The Young Divas have just lost another star. Paulini Curuenavuli’s decided to ditch the Divas to focus on her solo career.

Sound familiar? That’s because it is. Ricki-Lee did it. Jess Mauboy did it. That just leaves Kate DeAraugo and Emily Williams flying the Divas flag.

Personally I think it sounds like a perfect time to call it quits, but it looks like the Divas will continue to play the RSL circuit for a few more years.

“The spirit of the Young Divas will live on in a new incarnation with a third album once the new line-up is finalised,” their manager David Champion told The Daily Telegraph. “Think of the Young Divas not so much as an act but a finishing school for future superstars.”

A finishing school for future superstars? Is he serious? Ricki-Lee’s doing quite well, but I can’t imagine any of these girls are ever going to challenge Madonna for that Queen of Pop crown!

Image source: Sam Herd @ Flickr

Many have tried but it’s taken Sneaky Sound System to push the Mama Mia soundtrack from the top spot. The Aussie dance trio’s second album, appropriately named 2, is sitting pretty at the top of the ARIA charts.

Xavier Rudd’s newie Dark Shades of Blue has made an impressive debut, landing at number five in its maiden week.

The Whitlams best of Truth, Beauty, and a Picture of You has slipped a few places, but it’s still hanging around in the top 10. It’s at number seven this week.

The Veronicas are the lone local act to crack to singles top 10. Their latest effort “Take Me On The Floor” is at number seven.

Click below for the full top ten!

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Teen queen Gabriella Cilmi’s sexy rasp has drawn comparisons to Britain’s Queen of Trash Amy Winehouse. But while they may be vocally similar, Gabriella says you’ll never catch her drunkenly falling out of a club.

“It’s not on my to-do list. I prefer a glass of wine … just one. I’m very sophisticated,” she cheekily told The Sunday Telegraph.

She says the comparisons are flattering, but can get annoying at the same time.

“Obviously she’s got stacks of talent, but I want people to just let me be me.”

Gabriella is keeping busy playing the European festival circuit before embarking on her own shows. But don’t worry Aussie fans. She plans to be back home for her own shows and a family Christmas in December.

Image source: Newscom

After months of speculation it’s official: Kylie is bringing her X2008 tour Down Under.  The Princess of Pop is set to bring her spectacular shows to Sydney and Melbourne in December.

“The reason I hadn’t confirmed dates in Australia is because I really didn’t know what I was getting into,” she told The Sunday Telegraph. “But now I know. I have a show that breathes and changes , and is dependant on people’s moods , and environment. I can’t wait to bring it home.”

She’s booked Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena in the first week of December, and is considering shows at the Sydney Entertainment Centre for the second week of December. Her tour promoter Michael Gudinski is expected to announce exact dates this week. We’ll have to see whether they include other Aussie cities or just the big two.

The scheduling will allow Ms Minogue to spend Christmas at home with her family. It’s also a lovely Christmas present for all the local fans!

Image source: El Principito @ Flickr

Fans of vintage Oz rock will be thrilled to hear Madder Lake have reformed to play this year’s Queenscliff Music Festival.

Madder Lake was one of Mushroom Records early success stories thanks to the hits “12 lb Toothbrush” and “Goodbye Lollipop.” They also wowed crowds at Australia’s Woodstock, the Sunbury Festival. And there’s more good news for fans of the band. According to the press kit the band they’re planning to release another album next year!

Madder Lake will join an eclectic line-up featuring American troubadour Howie Day, Aussie singer-songwriter Josh Pyke, comedy trio Tripod, local legend Ross Wilson, and eclectic songstress Kate Miller-Heidke.

It’s all happening in Victoria on November 28-30. Big Weekend tickets are on sale now from the Queenscliff Music Festival website.

Image source: Jsarcadia @ Flickr

Two of Australia’s hottest new indie acts are teaming up for one massive tour. Yves Klein Blue and The Holidays are joining forces for the Immaculate Confection tour this October. And what a sweet experience it should be!

Yves Klein Blue wowed the crowds at Splendour, and these gigs are the last time you’ll catch them before they buckle down to record their debut album. The Holidays have also been impressing folks around the traps with their dynamic performances alongside international acts The Wombats, The View, and Ben Kweller.

The democratic bands will take turns headlining the shows, which they’ll play with a local opening act in each city. Tickets go on sale next Thursday.

Here are all the dates!

3 October 2008 – Mona Vale Hotel, Sydney
4 October 2008  – ANU Bar, Canberra
9 October 2008 – Enigma, Adelaide
10 October 2008 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
11 October 2008 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
12 October 2008 – Norfolk Basement, Fremantle
16 October 2008 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
17 October 2008 – The Zoo, Brisbane
18 October 2008 – Coolongatta Hotel
19 October 2008 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
23 October 2008 – Oxford Tavern, Wollongong
24 October 2008 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney
25 October 2008 – Northern Star, Newcastle
26 October 2008 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (under 18s)
29 October 2008 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
30 October 2008 – National Hotel, Geelong
31 October and 1 November 2008 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne

Image source: Sing me a song @ Flickr

The gorgeous Katie Noonan has just signed a new record deal with Sony BMG Australia that will see her release a new album by the end of the year.

“I have admired Katie from her first release and I am delighted that she has joined our label. We will be releasing her new studio album in October and I am sure it will gain her even further acclaim from existing and new fans here and abroad,” said Sony BMG Chairman Denis Handlin.

Katie will head to New York shortly to record the release with some massive names. Her band will include original Miles Davis quartet member Lewis Nash, Grammy-award winning saxophonist Joe Lovano, jazz guitar legend John Scofield, and Melbourne’s own Sam Keevers. I thought Katie’s first solo effort Skin was brilliant, so I can’t wait to hear this star-studded new release!

Image source: Ina Banina @ Flickr

Five years ago I saw Jackson Browne perform at Bimbadgen Estate as part of the Day on the Green concert series. It was one of the most amazing shows I’ve ever seen, so I’m thrilled to see Jackson’s heading back to our shores to support the release of his latest album, Time The Conqueror.

Jackson on his own is worth seeing. Jackson with the sort of support acts he’s recruited for this tour is unmissable. We’ve got American songstress Toni Childs, Whitlams’ frontman Tim Freedman, and Aussie music legend Richard Clapton. Not all shows have all these artists, but when they all get together, boy, it’ll be amazing. I’m so excited that I live close enough to the Hunter Valley that I can catch this awesome foursome on the same bill.

Tickets go on sale on September 5. This will be the sort of concert people will talk about for years. Make sure you don’t miss out. Here are all the dates!

27 February 2009 – Riverstage, Brisbane (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
28 February 2009 – Tempus Two Winery, Hunter Valley (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
2 March 2009 – Harbour Theatre, Sydney (with Tim Freedman)
5 March 2009 – Palais, Sydney (with Tim Freedman)
7 March 2009 – Sutton Grange Winery, Sutton Grange (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
10 March 2009 – Entertainment Centre, Townsville (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
11 March 2009 – Convention Centre, Cairns (with Tim Freedman, Toni Childs, and Richard Clapton)
14 March 2009 – Kings Park, Perth (with Tim Freedman and Toni Childs)
15 March 2009 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide (with Tim Freedman)

Image source: Minds-eye @ Flickr

Aussie teen superstar Gabriella Cilmi has an unexpected fan: Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher! The loud-mouthed Brit says “Sweet About Me” is his favourite song this year!

The admiration is mutual, with Gabriella telling The Daily Star “I love Oasis but it was crazy to hear that!”

Gabriella has adored Oasis all her life as her dad used to sing their songs to her as a child!

“My dad used to sing ‘Live Forever’ to me as a kid, so it’s a real honour.”

It’s probably a more appropriate choice than “Cigarettes and Alcohol”!

Image source: Lee Jordan @ Flickr

Do you fancy ringing in the New Year with a little music? Well the Pyramid Rock Festival on Phillip Island might be just the ticket.

It’s a truly international affair with British outfit Morcheeba, American duo The Black Keys, and German dance band Digitalism all making an appearance. There’s also a strong local contingent, with Midnight Juggernauts, Gyroscope, The Living End, Karnivool, Cut Copy, and The Galvatrons all on the bill.

Tickets to this massive NYE party go on sale on Thursday 4 September. Get yours from the festival website or selected indie music retailers.

Image source: CharlesFred @ Flickr