Jay Dee Springbett Announced as New Australian Idol Judge

23 August 2009

After much speculation, the new judge on Australian Idol was revealed during the show tonight -- and no it's not Delta, Brian or even Paula Abdul -- his name is Jay Dee Springbett.

Who?!

Jay Dee Springbett is a talent scout for Sony Music who has been working in the industry for 15 years.

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"The industry is harsh, and sometimes you need to be harsh but all I can do is try and give them the advantages of my experience," says Mr Springbett.

The news may come as a disappointment to some who were hoping that former Idol judge Mark Holden may join the fray, or maybe Delta Goodrem or her fiance Brian McFadden, who joined the show as guest judges during the audition process.

There was even speculation that American Idol judge Paula Abdul may join the show, after not continuing her position on her countries behemoth version of the Idol franchise amid rumours that contract negotiations had stalled. Either way, this was unlikely, as it's extremely doubtful Australian Idol would have the millions of dollars lying around that it would take to secure her on the team.

Springbett will join the Idol team from tomorrow night's live semi finals.