Kyle Sandilands Quits Australian Idol After Advertiser Campaign Pressure

Kyle Sandilands has quit his role as judge on Australian Idol, telling the Seven Network on Friday he wanted to protect the show from an activist campaign by the Mad F—ing Witches. The 55-year-old will not renew his one-year contract in September. Sandilands said the activist group had targeted potential and existing clients of the show, causing problems for Channel Seven’s sales team. He has served on the show’s judging panel for eight years total.

Why Sandilands stepped down

Sandilands told the Sydney Morning Herald on Friday that activist pressure forced his hand. The Mad F—ing Witches had contacted Australian Idol’s advertisers to ask them to withdraw support from the show. Sandilands said this campaign had disrupted Channel Seven’s sales operations. He decided to resign to shield the brand from further damage before his contract renewal in September.

The activist campaign against Sandilands

The Mad F—ing Witches began targeting Sandilands in January 2026, running parallel campaigns against his radio show on KIIS FM and his television work. According to the activist group, approximately 2,000 advertisers pulled funding from KIIS FM over a 24-month period, resulting in an estimated AUD $22 million revenue loss for the network. The group expanded its focus to Australian Idol in 2026, knowing that Channel Seven would face intense pressure when considering his contract renewal for 2027.

Sandilands’ broader career turbulence

Sandilands was sacked from his radio show earlier this year after settling an unfair dismissal case against ARN out of court. His departure followed an on-air dispute with longtime co-host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson on February 20. He had been earning AUD $100 million under his ARN contract. Sandilands is now launching Kyle Sandilands Live, a paid subscription platform launching August 10 that will cost AUD $99 per year.

Channel Seven’s search for a replacement

Majella Hay, Seven’s director of content for unscripted programming, confirmed the network is seeking a new judge for Australian Idol. Hay said the network had valued Sandilands’ contribution over four seasons but is now looking for someone who brings unique energy to the show. The 11th season finale aired in April 2026. Sandilands will appear alongside judges Marcia Hines and Amy Shark until his departure takes effect.

Final Thoughts

Sandilands’ exit marks a significant victory for the activist group and signals how advertiser pressure can reshape media decisions. For Channel Seven, finding a replacement judge who avoids similar controversy will be critical to protecting the show’s revenue stream.

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