From tvtonight.com.au:

This year's Top 40 contestants in Australian Idol are in for a new challenge. In previous years the final 40 have had to sing before the judges, who whittle them down again. Now the group have to sing before a live audience in a packed theatre.
24 of them will then make it through to the semi finals which will be stripped by TEN across the week of September 1-4 at 7:30pm, live from FOX Studios.
Six contestants (mixed groups of males and females) perform for the viewers vote. The following night the verdict is announced, with the male and female with the highest votes making it through to the Top 12.
According to TEN's press info, this year's Australian Idol TOP 100 is actually 106 including London expats. However a quick calculation of the state by state finalists only adds up to 98.
The show launches on Sunday August 24 with an audition week immediately thereafter and a week of semi finals the following week.

Top 100
NSW 20 finalists (8 females and 12 males)
QLD 17 finalists (11 females and 6 males)
SA 6 finalists (2 females and 4 males)
TAS 2 finalist (1 male and 1 female)
VIC 36 finalists (19 females and 17 males)
WA 17 finalists (10 females and 7 males)

Airdates:
Sun Aug 24 7:30pm Launch (90 mins, Melbourne TBC)
Mon Aug 25 7:30pm Auditions (Perth 60 mins)
Tue Aug 26 7:30pm Auditions (Bris 60 mins)
Wed Aug 27 7:30pm Auditions (Adel / London judges: D!cko, Tina Arena, Darren Hayes, 60 mins)
Thu Aug 28 7:30pm Auditions (Syd 60 mins)
Fri Aug 29 7:30pm Auditions (Syd 60 mins)

Sun 31 August: 7:30pm Top 100 & Top 24 reveal (2 hrs TBC)
Mon 1 Sept: 7:30pm Semi Final 1 (60 mins)
Tue 2 Sept: 7:30pm Semi Final 2 & Verdict (60 mins)
Wed 3 Sept: 7:30pm Semi Final 3 & Verdict (60 mins)
Thu 4 Sept: 7:30pm Semi Final 4 & Verdict* (60 mins)

Sun 7 Sept: 7:30pm Wildcard

*TEN is yet to indicate whether the verdict from Semi Final 4 will be given in its Wild Card edition September 7. The way the schedule is panning out it seems likely that the first Live Performance show is looming on September 14 (yet to be confirmed).

^ thanks

Revised Australian Idol 2008 schedule:
Sunday August 24: 7:30pm Launch (90 mins, Melbourne auditions highlights TBC)
Monday August 25: 7:30pm Auditions (Perth auditions highlights, 60 mins)
Tuesday August 26: 7:30pm Auditions (Brisbane auditions highlights 60 mins)
Wednesday August 27: 7:30pm Auditions (Adelaide / London audition highlights. Judges: D!cko, Tina Arena, Darren Hayes, 60 mins)
Thursday August 28: 7:30pm Auditions (Sydney Part 1, 60 mins)
Friday August 29: 7:30pm Auditions (Sydney Part 2, 60 mins)
Sunday August 31: 7:30pm Top 100 & Top 24 revealed (2 hrs TBC)
Monday September 1: 7:30pm Semi Final 1 (60 mins)
Tuesday September 2: 7:30pm Semi Final 2 & Verdict (60 mins)
Wednesday September 3: 7:30pm Semi Final 3 & Verdict (60 mins)
Thursday September 4: 7:30pm Semi Final 4 & Verdict* (60 mins)
Sunday September 7: 7:30pm Wildcard
September 14/15: Final 12 performance and verdict
September 21/22: Final 11 performance and verdict (AFL Brownlow Medal Count on September 22)
September 28/29: Final 10 performance and verdict
October 5/6: Final 9 performance and verdict
October 12/13: Final 8 performance and verdict
October 19/20: Final 7 performance and verdict
October 26/27: Final 6 performance and verdict
November 2/3: Final 5 performance and verdict
November 9/10: Final 4 performance and verdict
November 16/17: Final 3 performance and verdict
Sunday, November 23: Grand Final from Sydney Opera House

^ thanks !!

Just over one week to go! I'm so excited.. but I don't like watching auditions

That is WAY too many audition shows, but ill be watching!!

AUSTRALIAN Idol's Marcia "the mother judge" Hines has been told to replace her signature terms of endearment with a much harder edge in another attempt to revitalise the show's waning format.
As the karaoke competition enters its sixth season, following a lacklustre 2007 series, word from behind the scenes is that Hines is no longer singing it softly to contestants.
Reports of the panel diva's new leaf have come from Channel 10's first attempt at a production make-over - new host and former Idol songbird Ricki Lee Coulter.
The new recruit said a string of changes had been put in place to make the competition "a lot more fierce", the pinnacle of which was Hines' stormy mood swings.
"Marcia's pretty feisty this year," Coulter said.
"Only when it's necessary does she really go for it, but I've been going 'Oooh, Marcia' at times."
Although adding that all three judges had been "a lot more harsh," the 22-year-old said Hines was set to emerge with her kitten claws sharpened.
"I've seen her in action and I wouldn't like to be on the receiving end."
"You've seen her go off at the judges before.
"Imagine her doing that to contestants."
While the judges' tough love approach has taken this year's hopeful stars by surprise, Coulter said the result was "an amazing top 24".
"The last few years contestants have gone in knowing what to expect so they kind of play the game," she said.
"This year that's all changed."
The national viewing public will be the judge when the revamped Australian Idol returns to the screens on August 24.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/stor...5006002,00.html

i cant waitttttttt for this to start
thanks for the schedule

oo.. i hope Marcia is a bit more nasty this year!
she's to nice!

one week to go!! *dances*

For the first time since Australian Idol began in 2003, the series will be only shown on digital TV channels in Tasmania and Northern Territory. With local network Southern Cross concentrating on Channel Seven programs (but it also airs some Ten programs including Neighbours and the AFL), this year’s Idol will be shown on TDT (which covers 60% of the state’s population) and Darwin Digital Television. And it looks like WIN in Western Australia will not screen Idol at all.
I will post the broadcast times on Thursday once they have been confirmed.

Congratulations on 7000 posts

Thankyou!

Herald Sun says today that Gary Pinto has graduated from backing singer last series to vocal coach for the new season of Australian Idol.
Pinto, who co-wrote the World Youth Day theme song Receive the Power with Guy Sebastian, is re-forming his band CDB.
The group has signed with Universal Music and is expected to release a single in October.

just saw an ad!
idol will be shown sunday-friday 7.30pm
i assume it'll be auditons and the theatre rounds
how exciting!!

b.u.m.p

Ricki lee was on 9am with David and Kim this morning talking about her role on idol and her new single Wiggle It and being signed to independent label Shock and how it's been really good.

Broadcast times for week 1 of Australian Idol 2008 (all times are local):

Launch - Sunday, August 24
Channel Ten, Southern Cross Ten (NSW/VIC/QLD/SA), WIN Ten South Australia, TDT Tasmania, Darwin Digital Television: 7.30pm - 9pm
WIN TV Western Australia: 10.30pm - midnight

Auditions highlights - Monday, August 25
Channel Ten, Southern Cross Ten, WIN Ten South Australia, TDT Tasmania, Darwin Digital Television: 7.30pm - 8.30pm
WIN TV Western Australia: 10pm - 11pm

Auditions highlights - Tuesday, August 26
Channel Ten, Southern Cross Ten, WIN Ten South Australia, TDT Tasmania, Darwin Digital Television: 7.30pm - 8.30pm
WIN TV Western Australia: 10.30pm - 11.30pm

Auditions highlights - Wednesday, August 27
Channel Ten, Southern Cross Ten, WIN Ten South Australia, TDT Tasmania, Darwin Digital Television: 7.30pm - 8.30pm
WIN TV Western Australia: 10.30pm - 11.30pm

Auditions highlights - Thursday, August 28
Channel Ten, Southern Cross Ten, WIN Ten South Australia, TDT Tasmania, Darwin Digital Television: 7.30pm - 8.30pm
WIN TV Western Australia: 11.15pm - 12.15am

Auditions highlights - Friday, August 29
Channel Ten, Southern Cross Ten, WIN Ten South Australia, TDT Tasmania, Darwin Digital Television: 7.30pm - 8.30pm
WIN TV Western Australia: 11.30pm - 12.30am
Source: Yahoo7 TV Guide

New article from today’s Herald Sun TV Guide, written by Ian “D!cko” D!ckson
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,2...48-2902,00.html

Ricki will be on Rove this Sunday but not singing- damn because i like Wiggle It!

Channel Ten press release on changes to voting format:

Monday's verdict program to allow bottom three Idols second chance to perform and viewers' second chance to vote

Network Ten, FremantleMedia Australia (FMA) and 19 Entertainment introduce an Idol first with Monday night Australian Idol verdict programs undergoing innovative changes in this year's 6th season, launching on TEN Sunday 24th August.
Shock eliminations of Ricki-Lee Coulter ('04) and Bobby Flynn ('06) will be a thing of the past as audiences will be given one more chance to save their favourite Idol after they've landed in the bottom three (3).
Monday night verdict programs will now commence with the live announcement of the bottom 3 contestants at the start of the show. The 3 in jeopardy will take to the stage to perform once more in a last-ditch effort to win over the audience, build on their vote and prove worthy to continue the Idol journey.
As soon as all 3 have sung, their voting lines will re-open, to enable Australia to save their favourite 2 singers. Then James and Andrew will join them on stage for the dramatic reveal of the contestant leaving the competition.
Network Ten and FMA have worked very closely with Simon Fuller, Chief Executive of 19 Entertainment and creator of Idol, as all believe Australian Idol will continue to grow. Idol is the most successful entertainment format in the world and Australia is a key market in the brands success. Australian Idol is undergoing a rejuvenation that will see the program dominate the television and music landscapes for years to come.
David Mott, TEN's chief programming officer, said "The Australian Idol audience is a discerning one and TEN are committed to ensuring the franchise remains dynamic, current and relevant in this market.
"Idol remains one of the most successful entertainment franchises in Australia and a significant program in TEN's stable of shows.
"We are dedicated to safeguarding its appeal to our audience and these are a few improvements we've been able to introduce that will future proof this show for years to come."
Mark Fennessy, Chief Executive Officer of FremantleMedia Australia, confirms there are more exciting changes to come. “The performers this year will be excited to learn there are key announcements still to be made regarding the winner’s prize and the winners single.
"And with Rickie-Lee joining the already incredibly strong on-air team Idol is going to have a fantastic year.”

http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/enews/ten/Aus...nge-210808.html

Note that due to time difference, viewers in SA, NT and WA (and QLD from the end of October) will not get second chance to vote on the Monday night verdict show.

So does this mean Monday night shows are going to be dragged on?

^ Looks like so. Many people thought the results show would be cut to 30 minutes just like American Idol.

i was wishing it was.. i wish they'd just tell us straight away!

Inside this week's issue of Who magazine (with Ellen DeGeneres and her new wife Portia De Rossi on the cover) is a six-track CD containing songs by former Idol contestants including Ricki-Lee Coulter, Axel Whitehead and Carl Wiseley.

I can't wait to get my issue of Who! I'm a subscriber and for some reason it comes to me on Monday- not happy jan!

It starts this Sunday but the Olympics is still on, i don't like the auditions much i only like the top 24 and top 12.

omg.. it's on tomorrow

IT'S TONIGHT! WOOT!

Today's The Sun-Herald has revealed another top 100 finalist: Luke D!ckens, 26, from Young in southwest NSW.

Another top 100 I know is Brooke Addamo ...she actually is in the top 24

Can't wait for Idol tonight!

FOUNDING member Paulini Curuenavuli has quit the troubled Young Divas singing group to concentrate on her solo career.
Curuenavuli's departure comes on the heels of Jessica Mauboy's decision earlier this year to quit the Divas to also work on a solo album.
Curuenavuli's departure means that only Kate DeAraugo, who recently fell off the Jenny Craig fat fighting wagon, and Emily Williams remain as Divas.
But it is strongly tipped that the two remaining Divas will be dumped and the group rebuilt from scratch.
Curuenavuli's manager, Nicole Hart, described the talented singer's decision to walk away from the Divas as an "evolution" in her music career.
Curuenavuli would not be part of any future Divas recordings.
"It is true, Paulini is not involved in Young Divas any more," Hart said.
"It is totally amicable with the other girls. She just wants to continue on with her solo career.
"There is no animosity, there is nothing negative."
Divas manager David Champion said: "The spirit of the Young Divas will live on in a new incarnation with a third album to be recorded once the new line up is finalised.
"Think of the Young Divas not so much as an act but as a finishing school for future superstars."
Curuenavuli recently completed 14 new songs during an intensive three months of writing and recording.
Hart said Curuenavuli hoped to have an album ready for release early next year and was planning an acoustic tour towards the end of the year.
The Young Divas have had a tempestuous career.
The band had chart success with its first album, but was rocked by in-fighting and catty spats between the members.
Ricki-Lee Coulter walked from the group before the second album was recorded.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,2...1-27258,00.html

Speaking of Brooke, here is an article from today's Sunday Herald Sun. It also mentions the Victorians who reach the top 100 and are included in the promo clip.


Brooke Addamo (centre) draws inspiration from her father for Australian Idol. Picture: Channel Ten

TV talent shows go to war
by Garry Williams

CHANNEL 10's Australian Idol returns to our screens tonight, but after only a week's honeymoon it crashes head-on into Seven's Dancing with the Stars.
It is a risky move by Seven, moving a show that has dominated Tuesday nights since 2004.
But Tim Worner, Seven's head of programming, played down the obvious hostilities his network was marching into -- up against Idol and Nine's 60 Minutes in the cut-throat 7.30pm Sunday slot.
"We don't actually target shows on other networks, specifically. We're more about what's going to make a night of entertainment on Seven," he said.
Part of Ten's strategy is to go early with Idol, launching against Seven's Olympic finale.
The network hopes contestants such as Brooke Addamo will draw viewers.
The Werribee teenager's father committed suicide when she was seven, a tragedy she says shaped her musically.
She credits her stepfather with encouraging her to start singing to help her cope.
"My dad, who's here (at auditions) is my biggest support and inspiration and he got me into singing," she says.
"So I'm doing it for us and my mum, too.
"I really love drawing on experiences and looking in to the song and putting my heart in to it and trying to convey the message.
"My father committed suicide when I was little. My mum met my now stepdad and he's my inspiration. He adopted me, so he's my father. He got me into singing."
Addamo has cleared the first hurdle in the Network 10 talent show.
She is among the 36 Victorians who have made it through the audition process and into the Top 100.
And she is one of five Victorian seen on the show's promotional clip that has screened for the past few weeks.
Addamo, 17, is seen belting out The Jacksons hit, Can You Feel It.
Other Victorians in the promotion are:
Gareth Jacobs, 25, a Melbourne employment consultant who has worked as a singer on cruise ships.
Sophie Paterson, 23, who left hometown Maryknoll, in Gippsland, for England, where she was discovered at the show's London auditions.
Turanga Merito, 23, a St Kilda dance teacher who has played the lead role of Simba in The Lion King musical.
Amanda Grafanakis, 25, from Richmond, a store manager at Dangerfield who has supported Renee Geyer and Mahalia Barnes.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,2...57-2902,00.html

good.. i dont like the Divas anyway

I don't know whether they're showing the Melbourne auditions tonight or even if they will show her, but look out for my singing teacher; Sarah Gardner
She gets through the auditions

Xcourtney

I don't see why even with two performances they can't cut it down to 30 mins the performances are only of 1.5 min songs anyway

lmao at the name james sidebottom:D

im reallly enjoying it so far

me too andrew and its so much better without mark holden!!!

Mark Holdon did drive us crazy etc...but yer it's better

im in love with Brooke Addamo!, lol

and i loved that Casey girl

the girl with her whole family was amazing
& the girl before her.
LMAO at that chick who like full on went off at kyle...
i admit that kyle can be a bit rude sometimes but yeah, no need for that, tis not the answer
LOVE IDOL

i loved it when Marcia went off at her!

CASEY FTMFW

ftmfw??

omg.. the dude on NOW

yeah.

AND OH MY GOD THAT DUDE bahahahahahahaha!

i think kyle was really cute how he's gonna fly him to sydney just so he can perform because it's his dream...even though he's not officially in.
that's just awesome of kyle

that guy was such a loser!!

Vesna from BB is on it!

vesna from BB was on

i liked the red-head girl

she was amazing (the girl andrew was talking about)
and just to clear it up, vensa wasn't singing...her boyfriend was.

that dudeee
OH MY GOD I'M IN LOVE

Than is amazing!!