Australian Idol judge Kyle Sandilands says he won't hold back from telling tubby contestants they need to lose weight on this year's series of the TV singing contest.
When the Network Ten show returns later this month, Sandilands says viewers will be surprised to see that he has put through many "hugely overweight girls".
"People for some reason think I don't like women that are overweight," Sandilands told AAP.
"But I want everyone to be the best they can be, and if they're fat then I say to them then they should lose weight."
In 2005 Sandilands outraged viewers for describing eventual winner Kate DeAraugo, as having "tuck shop lady arms".
He says he sympathises with anyone battling with their weight.
"I'm fat myself. I have to lose weight, but every Sunday I tell myself I should and I'll start on Monday, but I don't,"he said.
"So I know it's difficult."
With auditions filmed in the past few months, Sandilands believes the new series will be the best ever thanks to a series of changes.
Aside from the addition of former Idol contestant Ricky Lee Coulter as a host, and Mark Holden being cut from the judging panel, the changes include the introduction of a band and live audience to the round where contestants are culled from 100 to 24.
"Every year they come in and they say, we're used to performing with a band and an audience, and this is a very different experience for us," Sandilands said.
"So we've given them a band this year and a full audience, so they shit their pants when they walk in with their band and their audience and they have to sing - boom, straight away."
"We've reacted to what the contestants have been whingeing about for a few years."
Producers are in talks to get big-name mentors from the US to appear on the show, said Sandilands.
"It's a much better idea than having a big band night. Who gives a shit about that? I'd rather have a Kelly Rowland night or Beyonce night or something a little bit fresh," Sandilands said.
"I've been talking about mentors for years. I'm not talking your Kate Ceberanos - I'm talking your big international stars like big international guests."
The contestants will also be more "folksy" than in previous years, he said.
Sandilands said, while he missed Holden on the panel, it was much easier having only three judges.
"You couldn't really get your teeth into any particular issue because there wasn't enough time."
And viewers can expect fireworks between Sandilands and Dicko once again.
"He's an old man, he likes old man singing," Sandilands said.
"I'm a bit more open to something new and different, and he isn't.
"If he can't relate to someone that's already been a musical success he can't really see where they fit.
"He's used to cloning artists, whereas I'm for individuality, something fresh and new."
The sixth series will air from August 24.
