Ian Dickson
The recognisable media personality from Australian Idol
Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson has had a prolific career in the recording and entertainment industry. Now known as the beloved straight-talking judge on Australian Idol, he has become one of the most recognisable personalities on Australian TV.
With two decades in the recording industry, Ian has worked at global recording labels like Creation Records, Sony, A&M and BMG, where he was given the opportunity to work alongside leading music acts like Ozzy Osbourne, Celine Dion, U.N.C.L.E. and Primal Scream.
After he was appointed the Head of International at BMG UK, he led the career development for artists like Jamiroqui, Westlife, Natalie Imbruglia and Pearl Jam.
Ian moved himself and his family to Australia in 2001, where he took up a position as General Manager of BMG Australia’s marketing department. He was also given a unique opportunity to be a judge on Network Ten’s Australian Idol in 2003. When the show aired to rave reviews and broadcasting records, Ian made the life-changing decision to leave the record industry and start his entertainment career on Australian TV.
Ian was a core member of Australian Idol for two record-rating seasons, before shortly moving to Seven Network to host Celebrity Survivor Vanuatu and My Restaurant Rules. He also charmed audiences with his antics as a contestant on Dancing With The Stars.
Wanting to reinvest in new talent again with his passion for music, Ian returned to Australian Idol in 2007 to be a judge for three more seasons, before taking his career to the US as a judge on The Next Great American Band. He also signed a deal with DMG Vega 91.5 to join their breakfast lineup alongside Chrissie Swan and Dave O’Neill.
For his next project, Ian collaborated with David Wilson to create Can of Worms, which was greenlit by Network Ten and broadcasted in 2011. With Ian leading the program as host, the series’ immense popularity extended the program’s run in 2012.
With his warmth and determination, Ian was crowned the winner of The Celebrity Apprentice in 2012. He continues to appear on a range of Australian programs, including Australia’s Got Talent, First Contact and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!