returning as hosts.[17]

## Format

### Auditions

Auditions were held in major cities around Australia to find each season's contestants. Any contestant who got a "yes" from a majority of judges was put through to the top 100 in Sydney. The TV episodes showed the most interesting auditions, which generally meant the worst and the best.

- In Seasons 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7, auditions were held in [Sydney](/source/Sydney), [Melbourne](/source/Melbourne), [Perth](/source/Perth), [Brisbane](/source/Brisbane) and [Adelaide](/source/Adelaide).
- In Season 5 auditions were also held in [Darwin](/source/Darwin,_Northern_Territory).
- In Season 2 in addition to the above cities, auditions were also held in [Tamworth](/source/Tamworth,_New_South_Wales), [Canberra](/source/Canberra) and [Hobart](/source/Hobart).

### Top 100

Singers who progress from the auditions go to Sydney, in a stage which was sometimes called the Top 100 or Top 50 (season 8). Over a few days, these contestants are narrowed down to the semi-finalists.

### Semi-finals

Over different seasons, the number of semi-finalists varied between 24 and 40, with between 8 and 10 contestants. For the first seven seasons, each semi-final was spread over two nights. On the first night, each semi-finalist sang a song, and was critiqued by each judge. Then over the next day, the public voted (by phone or SMS). The second night was results night, and the top 2 or 3 went through to the top 12. There was also included a "wild card" semi-final, to give some contestants a second chance to make the top 12.

For seasons 1 to 3, each semi-final took a week, with performances on Sunday night and results on Monday night. For seasons 4 onwards, the semi-finals were all in a single week, because there was greater viewer interest in the finals than the semi-finals.

The formats for the different seasons were:

**Season 1** had 5 semi-finals of 8 contestants each. The top 2 in each semi-final made the top 12. A wild card round decided 2 more finalists (it turned out to be 3 after one contestant withdrew) - one judges' choice, two by public vote.

**Seasons 2** and **3** had 3 semi-finals of 10 contestants each, with the top 3 in each semi-final making the top 12. Then a further 3 were progressed from the wild card round (2 by judges' choice, 1 by public vote). (The wild card episode in the 3rd season had a little twist, when the judges announced a third person, namely, Roxanne Lebrasse, who also had the 2nd highest number of votes, would be included in the finals, making it a Top 13.)

**Seasons 4-7** had 4 semi-finals of 6 contestants each, with the top 2 in each semi-final making the top 12. Then a further 4 made the Top 12 from the wild card round. Seasons 4 and 5 had same gender semi-finals, while Season 6 had 3 males and 3 females in each semi-final. For the wild card show, Seasons 4 and 6 selected 3 by judges' choice and 1 by public vote; Season 5 selected 2 by judges' choice and 2 by public vote;.

**Season 8** had 3 semi-finals of 8 contestants each, with the judges putting 4 from each through to the top 12, on the same night. There was no public voting and no wild card round.

**Seasons 9-11** had 3 semi-finals of 8 contestants each, with the judges putting 4 from each through to the top 12, on the same night. There was no public voting and no wild card round.

For the first five seasons, contestants who made the semi-finals in previous seasons were not eligible to audition. From the 2008 season onwards, only Top 12 contestants from previous seasons were ineligible.

### Finals (Top 12)

In the Season 1 to 7 finals, one contestant was eliminated per week. (With the exception of Season 1, which eliminated 2 in the first 3 weeks of the finals, and Season 3, which eliminated 2 in the first week of finals due to having a final 13).

For Season 8 onwards, two contestants were eliminated in the first three weeks (Final 12, Final 10 and Final 8), and three were eliminated in Final 6 week, leaving three to go to the Grand Finale.

Each week, contestants chose a song to a weekly theme on the Sunday night. (As the number of contestants got smaller, they sang two or three songs each). As in the semi-finals, each performance was critiqued by the judges, and then there was (approximately) 24 hours of voting by phone or SMS, before the results were announced on the Monday night. The eliminated competitor(s) then presented a final song – usually the number they sang the previous night. In Season 8, each of the bottom 4 performed on elimination night, after voting had closed but before the results were announced.

#### Grand Finale

The final results night, the Grand Finale, was held at the [Sydney Opera House](/source/Sydney_Opera_House) during seasons 1 to 7. It usually featured fireworks and an outdoor concert with many past *Idol* stars and other Australian musicians. It had been the highest rating episode of each season. The top 12 were celebrated and at the end of the night the winner was announced. Seasons 1–5 were held inside Sydney Opera House on the concert hall stage. For seasons 6 and 7, the finale was held on a stage erected on the Opera House forecourt. The Opera House has not been used in the reboot seasons (8 onwards).

After the first two seasons, the top 12 and top 10 went on a national tour. There were no tours for later seasons. However, there was a "Winner's Journey Tour" involving the winner with some guest performances from the Top 12 for seasons 4 and 5.

### Touchdowns

A "touchdown" was awarded by judge Mark Holden when, in his own opinion, a contestant's performance was particularly good. Holden awarded his first ever "touchdown" to [Cosima De Vito](/source/Cosima_De_Vito) for her rendition of Cold Chisel's "[When the War Is Over](/source/When_the_War_Is_Over)" in the Top 8 on Australian Made night in Season 1. De Vito also received a touchdown for her rendition of [Respect](/source/Respect_(song)), a classic hit by Aretha Franklin. Season 4 winner, [Damien Leith](/source/Damien_Leith) and Season 2 winner, [Casey Donovan](/source/Casey_Donovan_(singer)) have the record for the highest number of touchdowns at four apiece. Leith is the only contestant to receive two touchdowns in the same night. [Emily Williams](/source/Emily_Williams), and [Matt Corby](/source/Matt_Corby), runners-up of seasons 3 and 5 respectively both hold the record of receiving the most touchdowns without winning, at three apiece. In 2004, Top 8 contestants choice night, he awarded his only ever 'Grand Royal' Touchdown when [Anthony Callea](/source/Anthony_Callea) sang his stunning rendition of "[The Prayer](/source/The_Prayer_(Celine_Dion_and_Andrea_Bocelli_song))" which is still regarded as one of the most memorable performances of all seven series. Another two of Holden's most memorable "touchdowns" were awarded to [Guy Sebastian](/source/Guy_Sebastian) for his rendition of "Climb Every Mountain" on the Top 3 show in Season 1 and to [Jessica Mauboy](/source/Jessica_Mauboy) for her rendition of [Christina Aguilera](/source/Christina_Aguilera)'s "[Beautiful](/source/Beautiful_(Christina_Aguilera_song))" on the Top 10 Number 1 Hits show in Season 4. Holden's final touchdown went to 2007 winner [Natalie Gauci](/source/Natalie_Gauci) in the Top 4 on Big Band night during Season 5.

During Season 6, due to Holden's departure from the judging panel, the other judges awarded "touchdowns" themselves. The first "touchdown" was delivered by Kyle Sandilands to Chrislyn Hamilton on top 12 night. She later received another on Motown night by guest judge and first series winner, Guy Sebastian. Thanh Bui received one from Marcia Hines during ABBA night and Mark Spano was also delivered one by Ian "Dicko" Dickson during Top 6 Rolling Stones night. Eventual winner, Wes Carr was awarded two; one by Hines and guest judge [Jermaine Jackson](/source/Jermaine_Jackson) on [Michael Jackson](/source/Michael_Jackson) night and another on Top 3 night by Dickson.

An alternate version of a "touchdown" was done by Dickson if he believes the performance was extraordinary saying "big ticko from Dicko". This was used in one of Natalie Gauci's performances and a few other performances when Holden was around.

In the first seven seasons, a "touchdown" did not carry any official status. However, in [Season 8](/source/Australian_Idol_season_8), during the Top 24 performances, each judge was allowed one "touchdown", which put a singer immediately through to the Top 12.

## Season synopsis

### Season 1

Main article: [Australian Idol season 1](/source/Australian_Idol_season_1)

When Network Ten paid $15 million for the first season of Australian Idol they anticipated it to be a critical and financial success like it had been in other countries such as the UK and the USA. When the show aired for the first time in August 2003 it was a ratings bonanza attracting diverse ranges of viewers, from people wanting the crazy auditions to people who wanted to hear great voices. The audition process went through several major cities in Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin. Australian Idol became the most popular TV show in the country with more ratings than major events such as the AFL Grand Final. The Grand Final at the Sydney Opera House attracted more than 3 million viewers. It was listed as the ninth highest rating TV show in Australia in the past century in 2007. The eventual winner of the competition was [Guy Sebastian](/source/Guy_Sebastian) with [Shannon Noll](/source/Shannon_Noll) finishing in 2nd place.

Guy Sebastian has released ten top 10 albums, with eight reaching the top 5, including three No. 1's.[18] His debut album *[Just As I Am](/source/Just_as_I_Am_(Guy_Sebastian_album))* was certified 6× platinum and sold in excess of 480,000 units.[19][20] *[Beautiful Life](/source/Beautiful_Life_(Guy_Sebastian_album))*, *[Closer to the Sun](/source/Closer_to_the_Sun_(Guy_Sebastian_album))* and *[Like It Like That](/source/Like_It_Like_That_(Guy_Sebastian_Album))* were all platinum sellers, with [The Memphis Album](/source/The_Memphis_Album), *[Twenty Ten](/source/Twenty_Ten_(Guy_Sebastian_album))* reaching 2× platinum. *[Armageddon](/source/Armageddon_(Guy_Sebastian_album))* has been certified 3× platinum.[21][22][23][24][25][26] *[Madness](/source/Madness_(Guy_Sebastian_album))* has been certified gold.[26] His most recent album, *[T.R.U.T.H.](/source/T.R.U.T.H.)* became his third number one album and has been certified platinum. He has also released 23 top 20 singles, with 14 reaching the top ten, including six No. 1's.[18] Sebastian is the only Australian male artist in Australian music history to achieve six No. 1 singles, and is third overall for all Australian acts.[27] His debut single [Angels Brought Me Here](/source/Angels_Brought_Me_Here) was the highest selling single in Australia in 2003, reaching 5× platinum certification.[28][29] It won the 2004 ARIA for Highest Selling Single, and in 2010 ARIA announced it was the highest selling song of the previous decade.[30][31] "[Like It Like That](/source/Like_It_like_That_(Guy_Sebastian_song))" the title track from his fifth album reached 5× platinum and was the highest selling Australian artist single of 2009.[32][33] "[Who's That Girl](/source/Who's_That_Girl_(Guy_Sebastian_song))", *Twenty Ten'*s only single, reached 6× platinum certification and won the 2011 ARIA Award for Highest Selling Single.[32][34][35] "[Don't Worry Be Happy](/source/Don't_Worry_Be_Happy_(Guy_Sebastian_song)), the lead single of Sebastian's seventh album *Armageddon* reached 5× platinum.[36] The third single "[Battle Scars](/source/Battle_Scars)" featuring [Lupe Fiasco](/source/Lupe_Fiasco) debuted at No. 1, becoming his sixth No. 1 single in Australia, and achieved 14× platinum certification in 2023.[37][29] Sebastian has been awarded 82 platinum and seven gold certifications for albums and singles in Australia, the highest for any Australian Idol contestant.[38]

"Angels Brought Me Here" reached No. 1 in Malaysia, Singapore, The Philippines, Indonesia and New Zealand.[39][40] Sebastian achieved a second No. 1 on the [New Zealand Charts](/source/RIANZ) with "Who's That Girl", and reached the Top 10 with his debut album and five other singles, and has ten platinum and five gold certifications there.[41][42][43][44] Sebastian is currently the Australian Idol contestant to chart in the US. "Battle Scars" reached No. 71 on the [*Billboard* Hot 100](/source/Billboard_Hot_100), No. 23 on the [*Billboard* Digital Songs Chart](/source/Hot_Digital_Songs) and No. 1 on the *Billboard* R&B/Hip-hop Digital Song Chart.[45][46] It spent 20 weeks in the Hot 100 and has been certified triple platinum in the US for sales of three million.[47][48] "Battle Scars" also reached No. 2 in [Norway](/source/Norway).[49] In 2015 Sebastian was selected to represent Australia in the [Eurovision Song Contest](/source/Eurovision_Song_Contest_2015). He finished 5th, and his song "[Tonight Again](/source/Tonight_Again)" charted in the top 50 in a number of European countries, including No.6 in [Iceland](/source/Iceland) and 16 in [Austria](/source/Austria).[50][51][52] During his career Sebastian has received 32 [ARIA Award](/source/ARIA_Award) nominations, winning six of them, including Best Pop Release and Best Live Act.[53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60]

Shannon Noll has released five top 10 albums.[61] His debut album *[That's What I'm Talking About](/source/That's_What_I'm_Talking_About)* gained 5× platinum certification and his second album [Lift](/source/Lift_(Shannon_Noll_album)) reached 3× platinum, both debuting at No. 1 on the ARIA charts.[21][62] His third album, *[Turn It Up](/source/Turn_It_Up_(Shannon_Noll_album))*, peaked at No. 3 and achieved platinum certification,[63] His fourth album *[No Turning Back: The Story So Far](/source/No_Turning_Back:_The_Story_So_Far)* reached No. 7, with his fifth album *A Million Suns* peaking at #8. Neither of these albums have gained certification. Between 2004 and 2007 Noll released ten top 10 singles including three #1's, and he is the only Australian male artist to have achieved 10 consecutive top 10 singles.[64][65] Since then he has released seven more singles, with two reaching the top 50, the highest one peaking at #26.[64] "[What About Me](/source/What_About_Me_(Moving_Pictures_song))" was the highest selling single in Australia in 2004 and he received ARIA nominations for highest seller for it and his debut album at the 2004 Aria Awards.[31][66] He also received nominations for best pop release for his second album *[Lift](/source/Lift_(Shannon_Noll_album))* and a highest selling single nomination for its lead single "[Shine](/source/Shine_(Shannon_Noll_song))" in 2006.[67] "Don't Give Up" a duet with [Natalie Bassingthwaighte](/source/Natalie_Bassingthwaighte) was nominated for highest selling single at the 2007 ARIA Awards.[68] He has a total of 17 platinum and three gold certifications for albums and singles in Australia.[38] Noll's first single "What About Me" also reached No. 2 in Ireland and No. 10 in New Zealand, with his debut album peaking at No. 31 in NZ.[69][70]

[Paulini](/source/Paulini) who came fourth has released two albums as a solo artist, [One Determined Heart](/source/One_Determined_Heart) which reached No. 1 and gained platinum certification, and [Superwoman](/source/Superwoman_(Paulini_album)) which peaked at #77. She has also released four top 50 singles including the No. 1 "[Angel Eyes](/source/Angel_Eyes_(The_Jeff_Healey_Band_song))", a platinum seller which was nominated for highest selling single at the 2004 ARIA Awards. In 2007, [Paulini](/source/Paulini) was nominated for "Urban Music Awards" for "Best R&B Album" & "Best Female Artist" for *Superwoman*. Paulini was also a member of The Young Divas, who released two Top 10 albums and four Top 50 singles.

The other top 5 contestants in season one were [Cosima De Vito](/source/Cosima_De_Vito) who came 3rd, & [Rob Mills](/source/Rob_Mills) who finished in 5th place. After Idol it was these five, the Final 5, who were the most successful out of the Top 12. Other Idol contestants from Season 1 to release music were [Levi Kereama](/source/Levi_Kereama), [Rebekah LaVauney](/source/Rebekah_LaVauney), [Peter Ryan](/source/Peter_Ryan_(singer)) and [Courtney Act](/source/Courtney_Act). All of these independent acts achieved limited success.

Date Bottom Three 22 September Mathew Chadwick Peter Ryan Kelly Cavuoto 29 September Cle Wootton Lauren Buckley Kelly Cavuoto 6 October Kelly Cavuoto Rebekah LaVauney Levi Kereama 13 October Levi Kereama Paulini Curuenavuli Shannon Noll Bottom Two 20 October Rob Mills Cosima De Vito 27 October Paulini Curuenavuli Guy Sebastian 3 November Cosima De Vito 19 November Shannon Noll Guy Sebastian

### Season 2

Main article: [Australian Idol season 2](/source/Australian_Idol_season_2)

As well as the five larger cities, the judges also visited [Canberra](/source/Canberra), [Hobart](/source/Hobart), [Darwin](/source/Darwin,_Northern_Territory) and [Tamworth](/source/Tamworth,_New_South_Wales) this year. Of the twelve finalists, three were from Sydney, two were from Melbourne, and one each from [Brisbane](/source/Brisbane), the [Gold Coast](/source/Gold_Coast,_Australia), [Hobart](/source/Hobart), [Perth](/source/Perth), [Canberra](/source/Canberra), [Adelaide](/source/Adelaide) and [Bega](/source/Bega,_New_South_Wales).

The winner was [Casey Donovan](/source/Casey_Donovan_(singer)). The runners up (in descending order) were [Anthony Callea](/source/Anthony_Callea), [Courtney Murphy](/source/Courtney_Murphy), [Hayley Jensen](/source/Hayley_Jensen) & Chanel Cole. The final two, as well as [Ricki-Lee Coulter](/source/Ricki-Lee_Coulter) (7th), were the only contestants from the Top 12 to be signed to a record company. Callea was the highest seller of the three, with his first release "The Prayer" spending five consecutive weeks at No 1, and becoming the second highest selling song in Australia last decade overall and for an Australian artist.[30] Chanel Cole and Daniel Belle teamed up under the name [Spook](/source/Spook_(band)) to release an album in October 2005; a bootleg album for Chanel was also released in November 2005. Top 30 contestants [Ngaiire Joseph](/source/Ngaiire_Joseph) and Marty Worrall each released a single in late 2005, and Hayley Jensen an album in September 2007. [Daniel O'Connor](/source/Daniel_O'Connor_(singer)), another of the Top 12, gained a role on *[Neighbours](/source/Neighbours)*.

The Grand finale of this series remains the highest rated show out of all broadcast over the five seasons.

On a darker note, [Telstra](/source/Telstra), a major [sponsor](/source/Sponsor_(commercial)) of the series, made an embarrassing error when they issued a series of half-page advertisements in major newspapers congratulating Donovan on her victory, with a reference to her website. However, the address was incorrect, leading to a website about [gay](/source/Homosexual) porn star [Casey Donovan](/source/Casey_Donovan_(porn_star)), rather than the singer's. The company issued a prompt apology upon realising their mistake.[71]

After this season, judge [Ian Dickson](/source/Ian_Dickson_(music_mogul)) left the series, later to appear in the [Seven Network](/source/Seven_Network) reality TV shows *[My Restaurant Rules](/source/My_Restaurant_Rules), [Dancing with the Stars](/source/Dancing_with_the_Stars_(Australian_TV_series))* and most recently, *[Australian Celebrity Survivor](/source/Australian_Celebrity_Survivor)*. The 2004 season was also notable for an Asian contestant named "Flynn", who sang the [Freestylers](/source/Freestylers) song "Push Up" after being found from a terrible audition, in the same vein as [William Hung](/source/William_Hung).

Date Theme Bottom Three 6 September Australian Made Angeline Narayan Emelia Rusciano Amali Ward 13 September Pop Dan O'Connor Hayley Jensen Marty Worrall 20 September 1960s Amali Ward (2) Hayley Jensen (2) Marty Worrall (2) 27 September Disco Emelia Rusciano (2) Marty Worrall (3) Casey Donovan 4 October Contestant's Choice Daniel Belle Chanel Cole Hayley Jensen (3) 11 October The Beatles Ricki-Lee Coulter Chanel Cole (2) Marty Worrall (4) 18 October 1980s Marty Worrall (5) Casey Donovan (2) Hayley Jensen (4) 25 October R&B Chanel Cole (3) Courtney Murphy 1 November Big Band Hayley Jensen (5) Casey Donovan (3) 8 November 1970s Courtney Murphy (2) 21 November Finale Anthony Callea Casey Donovan (3)

### Season 3

Main article: [Australian Idol season 3](/source/Australian_Idol_season_3)

For the first time in '**Australian Idol'** history there were 13 finalists. This came about during the Wildcard Verdict show on 5 September 2005. The judges initially chose James Kannis and Emily Williams to go through to the final. This left one spot which was chosen by the Australian public. Out of the remaining contestants the two that received the highest votes were Daniel Spillane and Roxane Lebrasse. With only 1% between them, Dan was announced as the final member of the Top 12. This meant Roxane had missed out yet again. The judges decided however that Roxane was too good to be left out of the Top 12 so they made it a Top 13. The catch was that two contestants were eliminated in the first round of the finals.

On 21 November 2005, the winner was announced and it was [Kate DeAraugo](/source/Kate_DeAraugo). Kate was an outside chance to win throughout the whole season and after the show had ended Kate released a No. 1 single, a platinum selling album and a further Top 10 hit single through Sony BMG. Kate is currently working with all-girl group [Young Divas](/source/Young_Divas), which is made up of past *Idol* contestants which include [Paulini Curuenavuli](/source/Paulini_Curuenavuli), [Jessica Mauboy](/source/Jessica_Mauboy) and [Emily Williams](/source/Emily_Williams). Runner up [Emily Williams](/source/Emily_Williams) lost by 1% in the closest percentage ever in an *Idol* finale. She was originally signed to Sony BMG as a solo artist, but the agreement fell through. She is also a member of [Young Divas](/source/Young_Divas) and has had much success with them.

[Lee Harding](/source/Lee_Harding) finished in third position and was signed to Sony BMG and released a # 1 single and a platinum selling album. His second single from his debut album proved to be less successful and in mid-2006 Harding was released from his contract with the label. He is currently touring and performing with [Bedrock](/source/Bedrock_(producers)).

[Dan England](/source/Dan_England) came 4th and didn't score a recording contract with a major label but recorded several independent releases and has toured with Season 2 winner [Casey Donovan](/source/Casey_Donovan_(singer)) and Season 1 runner-up [Shannon Noll](/source/Shannon_Noll).

[Anne Robertson](/source/Australian_Idol_season_3#Anne_Robertson) who finished in sixth position was negotiating a deal with Sony BMG, but it was rumoured that Sony BMG was reluctant in signing her as they believed she was too similar to Season 1 contestant [Paulini Curuenavuli](/source/Paulini_Curuenavuli) who had been signed to the label for several years. Other Idol contestants from Season 3 have released numerous independent material and have toured and performed with several bands and music groups.

Although averaging around the 1.5 million viewer mark, ratings were down by up to 40% on average during the third season compared to the first two seasons, which regularly drew more than 2.5 million viewers during the latter half of the competition. This created a serious situation for Ten, which was airing three *Australian Idol* shows every week at the time, and forced them to give away free commercial airtime to program sponsors expecting higher ratings. Commentators have theorised over the reasons why this has occurred, ranging from the viewing public being tired of the format due to Sandilands replacing the popular Dickson. This caused a major *Idol* revamp for Season 4 which meant Season 4 being one of the highest rating seasons yet.

Date Theme Bottom Three 12 September Australian Artists Tarni Stephens Chris Luder Milly Edwards 19 September 1960s Natalie Zahra Laura Gissara James Kannis 26 September Rock Supergroups Laura Gissara (2) James Kannis (2) Daniel Spillane 3 October Contestant's Choice Roxane LeBrasse Milly Edwards (2) Daniel Spillane (2) 10 October Big Band Milly Edwards (3) Dan England James Kannis (3) 17 October 1980's James Kannis (4) Emily Williams Daniel Spillane (3) 24 October Motown Anne Robertson Daniel Spillane (4) Dan England (2) 31 October 1970's Daniel Spillane (5) Lee Harding 7 November Elvis Presley Dan England (3) Lee Harding (2) 14 November Number Ones Lee Harding (3) 21 November Finale Emily Williams (1) Kate DeAraugo

### Season 4

Main article: [Australian Idol season 4](/source/Australian_Idol_season_4)

Changes for the fourth season of *Australian Idol* included the cancellation of "Inside Idol"; a "streamlined" semi-finals (replaced with a variant of the 12 females, 12 males format popularised by *[American Idol](/source/American_Idol)*); and the contestants will be able to bring instruments with them on stage for at least one of the final shows. Also, the fourth season's television promos promised a change in the viewer's role in the show, revealed to be an SMS service called 199-JUDGE which allows viewers to SMS their opinions on the judges' reactions.

[Damien Leith](/source/Damien_Leith) was named the winner of Australian Idol 2006 on 26 November, beating [Jessica Mauboy](/source/Jessica_Mauboy) for the title. Leith is the fifth most successful Australian Idol contestant behind [Guy Sebastian](/source/Guy_Sebastian), [Shannon Noll](/source/Shannon_Noll), Mauboy and [Anthony Callea](/source/Anthony_Callea). He has been awarded 7 platinum and one gold certification and achieved sales of 525,000+. He has the third highest album sales for a contestant. He achieved two No. 1 albums, *[The Winner's Journey](/source/The_Winner's_Journey_(Damien_Leith_album))* which sold 4× platinum and [Where We Land](/source/Where_We_Land) which gained platinum certification. His first single, [Night of My Life](/source/Night_of_My_Life_(Damien_Leith_song)) stayed at No. 1 for four consecutive weeks and was certified platinum after one week of sales. It was the fastest selling debut single for 2006. Leith won 4 ARIA No. 1 Chart Awards, and the 2007 [ARIA Award](/source/ARIA_Award) for Highest Selling Album for *The Winner's Journey*. His third studio album [Catch the Wind: Songs of a Generation](/source/Catch_the_Wind:_Songs_of_a_Generation) peaked at No. 2, reaching gold status. His fourth album *Remember June* released in 2009 peaked at No. 25. In 2010 Leith released a covers album of [Roy Orbison](/source/Roy_Orbison) songs titled *Roy* which reached No. 2 and platinum certification. His sixth album *Now and Then* released in 2012 peaked at #12. He has also released two novels and hosted Network Ten's television series "Saving Kids".

Jessica Mauboy went on to join ex-Idol girl group [Young Divas](/source/Young_Divas), after member from season 2, [Ricki-Lee Coulter](/source/Ricki-Lee_Coulter), left the group. Mauboy has since gained much success as a solo artist. Her first studio album [Been Waiting](/source/Been_Waiting) peaked at No. 11, spent 59 weeks on the charts and achieved 2× platinum status. Mauboy has also enjoyed success with her singles "[Running Back](/source/Running_Back_(Jessica_Mauboy_song))" which was certified 2× platinum and second single "[Burn](/source/Burn_(Jessica_Mauboy_song))" which reached No. 1 and achieved platinum status. Her third single "[Been Waiting](/source/Been_Waiting_(song))" peaked at No. 12, fourth single "[Because](/source/Because_(Jessica_Mauboy_song))" peaked at No. 9 and her 5th single "[Up/Down](/source/Up/Down)" peaked at #11. These three singles all reached gold certification. Her second studio album *[Get 'Em Girls](/source/Get_'Em_Girls_(album))* peaked at No. 6 and achieved gold certification. Five top 20 singles were released from the album, including 2 which achieved platinum and 2 double platinum certification. Mauboy has achieved 11 platinum and 5 gold certifications and received 12 ARIA Award nominations, including one win during her career as a recording artist. Third place getter [Dean Geyer](/source/Dean_Geyer) later released his debut album *[Rush](/source/Rush_(Dean_Geyer_album))* and top ten single "If You Don't Mean It" and starred on the Australian long-time running soap *[Neighbours](/source/Neighbours)* from 2008 to 2009.[72]

Date Theme Bottom Three 11 September Contestant's Choice Joseph Gatehau Lavina Williams Reigan Derry 18 September Rock Reigan Derry (2) Ricky Muscat Guy Mutton 25 September Number Ones Klancie Keough Dean Geyer Lavina Williams (2) 2 October Birth Year Guy Mutton (2) Lisa Mitchell Jessica Mauboy 9 October Disco Lavina Williams (3) Chris Murphy Ricky Muscat (2) 16 October Acoustic Bobby Flynn Lisa Mitchell (2) Ricky Muscat (3) 23 October Rock Swings Lisa Mitchell (3) Dean Geyer (2) Ricky Muscat (4) 30 October ARIA Hall of Fame Ricky Muscat (5) Dean Geyer (3) Damien Leith 6 November Audience Choice Chris Murphy (2) Dean Geyer (4) 13 November Judge's Choice Dean Geyer (5) 26 November Finale* Jessica Mauboy Damien Leith

### Season 5

Main article: [Australian Idol season 5](/source/Australian_Idol_season_5)

[Ian "Dicko" Dickson](/source/Ian_Dickson_(music_mogul)) rejoined the show as one of the judges, along with [Mark Holden](/source/Mark_Holden), [Marcia Hines](/source/Marcia_Hines) and [Kyle Sandilands](/source/Kyle_Sandilands) from 2006. The series was again hosted by [Andrew G](/source/Andrew_G%C3%BCnsberg) and [James Mathison](/source/James_Mathison). The show continued with the format from Season 4 where contestants could use instruments throughout the show and for their audition they could perform original material rather than covering other artist's work.

[Natalie Gauci](/source/Natalie_Gauci) went on to win the series, beating [Matt Corby](/source/Matt_Corby) for the title. Natalie released her debut platinum selling album "[The Winner's Journey](/source/The_Winner's_Journey_(Natalie_Gauci_album))". After the winner's single "[Here I Am](/source/Here_I_Am_(Natalie_Gauci_song))" debuted at No. 2 on the [ARIA Charts](/source/ARIA_Charts), and the album debuted at No. 11. Natalie released her second album in 2012.

[Carl Riseley](/source/Carl_Riseley), who finished third in the contest went on to release a swing-style album titled "[The Rise](/source/The_Rise_(Carl_Riseley_album))", debuting at No. 5 on the ARIA Charts. Carl Riseley's 2nd cd "the stillest hour" was released 24 April 2009 and peaked at NO#1 on the ARIA jazz chart.

Date Theme Bottom Three 9 September Contestant's Choice Holly Weinert Lana Krost Brianna Carpenter 16 September Rock Brianna Carpenter (2) Marty Simpson Jacob Butler 23 September Disco Lana Krost (2) Tarisai Vushe Daniel Mifsud 30 September Acoustic Mark Da Costa Jacob Butler (2) Daniel Mifsud (2) 7 October Brit Pop Jacob Butler (3) Carl Riseley Daniel Mifsud (3) 14 October Birth Year Ben McKenzie Matt Corby Marty Simpson (2) 21 October Judge's Choice/Contestant's Choice Daniel Mifsud (4) Tarisai Vushe (2) Marty Simpson (3) 28 October Australian Made Tarisai Vushe (3) Natalie Gauci 4 November Big Band Marty Simpson (4) Carl Riseley (2) 11 November Audience Choice/Contestant's Choice Carl Riseley (3) 25 November Finale Matt Corby (1) Natalie Gauci (1)

### Season 6

Main article: [Australian Idol season 6](/source/Australian_Idol_season_6)

Changes to the Australian Idol format for season 6 include judge [Mark Holden](/source/Mark_Holden)[73] leaving the show and temporary absence of host [Andrew Günsberg](/source/Andrew_G%C3%BCnsberg), and auditions held for the first time in the United Kingdom.[74] This was also the first season where the Top 4 contestants were all male, and the second time with two male grand finalists, after Season 1 Finale with Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll. On 23 November, [Wes Carr](/source/Wes_Carr) was announced as Australian Idol for 2008, beating [Luke Dickens](/source/Luke_Dickens).

Date Theme Bottom Three 14 September Idols' Idols Jonny Taylor Teale Jakubenko Sophie Paterson 21 September '80s Music Brooke Addamo Sophie Paterson (2) Thanh Bui 28 September Aussie Hits Tom Williams Teale Jakubenko (2) Madam Parker 5 October ABBA Madam Parker (2) Chrislyn Hamilton Roshani Priddis 12 October Rock Thanh Bui (2) Teale Jakubenko (3) Sophie Paterson (3) 19 October Motown Sophie Paterson (4) Mark Spano Teale Jakubenko (4) 26 October The Rolling Stones Roshani Priddis (2) Luke Dickens Teale Jakubenko (5) 2 November Michael Jackson Chrislyn Hamilton (2) Mark Spano (2) 9 November American Hits Teale Jakubenko (6) Wes Carr 16 November Contestants Choice Mark Spano (3) 23 November Finale Luke Dickens (1) Wes Carr (1)

### Season 7

Main article: [Australian Idol season 7](/source/Australian_Idol_season_7)

On 10 November 2008, it was announced that a seventh season of *Australian Idol* would be produced and aired in late 2009.[75]

James Mathison announced on 31 March 2009 that he was leaving the show after six seasons. Andrew G continued hosting along with [Ricki-Lee Coulter](/source/Ricki-Lee_Coulter) who was once again co-host.

On 1 June 2009, musical director John Foreman announced that he was also leaving the show after six seasons. Foreman's right-hand man, David Pritchard-Blunt, was announced as his replacement.

On 3 August, Kyle Sandilands was let go as a judge on *Australian Idol*, after an [on-air radio stunt went wrong](/source/Kyle_Sandilands#Lie_detector_incident_and_sacking_from_Network_Ten). "Australian Idol is very much a family program and its appeal is very much right across the board, and we'd like to think that all families can enjoy the program in front of the TV," *Idol* Executive David Mott stated on the daily news.

It was announced on 3 August 2009, via a press statement from [Network Ten](/source/Network_Ten), that Sandilands had been sacked from *Australian Idol* due to this incident. He was replaced by Jay Dee Springbett,[2] a Sony music executive.

A Network Ten spokesman said of Sandilands' firing:

"Idol has remained a family-focused show, even more so this year with the 6.30 pm Sunday timeslot. His radio persona has taken on a more controversial position ... which is not in the interest of the show."[76]

Of being fired from *Australia Idol*, Sandilands said in a statement that "I'm disappointed at Channel Ten's decision to remove me from Australian Idol. I have truly loved being a part of the show." Network Ten had held crisis talks with advertisers in the days prior to his firing amid concerns Sandilands would damage their brands. Idol creator [Simon Fuller](/source/Simon_Fuller) reportedly gave Ten his blessing to fire Sandilands. It was believed Sandilands earned $1 million of his estimated annual $2.8 million income from Idol.[76]

The promotional commercial for the season featured various "Legends". It featured impersonations of Elvis, Madonna, Michael Jackson, the Supremes, Christina Aguilera, and Mariah Carey among others. The Australian Idol hopefuls were featured covering Mariah Carey's "Emotions" as the soundtrack to this commercial.

The 7th season began on 9 August at 6.30 pm. This was the first year that previously rejected contestants could return to audition again. The only ineligible contestants were those who previously made the Top 12/13. Semi-finalists (Top 24/30) had the opportunity to re-audition for the show.

Season 7 was also broadcast in New Zealand, five days after the initial airing in Australia.[77] This marked the return of the show to New Zealand screens after a 4-year absence.

Date Theme Bottom Three 6 September Contestant's Choice Ashleigh Toole Casey Barnes Tim Johnston 13 September Rock Casey Barnes (2) Sabrina Batshon Kim Cooper 20 September Top 10 Hits Sabrina Batshon (2) Kim Cooper (2) Nathan Brake 27 September '80s Tim Johnston (2) Scott Newnham 4 October Pink Scott Newnham (2) Nathan Brake (2) 11 October Big Band Kim Cooper (3) Hayley Warner Kate Cook 18 October Movie/Theatre Kate Cook (2) Stan Walker 25 October Contestant's Choice Toby Moulton* Nathan Brake (3) 1 November Noughties Week Nathan Brake (4) Hayley Warner (2) 8 November Power Anthems James Johnston 15 November Contestant's Choice & Winner's Single 22 November Finale Hayley Warner (3) Stan Walker (1)

* Toby Moulton withdrew hence keeping original eliminee in the competition.

### Season 8

Main article: [Australian Idol season 8](/source/Australian_Idol_season_8)

In November 2020, the [Seven Network](/source/Seven_Network) announced that the show would be revived in early 2022, 13 years since it last aired. However, the revival was delayed to 2023.

On 28 September 2022, [Ricki-Lee Coulter](/source/Ricki-Lee_Coulter) and [Scott Tweedie](/source/Scott_Tweedie) were announced as the new hosts. [Harry Connick Jr.](/source/Harry_Connick_Jr.) alongside [Amy Shark](/source/Amy_Shark), [Meghan Trainor](/source/Meghan_Trainor) and [Kyle Sandilands](/source/Kyle_Sandilands) were announced as the judging panel for the revived series. On 24 October 2022, [Marcia Hines](/source/Marcia_Hines) was announced as a guest judge for the season.

Filming for the auditions took place in October 2022 in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and the Gold Coast. Filming for the top 50 took place at the [Sydney Coliseum Theatre](/source/Sydney_Coliseum_Theatre).

Date Theme Bottom Four 27 February Global Number One Hits Jasey Fox Maya Weiss Ben Sheehy Noora H 5 March Judges' Song Contest Sash Seabourne Harry Hayden Ben Sheehy (2) Anya Hynninen 12 March Heroes & Tributes Noora H (2) Angelina Curtis Amali Dimond Phoebe Stewart 19 March* Viewers' Choice Anya Hynninen Ben Sheehy (3) Amali Dimond Royston Sagigi-Baira Phoebe Stewart Josh Hannan 26 March Grand Finale Phoebe Stewart Royston Sagigi-Baira

- 19 March – all singers were up for elimination that week.

### Season 9

Main article: [Australian Idol season 9](/source/Australian_Idol_season_9)

In June 2023, Seven confirmed Australian Idol would return for a ninth season in 2024.

[Ricki-Lee Coulter](/source/Ricki-Lee_Coulter) and [Scott Tweedie](/source/Scott_Tweedie) were announced as the returning hosts. [Harry Connick Jr.](/source/Harry_Connick_Jr.) and [Meghan Trainor](/source/Meghan_Trainor) will not return as judges. [Amy Shark](/source/Amy_Shark) and [Kyle Sandilands](/source/Kyle_Sandilands) were confirmed as returning judges from the previous season. It was also confirmed that [Marcia Hines](/source/Marcia_Hines) will return as a main judge for the series, after being a member of the original seven seasons of the show. On March 24, [Guy Sebastian](/source/Guy_Sebastian) temporarily filled in for Hines, who was sent to hospital after collapsing, but returned for results night.

Filming for the auditions took place in October 2023.

Date Theme Bottom Four 27 February Party Anthems Imogen Spendlove Ripley Alexander TJ Zimba Ivana Illic 5 March Judges’ Choice TJ Zimba (2) Tyler Hammill Kiani Smith Ivana Illic (2) 11 March Public’s Choice Drea Onamade Kiani Smith (2) Dylan Wright Denvah Baker-Moller 18 March* Viewers' Choice Ivana Illic (3) Issac McCallum Trent Richardson Dylan Wright (2) Amy Reeves Denvah Baker-Moller (2) 25 March Grand Finale: Aussie Classics Denvah Baker-Moller (3) Amy Reeves (2) Dylan Wright (3)

- 18 March – all singers were up for elimination that week.

### Season 10

Main article: [Australian Idol season 10](/source/Australian_Idol_season_10)

In November 2024, Seven confirmed Australian Idol would return for a tenth season in 2025.

[Ricki-Lee Coulter](/source/Ricki-Lee_Coulter) and [Scott Tweedie](/source/Scott_Tweedie) were announced as the returning hosts with [Amy Shark](/source/Amy_Shark), [Kyle Sandilands](/source/Kyle_Sandilands) and [Marcia Hines](/source/Marcia_Hines) returning as series judges. The season began airing on 2 February 2025.

Date Theme Bottom Four 11 March Movies Mzuki Aaliyah Duchesne Bony Onynango Hannah Waddell 18 March Superstar Hannah Waddell (2) Bony Onynango (2) Jake Whittaker John Van Beek 24 March Public's choice John Van Beek (2) Emma Jones Jake Whittaker (2) Jaymon Bob 31 March Heroes & Tributes Jake Whittaker (3) Jaymon Bob (2) William Le Brun - 7 April Grand Finale: Solos and Celebrity Duets

## Controversies

### Weight comments

After a performance, judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson told [Paulini Curuenavuli](/source/Paulini_Curuenavuli) that to wear the dress she had chosen she would need to "shed some pounds". This caused outrage and heated debate. The TV show *20 to 1* named the controversy in an episode of its show titled "Aussie Scandals". Kyle Sandilands claimed that 2005 winner, [Kate DeAraugo](/source/Kate_DeAraugo), had "tuck-shop arms".

### Hillsong voting claims

In October 2007, it was alleged in the media that four of the eight remaining contestants were members of [Hillsong Church](/source/Hillsong_Church),[78][79] raising concerns of vote-stacking by the church congregation. The dispute was mainly put to rest when two of the four, Daniel and Ben, said they did not have any affiliations with the Assemblies of God.

### Revenue generation

In October 2017, reporter Neil Wooldridge stated that although the producers are coy about how much was being made from SMS promotions that "some commentators estimate Telstra and Network Ten, partners in the 'Australian Idol' program, made up to $900,000 profit each episode."

In 2003, it was estimated that viewers cast 20 million votes. At 55 cents for each telephone call or text message, that equated to $11 million.[80] Network Ten paid around $13 million for each season.[81]

## See also

- [List of Australian music television shows](/source/List_of_Australian_music_television_shows)
- [*Idol* (franchise)](/source/Idol_(franchise))
- [List of Australian television series](/source/List_of_Australian_television_series)
- [Australian Idol discography](/source/Australian_Idol_discography)
- [List of Australian Idol semi finalists](/source/List_of_Australian_Idol_semi_finalists)
- [Music of Australia](/source/Music_of_Australia)
- *[Pop Idol](/source/Pop_Idol)*

## References

1. ["The Australian Idol Winners: Where Are They Now?"](https://thebrag.com/australian-idol-winners-where-are-they-now/). 14 December 2016.

1. ["Jay Dee Springbett takes Sandilands' Idol job"](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-08-23/jay-dee-springbett-takes-sandilands-idol-job/1401696). *[ABC Online](/source/ABC_Online)*. [Australian Associated Press](/source/Australian_Associated_Press). 23 August 2009. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161030035319/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-08-23/jay-dee-springbett-takes-sandilands-idol-job/1401696) 30 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 22 September 2019.

1. [Australian Idol rested in 2010 after embarrassing ratings](http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/australian-idol-rested-in-2010-after-embarassing-ratings/news-story/e07567a7240fe83ff9450a3692171bcf?sv=1a66ee8ed76c54f894fc4d31f6d92b3f), [Daily Telegraph](/source/The_Daily_Telegraph_(Sydney)), 8 January 2010

1. ["Australia's Network Ten Confirms 'Australian Idol' Isn't Returning -"](https://television.mxdwn.com/news/australias-network-ten-confirms-australian-idol-isnt-returning/). 2 August 2013.

1. Knox, David (21 October 2020). ["Upfronts 2021: Seven"](https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/10/upfronts-2021-seven.html). *[TV Tonight](/source/TV_Tonight)*. Retrieved 21 October 2020.

1. ["The Worlds biggest show, Australian Idol, comes to Seven I'm 2022"](https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2020/10/21/the-worlds-biggest-show-australian-idol-comes-to-seven-in-2022/). *TV Black Box*. 21 October 2020. Retrieved 21 October 2020.

1. ["Australian Idol returning to TV in 2022"](https://7news.com.au/entertainment/tv/australian-idol-returning-to-tv-in-2022-c-1427536.amp). *7news*. 21 October 2020. Retrieved 21 October 2020.

1. Christmass, Pip (28 September 2022). ["Superstar judges for Australian Idol 2023 unveiled"](https://7news.com.au/entertainment/australian-idol/superstar-judges-for-australian-idol-2023-unveiled-c-8373019.amp). *7news*. Retrieved 28 September 2022.

1. Knox, David (28 September 2022). ["Kyle, Harry, Meghan & Amy to judge Australian Idol."](https://tvtonight.com.au/2022/09/kyle-harry-meghan-amy-to-judge-australian-idol.html). *[TV Tonight](/source/TV_Tonight)*. Retrieved 28 September 2022.

1. Knox, David (24 October 2022). ["Marcia Hines to guest judge Australian Idol"](https://tvtonight.com.au/2022/10/marcia-hines-to-guest-judge-australian-idol.html). *TV Tonight[TV Tonight](/source/TV_Tonight)*. Retrieved 24 October 2022.

1. Tree, Jack (30 December 2022). ["First Look Australian Idol 2023 Auditions"](https://www.3ba.com.au/trending/entertainment/first-look-australian-idol-2023-auditions/). *[3BA](/source/3BA)*. Retrieved 31 December 2022.

1. ["Australian Idol confirmed to return in 2024"](https://www.newidea.com.au/australian-idol-2024). *New Idea*. 2023-07-10. Retrieved 2023-07-14.

1. Corbett, Isabella (2023-07-09). ["A Vintage Australian Idol Judge Is Coming Back Next Season & Cue My Biggest Touchdown Ever"](https://www.pedestrian.tv/entertainment/marcia-hines-australian-idol-2024-judge/). *PEDESTRIAN.TV*. Retrieved 2023-07-14.

1. ["Shake your groove thing because an OG Australian Idol judge has been confirmed for the 2024 season"](https://sodramaticonline.com/2023/07/10/marcia-hines-australian-idol-2024-judging/). *So Dramatic!*

1. Knox, David (18 October 2023). ["Upfronts: 2024 Seven Network"](https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/10/upfronts-2024-seven-network.html). *[TV Tonight](/source/TV_Tonight)*. Retrieved 19 October 2023.

1. Knox, David (13 November 2024). ["Upfronts: 2025 Seven Network"](https://tvtonight.com.au/2024/11/2025-upfronts-seven-network-stranded-on-honeymoon-island-once-in-a-lifetime-jim-jefferies-friends.html). *[TV Tonight](/source/TV_Tonight)*. Retrieved 13 November 2024.

1. ["Aus Idol Auditions Coming To The Area"](https://juneeindependent.com.au/2025/06/aus-idol-auditions-coming-to-the-area/). Retrieved June 13, 2025.

1. ["Guy Sebastian"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120119152217/http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Guy+Sebastian). Australian Charts. Archived from [the original](http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Guy+Sebastianaustraliancharts.com) on 19 January 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2009.

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1. Quinn, Karl (21 November 2004). ["Everyone's A Winner"](http://www.theage.com.au/news/Music/Everyones-a-winner/2004/11/19/1100748195505.html). *The Age*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20091126023819/http://www.theage.com.au/news/Music/Everyones-a-winner/2004/11/19/1100748195505.html) 26 November 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 20 November 2009.

1. ["ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2004 Albums"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080807133822/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-albums-2004.htm). *aria.com.au*. ARIA. Archived from [the original](http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-albums-2004.htm) on 7 August 2008. Retrieved 20 November 2009.

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1. [aria.com.au ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2007 Albums](http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accreditations-2007Albums.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080807134101/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accreditations-2007Albums.htm) 7 August 2008 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 13 October 2009

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1. ["Porn apology over Idol win"](http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/11/22/1100972298598.html). *The Sydney Morning Herald*. 22 November 2004.

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1. ["Mark Holden Quits Idol"](https://archive.today/20121231003010/http://www.yourtv.com.au/news/index.cfm?i=131840). Archived from [the original](http://www.yourtv.com.au/news/index.cfm?i=131840) on 31 December 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2008.

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## External links

- [Australian Idol](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382400/) at IMDb
- [*Australian Idol* at the National Film and Sound Archive](https://web.archive.org/web/20190411073936/http://colsearch.nfsa.afc.gov.au/nfsa/search/display/display.w3p;adv=yes;group=;groupequals=;holdingType=;page=0;parentid=;query=601110;querytype=;rec=0;resCount=10)
- [*Australian Idol 2008 Blog*](https://australianidol2008.blogspot.com/)

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Australian Idol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Idol) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Idol?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.