Ian “Dicko” Dickson
Ian “Dicko” Dickson is a music industry and television personality in Australia. He is a judge on “Australian Idol,” but American fans know him best as one of the judges on the new Fox reality show “The Next Great American Band.”
Dicko was born Ian Ross Perrygrove in Birmingham, England on March 23, 1963. A Nottingham University alumnus, he graduated from the university in 1985 with a degree in politics. Dicko changed his last name to Dickson in the mid-80s because he thought it had a better ring to it.
By then, he was already involved in the music industry. He worked with such stars as Ozzy Osbourne, Alicia Keys, Pearl Jam, Pink, and Avril Lavigne while he held positions at Creation, Sony, Polygram, and A&M. In 2001, he moved to Australia to serves as the General Manager for Marketing of BMG, a position he held until August 2004. It was this position that caused the producers of “Australian Idol” to call on Dicko to be a judge. They were looking for a judge similar to Simon Cowell, one that could dish out harsh criticism. He began his stint on “Australian Idol” in 2003. Most viewers felt that Dick was a fair judge, only handing out the occasional harsh comment. One of this most infamous comments was when he told a contestant to “choose more appropriate clothes or shed some pounds.” The media attacked him for this comment, but many still felt his comments were mostly constructive.
Perhaps his most shocking move was when he up and quit “Australian Idol” at the height of his popularity in 2004 after judging for two seasons. He openly criticized the show’s format as well as his fellow judges. He was replaced by radio host Kyle Sandilands. He signed a contract with Seven Network and hosted “My Restaurant Rules” and “Celebrity Survivor.” He also appeared as a contestant on the Australian version of “Dancing with the Stars.” During this time, Dicko also hosted the morning show on Sydney and Melbourne Vega radio stations.
Two years after he quit, Dicko returned to “Australian Idol.” He did not replace Kyle Sandilands, but joined as the fourth judge along with original judges Mark Holden and Marcia Hines.
This year, Dicko was chosen as a judge for “The Next Great American Band” by “American Idol” producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick. Along with fellow judges Sheila E and John Rzeznik, Dicko will help narrow down the 12 semifinalist to the one band that will win a contract with 19 Recordings and the title of “The Next Great American Band.”
In 1984, Dicko met Melinda Bell at a nightclub in Bristol. The two married later that year and they have two daughters, Esma, born in 1991 and Edie, born in 1992. Dicko became an Australian citizen in January 2007 after living there with his family for more than five years. Dicko is good friends with Simon Cowell and has been since the two worked together in the music industry years ago.
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