When you look at Ricki-Lee's impressive backstory and CV, it's no wonder she makes the perfect new addition to the 2008 Australian Idol hosting team. Particularly when a script-like story unfolds for this media savvy princess of pop, who remained an unrecognised singing talent amongst her family and friends only years before appearing on Idol! Ricki-Lee's journey is one we ALL know and one that has now turned full-circle, as she returns to the very stage that launched her infamous name and voice.

Ricki-Lee’s vocal abilities were uncovered when a family member overheard her singing in her bedroom. From there, Ricki-Lee leapt headfirst into “performance” in general. A combination of live circuit gigging around the Gold Coast and Brisbane areas with live bands kept Ricki-Lee busy, as well as in school productions she secured lead musical roles in Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Cats, Rent, The Boyfriend, Phantom of the Opera, Grease, and Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Network Ten's hit show, Australian Idol (Series 2) officially launched her public profile when her talent, personality and charismatic performances took the budding songstress all the way through to the Top 12. Ricki-Lee was considered an instant “favourite to win” – performing hits such as Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Proud Mary, We Can Work It Out and I Have Nothing. When Ricki-Lee was voted off mid-series, in 7th place, there was outrage from viewers nationally. Ricki-Lee has been a name on everyone’s lips since that fateful day.

In 2005, after finishing the show and not signing with a major label, Ricki-Lee opted to take the independent route after securing a deal with SHOCK RECORDS - Australia's largest independent largest record label. She's since recorded 2 x Gold selling albums, produced five Top 10 singles (Hell No!, Sunshine, Can't Touch it, Love is All Around, Can't Sing a Different Song) and one very big Platinum hit with Can't Touch It. After releasing her second album, Brand New Day, written across LA, New York, London and Australia, Ricki-Lee has now worked with some of the most distinguished producers and artists in the world.

Beyond kicking goals in the pop arena, a love and desire to forge a career that spans many medians has been steadily developing and growing behind the scenes. Showing prowess across TV and radio, Ricki-Lee has met many media challenges over the past couple of years, such as stepping up to the role of co-hosting a full week of Austereo's popular Hot30 Nights program with Tim Lee at the end of 2007 which included rove reporting from the red carpet of the 2007 Australian Idol Grand Final; joining B105’S Breakfast team in Brisbane over Summer 2008; starring in hit TV shows Celebrity Circus, It Takes Two over the years; and impressively co-hosting a week of Foxtel's high-rating kids TV show "Sarvo" with Kyle Linnehan, where she was praised by network executives for “having natural hosting ability and charisma”.

Ricki-Lee is beyond thrilled to be joining the very talented Andrew G and James Mathison in presenting Series 6 of Australian Idol, which is shaping up to be the most exciting series to date. Expect some serious TV dynamite as these three join forces…