A 14-year-old girl was strapped to a lie detector and asked on air about her sexual history at the urging of the teen’s mother.  As if that’s not bad enough (you can’t ask a minor about sex, especially on the radio!), the poor girl ended up revealing that she was raped when she was just 12 years old.

Network Ten programming boss David Mott has decided that Sandilands can no longer continue to work on the singing competition.  "Australian Idol is very much a family program and its appeal is very much right across the board, and we’d like to think that all families can enjoy the program in front of the TV” he said. "We thank Kyle for his contribution to Australian Idol over the last four years, but it has become increasingly clear that as Idol has remained a family-focused show, even more so this year with the 6.30pm Sunday time slot, his radio persona has taken on a more controversial position over this period which is not in the interest of the show… the recent controversy surrounding Kyle’s radio program has highlighted more than ever the conflicting attitude of the two careers.”

Sandilands had the following response: "I’m disappointed at Channel 10’s decision to remove me from Australian Idol. I have truly loved being a part of the show and wish everyone involved all of the success for this coming season.”

The worst part is that Sandilands may not even get to keep his radio show.  The station owner, Austereo, has put the show on hold indefinitely but I think that they are just as much to blame.  Australia normally has a delay on radio programs so that the station has enough time to censor content that might be deemed inappropriate.  Certainly, this would be one of those times.

Australian Idol returns on August 9, 2009.  Sandilands will be featured in the first three episodes (auditions that were filmed earlier) but replacements will be brought in when the show goes to live performances on August 24, 2009.

Post from: Idol Stalker

If you aren’t familiar with Guy, you should give him a chance because I think he’s got a great voice and I love his energy.  I found the video for the title track “Like It Like That” so check it out and tell me what you think.

Post from: Idol Stalker

Post from: Idol Stalker

Australian Idol has chosen a winner and it’s Wes Carr!  He was up against Luke Dickens in the finale which you can read about (and watch videos) over on Oz Music Scene!

In the meantime, you can check out his Idol single titled "You" on Bandit.fm.

I kind of like it even though I think it’s a little repetitive and simple (?).  It was not what I was expecting.  There’s a lot going on (I could do without some of the layers but it’s not terrible).  I like that it’s on a counterbeat which gives the song an interesting rhythm and his vocals are solid.  I think it’s also good because it should be fairly straightforward to perform live while he gets used to singing it.

image used with permission

Post from: Idol Stalker

I thought it was a decent (not great) night overall.  I think Wes Carr was probably the best (I enjoyed his performance of “When We Were Young” by The Killers) but the contestant who I feel has the most potential is Teale Jakubenko if only he can get out of his own head – he has a great voice but I think he overthinks things and does himself in.  To watch all of the Top 4 videos of Wes, Teale, Mark Spano and Luke Dickens, head over to Oz Music Scene!

Here’s Wes singing “When We Were Young”

Watch Teale sing “What Goes Around Comes Around” which is followed by a very funny on-stage moment!

Post from: Idol Stalker

I meant to put this up yesterday but with all of the craziness surrounding the U.S. presidential elections, I got distracted. 

Chrislyn Hamilton was eliminated from Australian Idol Monday night after failing to impress during Michael Jackson week.  She chose to sing the iconic tune “Thriller” which, I think, was her first mistake.  Her other major problem was going flat/sharp very often during the chorus (it was actually pretty painful).  Definitely not something you want to do with Michael’s brother, Jermaine, on the judging panel!

With the departure of Chrislyn, we are left with an all-male top four: Wes Carr, Teale Jakubenko, Mark Spano and Luke Dickens.

Watch the performance that led to Chrislyn’s elimination:

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It’s going to be a busy year for Jessica who is set to star in the new film, Bran Nue Dae, alongside Geoffrey Rush, which is the film version of an Australian musical.  I don’t know if it will be released here in North America, though.

She’s just another example of how you don’t have to win Idol to reap the benefits of the exposure it brings.  I can’t wait to see what the new year brings for her!

image courtesy of Sony BMG

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I have to say that Wes Carr just stole the show with his rendition of “Black or White” since the dude even did the moonwalk (I almost fell on the floor laughing with surprise and glee).  What a risk! 

Make sure you head over to Oz Music Scene for the rest of the videos!

Post from: Idol Stalker

This week, the contestants on Australian Idol paid tribute to the Rolling Stones.  You can see video and read recaps, as always, on Oz Music Scene.  Unfortunately, my favorite singer, Roshani Priddis, was voted off after performing “Wild Horses.”  She chose to be more subdued and restrained in light of the lyrics rather than her usual boisterous self and, as is often the case on these Idol shows, the decision led to her demise.  Watch her performance:

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My current favorite, Roshani Priddis, sang “Money, Money, Money” and, I wasn’t disappointed.  She really made it “cabaret” without being overly cheesy.  I was really thrilled with it.

Sophie Patterson sang “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” and she made it her own.  I was pleasantly surprised and I find that she seems to be getting stronger by the week (she still had some pitchy moments but it was overall pretty good).

As always, Oz Music Scene has the rest of the videos and some excellent commentary.  Make sure you check it out!

Post from: Idol Stalker