Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie’s Got the "X" Factor

Kylie Minogue has burst back onto the albums charts this week with a number-one debut. Her tenth studio album X is sitting pretty at the top of the ARIA charts in a big week for Aussie artists.

Her single “2 Hearts” has slipped to number nine this week, just behind The Veronicas’ “Hook Me Up” at eight.

Kylie’s album outperformed another Aussie legend, Jimmy Barnes, who debuted at number three with Out of the Blue.

These massive albums have pushed Human Nature’s Motown tribute, Get Ready, to number five this week. They sit just ahead of Delta Goodrem’s Delta at number six.

Aussies have also claimed the last three spots in the top ten. Guy Sebastian’s The Memphis Album is at number eight, ahead of Keith Urban’s greatest hits record 18 Kids at nine, and the revamped Young Divas’ outfit at number 10 with New Attitude.

But the real surprise this week was the performance of Australian Idol Natalie Gauci’s debut single “Here I Am.” A number two debut isn’t a disaster by any means, but it’s the first time an Aussie Idol has failed to claim the top spot in its first week.

Here’s this week’s complete Aussie top 10.

Australian singles chart

  1. “Apologize” – Timbaland feat. OneRepublic
  2. “Here I Am” – Natalie Gauci
  3. “Clumsy” – Fergie
  4. “The Way I Are” – Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson
  5. “Into The Night” – Santana feat. Chad Kroeger
  6. “No One” – Alicia Keys
  7. “Hey There Delilah” – Plain White T’s
  8. “Hook Me Up” – The Veronicas
  9. “2 Hearts” – Kylie Minogue
  10. “How Far We’ve Come” – Matchbox Twenty

Australian albums chart

  1. X – Kylie Minogue
  2. Long Road Out Of Eden – Eagles
  3. Out In The Blue – Jimmy Barnes
  4. Timbaland Presents: Shock Value – Timbaland
  5. Get Ready – Human Nature
  6. Delta – Delta Goodrem
  7. Greatest Hits – Spice
  8. The Memphis Album – Guy Sebastian
  9. Greatest Hits: 18 Kids – Keith Urban
  10. New Attitude – Young Divas

Image source: Georges Biard @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta Says "I Do"

Cuter than cute celebrity couple Delta Goodrem and Brian McFadden are getting married. Contrary to earlier rumours, Delta accepted her Irish beau’s proposal last Friday.

“Contrary to false reports, the couple were hoping to keep the news private however they feel it is important to now confirm their exciting news,” a press statement said.

The pair began dating in 2004, after ending her long-term relationship with tennis ace Mark Philippoussis. They faced a tough time from the British media who alleged Delta was responsible for Brian’s split with ex-wife Kerry Katona of Atomic Kitten.

It’s great to see they’ve come out the other side and seem more in love than ever. There’s no word yet on when they’ll tie the knot, but I’ll keep you posted.

Image source: Jeremy Wong Weddings @ Unsplash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Butler’s Ready to Record

It looks like we haven’t seen the last of Australian Idol finalist Jacob Butler. He’s been playing charity gigs around the place as he prepares to record his debut album.

Last night he wowed the crowd at the Advertiser Sunday Mail Foundation do in Adelaide with an acoustic set of original songs.

“I want to make a record that has relevance in 20 years time – I’m a songwriter so I’ve got a huge catalogue of songs in me,” Jacob told The Advertiser.

“I’ve been doing a few charity gigs so here’s hoping they bring back a bit of good karma.”

But it wasn’t all about business. The visit gave Jakey B a chance to catch up with his South Australian family.

“It’s the first time I’ve been back since March, and mum’s come down from Port Lincoln to hang out … and iron my shirt,” he joked.

After so many attempts to find stardom on reality TV, it’s good to hear Jacob is capitalising on his newfound fame and working towards releasing that album. I can’t wait to hear it.

Image source: Paula Lucarelli @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Album for Axle

Axle Whitehead is back doing what he does best. No, not flashing his naughty bits to kiddies at the ARIAs, or even hosting Video Hits. Axle’s giving this music thing another try.

Fans may remember Axle’s shortlived stint on the first series of Australian Idol. He just missed out on a top 12 possie, but his jazzy scatting was pretty unforgettable.

Axle’s debut single “I Don’t Do Surprises” will be released in January, with the album Losing Sleep to follow.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

World AIDS Day Concert in Melbourne

Saturday is World AIDS Day and Melbourne is commemorating the day with a massive free concert.

The concert features an eclectic line-up including ex-Australian Idol contestant Cosima DeVito, hip hop outfit Illzilla, reggae group Cousin Leonard, Frankie Wants Out, Whitley, Diafrix, Josh Owen, Kinematic, Tess Henderson, Slinkee Minx (are they still around?), Drew Bowden Trio, President Roots, Chiara Hunter, Ouso, and TRS.

The stars will turn out to support The Burnet Institute, Australia’s largest medical research and public health institute specialising in infectious diseases. Donations will be collected during the concert, which kicks off at 1 pm at Federation Square.

Image source: Bermix Studio @ Unsplash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jet and Wolfmother Are Wannabes, Say Airbourne

Airbourne may have their sights set on finding new fans in America, but they’re certainly not going to make any new friends back home. Lead singer Joel O’Keefe has slammed other local success stories Jet and Wolfmother in an interview with Canada’s Chart Attack.

“Jet and Wolfmother are not for real. We are. That’s the difference. They’re not for real. They’re doing it to be cool, and you can tell,” he said.

“Wolfmother and Jet are a bad example of rock that comes out of Australia. They’re just carbon copies of something they want … they’re wannabes. They’re like American Idol or something like that. They’re not legit.”

Joel said Airbourne plan to focus on the American market and treat Australia as a “tourist destination.”

“We intend to move here [North America] for good. Australia will become a tourist destination for us. We’re all going to live in a house together. We’re here to get drunk and get wasted and have a party with everyone.”

Funnily enough, I don’t think Australia’s going to miss them. “Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast” was a minor hit, but they haven’t really made a big impression. And we don’t tend to like bands who turn their back on Oz and rubbish our other artists. Good riddance Airbourne!

Image source: Eetwartti @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Natalie Gauci Wins Australian Idol

After a seemingly endless telecast, last night Natalie Gauci was crowned this year’s Australian Idol. She faced stiff competition from season golden boy Matt Corby, and no one seemed more surprised with the result than Natalie herself.

“Are you sure?” she asked host James Mathison after her name was called. “I don’t believe this is happening.

“It just feels like it … like it never ends and it just keeps going and the buzz is always there and it makes me so grateful to know people have voted for me around Australia. It’s really exciting.”

Tickets to her Winner’s Journey tour are released today, and her debut single “Here I Am” is on sale on Wednesday.

“I’m going to put on a really good show and I hope everyone comes to watch me,” Gauci told the crowd.

I know there are a lot of big Matt fans in here, but honestly, I don’t think they need to worry about him. He’s shown what he can do, and I’m sure the record companies are going to snatch him up. I also think he’ll be better for it. Just look how far previous runners-up like Shannon Noll and Anthony Callea have gone!

Image source: Violetion @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rocking for the Roos

Whether you’re a football fan, a music lover, or both there’s no other place to be on Thursday than Melbourne’s Prince of Wales.

The pub is hosting a massive fundraising night, dubbed Roo-sistence, for the North Melbourne football club. If you’re out of the loop, the Kangaroos may have to move to Queensland if they can’t raise some cash pronto. Frankly that’s just un-Australian, so the local musos are going to lend a hand.

You really couldn’t ask for a better line-up. Where else can you see supergroup The Wrights playing alongside You Am I, Something for Kate, Tex Perkins, and Mick Thomas? And that’s just for starters.

Tickets are just $40 plus booking fees from the Prince Bandroom.

Image source: Wikimedia.org

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Borne Shines at MusicOz Awards

You may not have heard of Melbourne indie outfit Borne just yet, but after they scooped the pool at last night’s MusicOz awards that’s all set to change. MusicOz is the largest awards recognising Australia’s unsigned and independent artists.

The group picked up the awards for best acoustic/singer-songwriter, the Garth Porter producer award, the Nova unsigned initiative award, and the big one, artist of the year. This prestigious title saw them take home a $70, 000 prize package, more than enough to help them get a leg up in the industry.

Past Australian Idol contestant Amali Ward and metal outfit Anjeliina were handpicked by rock photographer Tony Mott to win the Tony Mott photography award.

Sydney’s Super Massive took home the best alternative artist gong, and Melbourne quintet The Shades won the best schoolies artist.

Other winners on the night included songwriter Simon Shapiro, country outfit Jonah’s Road, pop act IRiS, and dance/electronic group The Vangarde. 

To see what they’re all about, check out Borne’s new video for “The Guide.”

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kylie Statue Unveiled

A statue of Australia’s pop princess Kylie Minogue will be unveiled in Melbourne today. It will join statues of John Farnham and Dame Nellie Melba as part of the Variety Entertainers of the Century art installation at Docklands.

The installation will feature 100 plaques commemorating the names of Australian artists, similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It will also include a giant mosaic mural celebrating the stars, and the life-sized bronze statues.

The Kylie is the work of acclaimed Melbourne sculptor Peter Corlett. He’s the guy responsible for the Weary Dunlop statue on St Kilda Road, the Phar Lap sculpture in Flemington, and the Teddy Whitten piece in Footscray.

His Kylie piece took three months to complete and it is an exact replica of the Aussie diva, right down to the size of her waist. Peter liaised with Kylie’s management and dressmakers in London to get the body measurements, and then used a real-life Kylie clone for the finishing touches.

“I actually found a young woman working in a cafe in Brunswick St who had virtually the same measurements as Kylie,” he told the Herald Sun.

“I hope the final Kylie will become a popular place to visit for all her fans.”

Image source: James Roberts @ Wikimedia Commons