American Idol alum and Queen frontman Adam Lambert will reportedly join Australian Idol judges panel
Adam Lambert is reportedly set to join the revamped Australian Idol judging panel for the program’s next season. The news comes as Meghan Trainor steps back from the show to focus on her family after the recent arrival of her second child.
According to reports, pop icon Kylie Minogue is also expected to join the judging lineup, alongside returning panelists Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines. Sources indicate that Amy Shark will be replaced for the upcoming season. There is still uncertainty around whether former American Idol judge Harry Connick Jr. will make a return to the panel. Meanwhile, hosts Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie are expected to return to present the series.
Lambert himself teased the possibility of an appearance on Australian television during a recent radio interview, telling the Fitzy & Wippa show with Kate Ritchie, “You know, I’m not gonna — I’m not going to spoil anything. But you definitely will see me next year in Australia on television. But that’s all I can say.” That hint has fueled speculation that he will take on a judging role as part of Channel 7’s renewed version of the talent competition.
Channel 7 relaunched Australian Idol earlier this year after a long hiatus; Season 8 was the first edition since 2009. That season crowned Royston Sagigi-Baira as the winner, with Phoebe Stewart finishing as runner-up. The show’s reboot has already made headlines with format updates and a refreshed roster of talent, and producers appear to be recruiting international stars to boost the program’s profile.
Adam teased: “You definitely will see me next year in Australia on television…”
Adam Lambert first appeared on Australian television as a judge and mentor in 2016 when he worked on X Factor Australia. During that stint he mentored the Boys group, which included eventual winner Isaiah Firebrace. Lambert’s television résumé also includes multiple returns to the American Idol stage—as a contestant in 2009 and later as a performer, mentor and guest judge. He has appeared on a variety of other televised competitions, including serving on E!’s Clash of the Cover Bands, ITV’s Starstruck for two seasons, a guest mentor/judge role on X Factor UK in 2016, and an appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2014.
Over the years, Lambert has balanced television work with a thriving music career. He is best known for finishing as runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol in 2009 and for his high-profile collaboration with the rock band Queen. Touring globally with Queen, he has continued to build a reputation as a dynamic frontman, while also pursuing solo music and television opportunities. His blend of vocal range, stage presence and experience as both a performer and a mentor make him an attractive candidate for judging roles on talent shows.
The renewed Australian Idol has already introduced at least one format change for the next season. Producers announced that the upper age limit for contestants has been raised from 28 to 30, while the lower age limit will remain at 15. Additionally, hopefuls must be available for a minimum commitment period of 40 days sometime between September 1 and March 31, reflecting the program’s expanded production schedule. The series is scheduled to air early next year, and the revised eligibility and scheduling details suggest the show aims to attract a wider and more varied pool of contestants.
If Lambert does join the judging panel, his international profile and prior experience on Australian television could add a fresh dynamic to the show. With established local personalities like Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines already in place and the possible addition of Kylie Minogue, producers appear to be blending global star power with familiar Australian voices to create a judges’ panel that can draw viewers and contestants alike.
As details remain unofficial until confirmed by Channel 7 or the show’s producers, fans will likely watch for formal announcements in the coming weeks. For now, Adam Lambert’s own hint that audiences “definitely” will see him on Australian television next year keeps expectations high and speculation alive about his potential role on Australian Idol’s next season.