'Paulini Makes It At Last'
News.com.au - 4th April, 2004
SHE was mocked on Australian Idol for wearing an unforgettable gold dress,
but Paulini Curuenavuli has had the last laugh after signing a four-album deal
with Sony Music.
Paulini says everyone remembers that gold dress.
The Fijian-born, Bankstown-based singer became a national favourite after being
criticised by Idol judges Ian "Dicko" Dickson and Mark Holden as too heavy to
wear the tight-fitting Charlie Brown dress.
"I think they did me a favour, because people remember me via that dress,"
Curuenavuli said.
Idol's official label, BMG, had first option on signing Curuenavuli, but chose
instead to ink deals with winner Guy Sebastian, runner-up Shannon Noll, drag
queen Courtney Act and Robert "Millsy" Mills.
"After I came out of Idol, I didn't receive phone calls from anyone,"
Curuenavuli said.
"I told myself to be determined and patient and, after the national Idol tour,
the record companies started ringing me with offers."
While Sony Music CEO Denis Handlin, head of Artist & Repertoire Mike Taylor and
Curuenavuli's manager, David Caplice, celebrated with champagne, the teetotal
Paulini nursed an orange juice.
"I just think it's better for me and my voice if I don't drink," she said.
Curuenavuli is hoping to release a funk, soul and R&B album before the end of
the year, and is currently sifting through dozens of potential tracks.