Australian Idol Judge Marcia Hines Reveals Lasting Nerves on Stage

Marcia Hines returns as a judge on Australian Idol, alongside Kyle Sandilands and Amy Shark. With an impressive five-decade career in the music industry, she has shaped many aspiring performers. However, Hines continues to feel nerves when on stage.

Lasting Nerves on Stage: Marcia Hines’ Experience

Hines openly admits her anxiety as a performer. She explained to 7NEWS that, despite the support of her fellow judges, she experiences nerves due to the knowledge of potential pitfalls during her performances. “I want it to be as good as possible because it’s an experience for my audience,” she stated.

The Importance of Authenticity

One of her motivations for judging on Australian Idol is to provide young talents with a platform. “It’s an avenue for the kids,” Hines emphasized. She compared the current landscape to past popular shows like *Hey Hey It’s Saturday* and *The Bert Newton Show*, which offered similar opportunities.

For contestants, Hines offers significant advice: “To thine own self be true.” This principle is central to her message. “Whatever you do, don’t act — just be yourself,” she advised, reflecting on her own journey and the importance of authenticity.

Talent Pool Surprises

This season of Australian Idol has been heralded as “bigger, louder, and wilder than ever,” according to Sandilands. Yet, Hines is consistently amazed by the continuous influx of talent. “We wonder each year have we drained the talent pool? But the answer is hell no,” she remarked, showcasing her commitment to nurturing young artists.

• Judging Panel: Marcia Hines, Kyle Sandilands, Amy Shark
• Season Premiere: February 2 on Seven and 7plus
• Key Advice: “To thine own self be true”

The Value of Exposure

Hines acknowledges that being in the spotlight can be overwhelming for young artists. Despite this, she believes the experience they gain is invaluable. “Whether you win or not, learn from it and take it into your life,” she encourages participants.

Life Beyond the Spotlight

When not on stage, Hines enjoys quiet moments in her personal life. Whether it’s spending time with her pets or exploring new hobbies like sewing and mosaics, she finds joy away from the public eye. “It’s a wonderful art form, very messy but very fun,” she shared about her creative pursuits.

If she could offer advice to her younger self, Hines chuckles, acknowledging the challenge of being heard. “She wouldn’t listen to me,” she said, underscoring the lessons learned through experience.