Australian Idol has released the premiere date and official trailer for its upcoming ninth season.
The next instalment of the hit singing competition will premiere on Monday, 29 January 2024 – exactly two decades after Guy Sebastian made history on the inaugural season.
The new season will see the return of original judge Marcia Hines, who is back in a full time capacity.
She previously appeared as a guest judge last season, but has now had her role upgraded.
Marcia was part of the original judging panel on Australian Idol, alongside record executive Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson and singer Mark Holden.
Australian Idol’s new season premiere Monday, 29 January 2024. Judges Kyle Sandilands, Maricia Hines and Amy Shark are pictured
A heartwarming trailer for the season shows a diverse array of young hopefuls making their way to the auditions in a bid to become the next big star
The pop legend will join ARIA-winning songstress Amy Shark and radio king Kyle Sandilands.
Meanwhile, fellow judges Harry Connick Jr and Meghan Trainor won’t be returning, leaving the panel one person down.
An insider told Yahoo part of the reason behind the series makeover was to ensure next year’s season had more focus on 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 main focus,’ they said.
‘Last year Kyle and Harry’s feud often overshadowed the performances.’
Marcia will join ARIA-winning songstress Amy Shark and radio king Kyle Sandilands on the new season of the series
Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie are also back for hosting duties
Also returning are Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie, who are back as the official hosts.
According to TV Blackbox, this will be ‘the most challenging season to date’, with a focus on finding multifaceted talent.
A heartwarming trailer for the season shows a diverse array of young hopefuls making their way to the auditions in a bid to become the next big star.
READ MORE: Kyle Sandilands finally confronts Harry Connick Jr. about their nasty feud after filming Australian Idol together
Kyle had a long-running feud with Connick Jr. after the pair starred as judges together on the last season of Australian Idol. (Pictured are Idol’s 2023 judging panel Kyle, Meghan Trainor, Amy Shark and Harry)
