Idol journey comes full circle

Former Idol contestant Rikki-Lee Coulter is joining Australian Idol as a third host for the show. She will join Andrew G and James Mathison as a mentor (that’s a lot of hosting, given the US version only has one).

Once Australian Idol reaches the studio phase of the competition Ricki-Lee will give backstage access during the Monday night Live Verdict program.

The 22-year-old singer reportedly jumped at an approach from producers, keen to refresh the show.

“I have been through what these guys (contestants) will go through and come out the other end,” she told news.com.au.

“I would have loved to have someone that I could go to with questions when I was in there.”

Coulter, who previously appeared on Seven’s It Takes Two, has enjoyed chart success both as a soloist and with her former group, Young Divas.

“You go into Idol wanting to win, but I think I am a prime example that winning is not the end,” she said.

Press Release:

FremantleMedia Australia and Network Ten are excited to announce that award-winning recording artist Ricki-Lee Coulter will be joining the 2008 season of Australian Idol.

Series 6 of the entertainment phenomenon will see Ricki-Lee join the hosting team to support host’s Andrew G and James Mathison. Ricki-Lee has already joined the Australian Idol audition tour in Perth and we will see her at all the capital cities bringing the viewers closer to the contestants, with valuable tips and advice for all our idol hopefuls.

Once Australian Idol reaches the exciting studio phase of the competition Ricki-Lee will be on hand to give viewers unprecedented backstage access during the Monday night Live Verdict program. While James and Andrew take care of all the action on the main stage, Ricki-Lee will become mentor and friend to the contestants as they undertake their incredibly emotional journey to superstardom.

Australian Idol executive producer Greg Beness says “We are thrilled to have Ricki-Lee on board this year. What better person to support the boys than someone who has already lived and breathed the Idol dream. Ricki-Lee is a great example of how Australian Idol has opened doors to the entertainment industry for many of our idols and truly demonstrates how Idol is discovering Australian talent.”

Ricki-Lee has enjoyed great success since her controversial elimination from Australian Idol in 2004. Since then the hits have followed, with her hugely successful self-titled debut solo album, followed by the chart topping Young Divas project, and most recently launching her 2nd GOLD solo album BRAND NEW DAY, which has produced 3 TOP TEN SINGLES alone, meaning Ricki-Lee has had 6 CONSECUTIVE TOP 20 SINGLES since she hit the charts.

Apart from her new Idol duties, Ricki–Lee has just launched her first single into the UK market CANT TOUCH IT, which has been re-titled U WANNA LITTLE OF THIS. The single has already hit #1 on the UK COMMERCIAL CLUB POP CHARTS. Meanwhile back home, CANT TOUCH IT has just gone PLATNIUM, which is a huge success for Ricki-Lee, who is a proud AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENT artist.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to Idol, the very place that launched my public profile and my music career. I’m also excited and honoured to be mentoring these amazing up-coming stars, many of whom will contribute to keeping the Australian music industry thriving, whether they win or not! I want to be a constant support, and a constant reminder to these guys that you don’t need to win in order to be a success in this competition!”.

For Idol audition more exciting announcements, prize details and tour dates go to the idol website www.australianidol.com.au

Source: news.com.au