Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Johns Sings The Doors on "American Idol"

Last night the top 12 guys kicked off American Idol’s sixties week. Our Aussie hopeful Michael Johns closed the show with his take on The Doors’ classic “Light My Fire.”

I’m not sure it was his strongest performance, but I’m positive he did enough to escape elimination this week. The judges seemed to lap it up though. Perhaps I felt underwhelmed because I’d seen him sing this song in Hollywood? Whatever the case, I look forward to big things from him next week!

Here’s the video incase you missed it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Wows at Brit Awards

Australia’s own Kylie Minogue was named Best International Female Solo Artist at last night’s Brit Awards. She received the trophy from her Doctor Who costar David Tennant.

“I’m all overcome. This is incredible,” she told the crowd as she accepted her award.

During the ceremony Kyles showed why she’s worthy of the honour with a spectacular performance of her new single “Wow.” Check it out below!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Song Obsession: I Don’t Do Surprises

I’m absolutely loving Axle Whitehead’s comeback single, “I Don’t Do Surprises.” The last time we saw Axle he was flashing his penis at the ARIA Awards. He was promptly fired from his Video Hits hosting gig, and I thought it may be the last we’d hear of him. But he’s returned to his musical roots (remember we all saw him first on Australian Idol?), and it’s paid off.

Even Channel Ten seems to have forgiven him, as they’re using this catchy song to promote their Women’s Murder Club series. Axle’s cruisy voice reminds me a lot of Chris Martin’s, but it’s a lot less dreary. If this is any indication, I can’t wait to hear Axle’s debut album.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mel C Regrets Spice Girls’ Aussie Snub

At least one Spice Girl is disappointed about the recent cancellation of their Australian tour. Speaking backstage at the recent Madison Square Garden gig, Melanie “Sporty Spice” Chisholm said she was upset about the decision.

“We were really excited about that part of the tour. We had never toured Australia before. We literally ran out of time and we know that probably isn’t good enough,” the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

“You would have to be crazy not to want to go to Australia. We would have loved to have gone. It just didn’t work out this time.”

Is that any comfort to Australian Spice Girls fans? No? I thought not.

Image source: toughsirloin @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Musos Make Cleo's Bachelor List

We always knew musicians were some of the sexiest guys in Australia, but now it’s official. Cleo have just released their annual Bachelor of the Year finalists list, and it includes plenty of musical eye-candy.

Australian Idol alumni Carl Riseley and Dean Geyer have made the cut, along with Rock Star graduate Toby Rand.

The indie kids are also represented with Evermore’s Peter Hume and DJ Nick Foley also on the list.

I was pretty impressed by the inclusion of thinking woman’s sex symbol Felix Riebl from The Cat Empire.

What do you think of the list? Are these lads your idea of heaven? Or can you think of some more deserving Aussie musos? I’d love to hear your views!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

No CDs, But Rihanna’s Still Tops

Rihanna has made history this week, becoming the first act to top the Aussie charts on digital sales alone.

Her new song “Don’t Stop the Music” was not available as a physical disc, yet still managed to bump Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love” from the top spot.

Apparently record companies will release “Don’t Stop the Music” as a CD this week, but it doesn’t look like they really need to.

So is this further evidence that CDs are all but dead? As a proud CD buyer, I really hope not!

This is what else is happening on this week’s ARIA charts.

Australian Singles Charts
1. “Don’t Stop the Music” – Rihanna
2. “Bleeding Love” – Leona Lewis
3. “Pictures of You” – The Last Goodnight
4. “Piece of Me” – Britney Spears
5. “Crank That” – Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em
6. “Untouched” – The Veronicas
7. “Apologize” – Timbaland feat. OneRepublic
8. “Low” – Flo Rida
9. “No One” – Alicia Keys
10. “Don’t Hold Back” – The Potbelleez

Australian Albums Charts
1. Sleep Through the Static – Jack Johnson
2. Thriller – Michael Jackson
3. Watershed – k.d. lang
4. Spirit – Leona Lewis
5. Exile on Mainstream – Matchbox Twenty
6. Juno – Soundtrack
7. Good Girl Gone Bad – Rihanna
8. Timbaland Presents: Shock Value – Timbaland
9. Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
10. Hook Me Up – The Veronicas

Image source: MiKeARB @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Makes American Idol Top 24

You might remember me mentioning last month that an Australian cutie called Michael Johns had made it through to American Idol’s important Hollywood round. I’m happy to say that Michael breezed through with consistently brilliant performances and he’s now a member of the Top 24.

He’s got some really tough competition, but with that winning combo of talent, looks, and charisma he’s sure to win over the American public. I’ve posted the video of last night’s verdict below. I also know plenty of us don’t have pay TV, so thanks to Jeanne at Idol Stalker I’ll post all his performances here as he progresses through the comp.

Aussie Aussie Aussie!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Love Songs to Brighten your Valentine’s Day

Sorry to all your cynics out there, but I really love Valentine’s Day. And so in honour of this romantic day I figured I’d bring you some of my favourite Aussie love songs. I hope they make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

“Even When I’m Sleeping” by Leonardo’s Bride is one of those tracks I used to play a lot when my husband and I were doing the long-distance thing. It’s so gorgeous without being overly gooey and sentimental.

“Please Don’t Ask Me” is one of those songs that always makes me cry. I’m sure we’ve all been victims of unrequited love, that most painful love of all! So keep your tissues handy when Farnsy stops talking and starts singing!
Continue reading “Love Songs to Brighten your Valentine’s Day” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Smoky Dawson Dies

There’s sad news today with word that country legend Smoky Dawson has passed away. He was just weeks shy of his 95th birthday.

Smoky’s musical career spanned more than six decades. When he released his last album Homestead of My Dreams in 2005, he officially became the oldest recording artist in the world.

“While his music was tinged with country, he was also a great poet and a very creative man. He encompassed a great sense of Australiana,” his label manager Philip Mortlock told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“He spanned such an extraordinary period, it is such a great loss to lose a man like that. He often said to me, writing a song a day and keeping active was what kept him going.”

Smoky is survived by his 101-year-old wife Dot. He had a great innings, but it’s always a shame to lose a national treasure like Smoky. He will be missed.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sophie and Benji Split, Tim and Ant Hook Up

Today’s news is all about make-ups and break-ups. On one hand, we’ve got word that Sophie Monk has split with her Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden.

Now we saw this one coming for a while, ever since Sophie returned to Australia solo in January. The Daily Telegraph later spotted her without her engagement ring, which started more rumours buzzing.

Sophie’s agent Yoon Kim put an end to the speculation today, issuing an official statement claiming “The decision was mutual and they remain amicable.” I guess it’s pretty easy to remain amicable when you’re on opposite sides of the world, right?

But things are happier for Tim Campbell and Anthony Callea, who’ve just admitted they’re together. The pair became close when they worked on a Perth production of Rent last year. They had both recently separated from their partners, and cried on each other’s shoulders.

“There was stuff written in the paper a while ago … and actually Anthony and I are a bit of an item at the moment,” Tim told Vega FM yesterday.

“The question was asked a while ago and we weren’t, but we have gotten to a point where we are very happy together.”

And it’s just in time for Valentine’s Day too! It’s too bad about Sophie and Benji, but at least some of our Aussie stars will have a loved-up day tomorrow!