Cheeky ex-pat Irishman Brian McFadden rejoins the judging panel and has the goods to back it up, boasting a multi-faceted career as a hugely successful singer, songwriter and television host.

McFadden was destined for big things when he won a spot in the Irish boy band Westlife, signed to BMG by Simon Cowell and managed by UK X-Factor judge Louis Walsh. Westlife went on to have 14 number one hits in the UK charts alone.

Brian left Westlife to pursue a solo career, with his first single "Real To Me" going straight to number one in the UK. Australians were first introduced to Brian through "Almost Here", a duet recorded with pop princess Delta Goodrem, which became an Australian smash hit and ARIA chart topper. In 2007, Brian signed to Island Records through Universal and released the album Set In Stone, which included the Gold single "Like Only A Woman Can". More recently, Brian released Wall of Soundz, which included the #1 smash "Just Say So", selling over 100,000 units.

Multi-talented Brian has also had a number of hits as a songwriter for such well-known groups as Il Divo and Girls Aloud and also co-wrote the theme song of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games "Together We Are One".

The last few years have seen Brian venture into television, hosting FOX8's Football Superstar before appearing on Australian Idol in 2009 as a guest judge and mentor.

In 2010 Brian signed on to his largest TV task yet, joining the Australia's Got Talent juggernaut. He said: "I love Australia's Got Talent; I enjoy everything about it – not only getting to meet everyday people but uncovering all the hidden talent out there in Australia".