news articles 9 december

[Inside Australian Idol]

Guy fan in hospital
December 09, 2003


An Adelaide appearance by Australian Idol Guy Sebastian was cut short today after a teenager was rushed to hospital and more than 50 people treated for heat exhaustion.

A police spokesman said an 18-year-old male collapsed in 40 degree heat as thousands of fans of the reality television program queued for an outdoor appearance by home town winner Guy Sebastian.

The youth was rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he was reported to be in a critical but stable condition.

He was among thousands who lined the city's Rundle Mall for a glimpse of the singer ahead of his 4pm appearance.

Managing Director of BMG Australia Ed St John issued a statement expressing concern for the teenager.

"We are anxiously awaiting news of his condition and send our best wishes to his family at this difficult time," Mr St John said.

He said Sebastian, a devout Christian, had been upset by the incident and was praying for the boy's recovery.

BMG has cancelled Guy Sebastian's other engagements for the rest of the week.

entertainment.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4459,8117540%255E10431%255E%255Enbv,00.html

[Inside Australian Idol]

Guy ready to rock in the mall
By LAURA ANDERSON
09dec03
UP TO 15,000 devoted Guy Sebastian fans are expected to converge on Rundle Mall today when the Australian Idol winner puts on a performance for his home town.

Gawler Place will be closed to traffic in anticipation of the crowd, with Sebastian singing two or three songs and signing copies of his debut album, Just As I Am, under the canopy from 4pm.

More than 5000 screaming Sydneysiders packed a mall on Sunday to catch a glimpse of the star, with queues of up to 1 ½ hours for autographs.

"I think there is going to be a huge crowd, of 10,000 or 15,000, because there were 5000 in Sydney and it was raining," BMG state sales and promotions manager Simon Saunders said yesterday. "Security is obviously our main issue – we certainly will be taking a lot of measures for crowd control.

Sebastian was drowned out by the screams of fans at an autograph signing at the Virgin Megastore in Martin Place, Sydney, yesterday.

"Adelaide will obviously be my favourite one because it's home," Sebastian said.

"You have to give every person who's supported you and bought your album the time they deserve, so it's draining but it's also really awesome and cool."

Sebastian's album was certified four times platinum when 280,000 copies were released yesterday, Rundle Mall music stores taking more than 1000 pre-orders.


www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,8107867%255E2682,00.html

[Inside Australian Idol]

Megastore megastar


December 9, 2003

PUBLICITY stuntman Sir Richard Branson enlisted the help of Australia's man of the froment, Guy Sebastian, to officially open his flagship Virgin Megastore in George St yesterday.


And there's few who work a crowd better than Branson, telling Sebastian's screaming fans the Australian Idol would go on to win the world title.

"I think I won't be allowed out of the store – it has to be Guy," Branson said.


The pair were surrounded by hundreds of fans as Branson presented Sebastian with a special plaque to honour his phenomenal success.


Sebastian shot to national stardom when he was crowned Australia's first Idol last month.


His debut album Just As I Am hit record stores yesterday, but advance sales of 300,000 copies mean it has already hit platinum four times.


His single Angels Brought Me Here was at No. 1 for the second week in a row.


Sebastian flies to London on Saturday to compete against other Idol winners from across the globe in a World Idol contest around Christmas and New Year.


The program will include British winner Will Young, American Idol Kelly Clarkson and other Idol series winners from South Africa, Poland, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, the Middle East, Belgium and Canada.


dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1266&storyid=606684