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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.

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jfSo 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.

70 Responses

  2. 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!

  6. Foreman is a top idea. Masterchef has shown that Australian audiences are sick of “nasty”. Experienced, intelligent, warm…John would be perfect!

  7. 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.

  8. 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 !!

  10. 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

  12. 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.

  13. 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!!!

  14. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

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