Ricki-Lee shakes up entertainment world from Idol stage to radio waves to chart-topping hits
Ricki-Lee Coulter is gearing up for an exciting 2024 with Australian Idol hosting, Nova’s show, and a new album release, teasing an upcoming Australian tour with a special stop in her home state to delight Queensland fans.
Entertainment
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Ricki-Lee Coulter – singer, songwriter, television and radio host – is redefining what it means to be a modern-day entertainer.
From the airwaves of Nova’s drive time show Ricki-Lee, Tim, and Joel to the bustling stages of Australian Idol, the Queensland superstar is everywhere, and we can’t get enough.
2023 was a year of monumental achievements for Ricki-Lee.
She returned to Australian Idol stage for the show’s reboot, not as a hopeful contestant as she did two decades ago, but as a confident, inspiring host.
“This show is the reason that I got my start in this industry,” she reflected.
Her involvement brought a unique perspective, having experienced the same journey as the contestants back in 2004.
“I really feel for everyone, because I’ve walked in their shoes,” she shared.
“I’m constantly reminded of my experience on the show when I’m talking to someone about to go in, or when I’m celebrating with someone when they come out and they’ve got their golden ticket.
“It’s incredible to be a part of the show that launched and kick started my career all of those years ago.”
However, Coulter’s talents extend far beyond television.
Last year, she also joined Nova’s national drive time show on a permanent basis, replacing Kate Ritchie, adding a special touch to the daily commute of many Australians.
“I’m enjoying it so much, and we’ve got some big plans for this year,” she revealed.
Amid her busy schedule, she also found time to pour her soul into her fifth studio album, On My Own, a decade since releasing her last album.
Slated for release on March 8, the album features chart-toppers like Ghost and On My Own, and the uplifting Point Of No Return.
Describing it as her most personal work yet, Ricki-Lee revealed “this album is really honest, there’s a bit of everything in there – personal stories, raw and vulnerable”.
“I open up about things that have that I’ve experienced over the years, relationships, dissolving friendships, people talking sh*t about you, there’s a lot in there.
“And there’s also lots of happy, beautiful love songs – it’s a it’s a great album, and I’m so proud of it”.
Despite her national acclaim, Ricki-Lee remains a down-to-earth Gold Coast girl, proud of her Queensland roots.
The upcoming ninth season of Australian Idol, which returns on January 29 on Channel 7, underscores this connection, which kicks off with a significant Queensland representation including fellow judges Amy Shark and Kyle Sandilands.
“Queensland is representing this season,” Coulter said.
“It’s very Queensland-heavy. We’ve got Kyle, he’s a Brizzy boy and then Amy and I, we’ve been friends since we were in school together. We’re both Southport High girls.
“So there’s a lot of big Queensland energy on Idol this year.”
The past year also saw Ricki-Lee balancing her demanding career with her personal life, particularly her relationship with her husband and manager, Richard Harrison.
“Richard, being my manager and me work together, and it has been such a busy year. We weren’t really getting much time for each other that wasn’t talking about work,” she shared.
Despite the challenges, the couple managed to find time for each other, including a romantic getaway to the Maldives over Christmas to recharge.
“So to get away and to spend time together and to relax and switch off was a real, it was a real pleasure,” she said.
For Coulter, music remains her deepest passion.
“Music is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do since I was a kid. I wanted to be like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and like Beyonce. That’s what I wanted to do,” she said.
“I wanted to release music and play live shows and do all of the things that I’ve been lucky enough to do. So music will always be my first and foremost and will always be my number one.”
Looking ahead to 2024, Ricki-Lee is not slowing down.
With the return of Australian Idol, her radio show, and the release of her new album, her schedule is packed.
She has also teased an upcoming tour, promising to bring her new music to live shows across Queensland and beyond.
“I’m going to be touring this year after the album comes out,” she announced, promising an array of live shows that showcase her evolution as an artist.
“We’ll definitely be coming to Queensland and playing some shows for my Queensland fans”.
Australian Idol returns Monday, 29 January 2024 on Channel 7 and 7plus.
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