Meet ‘Australian Idol’ 2023 Judge Harry Connick Jr

February 10, 2023

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 Harry Connick Jr.

Harry Connick Jr

If you’ve been tuning into Channel 7’s Australian Idol, you’re likely checking Google every 10 minutes to figure out where they filmed auditions, if Meghan Trainor‘s husband is the boy from ‘Spy Kid’, and where you’ve seen the other male judge that isn’t Kyle Sandilands before. That’s Harry Connick Jr.

With over three decades worth of industry experience, it’s safe to say that Connick’s done it all. From Grammy and Emmy wins to Tony nominations, he’s got an eye for finding artists that have the whole package — the looks, the voice, and the overall vibes. And, with his practice judging contestants on American Idol, he makes a well-informed addition to the likes of Sandilands, Trainor and Amy Shark.

For contestants making the transition from auditions to live shows, Connick’s advice is to simply keep being themselves. And as for his observations regarding mistakes repeatedly made by aspiring artists in general, he said in a press release that “we all make mistakes. Different mistakes. That’s what makes this business so exciting; you fall, you get up, and you learn. It’s different for everyone.” Although with his variety of accomplishments across television, film, and, music it seems quite difficult to imagine a situation where he’s made a mistake.

The Piano Party creator is a fan of the intensity and excitement that Idol brings and, hopefully, his choices of Golden Ticket-worthy contestants will reflect the same energy.

With the range of contestants participating this year, we’re sure the judges are going to be tasked with tough decisions.

Let’s see if Connick can find the next Aussie superstar. Catch Idol on Channel 7 and 7plus.

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