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Guy Sebastian
Sebastian performing live in December 2011
Background information
Birth name	Guy Theodore Sebastian
Born	(1981-10-26) 26 October 1981 (age 30) Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
Origin	Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Genres	Soul, R&B, pop, gospel
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, producer, The X Factor judge
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, piano/keyboards, drums
Years active	2003–present
Labels	Sony (2003–present)
Associated acts	Steve Cropper, The MGs, David Ryan Harris, Planetshakers
Website	guysebastian.com.au

Guy Theodore Sebastian (born 26 October 1981) is an Australian pop, R&B, and soul singer-songwriter who was the first winner of Australian Idol in 2003. Since 2010 he has been a judge on Australia's The X Factor. Sebastian has released six top ten platinum/multi-platinum albums, including a number one and two.^[1][2] He has also released 11 top 15 singles, including eight top tens, with five achieving number one.^[1] He has the most number one singles for an Australian male artist in Australian music history, and is equal third overall for all Australian acts.^[3] Four of his singles have reached multi-platinum certification, with "Angels Brought Me Here", "Who's That Girl" and "Don't Worry Be Happy" achieving 4× platinum.^[4][5][6] "Angels Brought Me Here" was the highest selling song in Australia last decade.^[7] With 30 platinum and two gold certifications and combined album and single sales of over 2.2 million in Australia, Sebastian has the highest certifications and sales of any Australian Idol contestant.^[2][6]

"Angels Brought Me Here" also reached number one in four Asian countries and New Zealand.^[8] Sebastian had a second number one in New Zealand with "Who's That Girl", two other top ten singles and a number three album, and gained four platinum and two gold certifications there.^[9][10][11] He has worked with a number of well-known American musicians. He co-wrote songs with Brian McKnight and Robin Thicke for his album Beautiful Life, which also included a duet with Mýa. The Memphis Album was recorded with members of the MGs including Steve Cropper, and they were his band on his 2008 Australian tour. Like It Like That has three tracks with John Mayer on guitar and backing vocals, and "Art of Love" featuring Jordin Sparks. "Who's That Girl" from his album Twenty Ten features US rapper Eve.

During his career Sebastian has received 14 ARIA Award nominations, including Single of the Year, Best Male Artist and Best Pop Release, and won Highest Selling Single ARIA Awards for "Angels Brought Me Here" and "Who's That Girl".^[12][13][14] "Who's That Girl" also won the 2011 APRA Urban Work of the Year Award. Other awards include the [V] Oz Artist of the Year Award, and Urban Music Awards for Best Male Artist and Best R&B Album. Sebastian has performed at many notable events, including performing for Pope Benedict XVI, Oprah Winfrey and Queen Elizabeth II.^[15][16][17] He has a strong commitment to charity, and is currently an ambassador for World Vision Australia, Golden Stave and the Australian Red Cross.^[18]

Early life and career beginnings[link]

Guy Sebastian was born in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia on 26 October 1981. His father Ivan was also born in Malaysia and is of Sri Lankan descent, while his mother Nellie has an English and Portuguese background and was raised in India. They met while Ivan was studying geology in India and a year later they married. The family migrated to Australia in 1988, living in Melbourne for several years before eventually moving to Adelaide due to Ivan's work as a geologist.^[19] As a child Sebastian took violin lessons, and although he had no formal training in other musical instruments also plays guitar, drums and piano. He attended Paradise Community Church, which is a Pentecostal Assemblies of God church and one of the largest churches in Australia, becoming one of their main worship singers. He also sang with the then Paradise Community Church Youth Conference Planetshakers, performing both lead and backup vocals for their 2002 and 2003 conferences and albums. Sebastian continued his association with Paradise Church after winning Australian Idol, recording on two of their albums, Adore in 2004 and Set Me Free in 2005.^[19][20] After leaving school Sebastian began studies in Medical Radiation, but left to pursue a career in music. He taught vocals at Temple Christian College and other high schools while also working as a recording engineer and studying Music Technology at the Elder School Of Music.^[20] In May 2003 Sebastian successfully auditioned for Australian Idol, singing Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon in the Sky". He progressed through the Idol series establishing a strong fanbase and praise from the judges, who often made reference to his afro hairstyle which became a focal point of his image.^[19] He was declared the winner on 19 November 2003, and gained a recording contract with BMG, which later merged with Sony.

Recording career[link]

[edit] 2003–2007: Just as I Am, Beautiful Life and Closer to the Sun

Sebastian performing at the Australian Gospel Music Festival, April 2004

Following his Idol win Sebastian was required to record his debut album in six days, but despite this time restriction the album included three songs co-written by him.^[21] He then travelled to the UK to compete in World Idol. Although he impressed the judges, with several suggesting he could win the competition, he finished seventh.^[22] His winner's single "Angels Brought Me Here" debuted at number one and was the highest selling single in Australia in 2003, reaching 4× platinum certification.^[1][23][24] In 2010 it was named the highest selling song of the previous decade, ahead of Anthony Callea's "The Prayer".^[7] "Angels Brought Me Here" sold in excess of 303,000 copies while still in the ARIA Top 50, which at the time was the highest sales ever recorded for an Australian artist single, a record Sebastian held until 2011^[2][25] His debut album Just As I Am was released in December 2003 and also achieved number one. Its first week sales of 163,711 units are the second highest one week sales in Australian chart history, the highest for an Australian act.^[26][27] It eventually reached sales of 480,000, just short of 7× platinum, and is the highest selling album ever released by an Australian Idol contestant.^[7][28][29]

"Angels Brought Me Here" also reached number one in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and New Zealand.^[8][30] Just As I Am reached number three and double platinum certification in New Zealand, with "Angels Brought Me Here" achieving platinum certification there.^[9][10] The second single "All I Need Is You" reached number one and platinum in Australia, and peaked at number five in New Zealand.^[1][9][31] In early 2004 Sebastian appeared at the Asian MTV Awards, was a guest judge on New Zealand Idol and performed on Indonesian Idol.^[30] After a promotional trip to Malaysia in April he travelled to Europe and the US to write for his next album, performing on American Idol while in the US.^[8] His second album Beautiful Life had a more R&B edge to it and included "Forever with You", a duet with American R&B singer Mýa. It also contained songs he co-wrote with Robin Thicke and Brian McKnight.^[30] The first single "Out with My Baby" debuted at number one in October 2004, and gained platinum certification.^[1][31] Sebastian performed at the 2004 ARIA Music Awards where he received the award for the Highest Selling Single for "Angels Brought Me Here", and the Channel V Oz Artist of the Year Award.^[32] He was also nominated for Highest Selling Album for Just As I Am.^[33] Beautiful Life peaked at number two and was also certified platinum.^[1][34] Sebastian embarked on a national tour in November, with a second stage from March to June 2005.^[35] Two further singles were released from the album, "Kryptonite" which peaked at number fifteen, and "Oh Oh" at number eleven.^[1]

In 2005 Sebastian received awards for Favourite Video, Favourite Music Artist, and Favourite Aussie at the Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards, and a MTV Video Music Award for "Out With My Baby".^[36][37] He also received a Highest Selling Album ARIA Award nomination for Beautiful Life, and was named as a state finalist in the Young Australian of the Year Awards.^[38][39] His third album Closer to the Sun was mainly co-written with Australian musicians, and was a mix of genres including pop, R&B, soul, pop-rock and jazz. The lead single "Taller, Stronger, Better" debuted at number three in August 2006, and achieved gold certification.^[40] The album peaked at number four and was certified platinum.^[1][41] The second single "Elevator Love" reached number 11 and gold certification.^[1][40] The video featured Jennifer Hawkins as his love interest.^[42] Sebastian received an award for most played Urban work for "Oh Oh" at the 2006 APRA Music Awards.^[43] "Oh Oh" was also awarded Best Video and Sebastian named Best Male Artist at the Urban Music Awards, and for the second year in succession he received the Fav Aussie award at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.^[44][45] In early 2007 it was announced he would be recording an album of soul classics in Memphis, Tennessee with Stax musicians who played on and wrote some of the original songs. Closer to the Sun third single "Cover On My Heart" was released in August, peaking at number thirty two on the Aria chart.^[1] Closer to the Sun was awarded Best Album at the 2007 Urban Music Awards, and Most Popular Album at the Dolly Teen Choice Awards.^[46][47]

[edit] 2007-2008 The Memphis Album and Tour

Sebastian and Steve Cropper on stage during The Memphis Tour

Sebastian recorded his tribute album of soul classics at Ardent Studios, Memphis in August 2007, with Steve Cropper, Donald 'Duck' Dunn, and Steve Potts (a.k.a. The MGs), with Lester Snell on keyboards. Cropper also co- produced the album with Sebastian, which was recorded on analogue tape live in the studio.^[48] Sebastian wrote about his time in Memphis in a series of blogs for Australian newspapers, "I started recording four days ago with the band members from Booker T and the MGs. And in the four days, we cut 15 tracks. It's been such a great experience to watch these guys work. I mean, they are mostly in their late 60s and have such a wealth of experience."^[49] Cropper later spoke on AllMemphisMusic, an online Memphis radio station, "This kid came into Memphis, and just blew everybody’s socks off.[...] he just took us by storm."^[50] Shortly after Sebastian's return to Australia it was announced that The MGs would tour Australia with him in early 2008.^[51] The Memphis Album debuted at number three in November 2007, and was the seventh highest selling Australian artist album of the year.^[1][52] The critically acclaimed album reached double platinum certification in 2008.^[53][54] The Memphis Flyer, a weekly alternative newspaper serving the Memphis area wrote a series of articles about Sebastian recording with The MGs.^[55] AllMemphisMusic, which specialises in playing music originating from Memphis, began playing The Memphis Album songs in late December 2007. They also had two special programs featuring songs from the album and interviews with some of the people involved in recording it.^[56]

	"Gimme Some Lovin'" noicon Excerpt of live performance by Sebastian & the MGs during The Memphis Tour
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The MGs came to Australia in February 2008 to be Sebastian's backing band for his national tour. He spoke on radio about what it felt like fronting the MGs, "There were so many moments when I just had to take a step back and think 'This is unbelievable'. Like the history that is behind me, and I'm singing these songs. You know they start playing Dock Of The Bay, and the guys that played it are on the stage. You know the guy who wrote the song with Otis Redding is playing guitar."^[57] Cropper later spoke on AllMemphisMusic, "hearing him singing our music, which was born and raised and produced and recorded in Memphis Tennessee.[...] It just filled our hearts."^[58] One of the Melbourne concerts was filmed for a live DVD/CD titled The Memphis Tour.^[59] Sebastian was nominated for a Helpmann Award for Best Performance In An Australian Contemporary Concert for The Memphis Tour, and was awarded two Australian Club Entertainment Awards, best Original Music Performer and Outstanding Club Performer Of The Year.^[60][61] The Memphis Album received a nomination for Highest Selling Album at the 2008 ARIA Awards, his third album to be nominated in this ARIA Awards category.^[62] He travelled to the US several times after The Memphis Tour to write for his fifth album, spending time with Cropper in Nashville on these trips.^[63][64]

[edit] 2009–2010: Like It Like That

In 2008 Sebastian was signed to release an album in the US, and in November he returned to America to work on his new album. He recorded songs with John Mayer's band, and John Mayer himself played guitar and sang backing vocals on three of the tracks.^[65] He moved to New York in early 2009 to prepare for the release of the US album which was a mix of Mempis soul covers and original songs.^[66] He performed showcases at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin Texas, and a residency at the Drom in New York.^[67][68][69] His song "Like it Like That" was chosen as the theme song for the NBC network's summer promotional campaign.^[70][71] The US release was then delayed due to restructuring of Victor Records, but it was later reaffirmed the album would be released in 2010.^[72] "Like It like That", the title track of Sebastian's fifth album, was released in Australia in August 2009 and reached number one, his fourth number one single.^[1] It was the highest selling Australian artist song in 2009, reaching triple platinum certification.^[4][73] Like it Like That, an original soul album with all songs written or co-written by Sebastian, was released in October 2009. It reached number six and was certified platinum.^[1][74]

"Art of Love", a duet with Jordin Sparks was released as the second single.^[75] It peaked at number eight and reached platinum certification.^[1][4] It also charted at number seven in New Zealand, gaining gold certification there.^[9][11] Two further singles, "All to Myself" and "Never Hold You Down", did not chart in the ARIA top 50.^[76][77] Sebastian toured in Australia during February 2010 and again in June and July.^[78][79] The US album, now identical to the Australian album, was released in June 2010. He was chosen as a judge on the 2010 series of Australia's The X-Factor, and to fulfil commitments to X-Factor and also the release of his album in America Sebastian divided his time between Australia and the US during the show.^[80] He toured the US West Coast between July and September, including guest performances singing "Art of Love" with Sparks at three of her Battlefield Tour concerts, and also played support for Chicago at a concert in Oregon.^[81][82][83] Sebastian was nominated for six ARIA Music Awards for Like It Like That. He received nominations for Best Pop Release, Best Male Artist, Most Popular Australian Album and Most Popular Australian Artist, with "Like It Like That" and "Art of Love" receiving nominations for Most Popular Single.^[12][13]

[edit] 2010–present: Twenty Ten and Armageddon

Sebastian released a retrospective album titled Twenty Ten in November 2010. The album reached number four on the ARIA Album Chart, Sebastian's sixth consecutive top ten album.^[84] Twenty Ten spent twelve weeks in the top ten, achieved platinum certification and was the fifth highest selling Australian artist album of 2010.^[74][85] It also reached number twenty four on the New Zealand Charts.^[9] The album was a two disc release. The first disc had 18 songs from his previous albums and two new tracks, with the second disc containing acoustic versions of ten of the songs. "Who's That Girl" featuring US rapper Eve, was released as the lead single.^[86] The dance-driven electro R&B song was a departure from Sebastian's previous pop, R&B and soul releases. Eve performed the song with Sebastian on The X Factor Grand Final.^[87] "Who's That Girl" reached number one, Sebastian's fifth number one single.^[1] He is the only Australian male artist in Australian music history to achieve five number one singles, and is in equal third overall with Olivia Newton-John for all Australian acts.^[3] "Who's That Girl" reached 4× platinum certification in 2011, the fourth Australian artist single in Australian chart history to achieve that accreditation level, with Sebastian's debut single "Angels Brought Me Here" being the first.^[5][88] "Who's That Girl" also reached number one and platinum in New Zealand.^[11] With the release of Twenty Ten Sebastian had completed the terms of his original contract with Sony, but re-signed with them for another long term contract.^[89]

Lionel Richie and Sebastian performing "All Night Long"

Sebastian supported Boyzone on their 2011 UK tour, and Lionel Ritchie on his Australian and New Zealand tour.^[90][91] They re-recorded Richie's 1983 single "All Night Long" to raise money for Australian and New Zealand flood and earthquake relief. The track was produced by RedOne.^[92] Richie and Sebastian performed the song together at most of the concerts on the Australian leg of the tour.^[93] It peaked at number twelve in New Zealand and number twenty six in Australia.^[1][9] Sebastian received the 2011 Australian Club Enterainment Award for best Original Music Performer, and a Mo Award for Rock Performer of the Year.^[94][95] He also won the Highest Selling Single ARIA Award for "Who's That Girl", and received nominations for Single of the Year, Best Pop Release and Most Popular Australian Artist.^[14][96]

"Don't Worry Be Happy", the lead single of Sebastian's seventh album, was released in November 2011. It peaked at number five and has now reached 4× platinum certification.^[1][6] It is a pop song he wrote after encountering an angry motorist in Los Angeles.^[97] In December Sebastian held a launch in Sydney where he showcased some of his new songs.^[98] He returned to the US in early 2012 to complete work on the album, which is titled Armageddon. Although no release date for the album has been given as yet, a 20 date national tour during June and July has been announced.^[99] The second single "Gold", an uptempo soul track, was released digitally on 11 May and will be released as a physical cd on 1 June.^[6]

Discography[link]

Artistry[link]

Musical style and influences[link]

	"Be Mine" Live performance of jazz influenced song from Closer to the Sun. Written by Sebastian, Carl Dimataga & Fitzgerald Scott "Like It Like That" noicon The soul/pop title track from Like it Like That. Written by Sebastian & David Ryan Harris "Bring Yourself" noicon Live performance of soul ballad from Like It Like That. Written by Sebastian
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Sebastian cites a number of musicians as his musical influences, including Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Chicago, and Boyz II Men.^[100] From 2003 power ballad "Angels Brought Me Here" through to his fifth album Like it Like That which touched on 60's soul/pop reminiscent of the late Sam Cooke, his music has crossed many genres. His tracks have also included pop, R&B, funk, smokey soul, gospel, jazz, pop-rock, Memphis soul covers and electro R&B, and he has stated an interest in recording gospel , dance and Bollywood albums.^[8][101] While Sebastian's first three albums showed elements of soul, it was The Memphis Album which consolidated his reputation as a soul musician. Reviewers almost unanimously agreed he had captured the spirit and essence of the Memphis soul classics.^[53]

It was the critical and public reception for The Memphis Album which gave Sebastian the confidence to stay with the soul genre for his fifth album Like It Like That. In an interview with The Age he said he was told early in his career, "If you self-indulge and just do what you're into, you're going to corner your market. Soul music isn't big here." but "the most comfortable I've ever felt in the studio was during The Memphis Album. And the success of that prompted me to make a record like this one. Because I realised that this isn't obscure music."^[102] The Daily Telegraph music editor Kathy McCabe said: "Sometimes it takes four records, with a detour into "concepts" covers territory to find where you fit. Sebastian has found his niche with Like It Like That, which expertly balances the line between radio friendly pop and classic soul".^[103] Paul Cashmere from Undercover wrote: "By covering the classics on the The Memphis Album Guy Sebastian discovered Guy Sebastian.[...] If The Memphis Album was Guy’s initiation into becoming a Soul Man then Like It Like That is the graduation."^[104]

Songwriting and production[link]

"Receive the Power" noicon Written by Sebastian and Gary Pinto this gospel song was chosen as the World Youth Day anthem in 2008. "Art of Love" noicon Written by Sebastian and Adam Reily and featuring the vocals of Jordin Sparks, this R&B song was shortlisted for the APRA song of the year in 2010 "Who's That Girl" noicon Written and performed by Sebastian and Eve this electro R&B song won the APRA Award for "Urban Work of the Year" and was nominated for the ARIA "Best Pop Release" and "Single of the Year".

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Sebastian began writing songs before entering Australian Idol. "All I Need Is You", the second single from his debut album Just As I Am was written when he was a teenager, and fine-tuned during his time on Idol.^[19] He also wrote gospel songs for his church during his teenage years. One of them, "Adore", was included in their 2004 album Paradise Live: Adore.^[105] Sebastian wrote or co-wrote most of the songs on his albums Beautiful Life and Closer to the Sun, and all the tracks on his fifth album Like it Like That. In an article in The Daily Telegraph Kathy McCabe said of his songwriting skills, "Sebastian has matured into a genuine hitmaker, his gift with melody so finely-honed he can pretty much punch out a catchy number in his sleep."^[106] Jamie Horne wrote in The Border Mail, "The inaugural winner’s longevity[...] can be attributed to the fact that he’s an accomplished musician and songwriter" and AllMusic reviewer Jon O'brien said, "it's a testament to his vocal abilities and songwriting skills that, unlike many of his fellow winners, he's remained popular enough to see out his rather ambitious Sony contract[...] a subtle and natural progression with each album, explains why he's managed to survive once the show's publicity machine died down."^[107][108]

In 2008 "Receive the Power", a gospel song written by Sebastian and Gary Pinto, was chosen as the official anthem for the Roman Catholic Church's XXIII World Youth Day.^[109] "Art of Love", co-written by Adam Reilly, was shortlisted for the APRA Song of the Year in 2010.^[110] "All to Myself", written with Carl Dimatago, and "Who's That Girl" were shortlised for the 2011 APRA Song of the Year, with "Who's That Girl" winning the APRA Award for Urban Work of the Year.^[111][112] "Don't Worry Be Happy" was shortlisted for the 2012 APRA Song of the Year.^[113] Sebastian has a world-wide, long term publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing.^[114] He also has an interest in production and co-produced The Memphis Album with Steve Cropper. He has his own recording studio, Cooper Lane Studio, where he produces and engineers some of his music, and which is also used by other musicians.^[115] He produced a song called "Think Of Me" for 2009 Australian Idol Stan Walker's debut album, as well as playing most of the musical instruments on the track.^[116]

Other ventures[link]

[edit] It Takes Two 2006

Between May and August 2006 Sebastian appeared as a mentor on the inaugural It Takes Two, in which performers from non-musical fields are teamed with professional singers to perform a duet each week. Sebastian's partner was three-time Australian Olympic swimmer Sarah Ryan and they finished second.^[117]

[edit] The X Factor

Sebastian, along with Natalie Imbruglia, Ronan Keating and Kyle Sandilands was a judge on the Australian series of The X Factor, screened on Channel 7 in 2010.^[18] The X Factor is a talent competition where the judges also mentor the contestants. The contestants are selected by all the judges at the auditions, and the chosen acts are divided into four categories, Under 25 Boys, Under 25 Girls, Over 25s and Groups. Each judge is given a category and has to reduce their acts to three. The three acts from each category then compete in the live shows with continuing help from their mentors. Sebastian was given Groups, and was assisted in choosing his final three acts by Rai Thistlethwayte, lead singer of Thirsty Merc, Snoop Dogg and Usher.^[118] Sebastian returned as a judge in 2011. He had the Under 25 Boys and was assisted in choosing his final three by Wynter Gordon and Beyoncé. Reece Mastin who was in his group was the 2011 winner.^[119]

Notable performances[link]

Australian Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts, May 2007: Sebastian was the guest vocalist at three concerts with the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra. These concerts were conducted by English conductor Gavin Sutherland, and were at the Sydney Opera House and Hamer Hall in Melbourne. The Australian Philharmonic Orchestra has been presenting concerts with a blend of popular classical and contemporary music for over 30 years. Artists they have performed with in the past include Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras, Sir Cliff Richards and Ray Charles. In the 2007 concert series "Guy & the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra", Sebastian performed his own original songs and also songs which helped shape his musical development with the 60 piece orchestra and a 40 voice choir.^[120]

World Youth Day, July 2008: "Receive the Power" a song written by Sebastian and Gary Pinto was chosen as official anthem for the Roman Catholic Church's XXIII World Youth Day (WYD08) held in Sydney in 2008.^[109] The song also features the vocals of Paulini Curuenavuli.^[121] "Receive the Power" was released in English and also an international version with the chorus in English and verses in Italian, Spanish and French. It was used extensively throughout the six days of World Youth Day in July 2008, and also in the television coverage which went around the world. Sebastian and Curuenavuli performed both the English and International versions at the final Mass at Randwick Race Course on 20 July which was attended by 400,000 people.^[8][122] They also performed "Receive the Power" at the Pope's Farewell.^[15][123]

Guy Sebastian and Olivia Newton John performing "Summer Nights" at the Olivia Newton-John & Friends Concert

Olivia Newton-John & Friends Concert, September 2008: This concert was held at the State Theatre in Sydney to raised funds for Newton-John's Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal. Sebastian was chosen to sing a duet with Newton-John. They sang her iconic hit from Grease, "Summer Nights".^[124]

Oscar Haven - Los Angeles, February 2009: Sebastian was a headline act at an Oscar Haven party hosted by Stardust Pictures and Jamie Kennedy.^[125] "Haven is held during Oscar week and invitees include Film Academy nominees as well as actors and insiders from film, television and music industries."^[126]

9th Annual NON-COMMvention - Philadelphia, May 2009: Sebastian performed with Steve Cropper and David Ryan Harris at the 9th Annual NON-COMMvention.^[127] The event is the premier annual conference for North America's non-commercial Triple A radio.^[128]

Australian launch of Michael Jackson's This Is It DVD, March 2010: Sebastian and Delta Goodrem were chosen by the Jackson estate to perform at the Australian launch of This Is It.^[129] They performed "Earth Song". The invitation only event was attended by the film's director Kenny Ortega and Jackson's brother Jackie Jackson^[130]

Oprah Winfrey's official welcome to Sydney and wrap up party, December 2010: Sebastian was the guest performer at an event at Sydney's Botanical Gardens to officially welcome Oprah Winfrey and her American audience members to Australia.^[131] Winfrey was in Australia to record two of her shows at the Sydney Opera House.^[132] Sebastian sang for Winfrey a second time when she requested he perform at her private crew wrap up party.^[16][133]

G'Day USA, January 2011 and 2012: G'Day USA is an annual two week program designed to showcase Australian business capabilities, and is the largest foreign country promotion held in the US.^[134] Sebastian and the The Qantas Choir were the entertainers at the 2011 Black Tie Gala in Los Angeles. Sebastian performed his own songs and also a medley of Bee Gees songs prior to Barry Gibb being honoured for excellence in Music at the event.^[135] During G'Day USA 2012 he performed at the American Australian Association Black Tie Gala in New York and the Australian American Chamber of Commerce Gala in Houston Texas.^[136][137]

Grammy week - Los Angeles, February 2011: During Grammy week each year there are many events leading up to the Grammy Awards night.^[138] Sebastian was invited to perform at two of these events in 2011. He performed at the The Black Eyed Peas Peapod Benefit Concert which was attended by musicians, DJ’s, philanthropists, Hollywood celebrities and industry executives.^[139] He also performed at the Roots Pre Grammy Jam Session. The Roots are a Grammy Award winning hip hop and neo soul American band. During Grammy week they hold a jam session and invite other musicians to perform with them. Their 2011 jam session was hosted by Jimmy Fallon and other performers included Sara Bareilles, Lalah Hathaway, Booker T. Jones and Chaka Khan.^[140]

CHOGM 2011 Opening Ceremony, October 2011 - Perth: Sebastian performed "Agents of Change", a song written by him especially for the event, at the opening ceremony of the biannual Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, Western Australia. In attendance at the ceremony were Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and heads of government from all 53 Commonwealth nations.^[17]

Charitable work[link]

World Vision Australia Magazine. Dec 2005

Throughout his career Sebastian has had a strong commitment to charity. He has been an ambassador for the Ronald Mcdonald House charities, and is currently an ambassador for the Australian Red Cross and Golden Stave, which is the Australian music and entertainment industry's charity fund raising organisation.^[18][141] He is also an ambassador for World Vision Australia, and in 2005 he travelled to Uganda to film a World Vision documentary "An Idol in Africa" for a Network Ten television special.^[142][143] Sebastian has continued his work with World Vision, supporting the Child Rescue program and the 40 Hour Famine. He has also been involved in the Make Poverty History coalition of which World Vision is a part.^[144] In 2008 he was presented with the Extreme Inspiration Award at the Dolly Teen Choice Awards for his continuing support of World Vision.^[145] Sebastian is also strongly committed to the Sony Foundation, which raises funds to help young Australians facing homelessness, severe illness, disability and isolation.^[146] In 2009 the Sony CEO Denis Handlin said: "Every time I’ve asked Guy to get involved with the Sony Foundation through charity he’s been completely proactive. Guy’s been such a great ambassador for that, and a lot of it is under the radar but it just tells you so much about what a decent human being he is."^[147]

Sebastian contributes to many other charitable projects. In 2005 he was the guest performer on the annual Indian Pacific Outback Christmas Journey which raises money for the Royal Flying Doctor's Service.^[148] In 2008 he performed a series of 11 concerts with the Australian Army Band to raise funds for Legacy.^[149] Legacy is a voluntary organisation which supports the families of deceased veterans.^[150] The concerts were held in theatre venues around Australia and the funds raised went to the local Legacy branch in the area each concert was held.^[151] Sebastian regularly performs at other fundraising events including Brisbane radio station B105's Christmas appeal for the Royal Children's Hospital,^[152] and Perth’s annual Telethon.^[153] He also donates his time to annual Christmas carol events such as Carols in the Domain, Vision Australia's Carols By Candlelight, and Brisbane's Carols in the City.^{[154][155][156]} His songs are frequently featured on charity cds including the Salvation Army Christmas fundraising CDs, The Spirit Of Christmas albums.^[157][158] Sebastian also makes unofficial appearances at hospitals several times a year.^[159]

Personal life[link]

In late 2007 after eight years of courtship Sebastian and girlfriend Jules Egan became engaged. They were married in Manly, Sydney on 17 May 2008.^[160] Their first child, Hudson James, was born on 3 March 2012.^[161]

Tours[link]

See also[link]

• List of awards and nominations received by Guy Sebastian
• List of best-selling singles in Australia
• List of artists who reached number one on the Australian singles chart

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Guy Sebastian

• Official website
• Guy Sebastian's channel on YouTube
• Guy Sebastian at the Internet Movie Database
• Guy Sebastian on bandit.fm
• Guy Sebastian on Myplay

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (June 2011)

Vicci Martinez
Vicci Martinez at the 2012 Gracie Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, CA 05/22/2012
Background information
Born	(1984-09-21) September 21, 1984 (age 27)
Origin	Tacoma, Washington, United States
Occupations	Singer, Songwriter
Years active	2000 – present
Website	www.viccimartinez.com

Vicci Martinez, Born on September 21, 1984 is an American singer/songwriter from Tacoma, Washington, who is now signed with Universal Group (Universal Republic). She came in joint third on NBC's singing competition series The Voice in 2011.

Biography and career[link]

Martinez graduated from Stadium High School. She first took the stage at the age of 16. Grounded firmly in the acoustic-rock tradition, Vicci Martinez writes and performs music personal and often autobiographical. She has received critical acclaim for her live performances.

After the 2005 release of her album, On My Way, Martinez went on tour and released a full-length concert DVD and documentary in 2006 titled Vicci Martinez Live. The DVD, produced by Joel Veatch and Flying Spot, received positive press attention.^[1] Vicci also released a live CD that had been recorded at the Jazzbones.

Martinez won the regional tryouts for the first season of American Idol, but declined the invite to the second round due to her belief that the contract was too restrictive.^[2] She later appeared on CBS's 2003 season of Star Search.

In 2011, Martinez competed on US talent show The Voice. Billboard magazine praised her diverse performance abilities saying "she gives every song a mature delivery and she appears comfortable in whatever skin she has chosen to adopt on a given night. With a drum corps alongside her and a backstory about her late father to warm the heart, she tore through Florence and the Machine's "Dog Days Are Over" with alacrity; the closing performance Tuesday was also the night's best performance."^[3] Martinez came in first place on judge Cee Lo Green's team and represented him in the final round. She finished third overall.

In 2011 after her appearance on The Voice, Martinez signed a record deal according to her "Voice" coach Cee Lo Green.^[4] Her EP "Come Along" is scheduled for release on May 1st, followed by her Universal Republic album debut "Vicci" on June 19th.

The Vicci Martinez Band[link]

• Vicci Martinez - voice & acoustic guitar
• Rod Cook - lead guitar & backing vocal
• Jeff Leonard - bass
• Darin Watkins - drums
• Eric Robert - keyboards

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

• 2000: VMB
• 2003: Sleep to Dream
• 2005: On My Way
• 2006: Vicci Martinez Live
• 2007: I Could Be a Boxer
• 2009: From the Outside In
• 2010: I Love You in the Morning
• 2011: Live From Jazzbones
• 2012: Vicci (Universal Republic)

EPs[link]

• 2012: Come Along (Universal Republic)

Singles[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Vicci Martinez Official Website
• Vicci Martinez Official Reverbnation Site
• Vicci Martinez Official Myspace Site
• Vicci Martinez Official Facebook Site
• Vicci Martinez Official Twitter Site
• Vicci Martinez Official Youtube Channel
• Flying Spot Entertainment
• Vicci on SonicBids
• Vicci Martinez Army - First Fan Website for Vicci Martinez