'It's Not Over Until The Finalists Sing'
Brisbane Courier Mail - Emma Chalmers - 29th January 2004
The televised talent quest may have ended in September, but the
Australian Idol finalists are far from finished.
Yesterday, eight of the 12 Idols arrived in Brisbane ahead of the Queensland leg
of their touring stage show at the Entertainment Centre tonight.
The stage spectacular, hosted by Ian Dickson, will feature all 12 finalists –
including winner Guy Sebastian – performing songs from artists including Robbie
Williams, John Farnham, Beyonce, Kylie Minogue and Delta Goodrem.
Gold Coaster Matt Chadwick, who arrived yesterday alongside Robert 'Millsy'
Mills, Cle Wooton, Kelly Cavuoto, Lauren Buckley, Peter Ryan and Cosima De Vito,
said the tour had been a great chance to get back on the entertainment map.
"You'd hate to come this far for it all to die off again," he said.
While it was all smiles for the group yesterday, Chadwick revealed things were a
little strained when the Idols reunited in Newcastle late last year to rehearse
for the tour.
"Honestly, At first everyone was a little bit standoffish," he said. "[]But then
we started getting into rehearsals and all the pre-conceived 'whatever' dropped
and it was just back to us again."
Among those who have scored recording deals is Mills, who famously courted
Hilton heiress Paris last year, and has spent the last few months co-writing
songs in preparation for the release of a solo album through BMG in June. "The
lucky thing about not winning Idol was not having to record an album in 12
days," he said.
Also working on an album is former pig farmer Peter Ryan, who said he has not
been back to the sty since the show finished last year, while rock chick Kelly
Cavuoto has landed a gig alongside fellow Idol Axle Whitehead hosting Video
Hits.