MasterChef Australia fans were left crushed last year when producers decided to axe the cooking show’s theme song Hot N Cold by Katy Perry from the opening credits.
According to fan theories, the singer’s 2008 global hit was ditched because it was too expensive.
After viewers took to social media demanding for the tune to be brought back, Channel 10 finally emerged with a reason for the cut.
‘The opening credits were removed in Season 15 in 2023,’ a Channel 10 spokesperson told Pedestrian TV.
‘And the decision was made to get into the action faster at the top of each episode.’
Fans previously put forward some wild theories about the change.
‘I was assuming it’s not being used because the lyrics could be taken in a dark way – “you’re hot (alive) then you’re cold (not alive),’ one viewer suggested on Reddit.
This suggestion appears to be a reference to the passing of MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo, who died suddenly in May 2023.
MasterChef Australia fans were left crushed last year when producers decided to axe the cooking show’s theme song Hot N Cold by Katy Perry from the opening credits
Other MasterChef fans suggested dropping Perry’s song was all about the cost of maintaining the rights to the hit tune.
Channel Ten removed the track because the licensing fees became too expensive, Yahoo Lifestyle claimed at the time.
While international editions of MasterChef do not use the Katy Perry song in their intros, it became particularly beloved by Aussie audiences.
Fans watching at home were perplexed and disappointed by the decision, with some pointing out it was now harder to remember the names of the contestants.
‘I miss Katy Perry and contestants throwing food and using hibachis as an intro,’ one person complained on Twitter.
‘Um excuse me @masterchefau where is our Katy Perry into this season?!’ asked someone else.
A spokesperson told Pedestrian TV on Wednesday that the song was ditched because of a creative decision. Pictured: Katy Perry making a guest appearance on MasterChef Australia in 2020
‘Does Katy Perry even know Hot N Cold has been shafted? After all she’s a friend of the show,’ another wrote.
Perry, 39, made headlines in 2020 when she appeared as a guest on the show.
But not all fans were impressed with some viewers slamming the then pregnant singer for wiggling her bottom in front of the camera during a taste challenge.
The US singer made headlines with her raunchy behaviour when she appeared on the Aussie reality show
‘Omg why did Katy wiggle her butt in front of the camera. That was soo bad,’ one person wrote on Facebook.
Another person commented: ‘That was a bit over the top but she was genuinely fun. It surprised me a lot.’
‘It was kinda weird but hilarious,’ another person agreed.
