TV NEWS
AUSTRALIAN country music star Morgan Evans will swap the concert stage for the judges’ table after being named the newest judge on Australian Idol.
Evans will join returning judges Marcia Hines and Amy Shark when the talent show returns to Seven in 2027, completing a new-look three-person panel.
The Newcastle-born singer-songwriter joins the program following the departure of Kyle Sandilands and brings extensive experience from a career spanning Australia, Nashville and the international country music scene.
Evans said he was excited to help uncover Australia’s next generation of performers.
“I’m stoked to be joining Amy, Marcia and the Idol crew next year,” Evans said.
“I reckon if you’ve got music in you, that’s something the world needs to hear, and I’ve enjoyed helping new artists find that since I was teaching guitar in Newcastle.”
Evans is no stranger to the Australian Idol stage, having performed his hit Letting You Go during the 2026 grand final.
He said his years working in the music industry had given him plenty of lessons he hoped to pass on to aspiring performers.
“I’ve learned a lot in my travels, some of it the fun way, some of it the other way, and look forward to sharing what I can,” he said.
“Can’t wait to hear what Australia’s got.”
Seven Director of Content, Unscripted, Majella Hay said Evans’ international experience made him a strong addition to the program.
“He’s one of the few home-grown artists to crack Nashville, and with more than a billion global streams, he is an Aussie success story,” she said.
The 2027 season will again be hosted by former Australian Idol contestant Ricki-Lee alongside Scott Tweedie – Australian Idol will return to Seven and 7plus in 2027.
