Australian Idol 2024 seeks out an A-lister for the judging panel

Australian Idol will shake things up even more next year as it seeks out an A-lister to potentially replace Meghan Trainor as a judge. 

Kyle Sandilands apparently set his sights on international idol Kylie Minogue after it was rumoured Meghan, 29, will step down following the birth of her second child.

With Harry Connick Jr and Amy Shark also manning the judging panel, a source said one judge is ‘unlikely’ to return, reported Yahoo Lifestyle on Thursday. 

‘Although nothing is final yet, it’s unlikely Meghan will return as she’s just given birth and will have a newborn baby when the auditions start,’ the insider revealed.

‘Producers are willing to do anything to sign her back up and be as accommodating to her family as possible, but logistically it’d be difficult as the days are so long on set.’

Kyle, 52, who has been the biggest supporter of the singing competition’s reboot on Channel Seven, also recently hinted at a shake-up of the judging panel. 

In an interview with Aussie hitmaker Kylie, 55, he said: ‘I think you’d be great, even if you did just one day. But I’d take you around the country if I could.’

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Seven Network for comment. 

It comes just a day after Seven Network announced a significant change to their iconic show, as they broadened the hunt for the next singing superstar.

Kyle Sandilands, 52, apparently set his sights on international idol Kylie Minogue, 55, (pictured) after it was rumoured Meghan will step down following the birth of her second child

The decision follows a wave of public and industry criticism over last season’s age limit, which was set at 28 years.

Last year’s restriction, which saw the contest limited to younger hopefuls, had sparked a chorus of frustration.

Fans and critics alike questioned the fairness of leaving out mature talent.

‘Although nothing is final yet, it’s unlikely Meghan will return as she’s just given birth and will have a newborn baby when the auditions start,’ the insider revealed 

In a move that will be music to many ears, the network has now upped the age limit for the series, making it more inclusive.

The official terms and conditions reveal that the age bracket for prospective singing sensations has been extended to include individuals between the ages of 15 and 30 as of October 1, 2023.

Hopeful contestants vying for a spot in this year’s vocal face-off will need to keep their diaries free for a minimum period of 40 days between September 1 and March 31.

Prospects are required to showcase their singing prowess via the initial Zoom audition process. 

Kyle also recently hinted at a shake-up of the judging panel when he aske Kylie in a radio interview to join the show