The entire Australian Idol judging panel may be in jeopardy when or even if the show returns in 2010 with none of the three judges re-signed for the new year. Furthermore, according to one informed industry source, Australian Idol may even be rested in 2010, with the show returning in 2011. As it stands, there is a clash of timing in 2010 with the Commonwealth Games in October also screening on Ten.
In 2009, Australian Idol did not capture a strong viewing audience each week with weekly ratings way down on previous years, and many nights not even cracking the million night. Even in the key demographic for Australian Idol – 16-39’s – the show did not perform well when compared to previous seasons.
The judging panel were perceived to be boring and stale, especially off the back of the sacking of judge Kyle Sandilands. While his replacement Jay Dee Springbett may be a great record executive, his industry experience did not translate well into being a great television personality. Marcia Hines was seen by many as to be full of cliches while major international guests like Liza Minelli and Benji and Joel Madden did not help the ratings.
Meanwhile, 2009 Australian Idol Stan Walker has one of the top songs on iTunes this week and while Idol ratings may have not been up to scratch, the resulting talent is at the beginning of what should be a long and prosperous career in music. Idol runner up Hayley Warner has also signed to Sony Music.
Source: Sunday Telegraph.
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