Buckle up, because Australian Idol is back after a 14-year hiatus. Celebrity judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands, Harry Connick Jr, and Meghan Trainor are travelling the length and breadth of the country to find the best of the best homegrown singing talent.
Only a handful of the luckiest (and most talented) singers will make their way to the live stages to battle it out for Australia’s vote of approval. And, let’s not forget about the grand prize — a recording contract with Sony Music and $100,000 in cash money!
The singing competition sensation has been a launchpad for many successful artists for over two decades, from Aussies like Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy to international superstars like Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson on its American counterpart. As always, the question is: which one of these talented singers is set to become Australia’s next superstar?
Let’s run you through exactly who is going to be making those big calls on Idol’s 2023 star-studded judging panel. It’s time to meet Amy Shark.
Amy Shark
Making her Idol judging debut is Aussie singer-songwriter and producer; Amy Shark. Bringing “kindness, humility and honesty” to the panel along with eight ARIA Music Awards under her belt, she’s got the leading authority on making it in the Australian scene.
Much like this season’s Idol contestants, Shark’s first time singing in front of an audience was via a competition. In a press release, she recounts the time her then-boyfriend had secretly submitted her compositions and how she felt hatred towards his actions because she didn’t see herself as a singer at the time.
“It was extremely nerve-wracking but so satisfying,” Shark details.
Her understanding of the anxieties and self-confidence struggles attached to breaking into the music industry in a local capacity make her a valuable addition to the judging panel. As do the multi-platinum singles and albums in her back catalogue.
Her mantra of honesty permeates throughout not only her judging style but her songwriting — a concept she adopted from her early music influence, Alanis Morisette. And when asked about what wisdom she might impart on this season’s contestants that are making their first steps into the live spotlight, Shark said; “you’ve already proved to us that you have something special, so get out there, be a superstar, but also have fun”.
Bringing her Aussie goodness to the group, we’re keen to see how Shark shapes up alongside fellow judges Trainor, Connick and Sandilands.
Watch Australian Idol on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Related: Meet ‘Australian Idol’ 2023 Judge Harry Connick Jr
Related: Meet ‘Australian Idol’ 2023 Judge Meghan Trainor
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