Morgan Evans to replace Kyle Sandilands on Australian Idol judging panel

International country music superstar Morgan Evans has been confirmed as the newest judge on Australian Idol.

The Newcastle-born singer-songwriter will replace Kyle Sandilands when the singing competition returns to Channel 7 and 7plus in 2027.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Morgan Evans joins Australian Idol judging panel

Evans will take his place alongside Australian Idol original Marcia Hines and award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Shark as the new-look panel searches for the country’s next music superstar.

Speaking on Sunrise following the announcement on Thursday, Evans said he was excited to join the show but ruled out becoming the panel’s new villain.

“I’m not going to be the mean guy. I have no interest in doing that for the sake of it,” Evans said.

“But at the same time, I think if I can say something that saves someone five years of working something out, I feel like that is the kindest thing I can do.”

Evans released his self-titled debut album in 2014 and has since amassed more than one billion streams worldwide.

His 2018 album, Things That We Drink To, propelled him onto the international stage, producing the platinum-certified hit Kiss Somebody and fan favourite Day Drunk.

He has since toured extensively across North America and Europe, headlined CMC Rocks and sold out two performances at the Sydney Opera House following the success of his deeply personal song Over For You.

His second album, Steel Town, was released in 2026 after Evans spent two years reconnecting with his hometown.

The 41-year-old previously appeared on the Australian Idol stage to perform his hit single Letting You Go during the 2026 grand finale.

Evans said his own experiences performing in high-pressure situations would help him understand what contestants were going through.

“I’m so familiar with what that feels like. I’ve been on shows and in situations like this in my career so I know the nerves that come along with that,” he said.