Karl Stefanovic Singles Out Natalie Barr Ahead of the Logies — As Sarah Abo Shares the Awards Spotlight

For years, Sarah Abo was one of the most familiar faces beside Karl Stefanovic on Today, sharing the breakfast television desk with him before his departure from Channel Nine earlier this year.

So with both Karl and Sarah now nominated at the upcoming 2026 Logie Awards, few may have expected another breakfast TV presenter to become the focus of Karl’s latest comments.

But with the ceremony just days away, it was Sunrise host Natalie Barr who Karl unexpectedly singled out — and his words went well beyond a routine compliment.

Karl makes an unexpected call on Natalie Barr

Karl and his former Today co-host Sarah Abo are both nominated for the Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter at this year’s Logies.

Natalie, however, is not among the nominees.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Karl made it clear he believes she should be.

“I think Nat Barr should get the nomination in my place,” he said.

He then added:

“The woman is brilliant… has been for years. She deserves to be in that company.”

The comments were notable not only because Karl and Natalie spent years appearing on rival breakfast television programs, but also because Karl was prepared to question his own place on the nominations list rather than simply offer praise from the sidelines.

Importantly, Karl did not suggest that Sarah Abo should lose her nomination. His comments were specifically about giving up his own place for Natalie.

Sarah Abo remains part of the Logies picture

Sarah’s presence in the same category gives Karl’s comments another layer.

She and Karl spent years together on Today, becoming one of Nine’s best-known breakfast television pairings before Karl left the network in June.

Now, both former colleagues are heading into the Logies as nominees — while Natalie, their long-time Sunrise rival, remains outside the category.

Against that backdrop, Karl’s decision to publicly single out Natalie has created an unexpected moment ahead of one of Australian television’s biggest nights.

His remarks also came shortly after Natalie attracted attention for her interview with Karl’s close friend Kyle Sandilands on Sunrise.

Karl confirms another decision in just a few words

But Karl’s comments about Natalie were not the only surprise.

Asked whether he would still attend the Logies despite being nominated, the former Today presenter gave a brief response.

“No. [It would be a] tad awkward,” he said.

That means Karl will not be at the ceremony even though his name remains in contention for one of the night’s major television awards.

His absence also reduces the possibility of an uncomfortable reunion with former Channel Nine colleagues following his departure from the network.

A very different chapter for the former Today host

Karl left Channel Nine in June after controversy surrounding an interview with British activist Tommy Robinson on his independent podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show.

The interview was uploaded to the podcast’s YouTube channel before being removed less than 12 hours later following widespread criticism.

Since stepping away from mainstream breakfast television, Karl has continued developing his podcast and interviewing political and public figures from across the Australian political spectrum.

But just days before the Logies, it is his unexpected support for a long-time breakfast TV rival that has returned him to the centre of the television conversation.

And with Sarah Abo sharing his awards category while Natalie Barr remains outside it, Karl’s few words have added an intriguing new layer to a night he has now confirmed he will not attend.

Sources: Daily Mail Australia, The Daily Telegraph