’So much to discover’: Australian Idol auditions kick off in Sydney

At this year’s Australian Idol auditions, the judges have seen a lot less country, more boys with guitars, girls doing pop and even a bit of screamo.

Australian Idol auditions have kicked off in Sydney, yet times have changed as the judges embrace a fresh perspective.

Last year’s judges Marcia Hines, singer Amy Shark and radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands are back for more, hearing about 50 people a day.

“We’ve had a good couple of days, from last year we had such a different diverse group. Last year it inspired a lot of great people with some styles we haven’t seen,” Sandilands told Confidential.

“Last season naturally set the bar super high, so I think our expectations are even bigger this season,” Shark said.

Broadening their minds the judges said they are going into this year’s auditions with a more open mind.

“We’re seeing people who are extremely different who I think where before in the past may have been a straight up no but now we are questioning whether they might just have a quirky side, maybe we will see them down the line that they haven’t brought,” Hines said.

“We’re a little bit open to something new,” Sandilands added.

Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark, on the set of Australian Idol, at the SCG, Moore Park, today. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

As auditions progress, the judges shared their insights with Confidential on what they’re seeing.

“There’s always more bad (auditions) than good,” Sandilands said.

“Its 50/50 some of them are really good surprisingly, because they don’t look like they’re going to do anything then some people look incredibly great and aren’t.

“The tough part is some people come in and look like stars and engage with us and we think wow this person really has a spark, but they’re horrible singers. Then the great singers are horrible at everything else.

“You really do need to find the magical ingredient, someone who’s got it all. The whole package- the voice, the attitude, everything,” Sandilands said.

Despite showing a bit of a softer side last year, Sandilands’ harsh criticism remains firmly intact.

Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark are back for the new season of Australian Idol. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“I’m very harsh but sometimes they edit it out because it can’t be all about me destroying people’s souls, It depends on the nature of the person. Some people can handle the harsh criticism, and I’ve learnt over the years those who can’t, and I’m not here to crush anybody’s dreams but I can usually see.

“Some you have to really gently land them with the no which can be tedious and long as some can’t take no for an answer.

“Its like Noah's arc but filled with every single different human being,” he said.

Last year’s Idol winner saw country singer Dylan Wright steal the hearts of Australians, yet this year the judges are seeing less country.

“We saw more country last year, right now we are seeing a lot of guitar boys, pop girls, a lot of screamo even,” Sandilands said.

“There’s a lot happening here you can’t even imagine,” Shark added.

The trio also separately visited regional parts of the country, to give those who can’t get to them a chance, they go to them.

“Some of these kids have no chance of going into the capital cities ever, so I love that we get to see them, there’s so much to discover,” Sandilands said.