news articles 15 january

[Inside Australian Idol]

Murmurs...
January 15, 2004


IDOL reject Rob "I'm lovin' being single" Mills is still playing it cool about his Melbourne Cup squeeze, Paris Hilton.

While Millsy received an e-mail "a couple of months ago" from the socialite, he said he hasn't been bothered to reply.

But he changed his tune when he was this week signed to BMG to record his first solo album. "Yeah, I'll probably e-mail her to tell about the deal," he told Confidential. "And I want to find out how her band's going."

Oh no. Paris Hilton the band.

dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1266&storyid=752623

[Inside Australian Idol]

Will on a mission to shop
January 15, 2004

BRITAIN'S answer to the 'fro thought he could sneak through the city undetected yesterday.

No, sir. Confidential spotted the super-chinned UK Pop Idol winner Will Young downing his fair share of dairy product at the Bachio cafe in the QVB yesterday morning.

After a milkshake and some muesli, the Roger Ramjet-lookalike enjoyed a stroll around town, checking out some local music talent in Mojo Records.

He bought a stack of CDs, including a selection by blues great Etta James.

It is believed the Berkshire-born popster is here to film a video clip but, when Confidential asked him, Young remained tight-lipped about why he's in the Harbour city.

"I'm just here having a break, I'm on a little holiday," he said.

Young probably still hasn't recovered from all the hoopla surrounding World Idol, where he placed a respectable fifth.

Asked if he was enjoying his time in Sydney, Young replied that he'd been here before and that "it's a very lovely city".


dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1266&storyid=752294

[Inside Australian Idol]

Guy Heads Further South on Midweek Chart

Guy Sebastian's chart run has taken a further dive with midweek sales of his 'Just As I Am' album now bordering on falling out of the Top 10 after just six weeks.

Midweek sales from HMV have the Guydol record balancing on the edge of the Top 10 after falling a further five spots.

Australian acts now selling more than Guy include Powerfinger, Delta Goodrem and The Cat Empire.

International acts with chart dominance midweek are Evanescence, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Dido.

It seems the holiday period has generated great sales for soundtracks with movie goers buying up 'Honey', 'Love Actually' and 'Lord of the Rings : The Return Of The King'.

The Midweek Top 10 according to HMV is:

1. Soundtrack 'Honey'
2. Evanescence 'Fallen'
3. Red Hot Chili Peppers 'Greatest Hits'
4. Powderfinger 'Vulture Street'
5. Delta Goodrem 'Innocent Eyes'
6. Dido 'Life For Rent'
7. The Cat Empire 'The Cat Empire'
8. Soundtrack 'Love Actually'
9. Soundtrack 'Lord of the Rings : The Return of the King'
10. Guy Sebastian ' Just As I Am'


by Paul Cashmere

www.undercover.com.au/news/2004/20040115_chart.html

[Inside Australian Idol]

Canberra gets set to party
Jan 15, 2004




Up to 20,000 people are expected to attend a new event planned in Canberra on January 25, the eve of Australia Day.

Titled "Celebrate! Australia Day Live," it will include the naming of four Australians of the Year and a variety concert starring Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian.

The free affair will be staged on the lawns in front of Parliament House, starting with the announcement of the Australian, Senior Australian and Young Australian of the year, plus a new category, Local Hero.

It has not been divulged who will announce the winners but speculation favours Prime Minister John Howard or Governor-General Michael Jeffery.

Finalists for Australian of the year include retiring Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh, who is probably the favourite, and TV star Steve Irwin, who is under a cloud after controversy over his carrying his baby son during a crocodile exhibition.

Meanwhile, Guy Sebastian, Jon Stevens and Marcia Hines will headline the acts for what's billed as Canberra's the biggest-ever outdoor concert.

Others include Shannon Doll, Mercury 4, Nikki Webster, comedian Bob Downe and the group Tripod.

Concert host will be Big Brother TV personality Gretel Killeen.

"Celebrate! Australia Day Live" will be broadcast live nationally by Network Ten.

The nation capital's Australia Day celebrations will continue throughout the holiday weekend.

Thirty-five scheduled events include outdoor film screenings, fireworks, live music and other entertainment in Commonwealth Park and along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

AAP

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