Channel Ten has back flipped on its commitment to Australian Idol, announcing that it plans to “rest” the talent show for 2010. This news is contrary to earlier reports that another series would definitely go ahead this year. 
“TEN is going to rest Australian Idol for 2010. They will make a decision towards the end of 2010 as to whether it will return in 2011,” an unnamed source told The Daily Telegraph. “They have asked Fremantle for ideas on how to relaunch in 2011.”
I’d like to be optimistic about the show’s future, but I won’t hold my breath. CTV made the decision to “rest” its Canadian Idol in 2009, and we’re yet to hear of its resurrection. As a long time supporter of the show, I’d love to see it revived but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
It does make me wonder why the series has failed to make the impact here that it did in the United States. There it rates through the roof, and its stars go on to win Grammy Awards and starring spots on Broadway. Here only a handful of the graduates achieve chart success, and they’re rarely celebrated at our ARIAs. And the ratings have dipped ever since season two, despite showcasing some incredible talent.
Whatever the future holds for Australian Idol, I’m definitely going to miss it in 2010.
Image source: Sarah Baker @ Flickr