In a surprising end-of-season twist, Kyle Sandilands was absent from the filming of last night’s Australian Idol 2023 Live Show.
The reason, however, was not as dramatic. Due to a false COVID-positive test result, he watched the show from the comfort of his own home – and his fellow judges were quick to revel in his absence.
WATCH: Kyle Sandilands is absent from Australian Idol filming. Article continues after video.
Known for his blunt, unfiltered judging style, Kyle has certainly not held back this season. After a 14-year-long hiatus, the radio host has come back ready to cause some singing chaos.
This signature Sandilands style, however, is said to have caused a rift between the public figure and superstar host Harry Connick Jr.
According to Kyle, the pair didn’t get off on the best foot due to a misunderstanding over “wokeness”.
“I don’t think he likes me, in all honesty… Not that I give a s**t,” Kyle admitted on his radio show.
Sitting on opposite ends of the judging table, the two don’t share many interactions. it is not until Kyle was absent, however, that Harry Connick Jr. adopted a sense of playfulness regarding his fellow co-host.
In true Australian Idol fashion, Harry Connick Jr. was booed by the audience after sharing some feedback on a contestant’s performance.
“I can make that boo a little louder,” he responded.
“Since Kyle’s not here, watch this!”
Moving across the judging table he took a seat in Kyle’s vacant chair.
Taking up a hunched-over position, Connick Jr. put on an exaggerated Southern voice, “Well I thought you were dreadful and you’re gonna lose!”
“Shut up, Kyle!” Meghan added, true to form from weeks prior.
Chuckling along with the audience, the judges, host Ricki-Lee, and the audience were amused by this mocking impersonation.
“I can’t do it. I’m never gonna’ do that again,” Harry said, making his way back to his usual seat.
To end off the night, Harry took the chance to make another subtle dig at his co-star and their rumoured feud.
“I’ve been texting him all night,” Connick Jr. said in reference to Kyle.
“Harry, can you please pick up my dry cleaning?” he joked.
