Australian Idol on the hunt for a label after more than two decade record deal comes to an end

Sony Music Australia has been on board with Australian Idol since the format launched in 2003. The reality singing show is now on the hunt for a new label. Here is what you need to know.

There is major news behind the scenes for future winners of Australian Idol, as Sony Music Australia’s partnership has come to an end after nine seasons over 21 years.

Confidential can reveal Sony is not returning for the 10th season as auditions for Australia’s next big singing star get under way across the country.

Sony has provided a recording deal for each Australian Idol winner since the show launched in 2003 when Guy Sebastian was triumphant.

Additionally, winners have received a cash prize, most recently since the show was rebooted by Channel 7 two years ago, of $100,000.

With Sony no longer on board, it is understood producers are in the midst of negotiating next years prize package.

Australian Idol judges and hosts for 2024 Kyle Sandilands, Ricki-Lee Coulter, Marcia Hines, Scott Tweedie, Amy Shark. Picture: Seven

The format has produced some of Australia’s most famous singing talent over the past few decades, among them Jessica Mauboy, Matt Corby, Stan Walker, Casey Donovan, Shannon Noll and Lisa Mitchell.

Dylan Wright won this year while Royston Noell took home the title in 2023.

Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy Shark will return as judges in 2025, with Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie as hosts of the series.

“Last season naturally set the bar super high, so I think our expectations are even bigger this season,” Shark told Confidential on set during auditions in Sydney last month.

Hines said: “We’re seeing people who are extremely different who I think … in the past, may have been a straight up ‘no’, but now we are questioning whether they might just have a quirky side

The news follows Guy Sebastian’s announcement this week that he will not be returning to rival singing show, The Voice Australia, which also airs on Seven.

Days earlier, Reuben de Melo won the most recent series, which was Sebastian’s sixth as a coach.

“It’s been a privilege to guide the next wave of Aussie talent alongside the wonderful teams & crew,” Sebastian wrote on an Instagram post.

“The best thing about the show is how positive it is & how much care and passion goes into making it a safe place for artists. For me right now, it’s time to focus more on my core, which is writing and performing new music.”

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