Australian Idol

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Australian Idol

Australian Idol title card
Format Interactive reality game show
Created by Simon Fuller
Presented by Andrew G
(2003–)
Ricki-Lee Coulter[1]
(2008-)
Judges Ian Dickson
(2003–2004, 2007–)
Marcia Hines
(2003–)
Kyle Sandilands
(2005–)
Production
Executive producer(s) Greg Beness
Suzanne Mitchell
Location(s) Fox Studios, Sydney (2007–Present)
Global Television Studios, Sydney (2003–06)
Sydney Opera House (finale)
Running time Auditions/Performance show/Behind Idol
60–90 minutes
Elimination show
60 minutes
(Both shows include commercials)
Broadcast
Original channel Channel Ten
Picture format 1080i (HDTV)
Audio format Dolby Digital 5.1
Original airing 27 July 2003
External links
Official website
Australian Idol Finalists
(with dates of elimination)
Idol 2003 finalists
Guy Sebastian Winner
Shannon Noll November 19
Cosima de Vito November 3
Paulini Curuenavuli October 27
Rob Mills October 20
Levi Kereama October 13
Rebekah LaVauney October 6
Kelly Cavuoto October 6
Lauren Buckley September 29
Cle Wootton September 29
Peter Ryan September 22
Matthew Chadwick September 22
Idol 2004 finalists
Casey Donovan Winner
Anthony Callea November 21
Courtney Murphy November 8
Hayley Jensen November 1
Chanel Cole October 25
Marty Worrall October 18
Ricki-Lee Coulter October 11
Daniel Belle October 4
Emelia Rusciano September 27
Amali Ward September 20
Dan O'Connor September 13
Angeline Narayan September 6
Idol 2005 finalists
Kate DeAraugo Winner
Emily Williams November 21
Lee Harding November 14
Dan England November 7
Daniel Spillane October 31
Anne Robertson October 24
James Kannis October 17
Milly Edwards October 10
Roxane LeBrasse October 3
Laura Gissara September 26
Natalie Zahra September 19
Chris Luder September 12
Tarni Stephens September 12
Idol 2006 finalists
Damien Leith Winner
Jessica Mauboy November 26
Dean Geyer November 13
Chris Murphy November 6
Ricky Muscat October 30
Lisa Mitchell October 23
Bobby Flynn October 16
Lavina Williams October 9
Guy "Mutto" Mutton October 2
Klancie Keough September 25
Reigan Derry September 18
Joseph Gatehau September 11
Idol 2007 finalists
Natalie Gauci Winner
Matt Corby November 25
Carl Riseley November 12
Marty Simpson November 5
Tarisai Vushe October 29
Daniel Mifsud October 22
Ben McKenzie October 15
Jacob Butler October 8
Mark Da Costa October 1
Lana Krost September 24
Brianna Carpenter September 17
Holly Weinert September 10
Idol 2008 finalists
Wes Carr Winner
Luke Dickens November 23
Mark Spano November 17
Teale Jakubenko November 10
Chrislyn Hamilton November 3
Roshani Priddis October 27
Sophie Paterson October 20
Thanh Bui October 13
Madam Parker October 6
Tom Williams September 29
Brooke Addamo September 22
Jonny Taylor September 15

Australian Idol is a Logie Award-winning Australian singing competition, which began its first season on 27 July 2003. Part of the Idol franchise, it originated from the reality program Pop Idol created by British entertainment executive Simon Fuller. Australian Idol is televised on Channel 10, and the Austereo Radio Network.

The program seeks to discover the most commercial young singer in the country through a series of nationwide auditions. The outcomes of the later stages of this competition are determined by public voting by phone. The format features three judges who give critiques of the contestants' performances in order to facilitate the voting: former record executive Ian Dickson; singer Marcia Hines; and radio presenter Kyle Sandilands. The show is hosted by Andrew G and former contestant Ricki-Lee Coulter as a backstage presenter.

Contents

[edit] Stars of Idol

[edit] Current Hosts

[edit] Current Judges

[edit] Former Host & Judges

[edit] Winners and Runner-ups of Idol

In its six seasons, the winners and runners-up have been:

Year Winner Runner-up
2003 Guy Sebastian Shannon Noll
2004 Casey Donovan Anthony Callea
2005 Kate DeAraugo Emily Williams
2006 Damien Leith Jessica Mauboy
2007 Natalie Gauci Matt Corby
2008 Wes Carr Luke Dickens

[edit] Rules

[edit] Auditions

Auditions are held in major cities around Australia to find each season's contestants. As of 2008 the audition locations are; Newcastle, Darwin, Cairns, London, Albury, Hobart, Brisbane, Albany, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Barossa Valley and Sydney.

During auditions contestants perform a song of their choice before all three judges who then respond with either criticism or praise followed by a yes or no vote as to whether the contestant has been accepted. Contestants will only be accepted if at least two of the judges voted yes. Over the show's six year history there have been an estimated 185,000 people to audition.

[edit] Top 100

Around 100 people make it to Sydney to compete in the Top 100. The first task in the Top 100 is the 'chorus line' where 10 people are chosen randomly to perform in front of the judges. Each singing a short piece from a song of their choice. After all 10 have performed the judges choose which contestants are eliminated. In the next phase, the Top 100 contestants are randomly put into groups of four and the groups choose a song from a short list of pop songs and they are given all night to rehearse so they are able to perform it next morning. These group performances are generally criticised by the judges but with few exceptions. The next day each contestant performs an a capella of a song of their choice in front of the judges and all the remaining contestants. That night contestants are informed individually whether they make it to the semi final round, the Top 24.

[edit] Semi-finals

The semifinal format has varied season to season. The formats for the different seasons are:

Season 1

The semi-finals for the first season consists of 40 contestants, which were then split into 5 groups of 8. The 2 contestants with the highest number of votes then advanced into the finals. At the end of the last group results, A special wild card round was held, wherein 10 previously rejected contestants where given a second chance to make it to the finals. In this special show, another 2 would advance in the finals. One public choice, and one Judge's Choice. However, a contestant by the name of Daniel Wakefield withdrew from the competition, leaving one vacant slot in the final 12. Because of this, instead of only one public choice, the contestant with the next highest number of votes was also declared a finalist.

Seasons 2 and 3

The number of semi-finalists were cut down to 30. The top 30 were then divided into 3 groups of 10, the top 3 vote-getters of each group advancing in to the final 12. The wild card show format changed slightly as it were the judges who selected 2 to advance and the public only choosing one. The wild card episode in the 3rd season had a little twist, wherein the judges announces a third person, namely, Roxanne Lebrasse, who was also had the 2nd highest number of votes,to move on in the finals, making it a Top 13.

Season 4

The semis now consists of 24 finalists, with 12 males and 12 females. The contestans would then be split into groups of six, with each group of contestants consisting of the same gender. The top 2 from each group would then advance into the finals. After all 4 groups have performed, 8 contestants would then be brought back for a wild card show. The judges select three while the public chooses one.

Season 5 maintained a similar format to that of the previous season, but there was a slight change in the wild card show, wherein the top 2 voted would advance, and the judges would select only two, instead of three.

Season 6

The season still maintained a top 24, but instead of all groups consisting of the same gender, each group now consists of 3 males and 3 females, still with the top 2 advancing in the finals. The wild card show then used the same format as that of Season 4, wherein the judges select three to advance in the finals, and the public would choose one.

Contestants who had previously made the top 24 in the past seasons but unfortunately did not continue on to the top 12 were ineligible to audition for Australian Idol again, however, it was announced that from 2008 season onwards previous top 24 contestants are now eligible for another chance and could audition; this is similar to the concept on Canadian Idol.

[edit] Finals

As the number of performers reaches 12 the contestants are given the task of choosing a song, in accordance with a weekly theme, to perform live on national television. Viewers then telephone (or SMS) their vote(s) in relation to who they want to stay another week.

At the beginning of an elimination show the remaining idols also take part in a group performance that relates to the previous night's theme. Then the contestants with the three lowest amounts of votes are taken into the 'bottom three', before being told first who is safe for another week and finally who has been eliminated. The eliminated competitor then presents a final song - usually the number they sang the previous night.

[edit] Grand Finale

The Grand Finale is held at the Sydney Opera House. Featuring fireworks, an outdoor concert with many past Idol stars and other Australian musicians. It has been the highest rating episode of each season. The top 12 are celebrated and at the end of the night the winner is announced inside the Opera House. The season six finale however was held outside during the whole broadcast with the producers wanting a different approach.

After the first season, the top 12 went on a national tour, it stopped for later seasons. However, there was a "Winner's Journey Tour" involving the winner with some guest performances from the Top 12 for Season 4 and 5.

[edit] Touchdowns

A "touchdown" were awarded by judge Mark Holden when, in his own opinion, a contestant's performance is particularly good. Holden awarded his first ever "touchdown" to Cosima De Vito for her rendition of Cold Chisel's When the War Is Over in the Top 8 on Australian Made night in Season 1. De Vito also received a touchdown for her rendition of RESPECT, a classic heat by Aretha Franklin. Season 4 winner, Damien Leith and Season 2 winner, Casey Donovan have the record for the highest number of touchdowns at four apiece. Emily Williams, season 3 Runner-up, holds the record of having 3 touchdowns but not winning. Matt Corby, season 5 Runner-Up, shares this record with Emily. In 2004, Top 8 contestants choice night, he awarded his only ever 'Grand Royal' Touchdown when Anthony Callea performed his performance of The Prayer. One of Holdens most memorable Touchdowns was awarded to Guy Sebastion for his rendition of "Climb Every Mountain" in Season 1. His last touchdown went to Natalie Gauci in the Top 4 on Big Band night during Season 5.

During Season 6, due to Holden's departure from the judging panel, the other judges have been awarding "touchdowns" themselves. The first "touchdown" was delivered by Kyle Sandilands to Chrislyn Hamilton on top 12 night. She later received another on Motown night by guest judge and first series winner, Guy Sebastian. Thanh Bui received one from Marcia Hines during ABBA night and Mark Spano was also delivered one by Ian "Dicko" Dickson during Top 6 Rolling Stones night. Eventual winner, Wes Carr was awarded two; one by Hines and guest judge Jermaine Jackson on Michael Jackson night and another on Top 3 night by Dickson.

[edit] Season Synopsis

[edit] Season 1

When Network Ten paid $15 million for the first season of Australian Idol they anticipated it to be a critical and financial success like it had been in other countries such as the UK and the USA. When the show aired for the first time in the August of 2003 it was a ratings bonanza attracting diverse ranges of viewers, from people wanting the crazy auditions to people who wanted to hear great voices. The audition process went through several major cities in Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin. Sooner or later Australian Idol became the most popular TV show in the country with more ratings than major events such as the AFL Grand Final. The Grand Final at the Sydney Opera House attracted more than 3 million viewers. It was listed as the ninth highest rating TV show in Australia in the past century in 2007.

The eventual winner of the competition was Guy Sebastian. He beat Shannon Noll who finished in 2nd place, Cosima De Vito who came in 3rd place, Paulini Curuenavuli who came in 4th place & Rob Mills who finished in 5th place. After Idol, it was these five, the Final 5, who were the most successful out of the Top 12.

Other Idol contestants from Season 1 to release music were Levi Kereama, Rebekah LaVauney, Peter Ryan and Courtney Act. All of these independent acts achieved limited success.

Date Theme Bottom Three
22 September 1970s Matthew Chadwick Peter Ryan Kelly Cavuoto
29 September Number Ones Cle Lauren Buckley Kelly Cavuoto (2)
6 October Australian Hits Kelly Cavuoto (3) Rebekah LaVauney Levi Kereama
13 October 1980s Levi Kereama (2) Paulini Curuenavuli Shannon Noll
20 October R&B/Soul Rob Mills Cosima De Vito
27 October Big Band Paulini Curuenavuli (2) Guy Sebastian
3 November 1960s Cosima de Vito (2)
19 November Finale Shannon Noll (3) Guy Sebastian (1)

[edit] Season 2

As well as the five larger cities, the judges also visited Canberra, Hobart, Darwin and Tamworth this year. Of the twelve finalists, three were from Sydney, two were from Melbourne, and one each from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Hobart, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide and Bega.

The winner was Casey Donovan. The runners up (in descending order) were Anthony Callea, Courtney Murphy , Hayley Jensen & Chanel Cole. The final two, as well as Ricki-Lee Coulter (7th), were the only contestants from the Top 12 to score hits, with Callea the highest seller of the three, now holding the record of the highest and fast selling single by an Australian artist ever with his first release of "The Prayer". Chanel Cole and Daniel Belle teamed up under the name Spook to release an album in October 2005; a bootleg album for Chanel was also released in November 2005. Top 30 contestants Ngaiire Joseph and Marty Worrall each released a single in late 2005, and Hayley Jensen an album in September 2007. Daniel O'Connor, another of the Top 12, gained a role on Neighbours.

The Grand finale of this series remains the highest rated show out of all broadcast over the five seasons.

On a darker note, Telstra, a major sponsor of the series, made an embarrassing error when they issued a series of half-page advertisements in major newspapers congratulating Donovan on her victory, with a reference to her website. However, the address was incorrect, leading to a website about gay porn star Casey Donovan, rather than the singer's. The company issued a prompt apology upon realising their mistake.[2]

After this season, judge Ian Dickson left the series, later to appear in the Seven Network reality TV shows My Restaurant Rules, Dancing with the Stars and most recently, Australian Celebrity Survivor. The 2004 season was also notable for an Asian contestant named "Flynn", who sang the Freestylers song "Push Up" after being found from a terrible audition, in the same vein as William Hung.

Date Theme Bottom Three
6 September Australian Made Angeline Narayan Emelia Rusciano Amali Ward
13 September Pop Dan O'Connor Hayley Jensen Marty Worrall
20 September 1960's Amali Ward (2) Hayley Jensen (2) Marty Worrall (2)
27 September Disco Emelia Rusciano (2) Marty Worrall (3) Casey Donovan
4 October Contestant's Choice Daniel Belle Chanel Cole Hayley Jensen (3)
11 October The Beatles Ricki-Lee Coulter Chanel Cole (2) Marty Worrall (4)
18 October 1980s Marty Worrall (5) Casey Donovan (2) Hayley Jensen (4)
25 October R&B Chanel Cole (3) Courtney Murphy
1 November Big Band Hayley Jensen (6) Casey Donovan (3)
8 November 1970s Courtney Murphy (2)
21 November Finale Anthony Callea Casey Donovan (3)

[edit] Season 3

For the first time in 'Australian Idol' history there were 13 finalists. This came about during the Wildcard Verdict show on 5 September 2005. The judges initially chose James Kannis and Emily Williams to go through to the final. This left one spot which was chosen by the Australian public. Out of the remaining contestants the two that received the highest votes were Daniel Spillane and Roxane Lebrasse. With only 1% between them, Dan was announced as the final member of the Top 12. This meant Roxane had missed out yet again. The judges decided however that Roxane was too good to be left out of the Top 12 so they made it a Top 13. The catch was that two contestants were eliminated in the first round of the finals.

On 21 November 2005 the winner was announced and it was Kate DeAraugo. Kate was an outside chance to win throughout the whole season and after the show had ended Kate released a #1 single, a platinum selling album and a further Top 10 hit single through Sony BMG. Kate is currently working with all girl group Young Divas which is madeup of past Idol contestants which include Paulini Curuenavuli, Jessica Mauboy and Emily Williams. Runner up Emily Williams lost by 1% in the closest percentage ever in an Idol finale. She was originally signed to Sony BMG as a solo artist, but the agreement fell through. She is also a member of Young Divas and has had much success with them. Lee Harding finished in third position and was signed to Sony BMG and released a # 1 single and a platinum selling album. His second single from his debut album proved to be less successful and in mid 2006 Harding was released from his contract with the label. He is currently touring and performing with Bedrock. Dan England came 4th and didn't score a recording contract with a major label but recorded several independent releases and has toured with Season 2 winner Casey Donovan and Season 1 Runner Up Shannon Noll. Anne Robertson who finished in sixth position was negotiating a deal with Sony BMG, but it was rumoured that Sony BMG was reluctant in signing her as they believed she was too similar to Season 1 contestant Paulini Curuenavuli who had been signed to the label for several years. Other Idol contestants from Season 3 have released numerous independent material and have toured and performed with several bands and music groups.

Although averaging around the 1.5 million viewer mark, ratings were down by up to 40% on average during the third season compared to the first two seasons, which regularly drew more than 2.5 million viewers during the latter half of the competition. This created a serious situation for Ten, which was airing three Australian Idol shows every week at the time, and forced them to give away free commercial airtime to program sponsors expecting higher ratings. Commentators has theorised over the reasons why this has occurred, ranging from the viewing public being tired of the format due to Sandilands replacing the popular Dickson. This caused a major Idol revamp for Season 4 which meant Season 4 being one of the highest rating seasons yet.

Date Theme Bottom Three
12 September Australian Artists Tarni Stephens Chris Luder Milly Edwards
19 September 1960s Natalie Zahra Laura Gissara James Kannis
26 September Rock Supergroups Laura Gissara (2) James Kannis (2) Daniel Spillane
3 October Contestant's Choice Roxane LeBrasse Milly Edwards (2) Daniel Spillane (2)
10 October Big Band Milly Edwards (3) Dan England James Kannis (3)
17 October 1980's James Kannis (4) Emily Williams Daniel Spillane (3)
24 October Motown Anne Robertson Daniel Spillane (4) Dan England (2)
31 October 1970's Daniel Spillane (5) Lee Harding
7 November Elvis Presley Dan England (3) Lee Harding (2)
14 November Number Ones Lee Harding (3)
21 November Finale Emily Williams Kate DeAraugo (2)

[edit] Season 4

Changes for the fourth season of Australian Idol included the cancellation of "Inside Idol"; a "streamlined" semi-finals (replaced with a variant of the 12 females, 12 males format popularized by American Idol); and the contestants will be able to bring instruments with them on stage for at least one of the final shows. Also, the fourth season's television promos promised a change in the viewer's role in the show, revealed to be an SMS service called 199-JUDGE which allows viewers to SMS their opinions on the judges' reactions.

Damien Leith was named the winner of Australian Idol 2006 on November 26, beating Jessica Mauboy for the title. Leith is the third most successful selling Australian Idol contestant with 385,000 units, closely behind Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll. He has achieved two #1 selling albums, The Winner's Journey which sold 4x Platinum and Where We Land which made Platinum certification. His third studio album Catch the Wind: Songs of a Generation peaked at #2, reaching gold status. His first single, Night of My Life stayed at #1 for four consecutive weeks and was certified Platinum after one week of sales. It was the fastest selling debut single for 2006, and was the most added song to radio. Leith also won 5 Australian Recording Industry Association Awards including Highest Selling Album of 2007. He has also released a novel titled One More Time and hosted Network Ten's heart-warming television series "Saving Kids". Third place getter Dean Geyer later released his debut album 'Rush' and top ten single 'If You Don't Mean It' and currently stars on the Australian long-time running soap Neighbours. Jessica Mauboy went on to join ex-Idol girl group Young Divas, after member from season 2, Ricki-Lee Coulter, left the group. Jessica Mauboy has since gained much success as a solo artist. Album Been Waiting has peaked at #11 and since achieved Platinum status since its debut on the ARIA Albums Chart. Mauboy has also continues to enjoy great success with her singles "Running Back" which was certified 2x Platinum, second single "Burn" reached #1 and achieved Platinum status, third single "Been Waiting" achieved Gold peaking at #12 and latest single "Because" debut at #9.

Date Theme Bottom Three
11 September Contestant's Choice Joseph Gatehau Lavina Williams Reigan Derry
18 September Rock Reigan Derry (2) Ricky Muscat Guy Mutton
25 September Number Ones Klancie Keough Dean Geyer Lavina Williams (2)
2 October Birth Year Guy Mutton (2) Lisa Mitchell Jessica Mauboy
9 October Disco Lavina Williams (3) Chris Murphy Ricky Muscat (2)
16 October Acoustic Bobby Flynn Lisa Mitchell (2) Ricky Muscat (3)
23 October Rock Swings Lisa Mitchell (3) Dean Geyer (2) Ricky Muscat (4)
30 October ARIA Hall of Fame Ricky Muscat (5) Dean Geyer (3)
6 November Audience Choice Chris Murphy (2) Dean Geyer (4)
13 November Judge's Choice Dean Geyer (5)
26 November Finale* Jessica Mauboy (2) Damien Leith (1)

[edit] Season 5

Ian "Dicko" Dickson rejoined the show as one of the judges, along with Mark Holden, Marcia Hines and Kyle Sandilands from 2006. The series is again hosted by Andrew G and James Mathison. The show continued with the format from Season 4 where contestants could use instruments throughout the show and for their audition they could perform original material rather than covering other artist's work. Natalie Gauci went on to win the series, beating Matt Corby for the title. Natalie released her debut platinum selling album "The Winner's Journey". After the winner's single "Here I Am" debuted at #2 on the ARIA Charts, and the album debuted at #11, Gauci has plans to release a new album later in 2009. Carl Riseley, who finished third in the contest went on to release a swing-style album titled "The Rise", debuting at #5 on the ARIA Charts. Runner-up Matt Corby however, is yet to sign a deal with record company SonyBMG, but has "had talks" about his future with the company. Natalie Gauci next album release is June 2009.

Date Theme Bottom Three
9 September Contestant's Choice Holly Weinert Lana Krost Brianna Carpenter
16 September Rock Brianna Carpenter Marty Simpson Jacob Butler
23 September Disco Lana Krost Tarisai Vushe Daniel Mifsud
30 September Acoustic Mark Da Costa Jacob Butler (2) Daniel Mifsud (2)
7 October Brit Pop Jacob Butler (3) Carl Riseley Daniel Mifsud (3)
14 October Birth Year Ben McKenzie Matt Corby Marty Simpson (2)
21 October Judge's Choice/Contestant's Choice Daniel Mifsud (4) Tarisai Vushe (2) Marty Simpson (3)
28 October Australian Made Tarisai Vushe (3) Natalie Gauci
4 November Big Band Marty Simpson (4) Carl Riseley (2)
11 November Audience Choice/Contestant's Choice Carl Riseley (3)
25 November Finale Matt Corby (3) Natalie Gauci (1)

[edit] Season 6

Changes to the Australian Idol format for season 6 include judge Mark Holden[3] leaving the show and temporary absence of host Andrew G, and auditions held for the first time in the United Kingdom[4]. This was also the first season where the Top 4 contestands were all male, and the second time with two male grand finalists, after Season 1 Finale with Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll. On November 23, Wes Carr was announced as Australian Idol for 2008, beating Luke Dickens.

Date Theme Bottom Three
14 September Idols' Idols Jonny Taylor Teale Jakubenko Sophie Paterson
21 September '80s Music Brooke Addamo Sophie Paterson (2) Thanh Bui
28 September Aussie Hits Tom Williams Teale Jakubenko (2) Madam Parker
5 October ABBA Madam Parker (2) Chrislyn Hamilton Roshani Priddis
12 October Rock Thanh Bui (2) Teale Jakubenko (3) Sophie Paterson (3)
19 October Motown Sophie Paterson (4) Mark Spano Teale Jakubenko (4)
26 October The Rolling Stones Roshani Priddis (2) Luke Dickens Teale Jakubenko (5)
2 November Michael Jackson Chrislyn Hamilton (2) Mark Spano (2)
9 November American Hits Teale Jakubenko (7) Wes Carr
16 November Contestants Choice Mark Spano (3)
23 November Finale Luke Dickens (3) Wes Carr (1)

[edit] Season 7

On November 10, 2008, it was announced that a seventh season of Australian Idol will be produced and aired in late 2009.[5]

James Mathison announced on 31 March 2009 that he was leaving the show after 6 seasons. Andrew G will continue hosting along with Ricki-Lee Coulter who will once again co-host.

On 1 June 2009 musical director John Foreman announced that he was also leaving the show after 6 seasons. A replacement has not been announced by Ten.[6]

[edit] Criticism

[edit] Loss of major advertisers

It is unsure as to the future of Australian Idol, because two of its top sponsors (Telstra, and Procter & Gamble) have dropped, admit fears it cannot rebound the decrease of 19% in ratings from last year, which has resulted in a decrease of $482 million off Ten's market value[7], considering Channel Ten refused to air American Idol[8].

[edit] Lack of ongoing Recording Industry support

Australian Idol and its performers are often criticized by the Australian media and entertainers [9]. Some winners and runners-up from the show have failed to maintain popularity past the airing of their respective series of the show. Critics have also lamented the associated record companies claiming high record sales but instead measuring the number of copies shipped to music stores in sale or return.[10] This trend is more noticeable with the female winners, as Casey Donovan and Kate DeAraugo both only enjoyed moderate and short-lived successes. Other idol graduates such as Guy Sebastian, Shannon Noll, Anthony Callea and Damien Leith on the other hand, have established themselves in the Australian music market and continue to enjoy success. It should be noted however, that some female contestants have too made an impact in the industry including Ricki-Lee Coulter, Lisa Mitchell and Jessica Mauboy.[11]

[edit] Hillsong sponsorship claims

In October 2007, criticism was leveled at the fairness of the program's telephone voting system, where 50% of the remaining contestants were stated by the media to be members of the Hillsong Church. The 50% of remaining contestants dispute was put to rest- when Daniel and Ben both said they did not have any affiliations with the Assemblies of God. [12][13], and raising concerns of vote-stacking by the church congregation. Since the members associated with the Assemblies of God were voted week by week, some media analysts also claim discrimination against those who admit being Christian, noting it being out of line with the "family-friendly" product placement[14].

[edit] Revenue generation

In November, reporter Neil Wooldridge stated that although the producers are coy about how much is being made from SMS promotions that "some commentators estimate Telstra and Network Ten, partners in the 'Australian Idol' program, made up to $900,000 profit each episode."

In 2003 it is estimated that viewers cast 20 million votes for their favourite Australian Idol contestant. At 55 cents for each telephone call or text message, that equates to $11 million even before advertising revenue. In Season 2 it is estimated that 29 million votes were cast making $16 million. Season 3 saw a slight drop with 18 million votes cast making $10 million. In Season 4 26 million were cast making $14.3 million and in Season 5, 22 million were cast making $12.2 million. Network Ten pay around $13 million for each season.[15]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Please wait
  2. ^ "Porn apology over Idol win". Sydney Morning Herald. 22 November 2004. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/11/22/1100972298598.html. 
  3. ^ "Mark Holden Quits Idol". http://www.yourtv.com.au/news/index.cfm?i=131840. Retrieved on 2008-05-14. 
  4. ^ "Australian Idol's LA auditions canned already". http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,23515605-10388,00.html. Retrieved on 2008-05-14. 
  5. ^ Looking for the magic touch TV Tonight November 10, 2008
  6. ^ John Foreman quits Idol TV Tonight 1 June, 2009
  7. ^ http://business.smh.com.au/business/ten-left-with-idol-and-an-empty-house-20080713-3eiq.html
  8. ^ http://undercover.com.au/News-Story.aspx?id=5628
  9. ^ Bernard Zuel. "Will Idol winners ever get any respect?". http://www.smh.com.au/news/music/will-idol-graduates-ever-get-any-respect/2007/09/05/1188783289280.html. Retrieved on 2007-09-06. 
  10. ^ c.f. Zuel
  11. ^ Sams, Christine.Noll finds fans in pond where big fish swim. Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved on 22 September 2007.
  12. ^ Jane Nethercote. "Australian Idol: Where are the singing Buddhists?". http://www.crikey.com.au/Media-Arts-and-Sports/20071010-Australian-Idol-what-about-the-Buddhists.html. Retrieved on 2007-10-10. 
  13. ^ Garth Montgomery. "Idol fans angry at vote bloc". http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,22558938-10229,00.html. Retrieved on 2007-10-10. 
  14. ^ "Channel Ten Goes On Australian Idol 2008 Cover-Up Spree". http://www.pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=127287&Itemid=31. Retrieved on 2008-08-18. 
  15. ^ "SMS Phenomenon". http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/8.30/busrpt/stories/s996349.htm. Retrieved on 2007-11-17. 

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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