Kyle Sandilands’ On-Air Promise: What Happened Next?

Kyle Sandilands did not meet the anticipation surrounding his return to KIIS FM following a dramatic late-night interview.

The Australian Radio Network (ARN) faced a deadline of midnight on Tuesday to decide the future of the controversial host, as his 14-day suspension came to a close. Sandilands, 54, had asserted he would resume his role on the morning show unless informed otherwise.

However, his absence on Wednesday morning suggests he might be inching closer to being let go from the station.

Instead of Sandilands, listeners heard Mike E, whose full name is Mike Etheridge, continuing his temporary hosting duties on the Wednesday breakfast show. He was joined by the regular team from the Kyle & Jackie O Show, including newsreader Brooklyn Ross, ‘Intern’ Pete Deppeler, and the production crew.

Sandilands had candidly discussed his situation in an impromptu interview with McKnight Tonight, following a recording session for Australian Idol on Tuesday night.

‘No, my world has not fallen apart. I’ve still got a contract that hasn’t changed until they advise me as such. I’m more than happy to turn up tomorrow and do the radio show,’ he said.

Kyle Sandilands (pictured) failed to deliver on his expectation that he’d be returning to the KIIS FM airwaves on Wednesday morning

‘Although we’re not sure that’s gonna happen, as we haven’t heard anything yet. Hopefully I hear by midnight and then we’ll know where we all stand.

‘I want to get back to work. The listeners want me to go back to work. I’ve had many clients call me and say they want me back on there. We’ll have to see if they’re all singing from the same handbook.’

Sandilands added: ‘I’m willing to do the show if they’re willing to put me on. Time will tell. Might be a different conversation in the morning.’

When asked how his mental health was holding up, Sandilands was nonplussed.

He explained: ‘Even my best mate, Johnny Ibrahim, called me today and said, “How are you?” and I said, “Mate I’m fine.” And he said, “No, how’s your mental health?” and I started laughing. I said, “My mental health is fine.”

‘Even my wife said to me, “You’re remarkable, the way you’re handling this”, and I said, “Look, laying down in the corner and crying is not the way I normally do things.” I’ve had way worse things than this to handle. I was a homeless teenager. I’ve dealt with much tougher things. I just compartmentalise it.’

Sandilands had the censors sweating earlier on Tuesday night as he went off script during a live episode of Australian Idol.

The radio king reportedly had radio network ARN worried that he’d say something uncouth once he was untethered by the reality show’s live-to-air telecasts, and those concerns were somewhat founded as Sandilands took the first available opportunity to air his woes at KIIS FM.

Sandilands spoke in an off-the-cuff interview with McKnight Tonight after taping Australian Idol on Tuesday evening 

He began by addressing host Ricki-Lee Coulter, before launching into hints that he may be out of a job as his ARN suspension deadline expires at midnight on Tuesday.

‘Today, Ricki, I’ve got nothing else on my mind except the excitement of the vote,’ Sandilands joked.

He then referred to the slick black suit he was wearing for the occasion, joking that he was suited up in the hopes of landing a job at menswear retailer, Lowes.

‘I’m also dressed like this because I have a job interview with Lowes after the show,’ Sandilands said.

‘The radio guys… once you’re out of radio you have to sell socks at Lowes.’

Sandilands then glanced at his watch as he added: ‘For now I’ve got this job, and for now I still have the other job.’

Fellow judge Amy Shark suggested that she could be a reference for Kyle if he needed a new job.

‘I might take you up on that,’ Sandilands quipped.

Addressing waiting media on Tuesday afternoon, Sandilands confirmed that he wanted to continue work on the Kyle and Jackie O Show, but admitted that his future at KIIS FM still hangs in the balance, with the midnight deadline for a decision from ARN looming

On Tuesday afternoon, the shock jock gave an official, albeit brief, statement outside his Vaucluse home as he made his way to filming duties on Australian Idol.

Addressing waiting media, Sandilands confirmed that he wanted to continue work on the Kyle & Jackie O Show, but admitted that his future at KIIS FM still hangs in the balance, with the midnight deadline for a decision from ARN looming.

After insisting he felt ‘good’, the radio king admitted that nothing has been decided with regard to his ongoing contract at the network.

‘I obviously can’t say too much because I haven’t heard anything yet,’ Kyle said.

‘I still want to do this show. The listeners want me back on there doing the show. So at the end of the day, I’ve got a contract with ARN, I expect them to honour that. And I do have some options.’

When asked what those options are, Sandilands, who was accompanied by his manager Bruno Bouchet, replied: ‘No idea yet. Many options.’

Sandilands was then asked if rumours that he plans to buy ARN are true.

‘There’s many options, that is all I am going to say. I can’t predict anything. Still waiting,’ he replied cryptically.

Sandilands would not be drawn on questions about whether or not he has yet spoken to former co-host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, simply ignoring the queries before hurriedly leaving the premises.

The Australian Radio Network (ARN) announced last month that Henderson’s $100 million contract had been terminated after she told executives she ‘cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands’ following his harsh on–air comments that left her in tears.

ARN also provided written notice to Sandilands stating it considers his behaviour during the show on February 20 to be ‘an act of serious misconduct which is in breach of ARN’s service agreement with Quasar Media’.

Sandilands was suspended and given 14 days to ‘remedy’ the breach, or else he faces termination.