Iggy Azalea Joins ‘X Factor’ In Australia

Aussie-born pop star Iggy Azalea will join the judging panel of the Australian version of singing TV contest “The X Factor” for its eighth season, free-to-air Channel Seven announced June 12. 

Photo: AP Photo / Abdeljalil Bounhar
Mawazine Festival, Rabat, Morocco

“I understand what it’s like to have giant dreams and intend to help other young Australians achieve theirs by sharing my knowledge and developing their talent in collaboration with The X Factor,” she said in a statement.

Brad Lyons, Channel Seven’s director of production, added, “The X Factor is bringing Iggy home to Australia. Nobody knows what it takes to break through in today’s industry better than her. With such international success at only 26, our contestants have the chance to be mentored by the best in the business.”

Filming begins late June for screening later in the year, probably after the Rio Olympics Games, which is expected to dominate Australian screens through August. Azalea replaces fellow-Australian singer Dannii Minogue who quit to return to her recording career after being involved with the show in Australia and the UK for seven years.

The rest of the 2016 judging panel has not been revealed. Last year’s judges were Chris IsaakJames Blunt and Guy Sebastian, the Australian R&B singer whose collaboration with Lupe Fiasco on 2012’s “Battle Scars” sold 1 million units in the United States.