In the 2000s, Aussie reality music TV made stars overnight, but behind the scenes, strict contracts controlled their every move.
On Friday morning’s episode of The Briefing, we sat down with former record label executive and host of the new LiSTNR podcast The Moment It Changed: Touchdown, Nic Kelly, to unpack what really happens after the confetti falls.
Kelly said contestants on Australian reality TV were often forced to sign binding record deals before they even stepped on stage.
“You understand why they have to sign these contracts? It’s all about control,” he said
“Complete control of the narrative, the TV show, the network, and the record label want this artist to be perceived as,” he added.
His new podcast features interviews with former contestants, including Dami Im and Casey Donovan, who describe signing multi-album deals that locked them into partnerships with labels they did not choose.
Im, who shot to fame after representing Australia at Eurovision in 2016, was pressured by her label to record an album of Carpenters covers rather than pursue original music.
Kelly said many artists experienced a collapse in confidence and mental health after their contracts ended.
“A lot of these people have made this active choice to chase this fame or this moment for themselves. Sometimes it’s a reclamation of their own identity. You’ve got to sign the contract if you want to appear on the show.”
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