'Faithful Flock To Bow Before Their Idol'
News.com.au - Emma Chalmers - April 12, 2004
AUSTRALIAN Idol Guy Sebastian celebrated Easter yesterday with a return
to his gospel music roots for a rare solo concert in Toowoomba.
The 22-year-old, who was a choir singer before he became an idol, was
the drawcard for a record crowd at the Australian Gospel Music Festival
which peaked at more than 10,000 for his 4pm performance.
His six-song set was a coup for Idol fans and organisers, as the "bro
with the 'fro" flew in from promo duties in his home country of
Malaysia especially for the gig.
Festival co-ordinator Isaac Moody said fans had lined up outside the
venue from 8am and Sebastian's appearance had generated an electric
atmosphere.
"I don't think I've ever heard screaming as loud," he said. "He's given
our attendees a lot of excitement; there's a real buzz."
Sebastian had been scheduled to perform four songs but instead gave the
audience six, including the Sound of Music number that many believe
secured him the Idol crown last October, Climb Ev'ry Mountain, as well
as hits from his multi-platinum CD Just As I Am.
He also treated concert goers to a gospel song and an a capella
performance.
The gig had personal significance for Sebastian, who has not yet toured
solo, and has been laying low for the last few months.
He flew in from Malaysia after promoting his album and the first
instalment of Malaysian Idol with a concert last Thursday alongside UK
Pop Idol Gareth Gates in Kuala Lumpur.
He told journalists in the Malaysian capital that his second album was
under construction and he would soon travel to Los Angeles to team up
with producer/artist Brian McKnight, who has worked with Justin
Timberlake and Alicia Keys.
"I'm really looking forward to it," he said.
"I've actually written most of the songs, and I'm going to be working
with some great songwriters like Brian McKnight and Cathy Dennis."
Sebastian's performance yesterday afternoon wrapped up the sixth
Australian Gospel Music Festival, which also featured a performance by
fellow Idol Paulini Curuenavuli on Friday night and Grammy Award-winner
Rebecca St James on Saturday night.
Last year the three-day festival was attended by 31,000 people and
injected $6.1 million into the Toowoomba economy. This year ticket
sales were up 60 per cent.