Reality TV Scoop Asks: Who is Ian Dickson?
Matt Richenthal
at
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Meet Ian Dickson.
If Sheila E. will be filling the Paula Abdul role on the show, and Goo Goo Dolls' singer John Rzeznik is the equivalent of Randy Jackson, the the man known as "Dicko" in Australia would be akin to Simon Cowell.
He has an accent, just like the cranky American Idol judge, and served in this same capacity on Australian Idol.
Moreover, it turns out Dickson and Cowell are friends. They met a few years ago when both worked in the English recording industry. While he may be best known for working Down Under now, Dickson was born and raised in Great Britain.
He moved out to Australia in 2001 to work for Sony BMG Australia and became a judge on Australian Idol in 2003.
In order to prepare viewers for what they may hear from Dickson when The Next Great American Band premieres on October 19, here are a few barbs from the judge's days on Idol:
Your voice isn't strong enough to overcome the way you look.
If the Bee Gees heard you sing that, you would finish the other brothers off.
You've got looks that could stop traffic, but unfortunately you've got a voice that could strip wallpaper.
Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.
