Australian Idol’s Ricki-Lee Coulter is so glad she never got a 'real job'.

Grab your microphones and prepare for all the nostalgia because Australian Idol is BACK in 2025!

Look, I don't want to be dramatic, but this might be the most iconic judging panel yet: we've got actual queen Marcia Hines returning to her rightful throne, alongside radio's most controversial host Kyle Sandilands, and our homegrown pop sensation Amy Shark.

In a full-circle moment ever, former contestant turned absolute star Ricki-Lee Coulter is back hosting alongside Scott Tweedie, who will both guide contestants through the competition.

And if you thought previous seasons were tough, this year they're really turning up the pressure with only 30 golden tickets up for grabs.

Ahead of the huge premiere this Sunday, February 2 on Channel 7, I got to chat to Ricki-Lee, and as a diehard Idol stan, I was fangurling hard.

Watch Ricki-Lee Coulter and Christine Anu perform at the Commonwealth Games. Post continues after video.

"There is no doubt about it, Australian Idol changed my life. My life was never the same after I walked through those doors to audition 20 years ago for Marcia, Dicko, and Mark," Ricki-Lee told Mamamia. 

"I was 18 when I auditioned. Before that, the only thing I wanted to do with my life was be a singer and a recording artist like my idols Whitney, Mariah, MJ and Celine."

The fact that she gets to host the show that launched her career 20 years ago is something she finds surreal.

"Every time the Idol theme song plays, I get butterflies," she said.

"I have a unique perspective because I've walked in their shoes, done what they are doing, and have felt all the things they are feeling. I just try and bring that perspective to my role on the show."

Given Ricki-Lee's personal experience competing on Australian Idol, both current and ex-contestants come to her for advice.

"I always try to be there for them every step of the way in any way they need," she said.

"I had our 2024 winner Dylan call me after he performed the national anthem at State of Origin and people were dragging him for his performance…. we talked for about an hour, and I just tried to help him see that it's unfortunately something that comes with this job… other people's opinions are not your business."

The 2025 season is extra special for Coulter because of the personal connection she has with the judges.

"The coolest thing about doing the show is that Amy and I have been friends since we were in school, I've known Marcia for 20 years and Kyle too," she shared.

As a host since 2022, Coulter admits that people might not realise just how much work goes on behind the scenes.

"I don't think people realise how much goes into making the show and making it as polished as it is," she said.

For every episode, Ricki-Lee arrives early in the morning to go into glam for two to three hours (that's on girlhood!) then it's into script meetings, a dress rehearsal, dinner break, judge arrivals and filming promos, all before the live shows begin.

"We are all well-rehearsed so that by the time we go live, it seems effortless and relaxed… when it's anything but!"

Ricki-Lee Coulter is back hosting alongside Scott Tweedie. Image: Supplied. 

And don't worry, she is aware of how torturous her and her co-host Tweedie's job can be when announcing news to the hopeful contestants.

"It's always funny how long those pauses can be," she said. "The 2024 Grand Final, I timed it… it was 31 seconds!!! [laughs]."

She admits the hardest part is having to share the bad news with contestants that they've been eliminated.

"No matter how many times I've done it, I still get quite emotional every time we have to send someone home, it's the worst part of my job and it never gets easier!" she said.

"I know what it feels like to be told you're going home, and I know how much this show means to all of them and how much they want it."

Speaking of eliminations, to this day, people are still angry that Ricki-Lee was sent home so early during season two of Australian Idol, considering how much she had dominated her season.

"I still get people coming up to me and telling me they cried themselves to sleep or couldn't go to school for the rest of the week, they were so distraught!" she said.

"Lucky for me… getting 'robbed' was probably the best thing to ever happen to me! It's like a scar that was left on so many people and they'll never forget that day."

Even as a kid, Ricki-Lee had big dreams of making music videos, releasing albums and putting on shows where fans would sing her lyrics back to her.

"I've been fortunate enough to live out every single one of my dreams and so much more I never could have even dreamed up. And every day I feel lucky that I didn't listen to my dad and 'get a real job'."

Ricki-Lee Coulter is back doing what she does best. Image: Supplied. 

These days, Rick-lee is a busy lady. Along with her Idol duties, her schedule is jam-packed with hosting her radio show Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel on weekdays, and performing live shows on the weekends.

But don't worry: she's still working on new music.

"For this little overachiever, the only thing up against me is time (or lack thereof)," she told us.

"Once Idol is finished, I'll schedule some time to get in the studio and start working on some new music! I also have the added bonus of being my own record label."

Ahead of a brand new Australian Idol season, she is most excited for the live shows, the stunning performances, the unpredictable nature of live TV, and the outfits on show.

"I'm excited for everyone to see the incredible talent that walked through those audition doors! We have some outstanding singers on the show this year that I'm such a huge fan of already," she said.

"I can't wait to see Australia fall in love with them like I have!"

Australian Idol kicks off this Sunday, February 2 at 7pm on Channel 7.

Feature image: Supplied.