Seven's Australian Idol to hit screens from January 30

The new season of Australian Idol will be launching on Seven and 7Plus on January 30th, 2023.

Having travelled to every corner of the country, judges Harry Connick Jr, Meghan Trainor, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark have left no stone unturned to help unearth the next Idol.

Eight-time ARIA Award-winner Amy Shark said: “It’s going to be pretty special to find that diamond in the rough and then see how they progress through the show. Australian Idol has changed the lives of so many artists in the past. I’m so excited to be part of that.”

Kyle Sandilands said: “I’ve done all the shows over the years, pretty much all of them, but Australian Idol is the big one. We all know the stars that came out of Idol.”

Former Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines will also join the new series as a guest judge.

“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!” said Hines ahead of her return to the series.

Hines says 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.”

A global success since 2001, the Idol franchise has launched the careers of many multi-award-winning artists including Australia's Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Matt Corby, Ricki-Lee, Anthony Callea, Stan Walker, Casey Donovan, and Courtney Act.

International music stars Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert also launched their careers on the Idol stage.

The series will be hosted by multi-platinum selling, ARIA Award-nominated singer-songwriter Ricki-Lee – who was discovered on the show in 2004 – and entertainment presenter and former E! host, Scott Tweedie.