Australian Idol will be rested for 2010 following poor ratings. Sources from the industry stated yesterday that Channel 10 planned to put on hold the show and judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson also confirmed that his contract was not being renewed.

Inspite of the channel Ten announcing the show’s return this year, sources stated that the channel went back on its words. This happened due to lesser people watching the show last year. This year the show was shelved to avoid another year of embarrassing ratings figures.

In 2009 Stan Walker's triumph was watched by just 1.4 million viewers watched in the 2009 finale, which is almost two million fewer than the 3.34 million in the 2003 premiere that cheered Guy Sebastian.

"Ten is going to rest Australian Idol for 2010. They will make a decision towards the end of 2010 as to whether it will return in 2011. They have asked (production company) Fremantle (Media) for ideas on how to relaunch in 2011," a source said.

The channel however declined to comment and no calls were returned by Fremantle lls yesterday.

Dickson however said that putting the show on hold was not a good thing with Idol weighed down by disturbance last year. The disruptions included the exit of judge Kyle Sandilands who was replaced by Sony talent scout Jay Dee Springbett.

"I guess the fact I haven't had a call about the show this year and that I am talking to other agents (networks) says something," Dickson said.