„‚The Moment It Changed: Touchdown‘ exposes the confronting truth about what happens behind the scenes [of TV singing competitions] and how we’ve all been played.”
The Moment It Changed: Touchdown (Credit: LiSTNR/Supplied)
Televised singing competitions have been a massive hit for decades now, but behind the shiny façade that is shown to the public, there’s a darkness. At least, that’s what the new podcast The Moment It Changed: Touchdown aims to tell the listening public.
Premiering on LiSTNR today, the new podcast documentary seeks to lift the lid on the musical reality shows that dominated our screens throughout the 20th century – ranging from the likes of Popstars, The Voice, The X-Factor, and Australian Idol.
Hosted by broadcaster Nic Kelly, and produced by respected music journalist Cameron Adams, senior producer Jake Morcom, and LiSTNR’s Factual team, the series uses testimonials from those who were at the heart of it all.
“The bad singers, we were directed to keep them,” remembers former Australian Idol Executive Producer Stephen Tate. “That was part of the format, not a part of my career that I’m proud of, to ridicule somebody who clearly doesn’t have talent is just cruel.
“Honestly, I think we were laughing at them, not with them,” Tate adds. “And I just don’t think that’s fair.”
Others going on the record to share their recollections of the world of singing comps include former Australian Idol judges Mark Holden and Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson; former contestants Rob ‘Millsy’ Mills and Bella Farraro; and even past winners, including Dami Im, Casey Donovan, Karise Eden, and former Bardot member Katie Underwood.
Don’t miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
“I was a huge fan of the original Australian Idol growing up, and reality music TV helped develop my love for music and pop culture in general,” remembers Kelly. “But as someone who works inboth media and music, I knew what we see on TV isn’t the whole story.
“I hope some of what we have uncovered will open people’s eyes to what goes into a musician’s choice to appear on these shows, and what could be done to make them more effective for new artists.”
„Millions of us have laughed, cheered and cried our way through music talent shows on Australian TV over the past 25 years,” adds LiSTNR’s Head of Factual, Clair Weaver. “But now The Moment It Changed: Touchdown exposes the confronting truth about what happens behind the scenes and how we’ve all been played.”
The Moment It Changed: Touchdown is available now via the LiSTNR app.
A post shared by LiSTNR Newsroom (@listnrnewsroom)
© 2025 The Music Press Pty Ltd
More From Our Network