“The bad singers, we were directed to keep them, that was part of the format, not a part of my career that I’m proud of, to ridicule somebody who clearly doesn’t have talent is just cruel.”
So says Stephen Tate, former Australian Idol Executive Producer in the new LiSTNR podcast documentary The Moment It Changed: Touchdown which peers behind the curtain to the reality of how we’ve been manipulated by blockbuster shows, from Popstars to Idol and The Voice. Listen to the trailer below:
The sell a seductive dream – ordinary Australians with musical talent given the opportunity become overnight stars via a TV talent show. But instead the series, hosted by The Hit Network’s Nic Kelly, will hear confronting stories of exploitation, deceit and humiliation from former judges, producers and contestants, as well follow ups on the journeys of those who achieved euphoric fame and success.
Listeners will hear from Australian Idol judges Mark Holden and Ian “Dicko” Dickson, past winners Dami Im, Casey Donovan, Karise Eden and Katie Underwood, and ex-contestants like Rob “Millsy” Mills and Bella Farraro.
Nic Kelly, a former record label executive himself and now co-host of The Hot Hits with Nic & Loren, said:
“I was a huge fan of the original Australian Idol growing up, and reality music TV helped develop my love for music and pop culture in general. But as someone who works in both media and music, I knew what we see on TV isn’t the whole story. I hope some of what we have uncovered will open people’s eyes to what goes into a musician’s choice to appear on these shows, and what could be done to make them more effective for new artists.”
The first episode titled Want to be a Star? is out now. You can listen for free on the LiSTNR app.
Podcast credits:
Music Journalist: Cameron Adams
Senior Producer: Jake Morcom
Senior Producer: Romy Sher
Producer: Holly Mitchell
Host: Nic Kelly