Idol searches for new judge
If Australian Idol wants to shift from nasty to nice, it should go back to the man who knows the show from the inside out.
- Published by David Knox
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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.
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- Tagged with Australian Idol, Schools Spectacular
70 Responses
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 !!.