A brand new trailer has dropped for the upcoming season of Australian Idol, teasing viewers with a glimpse into a new generation of talent more than a decade after the original series finished airing.
The star-making series first aired from 2003 to 2009 and saw the rise of many iconic household names including Guy Sebastian and Jess Mauboy.
And now, after an almost 14 year hiatus, the wait is over!
In the two and a half minute trailer audiences were privy to an emotional rendition of Shine Bright Like A Diamond by Rihanna by a number of yet to be confirmed upcoming Australian Idol contestants.
Also featured in the trailer were the new judging panel, comprised of radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands who vowed to ”keep it real”, megastar Harry Connick Jr who said he wanted to ”find something special”, All About That Bass singer Megan Trainor who wants to make a ”dream come true” and ARIA award-winning artist Amy Shark who is looking forward to finding Australia’s own ”diamond in the rough”.
At the Channel 7 upfronts event earlier this week, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Seven West Media James Warburton said that it “just felt right” to bring the show back, in what he is sure will “hit a chord” with audiences.
“Australia….an entire generation has been waiting for this,” the judges remarked in the trailer.
“We are going to every corner of the country, leaving no bridge uncrossed, no chance unseen”.
And in news that is sure to bring a smile to avid fans, original series judge Marcia Hines will also join the panel to provide her expertise.
The music icon, 69, was part of the first season of the singing competition back in 2003 alongside Mark Holden and Ian “Dicko” Dickson and saw out the series until it went on hiatus in 2009.
”I feel honoured to have been asked to come back. Australian Idol is a great vehicle for uncovering some fantastic Australian talent. What a ride,” Hines said earlier this week.
She said nervous contestants should just be themselves and let their talent shine.
”I know it’s not an easy task singing in front of strangers, but I hope that contestants show us their heart and the gift that is their voice,” she added.
Whilst a premiere date has yet to be confirmed, one thing is for sure, live television is back in a MAJOR way.
Australian Idol alumni Ricki-Lee Coulter and television veteran Scott Tweddie are set to co-host the new season.
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