James Mathison has quit as host of Australian Idol after six years with the TEN series, citing a desire to be out of the public spotlight and focus on his own music.
“There is a part of me who has a little bit struggled with being ‘that guy from that thing’ and taking a step back totally allows you to do what you want to do without that scrutiny,” the 31-year-old told the Daily Telegraph.
“For six years Idol has been my life.
“You really don’t have time to do anything else. I might not have been the greatest friend to people because I had no time so it would be cool to change that.”
Mathison, who is also the guitarist in band The Punisherz, says music is his main interest at the moment.
“That is why I did the audition all those years ago and when I had a break after Idol last year I just had a real pull towards that initial love of working in music and interviewing bands, doing reviews. I love that stuff,” he said.
Mathison told co-host Andrew Gunsberg of his departure before convincing TEN he wasn’t jumping ship to sign with a rival network.
“I had to follow my gut and I wanted new challenges,” he says.
“I am not going to be on TV for a while now, not Dancing With The Stars or anything like that. I just want to explore other music opportunities while I am here in New York and at home.”
The move will likely increase the presence of Andrew G., but of course the US version is capably hosted by just one presenter in Ryan Seacrest. Ricki Lee Coulter, who joined as “backstage host” last year was also recently reported as moving forward with her music career.
Mathison has also previously hosted ARIA Awards and works in radio.
Idol is currently in its annual hunt for new contestants.
Source: Daily Telegraph
i always thought it would be Andrew G to quit!
Andrew G has hosted the show solo on at least 3 occasions, due to James commitments with the Arias and i think he was sick once. It was fine with just the one host.
It would be nice to see Ricki-Lee move into the co-host position, the backstage host was useless, and clearly people like her – hence the logie nom
I liked James
I wish he didnt leave, but good luck to him with whatever he does
Thats really sad to hear.. Idol will be alot different without him. Its likely James Kerley will replace him, I think Andrew/Ricki Lee will do fine by them selves anyhow.
If James Kerley is the replacement I’ll be very happy. His quips were the best thing about Taken Out
At last! He’s been phoning it in for the past 3 years at least.
I have a sneaking suspicion that we could see Ricki-Lee take James’ place. This is crap news though, because I would have much rathered see Andrew G go – he’s so full of himself, arrogant….
@ chris m
he would jump at the oportunity to get his fat head on as host. maybe he is leaving because he knows it’s dying in the arse
Best part of the show is going..
Look out, Kyle will jump at the chance to host it! haha [/sarcastic]
Great news! This guy’s mopey narration throughout the show was horrible and cringeworthy …..
They have had solo hosts on ARIA nights. I don’t see an issue….
James Kerley will end up being the replacement, they trained him up for hosting on Taken Out last year. Since he left Cash Cab and Taken Out failed, he hasn’t been on screen much.
I’ll miss those quips and wide owl eyes! Good luck for the future mate.
Sad news to hear. I always liked James and Andrew as a team. Not quite sure if Andrew G would be able to host the show by himself.
James and Andrew did a good job of hosting Australian Idol for the past six years so this comes a shock to me. And it happens just as auditions have begun! I am not sure if Andrew can host the program on his own like Ryan Seacrest on American Idol.
Even though his role on Australian Idol was a dumbass, He was very funny on the show. I really think this year will be the last of Australian Idol.
I like James, but I get a feeling the show may just work with Andrew G hosting, he is quite likeable and reminds me alot of Ryan Seacrest in that he is dibbling in everything. Its a shame one of the original hosts have left, but its not a bad thing IMO, Andrew G should be pleanty capable to host this show by himself. Back to 3 judges 1 host the show should do well.
thank god a new host hopefully! now we just need some fresh blood and kick out andrew g too