news articles 18 February 2004

[mobbedy]

Typed out by Leebella

Which segues nicely into the question of Guy Sebastian,
public Christian and celibate single—the Australian media has poked and prodded around the questions of Sebastian's personal life, his sexuality and belief-based celibacy.

Is he, I suggest, in danger of being perceived as a younger, Australian version of UK perennial 'Christian nice guy' crooner Cliff Richard? 'I don't really know,' he ponders, slowly. 'Australia has been so accepting of every decision I've made, and embraced me for them,' he adds. 'I get way more positive feedback about my faith than any negativity. 'I haven't come out and said, "Everybody has to live as I do, or do as I do" and I think it's such a fine line, how you approach stuff as a Christian in the world. 'If you come out thinking you are "it", and "This is how you should all live [or] you're gonna burn and die", people are going to get so turned off.' That's not at all, he says, what Jesus was about. 'I've found that it's all about love, all about showing love through everything you do and to everyone you meet.' So, no one-night stands for this most popular of pop singers. No meaningless liaisons; no exploitation of his fame to fill his 'dance card'. 'It's not just my Christianity,' Sebastian explains gently, 'but the way I've been brought up as well. I owe my mum and dad—I gained a lot from them, 'And being in church and in ministry, it's been awesome for me; it's prepared me for this time.'

As our interview progresses, Sebastian's sleep deprivation becomes increasingly obvious. I ask him about how he tries to stay fresh and 'grounded' spiritually. 'I'm getting to church as much as I can, regardless of where I am. I've been going to churches all over the place. 'But more importantly it's those private encounters [with God]; it's those worship times I have at home. I definitely didn't do as much [spiritually] as I do now. 'Before I was constantly "fed" from church; I was there all the time, at youth group, at home fellowship, at church a couple of times a week, I was either at rehearsal or a prayer meeting. 'Suddenly I've got this hole; I'm not being fed and I'm wanting and missing [that worship experience] and only I can generate it.'

Returning to how he explains his lifestyle, compared to that of other entertainers of similar standing, Sebastian on his philosophy of being true to himself and his God. 'I came out saying, "I'm not saying I'm better than anybody, but if you want to make a choice then stick to it and stay strong". When you approach it like that it doesn't give people the, "Oh, he thinks that's the only way" [impression] but [instead they think] "that's an option".' And, consequently, Sebastian has not only so far managed to avoid the antipodean's curse, the tall poppy syndrome, but has also avoided being seen as arrogant or judgmental because of his religious beliefs.

'One of the main reasons I've come out of this as well as I have with my religion,' Sebastian says, 'is that it's given me something to be accountable to. 'I've publicly declared my faith and what I'm about, and if I slip up and do something stupid then I'm not just letting myself down; I'm letting God down, and [disappointing] Christians everywhere.' So, I ask, is it true that he hasn't anybody special in his life at this point? 'Yes,' he answers firmly. 'I've got no time; there's definitely no-one.'


But the issue of loneliness aside, Sebastian is the first to admit he's by no means on a bad wicket.

As to reports that he is yet to be rewarded for the fruits of his labours, he responds with characteristic good humour. 'My bank balance as it stands is about $3.8 million,' he says, following it up with a chuckle and 'I'm totally joking man, I nothing like that, but it wouldn't hurt. I'm sure I'll get paid, it wouldn't hurt to have even one-twentieth of that [amount]. 'I'm sure it will come; my manager books me for gigs and stuff, and that pays my rent and keeps me going...I'm not worrying about the long-term.'

Another bump in the superstar's highway that also hasn't unsettled this most unruffled of performers was his trip to the UK for the World Idol competition; won by an unheralded 'bolter', the event seemed marked more by grandstanding judges than the quality of the competition.

Still, the Aussie went from being a national winner to being perceived as a loser. He is aware, I suggest hopefully, that the format of World Idol was a popularity contest rather than a talent competition. 'Absolutely,' Sebastian concedes. 'People knew and realised it; for me the people in the industry who mattered were seeing it as it should have been seen. 'I sang as I wanted to sing, and I came across as I wanted to come across,' he adds in deadly earnest.

'All the bookies had me and Kelly (American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson) to win, and that's an indication based on the performances.' I suggest to him that he has a burning desire to achieve; an ambition that is God-given—is he fine with that statement? 'It's not a real ambition,' Sebastian responds thoughtfully. 'It's more of a submission.' So, I continue, he recognises that this competition, and his career, is God's will for his life?

'Absolutely,' Sebastian responds, the conversation's tempo accelerating as he finds words to express his beliefs. 'People try to value a "season" in their lives based on public acceptance.. .where my album charts, or how many fans I've got, or how many people come to my signings. But that doesn't [rate as] important to me. 'I don't base my value on whatever season I'm in. If next year I'm not doing that, if I'm overseas doing missionary work, it's a different season. It doesn't mean it's less valuable than now, just because I haven't got that same fan base.' Sebastian is a young man in love with music, in love with God— in love with love itself. It's rare to see such an unambitious achiever.

Let's hope he consolidates what is a promising career and a soaring, unusual voice in the superstars' firmament.

[Elle]

mobbedy, I so appreciate your placing this article here - I have been getting very concerned about certain posts that sound 'made up' to me.

This article reaffirms who Guy really is, and his personal relationship with God, as the truth in the testing. We know he has had to face questions and situations over and over again he really has no time for, yet has treated people with nothing but respect. A true disciple of and example of Jesus Christ, living within.

[Elle]

Oh, does anyone know what paper/mag this article came from? It's brilliant - and certain sounds like Guy, more than most I've read.

[mobbedy]

Hey sorry, this is the first bit of that article, i left it out before

As typed out by Leeny:

THERE'S NO DENYING THAT GUY SEBASTIAN HAS COME A LONG WAY SINCE HIS DAYS AS AN ADELAIDE CHURCH WORSHIP SINGER BUT, HE SAYS, WHILE
FAME HAS BROUGHT HIM SUCCESS ONLY ONE THING CAN FEED THE YEARNING INSIDE HIM.
BY BARRY GITTINS

Raw talent aside, Guy Sebastian,the retro-coiffured, squeaky-clean vocal teacher and worship singer is (by his own admission) hardly the stuff rock gods are made of.

Yet, afro and all, Sebastian, who spent most of his formative years singing on an Adelaide church stage, has become an icon in this country following his win in the first season of Australian Idol late last year.

Currently touring with the national Idol stage show, Sebastian took time out from his hectic rehearsal schedule to speak to Warcry about life after appearing on one of Australia's biggest-rating TV shows ever.

'How's the voice?' I ask. 'It's trashed, actually, it really
is.' Not an unexpected response perhaps, considering what the singer has experienced in the last six months or so. In addition to the national tour,Sebastian has returned from competing in the World Idol championships (he came a respectable
seventh, by the way), juggled media and publicity commitments (Warcry included) and recorded a much-hyped CD. No wonder his vocal cords are
hurting.

'It was hard work, with a total lack of sleep, too,' Sebastian says about the album, of which he is nonetheless proud. His status as a pop star, however, is not something he has embraced as enthusiastically.

'It is a bit surreal,' Sebastian says, 'but it's kind of
becoming normal life now. It had to sink in at some point, otherwise I just wouldn't have been able to function. But it's becoming my life now, and I'm getting used to being recognised.'

The Oz idol's Salvo mates back in Adelaide describe him as a relaxed bloke who enjoys life; and that laidback quality does filter down the phone line. But it's tempered by a newfound awareness that
every word out of his mouth could, and probably would, end up in print, on the air or in cyberspace. Is he able to laugh about being perceived as an idol, I venture, and does he see it as ironic given he is such a publicly 'out there' Christian? 'It's part of my life now,' he says, 'but I still don't understand it— why it happened to me. Every couple of months now I get these little flashes, "gee this is really strange".

'Recently I recorded "Climb Every Mountain" as the B-side for my next single, and [while I was doing that] I was told that Australian Idol was the highest- rating show in Network Ten's history. 'When the show peaked, it all pointed to one winner, and the weird fact was that it was me. I have to come to terms with this but it's a great challenge.'

The Sound of Music's 'Climb Every Mountain' certainly seemed a strange selection in a contest geared towards teenagers, but for many Australians his performance of the song was the standout moment in the televised talent quest turned popularity contest; a moment when Sebastian emerged as the most talented singer and the best communicator in a cast of energetic,willing performers. And it was largely because of the emotional truth and conviction with which he sang.

'I did that song and really felt it. I hadn't seen my mum for months, and she was in the audience. She'd been at home, seeing her son in all those magazines. I really realised during that performance how much my life had changed, and I got very emotional.'

Not surprisingly, Sebastian had been discouraged from choosing that song. 'I had actually planned to do a different song; everyone involved in the show had talked me out of doing "Climb Every Mountain" a
few weeks prior. 'They said, "If you want to leave then do that song, because it's going to be terrible—The Sound ofMusic? It's cheesy and it's the song during the film when everyone gets up to go to the toilet". 'It just showed me that my instincts were right. And I needed to listen to them.'

Nowadays, performing with his cast mates again as part of the Australian Idol tour has been a refreshing contrast, as cooperation, rather than competition, has given everybody confidence. 'Everyone's really relaxed,' Sebastian says, 'and harnessing this opportunity to show what they are made of. It's great to see how much they've progressed musically and on stage.'

That well may be the case, but his former rivals are yet to match Sebastian's progress off stage. Rather than spending his time dating US heiresses (a la Rob 'Millsy' Mills) or reprising classic Oz rock hits (Australian Idol
runner- up Shannon Noll), Sebastian has pushed through with his own
musical choices and some original compositions.

His influences, which include the legendary soul maestro Stevie Wonder as well as US Christian musos Michael W. Smith ('I grew up on that white honky guy,' Sebastian says fondly) and Brian McKnight, point to a desire for meaningful lyrics as well as gloriously funky
music. 'I love Eric Benet,' Sebastian adds, 'you know, that stupid guy who cheated on Halle Berry? I don't get that,' he says laughing.

[MaybeNext]

Hey mobbedy,
Thanks for this article. Good to get an all round picture of our Guy.

[Raspberry]

Oh, does anyone know what paper/mag this article came from? It's brilliant - and certain sounds like Guy, more than most I've read.

It's in this magazine called 'Warcry' and it's a publication for the Salvation Army. We actually had a copy of this issue at home (surprise ). I have no idea where you would buy this magazine from though Elle. Happy hunting anyways! ;D

[Elle]

Thanks Rasberry - I remember the first time I got handed a "Warcry" by a young man, before I was a Christian, I even remember his face. He had walked into a nightclub and was handing them out. He was so nice, no-one refused him.

That's very famous magazine and has been around a long time, from what I understand.

[Elle]

Singapore Newspaper
18 Feb 2004

THIS IDOL HAS NOT LOST HIS FAITH

WHAT a guy!

Australian Idol champ Guy Sebastian has made no secret of being a staunch Christian.

As an active member of a popular Adelaide church, he used to lead worship services and do “street ministry”, which encouraged street kids to attend church concerts.

He was once quoted as saying it was ‘freaking hard” maintaining his virginity during Australian Idol.

At 22, he is the same age as famous “virgin” Britney Spears.

But with fame and fortune come forbidden fruits.

So during our interview at The Four Seasons Hotel, we hade to ask Sebastian: Are you still a virgin?

The Malaysia-born singer laughed, and assured, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, I am.”<br>
Well hellalujah then!

“Girls are probably the biggest thing you’d get tempted by, but I’ve done pretty good.”<br>
Sebastian also insisted that the trappings of showbiz haven’t distracted him from his faith.

He said, “It’s a good place to be, to strive to be a good role model.”<br>
Relaxed, gracious, and disarming in person, we’re glad that Sebastian’s head hasn’t got as big as his trademark afro - “natural curls which take only five minutes to style”, he claimed.

GO THE FRO

The quirky-looking Aussie explained: “It began with me just being lazy. I didn’t cut my hair for a long time, and it got bigger and bigger.

People just like it – they chant “Go the fro” back home and everyone wears afro wigs to my concerts. It just became my thing.”<br>
But American idol judge Simon Cowell wasn’t a fan.

He once praised Sebastian’s smooth vocals, but thought he looked “weird”.

Sebastian, who has a Sri Lankan father and English-Portugese mother, agreed to a certain extent: “I don’t think he was sayng I looked gross weird, but just different and not like a cliché-looking pop star.”<br>
Surprisingly, his exotic looks never affected his self-esteem because he was “pretty popular” in school.

“But my Aussie friends actually called me ‘boatman’ because they thought I look like a refugee (fresh off the boat), “ he joked.

SCARED OF TEACHER

Sebastian who was born in Klang, Selanglor, moved with the family to Australia when he was 6. Not that he had fond memories of his childhood in Malaysia.

He recalled: “I used to hate going to school. My Sebastian mum would drop me off and I’d run after the car, so she’d take me home and belt me and I’d just cry.”<br>
When he was younger, his teacher picked on him because he was “really fair”.

When she was in a bad mood, she’d whack the desk and I was really scared.

“I also used to be really scared of the men who dressed up as Chinese dragons. I would hear the drums down the street and I’d run and hide in the closet.”<br>
Sebastian has since returned to Malaysae twice – when he was 10 and a pageboy at his uncle’s wedding, and as a part of a youth gospel band 1 ½ years ago.

All his relatives emigrated to Australia.

Down Under, Sebasian is now a national star.

The grand finals of Australian Idol, held at the Sydney Opera House last November, was the most-watched non-sporting programme in the history of Australian broadcasting with over 3 million viewers tuning in.

TOP-SELLERS

He first song, Angels Brought Me here, became the fastest-selling single in Oz chart history. His debut album, Just As I Am – of which he co-wrote three tracks – also topped the chart, selling 500,000 copies in Australia since its December release.

So who says nice guys only finish last?

JUST AS I AM WILL BE RELEASED HERE IN MARCH.

[Elle]

For a scanned copy and photo of Guy that matches the above article from the Singapore newspaper on 18 Feb 2004 - see

australianidol.proboards22.com/index.cgi?board=show&action=display&thread=1077134179&start=0