news articles 4 may

[Inside Australian Idol]

No.1 with a visit
Promo tours pay off with chart-topping success for acts who come to Australia
04may04

WHAT a difference a promotional tour can make.

Modern opera group Amici Forever went from No.32 on the ARIA chart to No.2 this week, which is an incredible result.

The band created a buzz after a number of instores around the country, media appearances and a couple of showcases.

With Mother's Day coming up expect Amici Forever, Michael Buble, Shannon Noll, Anastacia and the new album by Kath and Kim to shoot right up the charts.

Noll had a disappointing result this week, falling from No.5 to No.11 with his album That's What I'm Talking About.

It is the first time this year there has not been an album related to Australian Idol in the top 10.


www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,9460548%255E2902,00.html

[Inside Australian Idol]

Knockbacks won't deter wannabe Idol
By Roger Oldridge

May 4 2004
Shepparton News


Eleven hours in the freezing cold and a failed attempt at becoming the next Australian Idol hasn't deterred Shepparton teenager Sam Ludeman.

The 18-year-old part-time performer said his audition for the second series of Australian Idol was one of the best experiences of his life.

"It was awesome, it was the best atmosphere," Sam said.

Having made it through the first round, Sam got an opportunity to display his talents in front of the show's executive producer but that was as far as he got, preventing him from achieving his first goal.

"I really wanted to have a chance at singing in front of Dicko (record label executive Ian Dickson) and then I would have got on the show," he said.

It wasn't all bad news for Sam, as he still managed to get his head on the television in one capacity.

"Channel 10 news were doing a piece on it to promote the show, and I happened to be the one singing when they were filming, so I got on the news," Sam said.

Unaware of his 15 seconds of fame, Sam was told of the brief appearance on the news by his workmates.

Having attempted to launch his career on the first series of the show last year, Sam fell at the first hurdle.

But after making it a step further this time around, he hopes to go all the way in 2005.

"I'll try one more time, and if I don't make it the third time I'll admit that I'm not good enough and give up," Sam said.

If you know of anyone who made it through to the Sydney auditions, contact The News on 58 312 312.

news.mcmedia.com.au/story.asp?TakeNo=200405043520098