Speaking to New Idea in 2021, when gearing up for the present reboot, a source spoke to Hines' 'twist' contribution.
“Dicko was always known as the ’mean judge’ but producers are keen for Marcia to step up as the tough and controversial judge this time round,” says the source.
“However, the decision has left Dicko feeling a bit hurt as he feels like he has been overlooked for the series.”
Meanwhile, former contestant Rob Mills was offered to host the reboot.
“Wouldn’t it be great if there was an Australian Idol alumni to host a new series of Australian Idol?” he told TV Tonight.
Ultimately, these positions were filled by Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie.
Speaking about her judging style to Channel Seven, Hines shared, "I’ve always thought constructive criticism is the way to go because that’s how I was taught, coming up."
Channel Seven premiered their reboot of Australian Idol in January of 2023, 14 years after it's last season wrapped.
Australian Idol launched the careers of many Aussie artists including Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Ricki-Lee Coulter, Shannon Noll, and Casey Donovan.