★★★★★ 0/5

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.

70
Leave a comment

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

  1. Yeah , I agree John would be the perfect choice for this role. He’s respected at all levels of the music industry, has a wealth of experience behind him , as well as a tremendous sense of humour to go with it. He would be the perfect candidate for this role!

  3. Now that is a fantastic idea! It would be great to have someone on the judging panel who has the knowledge, intelligence and humour of John Foreman. Musically, there’s nobody better and his comments and feedback would be so much more constructive (not to mention educated!) than those that Kyle has delivered over the past seasons. I think it would be a great move – bring it on!

  4. @ Neon Kitty, Correct me if I’m wrong but Foreman is a well known personality with lots of experience in the industry. He may not be as out there as Kyle, Dicko and Marcia, but Dicko wasn’t anything in the public eye before Idol – at least I’d never heard of him.

  5. David, you are so on the money! It’s about time Channel 10 recognised the genius that is John Foreman! A brilliant composer, talented musician and above all else a passionate mentor. John is also extremely clever and funny! I think this could be just what the show needs. Marcia and Dicko are respected for their experience in the Industry, something that I think Kyle was lacking. The network also seems to be going for a more “family audience” with the 6.30 timeslot this year and John is already well respected by youth all over Australia through the Schools Spectacular! His show, The Big Night In showed a different side to John, the Musical Director, I think we got just a taste of what he has to offer!

  6. If they’re serious about including a judge with huge musical talent, charisma, the ‘common touch’ (and I mean that in the nicest possible way!), then they should look no further than John Forman, whose music and TV credibility is a given. John is both talented and popular and has a great sense of humour and timing. I’m sure including John on the panel would boost this show’s ratings and make it more watchable into the bargain!

  9. John Foreman is one of the most respected and respectable people in the Australian music industry and with his longstanding association with TEN and indeed the Idol family, it is an obvious choice to have him on the judging panel. Idol has lost audience ratings arguably also due to the lack of family viewing it has become with obnoxious judges’ comments…John would be the last saving grace!!!! I wouldn’t watch if John isn’t a judge this year.

  10. It would not necessarily ruin Idol to have a judge who knows what he is talking about musically.
    The quality of the judges on Idol is pathetic compared with for instance the equivalent dance shows.
    Idol is a tremendous lost opportunity to have a show that is entertaining and at the same time builds everyone’s understanding of what good music is.
    Would the public like Foreman? Of course they would.
    Would he be a good replacement for Sandilands? Well, he isn’t thick, he isn’t nasty, he isn’t ignorant, he isn’t an egomaniac. It depends what you are looking for.

  11. Don’t underestimate the credibility John brings to idol and will enhance as a judge. And he can stand up and defend his opinion; he just doesn’t have to be rude to do it. He works well with people and has a wicked sense of humour. Just what Idol needs.
    Inspired!

  12. David Knox has “hit it on the head”!! I couldn’t think of a better choice than John Foreman. His inclusion on the Judge’s panel would provide additional insight into the performers’ talents and make for a well-balanced panel. Go John..

  13. I’ve worked with John on the national school campaign, ‘Music. Count Us In’ in which he’s had to guide high school kids through songwriting, recording and performing and he’s unfailingly encouraging, honest and supportive. His depth of musical knowledge seems to know no bounds…and that wit! Bring the behind-the-scenes musical genius to the front desk, TEN, and up the charisma level at the same time!

  14. Oh, and no disrespect intended to Foreman with that previous comment by the way. It’s just that what we’ve seen of him so far on the show has seemed a little, well, shy.

  15. David! On the money. Foreman’s the obvious choice.

    However I suspect that unless they get over their obvious preference for casting for personality rather than knowledge/wisdom. Foreman doesn’t stand a chance.

    Whoever they pick, though, better have some experience and cred. So nobody from Sony Music, and oh holy hell not any of the mooted contenders mentioned so far.

  16. For a man who knows the show inside and out due to 6 years of experience, John Foreman would most definitely fill the role successfully taking the judging of Idol contestants to an even more professional level.

    The way it should be.

  17. Reply to Ruth, “Idol doesn’t need a judge with a massive ego”, wellI hate to say it but one of those two you have named has the biggest ego in the business!!!!! please no.

    John Foreman is a wonderful choice.

  18. One only has to hear John’s comments on Channel 9’s “20 to 1” series to hear our credible, quick witted and knowledgeable John is on all things music and the entertainment biz in general. John is an accomplished musician/composer/arranger/ mentor, and not to mention TV presenter in his own right, who actually makes a positive difference to young people. It’s not with fluffy comments, nor by shock tactics. It’s by someone actually being clever, straight, and informed!!! That would not only be entertaining to watch, but incredibly refreshing for Idol in its seventh year.

  19. Great idea… john is perfect choice as Judge. He has worked with all the previous contestants and could give great advise because he obviously knows what it takes make a great idol .!! i think hed be quite quirky and funny too!! yeah.. the more i think about it..thumbs up to foreman.

  20. I think John Foreman would be a logical choice, he knows what he’s talking about so he can give constructive criticism, he’s down to earth so he comes without an attitude or a hidden agenda to be famous, controversial or something like that.

  21. John Foreman would make a great judge. Musically he’s a genius + his role as musical director brings professional credibility to the judging role – vs a shock jock or talking head!

  22. OK. I agree with all of the positive responses to the suggestion for Foreman to take over the position. It’s actually amusing how much sense it makes. Can you say ‘obvious choice’?

    I used to watch Idol, but in the passes few years, less so… Regardless of what happens ‘after’ the competition, the concept of Idol makes for great entertainment. Not only does Foreman have an incredible history as a music performer, composer, director and producer, but he has years of experience in entertaining, live TV. I’ve seen him on GMA, Idol, various cameos, and who can forget The Big Night In, Foreman’s own! Not only can he deliver intelligent, industry relevant constructive feedback (with the intention of helping the performers), but he can do it in an eentertaining and witty way.

    Show me a petition, and I’ll certainly pass it on!

  24. *yawn* unless he replaces Dicko! :o) – gosh I’d love to not see Dicko

    bring back Kyle!! – James would be great – but probably too “nice” as a judge, either that or Mark Holden

Leave a Reply