Fifteen contestants to look out for as Australian Idol returns in 2024

Australian Idol is back with a brand new format and a dazzling line-up. Here are the 15 stars-in-the-making to watch out for.

Australian Idol host Scott Tweedie hints it’s a rather tough season ahead for Australian Idol wannabes.

There are only 30 spots up for grabs from the auditions – dramatically cut from last year’s 50.

And there’s another tweak to the reality show which returns for its second rebooted season on Seven this week.

“There’s this new format where – for the first time in the world on any of the Idols – once you audition and get a yes, you have to wait until the end of the day to learn if you have (the golden ticket) to the next round,” Tweedie explains.

“So, the favourites of the day have to sit around and watch the other auditions. They’re there for six hours, eight hours before they are brought in front of the judges again and then it’s like ‘all right – you’re a yes, you’re a no, you’re a no’.

“It’s gruelling but it’s kind of their first taste of welcome to the industry.

“If you are the best, not only do we want you to be the Idol, but you’ve got to make great music and deal with people criticising you, knocking you down.”

Hosts Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie for the 2024 season of Australian Idol which kicks off on January 29. Picture: Seven

Tweedie is looking forward to reuniting on the live stage with co-host Ricki-Lee Coulter. The pair hadn’t worked together before last year’s Idol and – fortunately – instantly clicked. Also returning are Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark, joined by the OG Idol judge Marcia Hines.

“She is a no BS lady – but she can deliver a ‘no’ softer than anyone else in the world,” Tweedie says. “So you can receive that no and still be motivated to go and continue on your journey.”

He reveals Hines also keeps Sandilands, renowned for his no-filter comments, in line.

“They have a very close connection those two and she won’t take any crap from him,” Tweedie says. “She’ll pull him up on it. She puts the big bad wolf in the corner.”

TOP 15 AUSTRALIAN IDOL CONTESTANTS

From a camel farmer to a surf lover, factory worker, and a singing shopping trolley collector here are 15 contestants to look out for as Australian Idol returns.

NATASHA ROSE, 19, QLD

The pub trivia host is obsessed with red – a colour she says is a symbol of love, lust and power – and she exclusively dons red dresses, shoes and accessories to complement her red mane.

“I’m here to redefine what it means to be a woman in the music industry — passionate, sexy, energetic, and emotional, whatever it is, I’m showcasing the power in our diversity and personality. My music and journey aim to inspire and connect, I’m not just an artist; I’m real, I’m fun, and I’m not afraid to admit I have room to grow.”

Natasha Rose. Picture: Seven

Tyler Hammill. Picture: Seven

TYLER HAMMILL, 21, QLD

A beach-dwelling, van-driving surfer from the Sunshine Coast, juggles his passion for music and surf coaching, while dreaming of headlining festivals and embarking on tours.

“There are so many amazing artists out there; Australian Idol gives me a the platform to showcase who I am as an artist and can hopefully boost me to some special places!

AMY REEVES, 24, WA

Works as a retail assistant and sees her audition as fate – her dad worked as lighting director on the original production of Hair alongside original judge Marcia Hines who’s back on the panel.

“I’m excited about the prospect of connecting with fans, learning from mentors, and creating lasting memories that will shape my musical path for years to come”.

Amy Reeves. Picture: Seven,

Dylan Wright. Picture: Seven

DYLAN WRIGHT, 30, NSW

The dad-of-two is a painter in his day job, who cared for his late mother after she was diagnosed with MS and leukaemia.

“I am auditioning for Australian Idol because I grew up loving the show and it has never felt like the right time. All of a sudden, the stars seem to be aligning and I think it is the right time to try and really push this music career of mine.”

CYNTHIA NEGASH, 19, VIC

The retail worker, raised by her single mum, has finally found the self-belief to chase her musical dreams. 

“I want to be able to show people who I really am and release my own music.

I have never done something like this before.”

Cynthia Negash. Picture: Seven,

Isaac McCallum. Picture: Seven

ISAAC McCALLUM, 23, NSW

During shifts at his local supermarket, Isaac mixes in busking with his collecting of trolleys in the echoey underground carparks. 

“I hope to show the world my voice and definitely get a career out of it.”

DREA ONAMADE, 26, WA

Already heavily immersed in music, balancing roles as a singing teacher, choir director and singer-songwriter, she wants to share her talent on a much larger scale.

“I’m looking forward to showing young black/ethnic kids that you can actually live out your dreams. Regardless of what society says about you, your path will come to you and it’s your choice to live it out.“

Drea Onamade. Picture: Seven

Jake Carlson. Picture: Seven,

JAKE CARLSON, 20, VIC

This music therapist, sparked by his love for his autistic brother, works with children with severe autism, offering guitar, voice, and piano lessons three days a week and wants to use his potential Idol success to heal and grow people.

“My aim is to reach as many people with my music as possible! I also want to prove that with enough hard work, things like this are possible.”

IMOGEN SPENDLOVE, 23, VIC

Wants to trade her biltong factory floor for the stage, and spends every spare moment learning new musical instruments and composing original songs.

“I took a break from music to figure out who I am aside from it, and now I feel like I’m ready to throw myself into it again, I just need that push.”

Imogen Spendlove. Picture: Seven,

TJ Zimba. Picture: Seven,

TJ ZIMBA, 24, WA

Hails from the small town of Karratha, he’s a Hip Hop artist who writes, records and produces his own beats.

“I believe that music isn’t just notes and melodies; it’s a lifeline that reaches out to touch hearts, mend wounds, and cradle solitary souls with a comforting embrace. it creates a sense of belonging to the lost.”

IVANA ILIC, 20, VIC

The burger shop worker’s on a quest for more than musical stardom, she wants to honour her Serbian roots and extended family.

“I’ve always wanted to be a part of Australian Idol; I feel as though I want people to be able to see the potential I have to actually become something in the music industry and finally kickstart my career.

Ivana Ilic. Picture: Seven,

Ripley Alexander. Picture: Seven

RIPLEY ALEXANDER, 19, QLD

He spends his days (and nights) gigging at pubs and bars in Brisbane and is ready to live up to his rock star name.

“I’ve always dreamed of getting a recording contract, being able to be my own artist is a very big thing for me and to have such a big push would be great.”

KYM MIACO, 28, SA

The Adelaide dancer has both the moves and the voice, and she hopes they will liberate her from her day job in retail.

“Music has been my greatest passion for as long as I can remember. My heart and desire for songwriting, performing and making music is so real to me. I’m willing to give this my best shot to bring me closer to my dreams of having a career in music.”

Kym Miaco. Picture: Seven

Kobe White. Picture: Seven

KOBE WHITE, 24, VIC

Working at his family’s food truck, he seizes every chance to infuse music into his day, serenading customers between burger flips.

“I want to do music on a global and massive scale for the rest of my life, so I hope this experience becomes a stepping stone to achieving that goal.”

TRENT RICHARDSON, 22, QLD

Lives on a camel farm and his family have been racing camels for three decades, he has a deep love of singing but Idol will be his first time singing publicly.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from. You can do anything you want. I am a goer, a down to earth and a guy who loves to have a laugh and sing his heart out any chance I get.”

Australian Idol, starts Monday, 7.30pm, on Seven.

Trent Richardson. Picture: Seven

Originally published as Fifteen contestants to look out for as Australian Idol returns in 2024