Kyle Sandilands returned to Australian Idol on Monday night after a lengthy unexplained absence, making pointed comments about his fallout with co-star Jackie 'O' Henderson. During contestant Charlie Moon's performance of 'With a Little Help from My Friends', Sandilands remarked, 'Great performance, great song choice, beautiful delivery and a great message, we all need to get by with a little help from our friends.'
In a sombre moment, Sandilands appeared to reference Henderson directly, saying, 'This week has been tough for me. I had a falling out with a very close friend.' He added that he 'totally enjoyed' Moon's performance. Sandilands had been absent from five recent audition episodes, with Jessica Mauboy filling in, sparking concern about his return to the Channel Seven show.
His absence coincided with an explosive on-air clash with Henderson on KIIS FM's The Kyle & Jackie O Show on February 20, which led to her leaving the show. Henderson's $100 million contract was terminated after she told executives she 'cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands' following his harsh comments that left her in tears. Sandilands has been suspended and given 14 days to remedy the breach or face termination.
Insiders claim Sandilands would normally flee to his $5 million Los Angeles mansion during media scrutiny, but his Australian Idol contract with Channel Seven requires him to remain in Australia for the live episodes. The network expects him to fulfil his judging commitments. Meanwhile, Sandilands has called in lawyers and is preparing to sue ARN should his $100 million contract be terminated.
