Guy's New Album and Tour | BACK |
13 June 2004

The managers of Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian have confirmed that Guy will release a new album and embark on a national tour from October this year. Guy recently visited the US and Europe to work on his new album with established songwriters and composers.

There are no plans to release any more singles from Guy's first album "Just As I Am".

For the latest news, visit the Inside Australian Idol forum.


Shannon's new single "Learn to Fly" | BACK |
13 June 2004

Idol runner-up Shannon Noll is set to release his third single "Learn to Fly" from his 4 x platinum selling album.

Shannon's new single is set for release early next month, and as an added bonus, the release also features a recording of "Hold Me In Your Arms", the track that Shannon performed at his very first Australian Idol audition, plus "Gone Too Soon" which Shannon performed as a tribute to the late David Hookes.

"Learn to Fly" was originally written and performed by UK boy band "A1" and appears on the groups 2002 Sony released album "Make it Good" as track 7. A1 broke up before the track was released as a single in Australia and the UK.
For the latest news, visit the Inside Australian Idol forum.


Guy take on American Idol 3 | BACK |
20 May 2004

Guy Sebastian takes American Idol by storm (20 May 2004)
Guy Sebastian has yet again triumphantly taken to the world stage following an invitation by the producers of American Idol to appear on this week’s live show. This morning (Australian time) Guy performed his debut single ‘Angels Brought Me Here’ to a live audience across America as part of the American Idol: The Finals’ results show, where the final two contestants of the series were revealed.

Renown nasty judge Simon Cowell is believed to have headed the charge to get Guy on the show, having been impressed by his talent at World Idol late last year. Randy Jackson & Paula Abdul were equally thrilled with ‘the Fro’s’ unique style, leading a standing ovation at the end of his performance this morning!

Currently the highest rating program on American TV with over 28 million viewers tuning in per show, the American Idol series is also broadcast across the world to several other countries, including Australia. Guy’s performance will appear on Australian television THIS SUNDAY (23rd May) at 6:00pm on Network 10.

It seems Guy’s enjoyment at spending the past month fairly unrecognised in the US, may have just changed overnight! Cutting short his stay in Stockholm to make it back for the show, Guy has spent the past six weeks songwriting with various overseas luminaries throughout the UK, Europe and US.

While working with his very own idol, Bryan McKnight, has certainly been one of the highlights, Guy has also been collaborating with Beau Dozier (Boyz II Men, Joss Stone), Thicke ("When I Get You Alone", Christina, Pink), Billy Mann (Pink, Kelly Rowland, Anastacia), Phil Thornalley (Natalie "Torn") and Cutfather & Joe (Jamelia "Superstar"). Returning to Australia within the next few weeks, Guy will be heading back to the studio to commence further work on his second album, slated for release in October this year.

Source: www.bmg.com.au

McLeod joins Idol | BACK |
20 May 2004

Leah McLeod, former host of Nine's Renovation Rescue and Ten's House of Hits, has been poached to join the ratings blockbuster Australian Idol.

McLeod will front the popular Inside Idol program and will cover the journey of all the contestants from around the country as Australian Idol moves through its gruelling elimination schedule.

“I’m looking forward to getting behind the scenes of this incredibly successful show, to see how the contestants are feeling, what it’s like to be in the competition,” Leah McLeod said today, after signing with Grundy, the show’s producers.

“When I was invited to be involved in Inside Idol, it was too good an opportunity to pass up. Idol is inspiring and exciting, and it shows how Australian’s can step up to the plate.”

Leah is heavily involved with the music industry – she has a long history in FM radio, she’s the sister of The Superjesus’ Sarah McLeod and is married to an industry executive.

Australian Idol executive producer Greg Beness said Leah would be a great asset to the Australian Idol team.

“Becoming the Australian Idol is as much a journey as a destination, and Inside Idol
is all about sharing that with the Australian public,” he said.

Head of Entertainment at Network Ten Stephen Tate said they were excited about Leah McLeod’s return to the Network for Inside Idol.

“Leah has great appeal with the audience and her warm personality will add to the success of Inside Idol when it returns,” Stephen Tate said.

Source: www.ebroadcast.com.au


Australian Idol wins Logie | BACK |
20 April 2004

Australian Idol was named the most popular reality program in Australia in last night's TV Week Logie Awards at the Crown Casino in Melbourne. The highest rating reality program in 2003 Australian Idol, beat other reality TV hits such as 'The Block', 'Big Brother' and 'The Mole' to the coveted award voted by the viewing audience.

Shannon Noll and Guy Sebastian open the award ceremony with performances of their current releases "Drive" and "All I Need Is You" respectively complete with dancers. The Idols ended their energetic performance with a head-to-head finale cumulating to a Janet Jackson style "wardrobe malfunction".

Idol judges Ian "Dicko" Dickson and pervious new talent Logie winner Mark Holden also presented an award on the night. Courtney Act and Rob 'Millsy' Mills also made appearances on the Red Carpet.


Guy heads to US, Shannon on Tour | BACK |
20 April 2004

Idol winner Guy Sebastian has left for the US after his appearance at the Logie awards last night. Guy will be working on his second album with top US songwriters and composers including producer/artist Brian McKnight and Cathy Dennis.

Meanwhile runner-up Shannon Noll will embark on a nationwide solo tour in coming weeks. The Overdrive tour is so popular that many venues are sold out with only limited seats remaining at some locations. Here is the full list of tour dates:

The Overdrive tour:
Friday 30th April - Port Panthers, Port Macquarie (All Ages)
Saturday 1st May - West Tamworth Leagues Club (Over 18's)
Sunday 2nd May - Crossing Theatre, Narrabri (All Ages)
Wednesday 5th May - Lismore Workers Club (All Ages)
Thursday 6th, Friday 7th, Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th May - Seagulls Rugby League Club, Tweed Heads (All Ages)
Tuesday 11th May - Campbelltown RSL (Over 18's)
Wednesday 12th May - Wyong Leagues Club (Over 18's)
Friday 14th - Sunday 16th May - Revesby Workers Club (All Ages)
Saturday 22nd May - West Cowra Recreation Ground (All Ages)
Monday 24th - Heaven Nightclub, Adelaide (All Ages)
Tuesday 25th May - Heaven Nightclub, Adelaide (Over 18's)
Thursday 27th May - Inferno Nightclub, Traralgon VIC (Over 18's)
Friday 28th May - Schweppes Centre, Bendigo (All Ages)
Saturday 29th May - Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully (Over 18's)
Sunday 30th May - 21st Century Dance Club, Frankston (Over 18's)
Tuesday 1st & Wednesday 2nd June - Mercury Lounge, Melbourne (Over 18's)
Friday 4th & Saturday 5th June - Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart (All Ages)
Sunday 6th June - Derwent Entertainment Centre, Tasmania (All Ages)
Thursday 10th June - Bathurst Leagues Club (All Ages)
Friday 11th June - Panthers Club Nova, Newcastle (All Ages)
Saturday 12th June - Penrith Panthers - Evan Theatre (All Ages)
Sunday 13th June - Shellharbour Workers Club Matinee - (All Ages) Evening - (Over 18's)
Tuesday 15th June - Castle Hill RSL (Over 18's)
Wednesday 16th June - Burwood RSL (Over 18's)
Thursday 17th June - Hellenic Club, Canberra (Over 18's)
Friday 18th June - St Marys Rugby League Club (Over 18's)
Saturday 19th June - Club Nova, Newcastle (All Ages)
Sunday 20th June - Manly Leagues Club (Over 18's)
Tuesday 22nd June - The Metro, Sydney (Over 18's)



Audition Age Limit Anger | BACK |
10 April 2004

The decision to enforce an age limit for the Australian Idol 2 auditions have been met with anger by older Idol hopefuls who have missed out on their chance to audition. The age limit has caused a strong reaction since the last series which also limited contestants aged between 16-28 years.

Newspaper reports early last year reported that producers may consider increasing the age limit due to the unfavourable response last year. However, producers have decide to stick with the age limitations for the up coming series even going as far as incorporating conditions that include checking driving licences etc. for proof of age at auditions.

Here are a few comments received by Inside Australian Idol.

Why is 28 years old the cut-off point, I am 35 and could match it with many of the singers. I would love the opportunity to show them, I think the cut-off point should be 40. I could still pass for in my 20's, I think I might try out to see how far I can get.
G. Collins

Hi There,
Since when did they start putting agent limits on talent?
Let the people decide....there are some awesome, well rounded musicians out there who are over 28 who, given a chance like this, could capture the imagination of a nation. I am a published singer/songwriter (never entered contracts - done it all on my own) and would love the opportunity to try out on idol but I am in my thirties.....I was so looking forward to giving it a shot but just discovered the age limit is 28. Why? Musicians are like wine, they keep getting better with age. I am talking with several industry people about this issue and we are all keen for a response.
Regards,
D. Hobbs

Once again I am appalled at how a talent show would have such discrimination with a persons age. There are people out there who have the talent but just lack at resources or financial capability to actually get themselves out there to be heard. I have been checking out your website as you have advised recently that considerations were being made to raise the age limit but I suppose that was not at all true. Talent is not about judged by a persons age, it is judged by how it can touch peoples lives.
P. Ravalo

I just wanted to ask what your thoughts are on the age limitations for Australian idol. Im 28 years old and wanted to audition for the 2004 series but have found out im 5 months to old to qualify. I understand to a degree the reasons for their age limitations but feel 28 is too young for the cut off age. You only have to look at how many records Shannon is selling to see that something has to be said for the slightly mature entertainer. I thought I remembered seeing something on your website about the cut off age being extended and wondered if you knew anything as to why is was not considered. In the meantime i will drown in my tears of self pity for being born 5 months to late.
Thanks and by the way great website.
C. Black

Last year I was 28on the 25th of January which meant that I was 6 months too old to audition for the first idol (since you had to be under 28 as of 30th of June 2003)
I notice that the age restriction for idol 2 is still there. Why is that. Can you explain? Is there a chance that it may be removed?
I am 29 now and if anything can sing better than last year. If I can't then I would be ditched at the audition. I don't get what the age restriction is for.
H. Allbutt


Australian Idol 2 Auditions | BACK |
10 April 2004

The audition details for the highly anticipated second series of Australian Idol were announced last week in a national television special. Australian Idol producers also expand audition locations to take in Canberra, Hobart and Darwin for the first time.

Here are the full audition details for the second series of Australian Idol.

TAMWORTH Tamworth Regional Ent. Centre Wednesday April 14 CANBERRA Canberra Stadium Thursday April 22 HOBART Derwent Ent. Centre Wednesday April 28 MELBOURNE Melbourne Park Function Centre Saturday May 1 Sunday May 2 BRISBANE Suncorp Piazza Saturday May 8 Sunday May 9

ADELAIDE Hotel Adelaide International Saturday May 15 DARWIN Marrara Oval Thursday May 20 PERTH Ascot Racecourse Sunday May 23 SYDNEY Sydney Convention Centre Saturday May 29 Sunday May 30 Auditions commence at 8.30am. You must be 16 or over and under 28 years of age on June 30, 2004

Australian Idol 2 details to be revealed in TV Special | BACK |
27 March 2004

The highly anticipated audition details for the next series of Australian Idol will be revealed in a half-hour TV special to be screened on Network Ten this coming Monday.

The special, titled "Australian Idol-The Journey Begins", will exclusively list all audition venues and times as well as look back on the success of last year's contestants. The show will also catch up with Idol finalists Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll.

"Australian Idol-The Journey Begins" will be hosted by the popular Andrew G and James Mathison.

It is believed that Australian Idol producers have decided to scrap the planned online registration on the official Australian Idol website that would have assisted to streamline the audition process, which last year attracted 10,000 people.

Here is how TV Guides have described the Idol special:
"Program Details:

Monday Mar 29 2004
8:00pm - 8:30pm | TEN

Australian Idol
The Journey Begins

Genre: Entertainment

Prepare your voice, choose a song, create a look and join Network Ten's Idol hosts Andrew G and James Mathison in an audition call to all future Idols! Take a trip down memory lane as we reminisce about Australian Idol 2003, plus Idol winner, Guy Sebastian and runner up, Shannon Noll, take us on their amazing journey and through their career highlights, since Idol mania. From their homes they give personal advice to Idol wannabes, whilst taking a look back at their very first audition and how the Idol dream began for them and now it can begin for you! Closed Captions, Highlight
30 mins"


Guy's second #1 | BACK |
2 March 2004

Guy Sebastian's second single "All I Need Is You" has topped the official Australian charts this week. Sebastian's newest release, which he co-wrote, achieved Gold status on its way to Number one beating Idol runner-up Shannon Noll at Number two and releases by Kelis and Jamelia. The single follows the phenomenal success of Sebastian's debut single "Angels Brought Me Here" and his top selling debut album "Just As I Am".

In the album charts, Shannon Noll's debut album, "That's What I'm Talking About" continued to top the charts at number one having sold three times platinum and his current single "What About Me" having sold four times platinum. Meanwhile Guy Sebastian's debut album, "Just As I Am" came in a #13 this week having sold six times platinum since it was released just after his Australian Idol win.

Guy has also found success overseas with "Angles Brought Me Here" having recently found success in his birth country Malaysia and throughout Asia after Sebastian's appearance at this years MTV Asia Music Awards.


Shannon to perform at Formula One | BACK |
2 March 2004

Shannon Noll will perform the national anthem at this year's Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The Australian Idol runner-up is set perform the national anthem at the 2004 Foster's Australian Grand Prix this weekend, March 7.

Noll, who currently has the number one album in Australia, will sing minutes before the world's Formula One drivers launch into the first race of the world championship season to over 100,000 spectators and millions of television viewers worldwide.

"I'm a bit of a petrol head at heart and this is going to be fantastic," Noll said.

"The noise, the smell of burning rubber, it's going to be a great atmosphere.

"I'll being singing with pride and will do the best job I can. The national anthem belongs to everyone, so I won't be changing it around at all.

"I'll definitely be watching the race afterwards, and even thought the Ferraris will be hard to beat, I'll be going for the Aussie -Mark Webber."

Idol judge Mark Holden will also make an appearance in the BMW Celebrity Challenge race at the event against other celebrities including Anthony Mundine, John Fitzgerald, Gabrielle Richens and Sandra Sully.

With grandprix.com.au


Shannon and Dicko travel to Resort | BACK |
2 March 2004

Shannon Noll and Idol judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson will appear in coming weeks in an episode of Network Ten reality series "The Resort". The network cross-promotion aims to generate interest in the reality series which has not rated as expected. Shannon and Dicko travelled to the resort location in Fiji last week.


Shannon's #1's | BACK |
16 February 2004

Australian Idol runner-up Shannon Noll has topped both the album and singles charts this week. Shannon's greatly anticipated first album "That's What I'm Talking About" debuted at Number One on the official Aria album charts today. In its first week of release the album went triple platinum and due to overwhelming support was sold out in several retail outlets. The album featuring twelve tracks also shipped as a limited edition with a bonus disk featuring Noll's version of "Angels Brought Me Here". "That's What I'm Talking About" beat releases by Norah Jones, Evanescence and Pete Murray to the Top of the album charts.

Noll's debut single "What About Me" is also at Number One for the third week in a row on the Aria singles charts and has also sold triple platinum.

These outstanding results follow the success of Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian's chart topping hits earlier this year.


Australian Idol Concert to screen on Ten | BACK |
5 February 2004

Network Ten will telecast the national Australian Idol Live tour next week. With the Top 12 Australian Idol finalists about to finish up their sold out national tour, Network Ten has announced that a special two-hour version of one of the group's Melbourne shows will be filmed this week and will be edited for the telecast next Tuesday.

The Top 12 concert has received rave reviews from fans and critics alike and features various individual and group performances from Idol favourites such as Paulini, Millsy, Cosima, Shannon and Guy. The concert will also feature special appearances by Ian "Dicko" Dickson and Top 40 finalist Courtney Act.

Here is how TV guides have described the telecast-

"The television phenomenon takes to the stage with a national concert tour. This two hour special will include all the highlights from the Melbourne leg of the tour. The line-up for the national tour includes all 12 of the Australian Idol finalists. Idol, Guy will be joined by his mate, country boy pin-up and runner-up Shannon Noll. Also on the bill are Cosima de Vito, who made a controversial withdrawal from the competition, headline-grabbing Robert "Millsy" Mills, Levi Kereama, Paulini Curuenavuli, Kelly Cavuoto, Cle Morgan-Wootton, Rebekah La Vauney, Matt Chadwick, Lauren Buckley and Peter Ryan. Special Guest Host of the concert is Australia's favourite judge Ian 'Dicko' Dickson. Also making a special guest appearance will be Idol semi-finalist Courtney Act."

Tracks expected to screen during the telecast include-

Idols- "Let me Entertain You"
Matt- "Angels"
Peter- "Burn For you"
Cle- "Ain't Nobody"
Leuren- "Fighter"
Kelly- "Bring Me To Life"
Bek- "Heading in the Right Direction"
Levi- "Senorita"
Millsy- "Bright Lights"
Paulini- "The Voice Within"
Cosima- "Predictable"
Shannon- "With or Without You"
Guy- "Climb Every Mountain"
Australian Idols- "Superstition", "Shut-up", "Crazy In Love", "Kids" and Aussie Medley from the finale

This telecast comes after exceptional reaction to releases by Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll and comes after appearances by Guy, Shannon and Paulini at the Australia Day Eve concert in Canberra last month.

To see all the Australian Idol stars in action on stage tune in next Tuesday 10 February at 7:30pm on Network Ten.



Shannon Debuts at #1 | BACK |
5 February 2004

Australian Idol runner-up Shannon Noll has debuted this week in the national Aria charts singles charts at number one with his version of "What About Me". The popular track sold close to 100,000 on its first week of release beating tracks by Kelis, Outkast and Evanescence to the top spot and has achieved platinum status.

Record executives are also predicting an exceptional response to Shanon Noll's debut album titled "That's What I'm Talking About" which is also set to debut on the album charts at number one. Noll's debut album, recorded over 4 and a half weeks, will be released next Monday 9 February. The greatly anticipated release will feature 12 tracks and will also be available in a special limited edition that includes Shannon's version of the chart-topping hit "Angels Brought Me Here" and the live version on the U2 track "With or Without You" performed during the "Up Close and Personal" special during the Idol contest.


Courtney films Clip | BACK |
5 February 2004

Top 40 Australian Idol finalist Courtney Act has begun filming her music video clip for her debut release "Rub Me Wrong". The film clip was shot on Monday at an exclusive Eastern suburbs mansion in Sydney and features the gender illusionist playing a posh and glamorous woman who turns up at a mansion and gives a private performance for the resident, a distinguished man. Puzzled at first, the man quickly becomes fascinated with Act, who has come to his house to seduce him. However, a few moments later his wife walks in, busts them and passes out. On her way out the front door, Act cheekily leaves a calling card behind.

A BMG spokeswoman said the video is a metaphor for the way Courtney has invaded people's living rooms - like it or not.

"Rub Me Wrong" was written and produced by US-based David Norland who has worked with Madonna and Janet Jackson in the past. The single is due to hit the radio airwaves over the next few weeks and will be available in shops in mid-March.

Record label BMG signed the drag queen Idol last year with her first single due out in the coming weeks. The 'gender illusionist' drag queen was one of the most popular and memorable personalities to emerge from the series. After closely missing out on the Wild card round, Courtney was recently invited to perform on the nationwide Australian Idol Live concert.

Source: The Daily Telegraph


Australian Idol Live Tour | BACK |
14 January 2004

Australian Idol Top 12 will embark on a near sold-out national tour starting at the Newcastle Arena on 23 January. The tour will be the first time that the top Australian Idol contestants have gotten back together since the Grand Final at the Sydney Opera House in November.

The concert is rumoured to include contestants performing songs from Australian Idol: The Final 12 album, songs presented on the TV show and new material individually for the first half and a series of duets and group performances to conclude the show. Idol favourites Guy, Shannon and Paulini are set to meet their most devoted fans face-to-face. The concert will also feature the return of Cosmia who has taken time off to recover from throat problems which saw her dramatic withdrawal from the television series.

Here are the Australian Idol Live dates:

FRIDAY, 23 JANUARY 2004
Newcastle Arena

MONDAY, 26 JANUARY 2004/TUESDAY, 27 JANUARY 2004
Sydney Entertainment Centre

THURSDAY, 29 JANUARY 2004
Brisbane Entertainment Centre

SATURDAY, 31 JANUARY 2004
Burswood Dome, Perth

WEDNESDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 2004/ THURSDAY, 5 FEBRUARY 2004
Adelaide Entertainment Centre

FRIDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 2004/SATURDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 2004
Rod Laver, Melbourne


Guy's Success Continues | BACK |
14 January 2004

Idol winner Guy Sebastian aims to continue his chart success with the release of his second single "All I Need Is You". The popular track, which Sebastian co-wrote, has already received wide airplay on TV as Network Ten's theme song for its summer promos.

The music video for the single was shot last week, with many fans hoping it is better than the first video for the debut release "Angels Brought Me Here" which was described as 'cheesy' and 'a travesty' by Sebastian fans.

Guy Sebastian will also join other Australian Idol finalists on the nation-wide Australian Idol Live Tour that starts this month and continues to February 7.

The busy Idol winner will then take a few weeks off and then plans to travel to the UK and USA where he will work with top songwriters and producers for his second album due for release later this year.


Shannon Releases Single and Album | BACK |
14 January 2004

Idol runner-up Shannon Noll will release his first single "What About Me", a cover of the Moving Pictures hit this month on Australia Day, 26 January. The song was a trademark track of Noll's during the Australian Idol competition. The video for the debut track was filmed last month and features Shannon going back to his hometown of Condobolin.

Over the past month Shannon has also been working on his debut pop/rock album which was recorded in Sydney. The album titled 'That's What I'm Talking About", after the popular catch phase made famous by Marcia Hines, will feature a collection of original pop/rock tracks including a song written by Bryan Adams titled "Drive". The album is set for release on February 9.

Track Listing

1 DRIVE
2 NEW BEGINNING
3 WHAT ABOUT ME (ALBUM VERSION)
4 BURN
5 SITTIN' PRETTY
6 LEARN TO FLY
7 PROMISES
8 TUNE IN
9 PROVE
10 WISE
11 THE WAY SHE LOVED ME
12 THE WAY THAT I FEEL
13 ANGELS BROUGHT ME HERE (LIMITED EDITION BONUS TRACK)
14 WITH OR WITHOUT YOU (RECORDED LIVE ON IDOLS)


Millsy Assaulted; Signs to BMG | BACK |
14 January 2004

Popular Australian Idol contestant Rob 'Millsy' Mills was physically assaulted outside a Victorian west coast pub last week. Millsy told reports that he was punched by a man saying, "I really do not know what it was all about, I think the guy did it so he could brag to his mates, 'I hit Millsy'.

"It was not that upsetting because I play football and am used to it, but what was surprising and nasty was it just came unexpectedly out of the blue. Behind play if you like."

In more positive news, Millsy has secured himself a record contract with BMG Australia, the same label behind series winner Guy Sebastian and runner-up Shannon Noll.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the BMG family, especially since we all worked together so closely during the past few months," Millsy said in a statement.

"After the summer I had, I'm ready to get into the studio and make some music."

For all the latest on Millsy check out his personal website at http://www.millsy.com.au/


"Hobbit" Kurt Nielsen Winner of World Idol | BACK |
2 January 2004

Norway's Kurt Nielsen was crowed the first ever World Idol in an international television event this morning local Australian time. The hour-long results show featured all the 11 participating contestants from around the world and was hosted by UK's Ant and Dec direct from London. Before the announcement of the winner, international artist Elton John and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham joined the Idols and performed during the pre-recorded show. However, the winning idol's did not join together to perform together on stage as expected.

The hosts then continued with the commencement of the exciting tallying of votes from around the world. Phone and SMS voting collected over a 24-hour period last week from participating territories, were tallied in accordance with a point system that aimed to standardise discrepancies in population differences among voting countries. The votes were read out with crosses to local hosts or judges located in their respective countries, similar to the Eurovision Song Contest, with Australian Idol hosts Andrew G and James Mathison reading Australia's results from the Australian vote.

Kurt Nielsen took an early lead in the voting receiving the highest possible 10 points from several countries including Australia and the UK. Other points from these territories were spread among the 11 countries with America's Kelly Clarkson and Kurt Nielson emerging as the favourites from the votes in the first voting results.

Belgium's Peter, South Africa's Heinz and UK's Will were named among the top contestants from international voters and it was then clear that it was between Kelly Clarkson and Kurt Nielson. In the nail-biting final points from South Africa, Kurt took the lead with 106 points and was crowned the World Idol by hosts Ant and Dec in front of Kelly Clarkson, Peter Evrard, Heinz Winckler and Will Young. Australia's Guy Sebastian finished seventh from the 11 participating contestants.

Here are the final placing's from the result of the international vote:

The dark horse from Norway was also a favourite with international viewers in almost all territories but it was not clear that whether the gap-toothed performer is set to benefit from the increased exposure from the two-part special of World Idol.

Australian viewers are able to see a repeat of the World Idol result show featuring the crowning of Kurt Nielson tonight at 7:30pm on Network Ten.

For more information on World Idol click here
For more information on World Idol contestants click here
Have your say on the results on the Inside Australian Idol World Idol Forum


World Idol Performance Show | BACK |
26 December 2003

The World Idol performance show was broadcast on Network Ten tonight allowing Australian viewers the chance to see performances from each of the 11 international Idol contestants. The 11 winners from the first series of Idol in their respective territories, Including Australia's Guy Sebastian, were all vying for the crown of World Idol on the 90-minute special recorded earlier this month.

The first of the two-part special featured performances from Germany, Poland, South Africa and the UK and US among others. The two-part international television special will determine the world's ultimate pop superstar with respective voting occurring in each of the participating territories.

Here is a list of what each of the International Idol winners performed on the first performance section of the World Idol special, 26 December 2003 and their respective Australian voting lines-

Guy Sebastian- Australia ||MORE >>
"What A Wonderful World" Automatic Max. Points

Alexander Klaws- Germany ||MORE >>
"Maniac" 1902 55 55 61

Diana Karazon- Pan-Arabic ||MORE >>
"Ensani Ma Binsak" 1902 55 55 62

Jamai Loman- Netherlands ||MORE >>
"Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" 1902 55 55 63

Heinz Winckler- South Africa ||MORE >>
"Don't Want To Miss A Thing" 1902 55 55 64

Alex Janosz- Poland ||MORE >>
"I Don't Know How to Love Him" 1902 55 55 65

Ryan Malcolm- Canada ||MORE >>
"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" 1902 55 55 66

Kelly Clarkson- US ||MORE >>
"You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman" 1902 55 55 67

Peter Evrard- Belgium ||MORE >>
"Lithium" 1902 55 55 68

Will Young- UK ||MORE >>
"Light My Fire" 1902 55 55 69

Kurt Nielsen- Norway ||MORE >>
"Beautiful Day" 1902 55 55 70


SMS First Name to 188 99 66

Phone and SMS lines open until 9.00pm AEST, Saturday 27 December. Phone voting and SMS voting will be charged at 55 cents.

Who will be crowned the World Idol? How will Australia's Guy Sebastian rate among the other International first series winners from the Idol format? Find out when the results are broadcast live on January 2 6:30am and again at 7:30pm on Network Ten.


World Idol Details | BACK |
18 December 2003

Guy Sebastian has travelled to London to record the performance segment for next week's broadcast of World Idol. The Australian Idol winner joined 10 other series one winners from the international Idol format to perform in a special contest for the title of World Idol. The two-part special will be spilt across two nights and will be telecast in Australia on December 26 and twice on January 2.

World Idol will be customised for broadcast in each market, with segments being taped in both London and Australia. The local version of World Idol will be hosted by Australian Idol presenter Andrew G. Ian 'Dicko' Dickson will be Australia's representative on the international World idol judging panel which consists of a representative from each country's Idol judging panel. The international contestants will each sing one song which they previously performed in their local Idol series. Viewers in the participating countries will then vote for their favourite international contestant following the broadcast but cannot vote for their own country's World Idol participant.

The second section of the World Idol special on January 2 will features the thrilling worldwide results as each country's vote is revealed similar to the Eurovision song contest. Each country gets to vote using their own voting systems. The home contestant from each participating country will automatically start with the highest points (12) awarded from their own country. Viewers from each country will then vote on the remaining ten contestants and once the votes are tallied and the position of each contestant is determined (1st place, 2nd place etc.) points will be awarded in accordance with the World Idol points system. The points each Idol gets from all of the countries will be tallied and added together by an independent vote management company to determine their overall position in the contest.

The 11 World Idol contestants will perform the following-

Will Young- "Light My Fire"
Heinz Winckler- "Don't Wanna Miss A Thing"
Alicja "Alex" Janosz- "I Don't Know How to Love Him"
Kelly Clarkso-n "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman"
Jamai Loman- "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word"
Alexander Klaws- "Maniac"
Kurt Nielsen- "Hunting High and Low"
Diana Karazon- "Ensani Ma Binsak"
Peter Evrard- "How You Remind Me"
Ryan Malcolm- "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother"
Guy Sebastian- "What A Wonderful World"

To find out more about the World Idol contestants from around the world check out Inside Australian Idol's World Idol page here.

World Idol the performance show will be telecast in Australia on the Ten Network on December 26 at 7:30pm with the results show one week later.


Australian Idol 2: Auditions | BACK |
18 December 2003

With the overwhelming success of the first series of Australian Idol, producers will begin auditions shortly for Australian Idol 2. Auditions for the second series will start early next year according to newspaper reports.

The Daily Telegraph writes that,
"Auditions for Australian Idol II will be held around the country in April 2004. Already underway are plans to expand audition locations to take in Canberra, Hobart and Darwin for the first time. Auditions will also be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth."

While The Currier Mail provides this information,
"Grundy Television, the maker of Australian Idol, has revealed plans are under way for Idol 2, with auditions to be held nation-wide in April next year. Idol hopefuls will be invited to register online in January to help streamline the audition process, which last year attracted 10,000 people."



Guy's #1 and Shannon's first release | BACK |
18 December 2003

Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian debuted at number one on the official ARIA album chart with double platinum figures. Guy Sebastian's album "Just As I Am" debuted in the top spot ahead of other top selling albums by Delta Goodrem and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Guy is currently in London to record the upcoming TV special World Idol which will screen next week.

Meanwhile Australian Idol runner-up Shannon Noll returned to his hometown of Condobolin this week to shoot the film clip for his first single, What About Me. After coming close to becoming the Australian Idol, Shannon was also signed to BMG with his debut album, which he is currently recording, due for release in February.

Shannon's signature tune What About Me was released to radio on Monday 15 December and the single will go on sale on Australia Day as he and the rest of the Top 12 Idol contestants head off on a sold-out national tour.


Guy debuts at Number One, Album Details | BACK |
4 December 2003

Australian Idol Guy Sebastian's first single 'Angels Brought Me Here' has debuted on the official national Aria Charts at Number One on the singles charts. The ballad beat Black Eyed Peas, Britney Spears feat. Madonna and Kylie Minogue to the top spot and has achieved platinum status. The single sold more than 140,000 copies during its first week of release with another 70,000 copies produced by BMG due to the overwhelming response by Sebastian fans making it the fastest selling Australian single in Arianet Chart history.

Record executives are also predicting an exceptional response to Guy Sebastian's debut album. The Australian Idol's debut album is titled "Just As I Am" and is also set to debut on the album charts at number one with over 400,000 copies bombarding stores nationally from next Monday, 8 December. The 12 track CD, including three tracks co-written by Sebastian, was recorded in an unprecedented six days. With an estimated audience of over 3 million viewers for the Australian Idol grand finale, there's no doubt that this is the biggest release of the year, just in time for the busy Christmas period.

The track listing for the album is as follows:
1 ANGELS BROUGHT ME HERE
2 SO I
3 CAN YOU STAND THE RAIN
4 NO ONE CAN COMPARE (TO YOU)
5 ALL I NEED IS YOU
6 WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
7 MY BEAUTIFUL FRIEND
8 SOMETHING DON'T FEEL RIGHT
9 WHEN DOVES CRY
10 JUST AS I AM
11 3 WORDS
12 I 4 U


Guy to promote album | BACK |
4 December 2003

Guy will embark on a national whirlwind tour of Australia to promote his debut album 'Just As I Am'. The Australian Idol will appear in most capital cites starting next week.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 7 - NSW
12:00 noon @ Sydney City's Martin Place, Sydney

TUESDAY DECEMBER 9 - SA
4:00pm @ Rundle Mall (under the canopy), Adelaide

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10 - VIC
5:00pm @ Highpoint Shopping Centre (Centre Stage) Rosamond Road, Maribrynong.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 11 - QLD
4:00pm @ Robina Town Centre, Celebration Place, Gold Coast


Shannon signed to BMG | BACK |
4 December 2003

Australian Idol runner-up Shannon Noll has also been signed to BMG and is set to release a single and album early next year. BMG announced that the farmer and father of two has signed a recording agreement last week which will see his debut single and album released in 2004. Shannon recently sang the National Anthem at the V8 Supercar Championship Series in Sydney last weekend performing to about 39,000 at Round 3 at Eastern Creek. With continued popularity resulting from the Australian Idol series, the runner-up will no doubt be as sought after as Idol winner Guy Sebastian. Here the report by Australian Associated Press on the BMG deal.

Idol runner-up wins music deal
November 28, 2003

AUSTRALIAN Idol runner-up Shannon Noll has secured a music deal with BMG Australia, the same recording label as series winner Guy Sebastian.

Sebastian, 21, beat Noll last week in a national phone poll and secured a recording contract with the record label.

However, it seems both singers have won.

"Shannon Noll is a fantastic singer and one of the nicest people I have ever met," BMG Australia managing director Ed St John said.

"But more than that, I think he embodies a sense of Australianness that you simply don't see very often.

"He's real, he's honest, he has integrity and he has strength."

Noll, 27, from Condobolin in NSW, said he was thrilled to take the next step in his career.

"I'm so thankful to the Australian public for their ongoing support that has taken me this far, and now to score a record deal is just amazing," Noll said.

His first single, a cover version of the Moving Pictures hit What About Me, will be released to radio stations on December 15 and to the public on January 26. His debut album will be released early next year.

Sebastian has already released his single - Angels Brought Me Here - with an album due out next month. He is off to London next month to represent Australia in the World Idol series.

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

Viewers in each country will choose the winner by voting over the phone, with the results broadcast during the New Year period.

AAP


Send Fanmail to Idols | BACK |
4 December 2003

Want to send your Guy or Shannon fan mail? Just send your message to the following address.

Shannon Noll/Guy Sebastian
c/- Caplice Management
PO Box 1330
Potts Point, Sydney NSW 1335

Other contestants may also be reached through Network Ten by sending mail to

[ Name of Idol ]
c/- Australian Idol
Network Ten
1 Saunders Street
Pyrmont, Sydney NSW 2009


World Idol and Guy | BACK |
4 December 2003

Australian Idol Guy Sebastian is set to represent Australia in World Idol this month. Guy will fly over to London on December 12 after his whirlwind promotion of his album and will immediately start rehearsals and production on the special. He will perform one song chosen by Simon Fuller, the creator of the Idol format, from songs previously performed on the local Australian Idol series including "Wonderful World", "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" and "When I Get You Alone".

The performance show will be aired around Christmas Eve and the final verdict show around New Year's Eve. During the week voting will occur. The voting system is arranged that voters can't vote for the singer from their own country. Guy will travel over to record the first show, come home and do promotional work for the album and then go back for the decider a week later.


New Idol DVD | BACK |
4 December 2003

Just in time for the Christmas rush Australian Idol producers have released a special Greatest Moment DVD. The special DVD will be available from Monday, December 8.
Here is what music retailer Sanity says about the release:

"Over 3 hours of footage! All your favourite moments from AUSTRALIAN IDOL on one feature-packed DVD: the cheers, the tears, the emotion and the great performances that captivated a nation.

GREATEST MOMENTS takes you back to Day One of auditions in Adelaide, and carries you right through to the final episode, filmed at the Sydney Opera House, where we saw Guy Sebastian named Australian Idol.

Relive the magic that is AUSTRALIAN IDOL with this DVD.

Special features include:

Video Juke Box
Final 12 profiles
Australian Idol Ads
Andrew G and James' Favourite Clip
Special Idol moments
Original Auditions"


Guy- The Winner's Journey; Reaction to Video clip | BACK |
23 November 2003

Network Ten screened a whole show on Sunday night dedicated to Idol singing sensation, Guy Sebastian. "The Winner's Journey" followed Guy's journey throughout the entire competition with a behind-the-scenes look at the Grand Final announcement that would change his life forever.

The special also included all of Guy's first audition in Adelaide in front of the judges on the first day of national auditions on May 28. This entire clip has never been shown before.

Guy will now embark on a hectic schedule beginning with recording his debut album due for release on December 8 and preparations for World Idol, which will be screened during the holiday season on Ten. Guy will also be touring with other Australian Idol finalists in the 'Australian Idol Live' concert tour of major capital cities in January and February next year. Tickets for the $70 per head event have been selling quickly.

In other news, Guy's music video clip for his debut single 'Angels Brought Me Here' has been met with negative reactions from Australian Idol fans who question the quality of the clip. Here are some of the thoughts posted on the Inside Australian Idol forum.

From Mo
I thought Guys voice sounded good but there were a few problems with the video clip. Firstly the words were not in sync with his lips, secondly they had put too much lipstick on him and yes thirdly what was the point of the girl..............that looked stupid.
He looked good in the white suit though.
I see no problem with Guys performance whatsoever.
It is the production of the video that is not the best.

From Angelus
This clip was so bad, I dont know where to begin.
Wait, yes I do!!!
Ok- why did that dress him like that?
Why did they stuff up the afro?
Why was it so unbelieveably cheesy?
If they were going to go so bloody budget on the damn thing why didnt they just do a "montage" of all Guy moments on the show? I would have been far happier with that. It would have been watchable
The chick with the feathers?
The only part that was remotely ok was the white suit, even then they'd stuffed his hair.

Oh Guy, I feel bad for you. But I think you'll make it back, you have to... please! Dont let them enter this on the world market, they'll have to spend some money to make him credible

From zen
the clip suited nobody other than the production's tight asses. It was a travesty. In view of the millions they made through this up until the time the clips were produced, there is absolutely NO excuse for such a substandard serving.
It was a COMPLETE mockery of ALL the effort both finalists put into their time on Idol. I was beyond myself when I saw these clips. SHAME ON THE PRODUCERS ONCE MORE.

From OMGosh
I am sure that neither Shannon or Guy had much of a say in this song and no input for the video. Lets just cut to the case, both guys were over tired and over sung. Neither of them have had any experience putting together a video and would had been at the mercy of the producers, stylists, camera people etc. Neither of them would have tried to argue the point with any of the producers even if they didn't like what was happening.
The only good thing about the video is Guy's singing (which I think will be better in his second release) and how hot he looked in that white suit. You could see he looked uncomfortable sitting on those boxes. And as Dicko said, Guy did it all in two takes, so they must have been rushed. If I remember correctly they started on set at 5am or something.

From Syrup
Cheap and uncreative is an understatement. I can't get over the lack of respect. The astonishing amount of money they received from the voting and the sponsors were surely enough to produce a decent video. How dare they embarrass us like that?


What do you think? You can view the clip for yourself at http://www.click2music.com.au/streaming?id=31974 (Requires Windows Media Player 9) Then have your say in the Inside Australian Idol forum.



Shannon set for release? | BACK |
23 November 2003

While Guy get set to be catapulted into stardom recoding an album, becoming the new face of Pepsi in Australia and releases his debut single on Monday, it may not be the last that we have heard of Idol runner-up Shannon Noll. George has posted on the Inside Australian Idol Forum that Judge Ian 'Dicko' Dickson and BMG may release Shannon's version of 'What about Me' very soon.

"It happened live on air this morning [21 November] on 2DayFM in Sydney - Shannon was on with the Morning Crew and Dicko and the general consensus from the listeners and the Crew was that Shannon should record and release 'What About Me'. Dicko said he had not heard that song before Shannon sang it, was impressed with what Shannon had done with it (especially after listening to the original). Wendy Harmer then put the heat on Dicko and said 'well what are you going to do about it?' Dicko said 'OK, lets do it now, live on air, why not - Shannon, would you like to record 'What About Me' for BMG to release?' - of course the answer came back yes. Dicko then said 'for this to work I want the Program Director in here - if he says that he will give it air time I will record it'. 10 minutes later the Program Director for the Austereo Network was on air and he said he would give the single air time - so Dicko said 'Done'. The program director said that as soon as BMG could produce a copy he would play -even if it was the live version from the final to start with - which they did and so it has already been played. Understatement of the year: Shannon was 'stoked' -he said he was basically broke and heading back to Condo to do some 'crutching' of sheep to get some money. Me thinks he won't need to now."

Although Shannon did not win, he has decided to move to Sydney and will engage in talks with BMG for a possible recording career. BMG has also been known to sign up the runner-up as well in other Idol series worldwide with the most famous being Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates from the UK.


BMG signs Courtney Act | BACK |
23 November 2003

While Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian got his hair around the idea that he'd just been handed a $1 million recording contract, one clever chap, or chick, Courtney Act, was celebrating the very same thing. BMG has signed the drag queen Idol with her first single due out in the second week of January.

The 'gender illusionist' was one of the most popular and memorable personalities to emerge from the series. After closely missing out on the Wild card round, Courtney was recently invited to perform on the unforgettable concert at the Australian Idol grand final.

Source:
http://entertainment.news.com.au/common/story_page/
0,4459,7931518%255E10431%255E%255Enbv,00.html


Guy and World Idol | BACK |
23 November 2003

Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian will represent Australia in the World Idol contest to be screened over the Christmas/New year period. Guy told World Idol producers he has chosen 'Climb Every Mountain', 'What A Wonderful World' and 'When Doves Cry' to perform on the international reality TV event.

Guy Sebastian is Centrebet's second favourite for World Idol contest. The Australian Idol winner is Centrebet's second favourite to take out the World Idol competition, with the leading online bookmaker accepting bets at 4.00 that he beats Kelly Clarkson, Will Young and eight other performers to the title.

Worldwide chart topper Clarkson is Centrebet's market leader at 3.00. The American superstar trades ahead of Sebastian (4.00), Young (4.50), Heinz Winckler (9.00), Ryan Malcolm (10.00), Alexander Klaws (13.00), Jamai Loman (15.00), Kurt Nilsen (17.00), Alicja Janosz (21.00), Peter Evrard (26.00) and Diana Karazon (34.00).

"Sebastian is ready to take on the music world and poses Clarkson's biggest threat," says Centrebet's Gerard Daffy.

"The Fro's performance of Climb Every Mountain won him the Australian contest. If he can reproduce the magic of that unforgettable night then he must go close to winning the global competition. He is an amazing talent."


Idol final sets ratings alight | BACK |
23 November 2003

Over 3.3 million people tuned in to watch the final episode of Australian Idol on Wednesday night. Broadcasters Network Ten scored a major win in the TV ratings war with top rating program with the last live episode of Idol smashing all ratings barriers to be the top rated program of 2003 so far. At its peak, 3.65 million viewers were glued to Ten's coverage from the Opera House on Wednesday and it averaged out at more than 65 per cent of the television audience breaking records for a non-sporting event for a single network.

Ten screened back-to-back episodes of Idol live from the Sydney Opera House over two hours. The first show, Australian Idol Live from the Opera House featuring the Unforgettable concert, achieved record numbers for the series with 2.53 million viewers.

The second show, Australian Idol Final Verdict, swept every audience demographic to achieve a 78.7 per cent national commercial share of the 16-39 year old audience bracket and a 65.2 per cent share in total people.

The total audience for the entirenshow peaked at 3.65 million shortly before South Australian Guy Sebastian claim victory in the reality singing competition over NSW's Shannon Noll.

Australian Idol's Final Verdict show beat the rival Nine Network's final episode of its reality hit The Block, which attracted 3.1 million viewers.

After a slow start to the series, ratings began to increase after the Top 12 was determined.

"We knew Australians would embrace Australian Idol," Ten's general manager of network programming David Mott said.

"Last night's figures, and indeed the incredible ratings the show has been delivering, underscore how in tune Ten is with its audience. Here's to Australian Idol 2, and beware of imitations!"

These imitations include the recent announcement that Seven's hugely popular Popstars series will be revived in 2004 as 'Popstars Live' featuring live elements similar to Network Ten's Australian Idol.

So impressed with the success of the Idol finale, Ten programmers decided to screen an encore of Australian Idol the Final Verdict up against Seven's World Cup final between Australia and England on Saturday. The scheduling aimed to draw viewers from one of the highest rating sporting events this year.

With AAP and The Daily Telegraph

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