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Post by Inside Australian Idol on Feb 28, 2004 0:22:36 GMT 10
Angels take our Guy flying high in Asia February 28, 2004 He didn't quite conquer the world but Australian Idol Guy Sebastian is fast becoming top of the pops in Asia. His first single Angels Brought Me Here is at the top of the charts in Malaysia and he has just returned from a presenting stint at the MTV Asia Awards, where he got to hang out backstage with the Black Eyed Peas and British girl group Liberty X. The girls confessed they loved his album and told him they were hoping he'd win the World Idol contest. With most of his publicity commitments fulfilled, Sebastian has thrown himself back into songwriting for his next album, which could be out as early as October. He even wrote one of the songs while waiting to appear on Mornings with Kerri-Anne this week. He says he will be teaming up with one of his musical idols, R&B legend Bryan McKnight for the record. "It will be different," Sebastian says of his next album. "It will be me. I want to make it edgy." His Idol mate Shannon Noll is also enjoying success with his first single What About Me and Sebastian says there is definitely no rivalry there. "I've had my single and now it's his turn and he's doing an amazing job," he says. Still with the 'froed one, the good-humoured chap bit his tongue when a taxi driver blasted "that Guy Sebastian" without realising that's exactly who he had in his back seat. Disguised in a beanie, Guy told the driver he was a singer, which obviously hit a raw nerve with him. "As long as you don't tell me you're that effin' Guy Sebastian . . . who's going to know him in six months?" It's fair to say the driver was a little on the stunned side when Guy took off his beanie, revealing his trademark 'fro. dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1266&storyid=961560 |
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Post by Inside Australian Idol on Feb 28, 2004 1:33:42 GMT 10
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Post by Inside Australian Idol on Feb 28, 2004 1:35:14 GMT 10
Showing on Wednesday, March 3 What about me! Popstars Live 7.30pm, Seven WELL there's a little boy waiting in the audition line. He has been waiting there, waiting half the day, but they'll never, ever, give him much time. He'll be mocked and abused, laughed from the room, but he'll stay on his feet as he sings, "What about me? It isn't fair! I've had enough, now I want my share! Can't you see – I'm as good as Shannon Noll! Why did you cut the karaoke threads that bind my soul!" There's another pretty girl standing with her bellybutton pierced – she sees those judges' ugly heads and the way they yawn at her as well. She has been waiting back there, in the same damned line, surrounded by Adelaide rappers who sound like they're living in hell. She mimics Britney and Beyonce, but still the judges they say, "No way!" She's not too proud to cry out loud as she runs from the room and she screams, "What about me? It isn't fair. I wore my best mini, now I want my share. But you just take more than you give!" Well those judges better heed the karmic boomerang that turns inside the Shannon Noll pop koan (I even use it as the ring tone for my groovy new cell phone): "Take a step back and see the little people. They may be young but they're the ones who make the big people big! So listen as they whisper, 'What about me?' " For now I'm laying on the lounge, feeling bloated from a sponsor's pizza – no anchovies (it might affect the way I sing). Recalling Bardot and even Scandal'us and how Scott Cain was once a king – those shooting stars of yore who may come back to haunt us and whisper, "Anyone can win." (Though we all know the dirty secret that the public tends to vote on the colour of contestants' skin.) Nobody's changed! Nobody's been saved! So what if this write-up is inspired by a song from another TV show. Popstars has gone Live – and this is no copyright jive – Australian Idol had an influence and they know! There's John Paul Young here tonight instead of "Touchdown" Holden – will he wear a white suit twice? Christine Anu instead of Marcia – she'll probably be as nice. And Molly Meldrum's our true-blue Dicko without the ironic pommy schmooze. I'll be waiting for their updates on the Seven nightly news! Well there's a feeling as we watch these shows that the ugly can take their chance. That all the marketing in the world can't make us voters dance. That vain young blondes and vacuous boys with tousled do's are not the only way – that unexpected things can happen in spite of all they say. That the talent scouts (that's judges, folks) can't simply mould these kids like gormless plasticine. That amid it all some genuine talent breathes; perhaps another Guy Sebastian! Sometimes, I think, we like their flaws more than any perfect babe. That it's why we watch these shows enraptured, the ideal water cooler rave. That Norwegian guys with missing teeth, and teenage mums who sing a truthful note, are the ones who reach into our hearts and not the fakes and dopes. That this is actually the "reality" deal, the weirdest love of all: that we don't want the handsomest we want them warts and all. I guess I'm lucky that I smile a lot as I try to sing along. But sometimes I wish for more than I have got. What about me? It isn't fair. I may be old but now I want my share. Can't you see? I want to live and sing my song to thee. But Popstars takes more than it gives. Oh what about me? What about me? -Mark Mordue www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,8796967%255E12284,00.html |
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Post by MaybeNext on Feb 28, 2004 9:14:25 GMT 10
Townsville Bulletin Have a great but safe party 28feb04 TOWNSVILLE'S Flinders St East entertainment precinct has been at the centre of heightened public attention in recent months. Construction work and related traffic disruption during Townsville City Council's $3.7 million redevelopment project got under the skin of local businesses, patrons and cabbies at various times. The unfinished state that greeted international visitors in Townsville for 2003 Rugby World Cup matches in the city in October also drew fire. But even as the finishing touches were applied, the council's vision for an exciting new-look Flinders St East did not meet everyone's approval. In a reader survey conducted on the Townsville Bulletin website this month, 92.4 per cent of respondents answered "no" to the question: Do you like the new-look Flinders St East? Now a row has ignited over alcohol-fuelled violence and trading hours in Flinders St East, with the council pushing for a 3am lockout rule -- angering nightclub operators. The strip will certainly be the centre of attention again tomorrow as Guy Sebastian heads a show to celebrate its revamp. With large crowds expected, party-goers are encouraged to drink plenty of water in the heat and be conscious of other safety aspects to ensure there are no injuries or collapses to mar this celebration. Drunken, violent, unruly behaviour also should not be allowed to spoil the upbeat mood. Flinders St East has had its ups and downs in the past year, but this is one weekend it should be in the spotlight for all the right reasons, as crowds enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer. townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,8814659%255E15702,00.html |
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Post by MaybeNext on Feb 28, 2004 9:16:19 GMT 10
Townsville Bulletin Time to party with Guy By SHEREE LINEHAM 28feb04 A 15,000-STRONG crowd is expected to flock to Townsville's CBD tomorrow for one of the biggest parties the city will throw this year. The prime drawcard in the massive street party celebrating the redeveloped Flinders St East precinct will be Australian Idol Guy Sebastian, scheduled to perform at 6.45pm. He has already set the tune for the day, urging crowds to be ready to party and "really dance and get into it". Townsville Mayor Tony Mooney has estimated the crowd could top the 15,000 mark but conceded he would be happy with 5000. He said while there were some major events being planned for throughout the year, tomorrow's Flinders St East street party would definitely be one of the highlights of 2004. "It's going to be a great afternoon -- especially for families," Cr Mooney said. "I know my kids are all excited about going down to see the 'Fro. "The street party is really an opportunity to celebrate the work that has been done and enjoy it in a safe environment." Celebrations in the CBD kick off with the Cotters Market in Flinders Mall in the morning, and in the afternoon the stage, opposite the Exchange Hotel on Flinders St East, will come to life for the street party. Local bands, cheerleaders and former winners of the CBD Promotions City Stars contest will get the crowd pumping from 3pm. Another popular act is expected to be boy band Mercury4, singers of the hits Get Me Some and 5 Years From Now, who will belt out their numbers from 5.50pm. Two ambulance crews and St John first aid volunteers will be stationed in the precinct to deal with any accidents or medical cases which may arise. Townsville Ambulance acting officer-in-charge Jeff Barton urged everyone to keep hydrated throughout the afternoon by drinking lots of fluids and keeping cool by wearing hats and where possible staying in the shade. Flinders St East will be closed between Denham and Wickham streets from noon to 10pm. Ogden St, between Denham and Stokes streets, will have restricted access between 3pm and 10pm as it will be used as a drop-off point for buses and taxis. The council is urging people to park at Reid Park (Civic Theatre) and board the Sunbus shuttle service that will operate from Reid Park to Ogden St from 2pm and from Ogden St back to Reid Park from 7pm. townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,8814161%255E14787,00.html |
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