So online betting sites have decided that James Mathison is their favourite pick to replace Kyle Sandilands on Australian Idol? Riiiiiiiiiiight.
Sure he knows the show inside out, he works on radio and he even wants to return to music (two of which were more than Sandilands had on his CV when he signed on). But is he really worthy of being their top pick?
Mathison is at favourite at odds of $2.25 according to one site followed by Tina Arena ($3.50), Ruby Rose / Guy Sebastian ($6.50) then Dannii, Kate Ceberano, Ricki-Lee, Paul McDermott …whaaaa? Ok let’s stop right there.
Amongst the 20 names (which even includes Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul), nowhere does it have one very obvious, and very skilled individual: John Foreman.
Foreman may have quit Australian Idol after six seasons, but it was only due to the time involved in preparing all the arrangements for the show. His musicality is impeccable and as well as being respected by the Idol audience, he would offer a different viewpoint to the performer (Hines) and record industry expert (Dickson). He also knows exactly what pressure the contestants are under.
Whatsmore, Foreman has a unique link with emerging musical talent in this country thanks to his longterm association with the Schools Spectacular series. Isn’t that what Idol is all about?
While attracting a pop star like Tina Arena or Darren Hayes would be a coup, it could prove difficult to lock them in for the long term on Idol -not just for this year, but beyond. The last thing we need is another judge exiting at year’s end.
Despite conflicting reports that Sandilands may only be replaced by rotating guest judges, TV Tonight hears at this stage FremantleMedia is still pursuing a permanent judge, and will continue to incorporate visiting guest judges.
If Idol really wants to shift tone from the nastiness of ‘big bad Kyle’ it should look to music’s nice guy in Foreman.
two words people
The Hoff!
Perfect choice, much like the other comments, a man who can move people in the right direction, someone who actually knows what they’re on about, real talent for the right job!
John Foreman has just quit idol has he not?
Absolutely John Foreman is the best credentialed candidate. It would be refreshing to see someone who is not an idiot on TV for a change
Good Call David.
John would be a great choice. Definitely a move in the right direction for AI.
Foreman is a top idea. Masterchef has shown that Australian audiences are sick of “nasty”. Experienced, intelligent, warm…John would be perfect!
John is the best choice for this role. He brings talent, credibility, and humour. He has also worked with young singers on a number of TV show. Very obvious replacement and bring class to the show.
David, you are a clever man, I believe you nailed the new judge for Idol……..Agree with poster ‘Querty’ as I too watched the 7pm project and caught what Dicko said……the wait is on !!
Yep I heard…. sounds like a new name tho which is what I am hearing…
Looks like you could be right on the money David.
Dicko on the seven PM prodject just said that – he doesnt know for sure, but from what he has heard “it is a man, fairly young, is a creative type – producer, writer…”
You sure know how to pick them
Yeah, that’s all well and good, but could Channel Ten get him back? I saw him on 20 to 1, isn’t he with 9 now?
I wholeheartedly agree, John Foreman is the best choice. I would definitely watch if he was on. He’s got a great bubbly personality and quick wit. He’d bring back the wholesome family feeling to idol and keep it light and fun.
Idol also needs judges interested in finding and nurturing the next big talent, not those interested in exploiting them, Kyle…..cough cough. He has extensive musical knowledge and experience and could offer valuable feedback to the contestants as well as bring some much needed entertainment value. I’m sure Idol would draw in a much wider audience this year if he was on the panel.
Yes please… Bring on John Foreman!!
Look at the success of Master Chef, Judges who were in the industry and knew the subject and helped mentor the talent. They were great because they didnt make the show about themselves.
John Foreman is a perfect example of a real enduring Australian talent. He knows his stuff, he is funny and he is real. Idol is supposed to be about nurturing budding Australian talent and I think he would be the perfect man for the job!!!
John would inject level headed professionalism to the Idol judge panel. There is a strong public tilt towards fairness and experience, as opposed to tabloid style abuse and shock jock judging. I’d give him the thumbs up.
Great Idea re John Foreman
yaeh john would make an awesome idol judge cause he’s not a wanker like kyle
John Foreman would be a first rate choice for the role of an Australian Idol judge. He has a terrific knowledge of singers and voices as well as faultless musicianship. He is an outstanding conductor and musical director with experience across a very broad range of music. He has worked with Australia’s top musical talen and is greatly admired within the professional industry. He also fully understands the complexities of assessing emerging talent and has the ability to recognise it immediately. He gets my vote.
I completely agree with all of the people above. John Foreman as the new judge on Idol makes complete sense. Not only is he a world wide respected musician/composer/arranger/TV presenter, he is also very funny without being filthy.
Lets cross fingers that common sense prevails in this case.
if Ten and the Production company wants to push the family entertainment – then the only choice is John Foreman. He ooozes family – plus he is a great musician.
Sensational suggestion David…he ticks all the boxes…
Yeah , I agree John would be the perfect choice for this role. He’s respected at all levels of the music industry, has a wealth of experience behind him , as well as a tremendous sense of humour to go with it. He would be the perfect candidate for this role!
New judge – John Foreman of course! Common sense prevails at last. Kyle is going.
Now that is a fantastic idea! It would be great to have someone on the judging panel who has the knowledge, intelligence and humour of John Foreman. Musically, there’s nobody better and his comments and feedback would be so much more constructive (not to mention educated!) than those that Kyle has delivered over the past seasons. I think it would be a great move – bring it on!
@ Neon Kitty, Correct me if I’m wrong but Foreman is a well known personality with lots of experience in the industry. He may not be as out there as Kyle, Dicko and Marcia, but Dicko wasn’t anything in the public eye before Idol – at least I’d never heard of him.
David, you are so on the money! It’s about time Channel 10 recognised the genius that is John Foreman! A brilliant composer, talented musician and above all else a passionate mentor. John is also extremely clever and funny! I think this could be just what the show needs. Marcia and Dicko are respected for their experience in the Industry, something that I think Kyle was lacking. The network also seems to be going for a more “family audience” with the 6.30 timeslot this year and John is already well respected by youth all over Australia through the Schools Spectacular! His show, The Big Night In showed a different side to John, the Musical Director, I think we got just a taste of what he has to offer!
If they’re serious about including a judge with huge musical talent, charisma, the ‘common touch’ (and I mean that in the nicest possible way!), then they should look no further than John Forman, whose music and TV credibility is a given. John is both talented and popular and has a great sense of humour and timing. I’m sure including John on the panel would boost this show’s ratings and make it more watchable into the bargain!
Reply to Hayley: I agree with you, I realised after I posted it & we both know which one ……..
John Forman would be a brillant choice.
As long as it’s not Matheson…or god forbid….Todd McKenney!!!
John Foreman is one of the most respected and respectable people in the Australian music industry and with his longstanding association with TEN and indeed the Idol family, it is an obvious choice to have him on the judging panel. Idol has lost audience ratings arguably also due to the lack of family viewing it has become with obnoxious judges’ comments…John would be the last saving grace!!!! I wouldn’t watch if John isn’t a judge this year.
It would not necessarily ruin Idol to have a judge who knows what he is talking about musically.
The quality of the judges on Idol is pathetic compared with for instance the equivalent dance shows.
Idol is a tremendous lost opportunity to have a show that is entertaining and at the same time builds everyone’s understanding of what good music is.
Would the public like Foreman? Of course they would.
Would he be a good replacement for Sandilands? Well, he isn’t thick, he isn’t nasty, he isn’t ignorant, he isn’t an egomaniac. It depends what you are looking for.
Don’t underestimate the credibility John brings to idol and will enhance as a judge. And he can stand up and defend his opinion; he just doesn’t have to be rude to do it. He works well with people and has a wicked sense of humour. Just what Idol needs.
Inspired!
David Knox has “hit it on the head”!! I couldn’t think of a better choice than John Foreman. His inclusion on the Judge’s panel would provide additional insight into the performers’ talents and make for a well-balanced panel. Go John..
I’ve worked with John on the national school campaign, ‘Music. Count Us In’ in which he’s had to guide high school kids through songwriting, recording and performing and he’s unfailingly encouraging, honest and supportive. His depth of musical knowledge seems to know no bounds…and that wit! Bring the behind-the-scenes musical genius to the front desk, TEN, and up the charisma level at the same time!
Oh, and no disrespect intended to Foreman with that previous comment by the way. It’s just that what we’ve seen of him so far on the show has seemed a little, well, shy.
David! On the money. Foreman’s the obvious choice.
However I suspect that unless they get over their obvious preference for casting for personality rather than knowledge/wisdom. Foreman doesn’t stand a chance.
Whoever they pick, though, better have some experience and cred. So nobody from Sony Music, and oh holy hell not any of the mooted contenders mentioned so far.
For a man who knows the show inside and out due to 6 years of experience, John Foreman would most definitely fill the role successfully taking the judging of Idol contestants to an even more professional level.
The way it should be.
Reply to Ruth, “Idol doesn’t need a judge with a massive ego”, wellI hate to say it but one of those two you have named has the biggest ego in the business!!!!! please no.
John Foreman is a wonderful choice.
One only has to hear John’s comments on Channel 9′s “20 to 1″ series to hear our credible, quick witted and knowledgeable John is on all things music and the entertainment biz in general. John is an accomplished musician/composer/arranger/ mentor, and not to mention TV presenter in his own right, who actually makes a positive difference to young people. It’s not with fluffy comments, nor by shock tactics. It’s by someone actually being clever, straight, and informed!!! That would not only be entertaining to watch, but incredibly refreshing for Idol in its seventh year.
Great idea… john is perfect choice as Judge. He has worked with all the previous contestants and could give great advise because he obviously knows what it takes make a great idol .!! i think hed be quite quirky and funny too!! yeah.. the more i think about it..thumbs up to foreman.
I think John Foreman would be a logical choice, he knows what he’s talking about so he can give constructive criticism, he’s down to earth so he comes without an attitude or a hidden agenda to be famous, controversial or something like that.
John Foreman would make a great judge. Musically he’s a genius + his role as musical director brings professional credibility to the judging role – vs a shock jock or talking head!
OK. I agree with all of the positive responses to the suggestion for Foreman to take over the position. It’s actually amusing how much sense it makes. Can you say ‘obvious choice’?
I used to watch Idol, but in the passes few years, less so… Regardless of what happens ‘after’ the competition, the concept of Idol makes for great entertainment. Not only does Foreman have an incredible history as a music performer, composer, director and producer, but he has years of experience in entertaining, live TV. I’ve seen him on GMA, Idol, various cameos, and who can forget The Big Night In, Foreman’s own! Not only can he deliver intelligent, industry relevant constructive feedback (with the intention of helping the performers), but he can do it in an eentertaining and witty way.
Show me a petition, and I’ll certainly pass it on!
Great idea – makes perfect sense
*yawn* unless he replaces Dicko!
) – gosh I’d love to not see Dicko
bring back Kyle!! – James would be great – but probably too “nice” as a judge, either that or Mark Holden
Sounds good to me; John would make a grear third judge!
let david mott know man!! good idea. natalie would be a good idea too! she knows all about music and is a great singer
Great idea David.
Someone with music cred that actually knows what it is like to perform nowadays.
A fantastic suggestion.
From all the Channel 10 appearances he’s been making recently you wouldn’t half be shocked if Matt Preston ended up on the judging panel of Idol as well…
Foreman would be a perfect choice for the role. Great suggestion David!
I had initially thought of Guy Sebastian as I thought he was one of the better guest judges last seasons and he certainly knows the Idol process. However I’m not sure what his other commitments are so it might not even be possible.
Please not Ruby Rose. Most over exposed person on TV (taking over from Brian McFadden and Ricki-Lee from last year)
John Foreman would be a good choice.
Definatley vote Foreman in. He has been in the industry for years. Has the knowledge of both being a performer and a producer, so he can actually give constructive critism to the contestants, unlike Kyle. I agree, being involved in the show for 6 seasons on and off the screen he knows the amount of pressure the contestants are in and can offer the best advice.
Who should they get as the extra judge –
Molly Meldrum (but he’s signed to 7)
Dannii Minogue (she’s doing UK X Factor till Dec & also signed to 7, who def wouldn’t want to loose her)
Cyndi Lauper – she was a fantastic mentor last year & the contestants improved so much the week she was on.
Paula Abdul – she’s not doing American Idol next year – 10 should nab her for next year perhaps.
Kylie Minogue (but 10 couldnt afford her)
Glen Wheatley
Dennis Handlan (Sony)
You are right again David! John Foreman is the perfect choice to replace Kyle!
He has many years of experience on Idol working with the competitors and would bring a unique and interesting insight as a judge.
I am over the ‘mean guy’ stereotype that Cowell and Sandilands play! It’s boring, it’s been done to death, let’s move on!
Foreman’s quick humour and engaging personality is exactly what the panel needs!
Foreman is also much easier on the eye than is Sandliands!
David Reyne.
Quirky I know, He was in band, and it would be good PR for 9am with David & Kim.
Tina Arena would be fantastic but yes Foreman may be more realistic and grounded.
Whoa – another person named Johnson saying Mark Holden would be the obvious choice. I posted the other day that Mark Holden was studying to become a lawyer so there is no chance he will return to Idol.
Fantastic idea David..you should get a petition started, and also spread the idea to the media..good luck..
Maybe, I didn’t particularly enjoy him on that show he hosted though. I just feel like he would get annoying but he may be the best they can do.
I would vote for Ruby!! Love her!!
I’d start watching again if he were judge.
who else is there now that John Foreman’s name is out there? What ever he says I have a feeling it’s coming from a good place.
Not an Idol fan, but John Foreman would be excellent for the role.
What an inspired suggestion David. But would he come back after he quit the show?
I would prefer Tina Arena though, given her experience in the music industry as a child and her long road to success as an adult. But I don’t think there’s much chance of getting her especially since she hasn’t been based in Australia for years!
more like it
i wouldn’t call kyle nasty. i would just call his judging skills on potential music talent. stupid
I definitely agree with this article, the opinion should vary. Rather than just the performer, the record industry expert, and the headline chaser. Having John Foreman as a judge, would be the halfway point between the two. Knowing the industry but also knowing what it’s like to perform under pressure. People like Kyle Sandilands don’t deserve the publicity they generate, surely we have some positivity left in society, or did it all go elsewhere when the trouble started?
I really thought Mark Holden would be the obvious choice so they’d get it to return to the original setup… really can’t imagine James. He probably can’t even imagine himself doing it. Although I couldn’t imagine Kyle doing it in the first place either, as I thought he didn’t have any knowledge about things as he was just a DJ.
The mention of John Foreman now I really quite like. If it can’t be Mark for whatever reason, I hope John can take the role.
Come on Ten, make a rational decision. Hire Brisbane’s Ian Skippen (from Triple M’s The Cage) as Kyle’s replacement.
I don’t know why but if they sack Sandilands, i think they should just sack the whole judges. It sound really mean but they should make it fresh and i can’t stand ricki-lee as a host. Didn’t see her do any good mentoring last year.
I know this sound really mean but it’s my opinion.
Very good David, fantastic idea !! John Foreman would be perfect and he is also an honourable man with years of experience.
Seeing what was going on I had thought of David Hobson or David Campbell for the job…..Idol doesn’t need judges with massive ego’s, the show is about finding great Aussie talent.
Hopefully Ch Ten won’t pick a big headed idiot like Kyle again……
Thank goodness Dicko returned last year !!.