Kyle Sandilands has referenced his dramatic split from long‑time radio partner Jackie ‘O’ Henderson during his return to Australian Idol, admitting the past week has been “tough” as the pair remain off air amid a growing rift.

The KIIS FM duo imploded last month after a fiery on‑air clash about Jackie’s interest in astrology — a blow‑up that ended with Henderson abruptly walking out of the studio.

ARN later confirmed Sandilands had been suspended over an “act of serious misconduct” and was in breach of his contract.

Henderson did not return to the breakfast show prior to last week’s bombshell announcement that the top-rating show was no more. Sandilands has publicly acknowledged he “hurt her feelings”, telling 7NEWS he believes “something else may be going on” behind her reaction.

Sandilands returned to screens on Monday night as a judge on Australian Idol, where WA contestant Charlie Moon performed With a Little Help from My Friends in tribute to the mates supporting him through his mother’s death from cancer and his father’s ongoing battle with the disease.

The performance earned a standing ovation from Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy Shark.

“Wow. Charlie, you’re like an accomplished artist; watching you tonight, it’s like you’ve been doing this for 20 years, week in week out,” Sandilands told him.

“Effortless. Great performance, great song choice, beautiful delivery and a great message — we all need to get by with a little help from our friends. This week has been tough for me. I had a falling out with a very close friend. How’s your dad, by the way?”

Moon replied that his father was “a fighter” and cheering him on from home.

“I love it, he’d be so proud,” Sandilands said. “It was brilliant, Charlie. I totally enjoyed it.”

Henderson remains off air, with KIIS FM confirming she will not return for the foreseeable future.