Shows like Australian Idol, The X Factor and The Voice told the nation anyone could be a superstar. So why do so many winners seem to vanish as quickly as they appear? In the latest season of The Moment it Changed: Touchdown - former contestants, judges and producers of these shows are lifting the lid on music reality television. Uncover the impact reality television had on the music industry, why a TV show doesn’t guarantee you a shortcut to superstardom and the forces behind the camera pulling the strings to make or break careers.
Touchdown Ep 1: Want to be a Star? - Australian Idol
From Popstars to Australian Idol, music reality TV promised to turn ordinary singers into national icons — but what was the real price of fame?
Judges Ian “Dicko” Dickson and Mark Holden lift the lid on the controversies, iconic moments, and impact that reality TV had on Australia’s music industry.
And former contestants Casey Donovan and Rob “Millsy” Mills reveal the toll of overnight fame, and what happens when the spotlight moves on.
The Moment it Changed: Touchdown is Hosted by Nic Kelly. Available on all platforms now.
This episode contains a mention of suicide. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
14 May 2025
Touchdown Ep 2: Sign Here - The X Factor
The spotlight, drama and pressure on contestants are cranked up when The X Factor debuts in Australia.
Singer songwriters Dami Im and Bella Ferraro were among hopefuls chasing their dreams on this much-hyped show under the gaze of big name judges.
In this episode, they each share the challenges they faced behind the scenes during competition and from demanding record labels once the sparkling finals was over.
The Moment it Changed: Touchdown is Hosted by Nic Kelly. Available on all platforms now.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
14 May 2025
Touchdown Ep 3: Artists, not Contestants - The Voice
The Voice Australia set out to rewrite the rules – blind auditions judged on talent alone. But did it really change the narrative, or just end up falling into the same patterns of shows before it?
Karise Eden, The Voice Australia’s inaugural winner, unpacks the very real impact the narrative producers chose for her had on her relationships, the harsh aftermath of victory, and what success really looks like in today’s music industry.
Plus, what does a new generation of contestants, like Matthew Hearne who competed on the most recent season, want from these shows in a world where social media, or a personal platform can trump a record deal?
The Moment it Changed: Touchdown is Hosted by Nic Kelly. Available on all platforms now.
This episode contains descriptions of self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
There's also references to family violence. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
7 May 2025
Introducing Touchdown
Shows like Australian Idol, The X Factor, and The Voice told the nation anyone could be a superstar. So why do so many winners seem to vanish as quickly as they appear? In the latest season of The Moment it Changed - 'Touchdown', former contestants, judges and producers are lifting the lid on music reality television. Join Host Nic Kelly to uncover the impact reality television had on the music industry, why a TV show doesn’t guarantee you a shortcut to superstardom, and the forces behind the camera pulling the strings to make or break careers.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
14 Nov 2024
Introducing Cold Chisel
Think you know the full Cold Chisel story? Think again.
Cold Chisel is a new five part podcast series on the rise, split and rebirth of one of Australia’s most successful and iconic rock bands. Featuring exclusive new interviews with all of the band members, the series dives into Cold Chisel’s most iconic moments, features stories never before heard and after 50 years what keeps the band coming back together.
Available now on the LiSTNR app. Listen here: https://play.listnr.com/podcast/cold-chisel (https://play.listnr.com/podcast/cold-chisel)
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31 Jul 2024
Episode 5: The Champion
The world of live music is shut down overnight when the COVID-19 pandemic strikes in early 2020. Michael, whose spent the last 50 years going to gigs every other night, must find a way to keep Mushroom afloat and his artists working. Michael's hustling to keep the industry alive during Covid would be one of his last acts as a champion for Australian music.
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31 Jul 2024
Episode 4: The Handshake Deal
Michael sells Mushroom Records to billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch. Twice. Kate Gudinski takes you inside the deal where Michael sold his beloved record label and then, according to some, outsmarted one of the wealthiest men in the world.
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31 Jul 2024
Episode 3: The Promoter Wars
It’s the late 1970s and Michael Gudinski’s vision of a thriving Australian music scene has come true. Michael’s now a leading tour promoter and booking the hottest Aussie bands to play gigs around the country. Michael’s success doesn’t go unnoticed. A war between music promoters is brewing and they want to knock Michael off the top. While battling the local competition, Michael’s also trying to crack the international touring circuit. After a few misfires, Michael’s bringing the biggest names in music down under, and he's partying with them too.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
31 Jul 2024
Episode 2: The Rock Doctor
When Michael Gudinski launches Mushroom Records in 1972, the label scores some early hit singles but costs quickly pile up and Mushroom nearly goes bankrupt. However, Mushroom’s financial troubles turn around when Michael discovers a colourful new band called Skyhooks. Not only would Skyhooks pull Mushroom Records out of the red, they'd help set Michael Gudinski up as the music mogul the world knows today.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
31 Jul 2024
Episode 1: A leader, not a follower
Before Michael Gudinski became the media mogul behind the Mushroom empire, he was a teenager with a dream to make it big in music. But Michael didn’t want to be a musician, he wanted to run the show. Michael’s daughter Kate Gudinski goes back to where it all started, a young Michael booking bands to play gigs around Melbourne in the late 1960s. After dropping out of school and getting kicked out of home, Michael lands his first big opportunity - booking bands to play Sunbury, Australia’s first major rock music festival.
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18 Jul 2024
Introducing Gudinski
Gudinski is a five-part podcast series that tells a new side to the story of the late music mogul, Michael Gudinski. Hosted by Michael's daughter Kate Gudinski, the series unpacks her father’s legacy from signing Aussie icons like Kylie Minogue and Jimmy Barnes to touring superstars like Madonna and The Rolling Stones around Australia. Kate explores what drove Michael's passion for music, how he built the Mushroom Group empire and his lasting impact on the music industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
34 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
25
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
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