news articles 16 october

[Inside Australian Idol]

Idol star has a ball
From Sydney Confidential
October 16, 2003


JUST a few months ago Australian Idol contestant Paulini planned on celebrating her 21st birthday over a humble dinner with family.

Paulini celebrates with her fellow Idols.

But her sudden rise to fame last night ensured her a celebration of rock star proportions.

Following a day of rehearsals, the Fijian-born finalist went back to the Idol HQ for a mocktail party (she doesn't drink alcohol) where the show's remaining hopefuls showered her with gifts and birthday wishes.

But it was Paulini's biggest fans who pulled out all stops to ensure she celebrated in celebrity style - the Fijian Rugby Union team.

The boys have been following Paulini's success since arriving in Sydney for Rugby World Cup and yesterday sent her a video message filmed on their tour bus.

Confidential and the Inside Idol team was there when the Bankstown girl received the message - that she was a national hero in Fiji and had become the team mascot.

After the party Paulini grabbed her signed team jersey and celebrated her 21st with her family and fellow finalists Millsy, Cosima, Shannon and Guy at a nearby restaurant.

The surprises continued afterwards at Idol HQ where Paulini's Sydney band MIXX had set up to play.

* * *

STILL on Idol, following Monday night's shock comments by judge Mark Holden to outgoing finalist Levi, Confidential hears angry scenes backstage ensued.

Fellow judge Dicko was said to have slammed Holden, saying he had "really let himself down" before eventually Holden admitted he "felt like crap" about it.

The Daily Telegraph

entertainment.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4459,7574265%255E10431%255E%255Enbv,00.html

[Inside Australian Idol]

Five strive to stay alive
By Australian Idol star Lauren Buckley
October 16, 2003


THE Australian Idol competition has really started to hot up, and the five who are left in it deserve to be there.
Levi gave a great performance with his version of Bobby Brown's Every Litte Step, and it was sad for him to go.

But Idol is a competition, and four more people will have to go through that emotional experience.

But no matter where they finish, they've won because they've come this far.

From Sunday's performances, I thought everyone was good but I think Guy stood out the most - his performance was amazing.










I think all of the competitors are growing as performers each week with experience.

GUY - performed Prince's When Doves Cry, and showed he's getting better and better. He's such a talent, his voice and his personality really shines and people see that when he performs. I think this weekend's theme of R&B and soul will suit him down to the ground.

COSIMA - performed Tina Turner's What's Love Got to do With it and I think she was great. She has a really strong voice and she looks amazing. She really has improved and grown since the competition started, especially from her first audition.

SHANNON - performed Bon Jovi's Livin' On a Prayer and showed he's really good. He's very talented and what's good about him is that he has the typical Aussie look and what you see is what you get. He also has a very good, strong rock voice.

PAULINI - performed Aretha Franklin's Freeway of Love. Every time she opens her mouth, everyone is stunned. She has such an amazing voice. She really makes any song she sings her own.

ROB - performed 1927's If I Could. He's heaps talented and I think he wins the audience with his cheekiness. He can work the audience and work the stage and I think that goes down really well for him.

LEVI - performed Bobby Brown's Every Little Step and I think his performance was good. I think he picked a good song. I like the way he worked the audience and I think he did well, even though he got voted out. It was unfortunate for him to have to leave. His brother, who appeared on stage with him, was feeling really down. They did a marvellous performance.

Judge's controversy

Mark's comments:

I think it was unfair of Mark to make the comments he did about Levi. Mark's not a horrible person - he's a really nice guy - but he shouldn't have said it.

Marcia's comments:

Her comments were directed at the fact a lot of girl viewers are voting for the guys who are left. It's a competition for singing, but I think it's a popularity contest.

The Daily Telegraph

entertainment.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4459,7572207%255E10431%255E%255Enbv,00.html