Australian Idol co-host Ricki-Lee Coulter reveals what the next gen of performers has that she did not

If anyone truly understands the rush of emotions overcoming contestants as they set foot on the Australian Idol stage for the first time, it’s 2004 star and returning co-host Ricki-Lee Coulter.

The Aussie recording artist has experienced the power of national exposure first-hand and hopes to impart some of her wisdom to those who can’t see beyond their own tears and triumphs.

And while she’s paid to ensure the show runs smoothly, the 39-year-old has adopted an unofficial role as she ushers in a new generation of talent.

“I’m kind of like a big stage mum to everyone,” she said.

“I know how hard it is to walk through those doors and to put yourself in front of the judges, and how nerve-wracking and terrifying that can be.”

Declaring she’s never heard the contestants sing prior to the audition phase, Ricki-Lee is “always blown away by the amount of talent” that walks through the door.

Boasting hit singles Can’t Touch It and Raining Diamonds, the radio host has never been short of ability herself.

But the vocalist believes the next wave is far better at presenting themselves, claiming that her nostalgic audition fits seemed inspired by her “mum’s closet”.

She says the advent of social media and YouTube makeup tutorials are partially to thank.

“I think about me at 18 and how rough I was . . . you think about how put together all of these people are with their styling and the way they dress, the way they speak, they’re so eloquent. Their music knowledge is so vast and broad,” she told The Sunday Times.

“Whereas I was so daggy, I wasn’t glamorous.”

The ARIA-nominated performer outlined three integral traits required to be successful in modern music.

“It’s the sound, it’s the style, it’s the star-power,” she said, defining the latter as “that charisma that sets you apart and that people can’t quite put their finger on”.

Steering the Idol ship with her mate Scott Tweedie, Ricki-Lee describes the charismatic presenter and DJ as a “dream boat” and hopes their TV exposure may land him an off-screen catch.

And the bubbly singer has recruited a couple of wingwomen in judges Marcia Hines and Amy Shark.

“Everyone should fall in love with Scott Tweedie, because he is a beautiful human and I get to play the role, basically, of his annoying big sister,” Ricki-Lee said.

“My goal this year, and Marcia and Amy feel the same… Scott is single, and we need to find him a wife. We’re going to get him wifed-up.”

The day one judge, and the I Said Hi singer, will take their seats on the panel alongside controversial radio personality Kyle Sandilands who was first introduced to the show as a judge in 2005.

Despite his hardened industry exterior and “filthy sense of humour”, Ricki-Lee describes Sandilands as “a sensitive, emotional man with a big heart”.

In old friend Shark, the two did not need to be reacquainted.

“I went to school with Amy, we’ve been friends since we were in primary school,” the songwriter revealed.

However, it’s American-born Hines — who first arrived on our shores in 1970 as a teenage star of the Australian production of Hair — who Ricki-Lee views as her kindred spirit.

“Marcia and I are like old ladies, we cackle — we’ve known each other for 20 years,” the singer said.

“She’s got your back all the time, she taught me how to walk on stage in high heels back when I was on Idol because I’d never done that before.“

With a host of fresh faces set to strut their stuff on national TV for the first time, tonight’s premiere is set to unearth Perth-raised teenager John Van Beek.

The 18-year-old, who grew up in Kalamunda, was a champion trampolinist and came agonisingly close to an Olympic appearance before a devastating injury derailed his career.

Offering advice to emerging talents like Van Beek, Ricki-Lee suggested that stardom is like an iceberg: The world only sees a fraction of the work.

“I think people think it’s very glamorous, but it’s hard work, it’s non stop, constant, never ending. There’s always something going on,” Ricki-Lee said.

“That’s probably what people don’t see.”