GenQ - For the not so straight individual

Idol fever, it's already started to hit Australia for the third time.

With new judge Kyle Sandilands already causing controversy, we can only assume that series three of Australian Idol will become a religiously watched show for reality TV addicts in the hunt for our nation's next Anthony and Guy.

queerplanet has heard there's a fair bit of eye candy for the boys this year, with many who made it through the audition process undertaking some spunky make-overs. But after all, it is about the talent, isn't it?

25,000 music loving, wannabe pop-stars took part in stage one of the nationwide audition process. Hosts Andrew G and James Mathison replaced the judging threesome during the stopover in Tasmania, and much to Mark Holden's surprise, one actually made it to stage two.

As far as freaks go, this year was no different to previous seasons. We've come to expect a few badly dressed yellow mow hawked hopefuls.

As we speak, Mark, Kyle and Marcia are trimming the list from a record 153 down to just 30. With Mark and Kyle already not seeing eye to eye, fireworks are in the air.

Channel Ten is ?a wish'in and a pray'in? it's a ratings winner, following the success of Big Brother. But it's ?The X Factor? that's causing concern, a big ratings flop and big blow to the Network Ten budget.

Understandably, executives have their fingers crossed. After all, they say it's not over till the fat lady sings, and if my memory serves me correctly, that's exactly how last season ended? Bad karma perhaps, we hope not!

Australian Idol airs on Channel Ten Tuesday and Wednesday night at 7:30.

The gorgeous Courtney Act will be checking in with queerplanet each week with her own take on Idol '05.

Editor's Note: queerplanet magazine is closely following Idol in '05, and we're searching for inside dirt! If you know someone in the 150+ hopefuls that might like to talk to queerplanet magazine, we'd love to hear from you! Send me an email to editor@queerplanet.com.au.

Picture credits: Sony BMG & Network Ten