Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson reveals Guy Sebastian’s staggering Australian Idol pay cheque

The former Australian Idol judge recalls casually handing the singer his first ever cheque while they dined over a bowl of pasta.

Former Australian Idol judge Ian “Dicko” Dickson has revealed the first ever pay cheque inaugural winner Guy Sebastian received after winning the show’s first season in 2003.

Dickson made the revelation on Monday’s episode of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!, when he shared fond memories with the show’s contestants Sebastian and Shannon Noll, who placed runner-up in the singing competition.

One moment that Dickson will never forget was handing Sebastian, who was just 21 at the time, his first ever royalties pay cheque from the show, which amounted to a staggering $1 million.

Dicko revealed Guy Sebastian's first Australian Idol pay cheque on I'm A Celeb. Picture: Ten

“He’d won Idol and it had been a massive success and it was the fastest selling album of all time – it beat [John Farnham’] Whispering Jack,” Dickson recalled. “We went out and took him for a bowl of pasta, and after the lunch we handed him an envelope. He said, ‘What’s this?’ We said it’s your first royalty checque for all the records you’ve sold. And he took out the cheque and it said. ‘Guy Sebastian, one million dollars.’”

“Never done it before and never done it since but it was a special moment to give him,” Dickson added.

When he asked the rising star what he’d do with the cash, Sebastian said he wanted to buy a tinnie boat so he could go fishing with his brothers.

Guy Sebastian beat Shannon Noll in the first ever Australian Idol season in 2003.

Guy Sebastian with judge Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson in London after his win. Picture: Tim Anderson

The Australian Idol throwback conversation kicked off with Dickson recalling a fond memory of getting tattooed with Nolls – who affectionately refers to as “Nollsy” – to mark the British music mogul’s permanent residency status in Australia.

“When I got my Southern Corss tattoo, I went with Nollsy. I got my permanent residency and I thought, ‘Of course, makes sense. You gotta have a Southern Cross tattoo.’ And Nollsy was like, ‘Yeah mate, I’ll do one with you.’”

Dickson said Sebastian went along with them to the tattoo parlour and considered getting an ear piercing.

“You wouldn’t believe it now because he’s got sleeves [tattooed arms], but he goes, ‘I wonder what my mum would say if I got my ear pierced?’ And this big Maori guy comes and says, ‘Son, if you’re worried about your mum, you’re not ready to have your ear pierced.’”

I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues 7:30pm tonight on Ten.