Kyle Sandilands raises eyebrows with comments to Aboriginal singer

Radio star Kyle Sandilands has copped flack for comments he made to Australian Idol finalist Royston Sagigi-Baira after a performance on the hit show.

Sandilands, who is a judge alongside Harry Connick Jr, Meaghan Trainor and Amy Shark, told the 24-year-old Indigenous Australian that he knew about ‘his journey’ because he has Aboriginal relatives.

‘A lot of people don’t know this about me, but my stepbrother and stepsister are Indigenous and my sister also has three or four Aboriginal foster children. And I know your journey and it’s not always an easy journey, but you have shone like a bright sun on this stage every time’ Kyle said.

Indigenous broadcaster NITV shared a video of the moment to TikTok cut together with unrelated ‘sarcastic reaction’ clips from popular black comedians and actors. 

Indigenous viewers said while Kyle obviously didn’t mean any offence, the comments attempting to relate to the singer made them feel uncomfortable.

‘Just no! As a fair skinned Wiradjuri woman, I have no idea the struggles my browned skin sister faces every day,’ one claimed.

‘It doesn’t matter what colour skin, how can you possibly know this person’s journey when they are a stranger to you?’ another said.

‘Way to bring it back to yourself when a person of colour is having their moment in the spotlight,’ TikTok user Yonce said.

A fourth said: ‘I feel so uncomfortable when people start doing this. What you want a medal?’ 

TikToker Nooksee claimed: ‘He may know of our peoples journey, but not the actual journey or tribulations by actual experiences.’

‘I love you Kyle but please just stop,’ Kristy Clarke wrote, ‘I have black and Asian friends and still don’t know their journey.’

Others spoke up for Kyle saying he is one of Royston’s biggest fans.

‘People get a life. Kyle didn’t say anything bad.’

‘This whole thing is so bizarre because Kyle was actually being very sweet and supportive of Royston.’

Another said: ‘Poor Kyle…. These days you have to lie for people to like you… Being honest gets you into lots of trouble.’

‘Leave Kyle alone,’ another added.

Another added: ‘This show has shone a light on Kyle he has been one of the better judges this time giving very clear and honest opinions for the betterment of the contestants.

‘He was clearly saying that for an Indigenous person to achieve in this country they have to struggle and be stronger and than others, clumsy as it sounds it came from his heart.

‘I watched it and Kyle said nothing wrong!’

Sandilands has had a colourful history as a judge on the show – once famously telling Australian Idol star Jessica Mauboy to ‘lose her jelly belly’.

He was dropped from the show in 2009 because producers felt his edgy Kyle and Jackie O radio show on KIISFM was incompatible with the family theme of the show, but was re-hired for the reboot due to his popularity.

Sandilands called Royston’s most recent performance that landed him a spot in the final three ‘magnificent’.

‘You’re one-in-a-million. People love you,’ he said.

Royston will compete with Phoebe Stewart and Josh Hannan in the Australian Idol grand finale.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Sandiland’s management for comment.