Australian Idol is BACK: Channel Seven confirms the talent show will return in 2022
Australian Idol is returning to television after 12 years as part of Channel Seven’s 2022 prime time line-up, the network announced on Wednesday.
The talent show is famous for discovering a string of top-selling artists, including Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Casey Donovan, Matt Corby and Ricki-Lee Coulter.
Angus Ross, Seven’s Director of Programming, said: ‘Idol is the granddaddy of them all! The biggest show in the world comes to Seven in 2022, and we know Australians are going to love it. We can’t wait to bring Idol back to Australian audiences in 2022, putting our prime time content line-up even further ahead of the competition.’
It’s back! Australian Idol is returning to television after 12 years as part of Channel Seven’s 2022 prime time line-up, the network announced on Wednesday
‘We’re home to the biggest franchises in television at Seven, and Idol is the biggest of them all. Bring on 2022!’ Mr Ross added.
Fremantle Asia Pacific’s CEO, Chris Oliver-Taylor, said: ‘Idol is renowned for launching global music artists. That’s what we’ve done here in Australia and across the world. We can’t wait to break the next superstar Idols on Seven in 2022.’
Australian Idol is a Fremantle and Eureka co-production for the Seven Network and will premiere on Channel Seven and 7plus in 2022.
Based on the global Pop Idol format – the most-watched TV franchise in history – Australian Idol aired from 2003 to 2009 on Channel 10.
Popular: Based on the global Pop Idol format – the most-watched TV franchise in history – Australian Idol aired from 2003 to 2009 on Channel 10. Pictured: season one winner Guy Sebastian performing in Sydney on November 13, 2003
It was hosted by Osher Günsberg and James Mathison from 2003 to 2007, before former contestant Ricki-Lee Coulter joined them in 2008.
The following year, James left the show and it was hosted by Osher and Ricki-Lee.
Osher is still signed with Channel 10, which means he won’t be involved in any Seven revival; however, Ricki-Lee could return as host as she’s contracted to Seven.
James has mostly left the media sphere to focus on his political career and family.
Industry gossip: Australian Idol was hosted by Osher Günsberg (right) and James Mathison (left) from 2003 to 2007, before former contestant Ricki-Lee Coulter joined them in 2008. The following year, James left the show and it was hosted by Osher and Ricki-Lee. Pictured in 2005
Success: Unlike other singing shows, Australian Idol has a track record for making bona fide stars, the most notable being its inaugural winner, Guy Sebastian (pictured at the 2019 ARIAs)
Champion: The first season of Australian Idol was a ratings bonanza and attracted more viewers than major events such as the AFL grand final
Many TV insiders had predicted an Idol revival on Seven as the network had already brought back Big Brother and The Farmer Wants a Wife in 2020.
Channel 10 had originally bought rights to the Idol franchise for $15million in 2003.
The first season was a ratings bonanza and attracted more viewers than major events such as the AFL grand final.
Reboot central: Many TV insiders had predicted an Idol revival on Seven as the network had already brought back Big Brother and The Farmer Wants a Wife in 2020. Pictured: hosts James and Osher with season two finalists Casey Donovan and Anthony Callea on November 21, 2004
Unlike other singing shows, Australian Idol has a track record for making bona fide stars, the most notable being its inaugural winner, Guy Sebastian.
Meanwhile, Seven also announced the return of Australia’s Got Talent on Wednesday.
The entertainment show, presented by Ricki-Lee, will air in 2021. The judging panel has yet to be announced.
Meanwhile: Seven also announced the return of Australia’s Got Talent on Wednesday. The show, presented by Ricki-Lee, will air in 2021. The judging panel has yet to be announced