FED: Guy wows World Idol judges

AAP General News (Australia)
12-26-2003
FED: Guy wows World Idol judges

SYDNEY, Dec 26 AAP - Australian Idol Guy Sebastian impressed tough critics at the World
Idol performance show in London tonight.

In front of an estimated world-wide audience of 100 million viewers, Sebastian was
one of the few performers to gain uniform praise from the judging panel - which had savaged
the first few contestants.

Sebastian was named the best voice so far by US judge Simon Cowell, while the UK judge
loved the arrangement of Sebastian's chosen song and said he was in with a great chance.

Looking cool in jeans and white blazer, with the trademark afro hairstyle in place,
the 21-year-old singing teacher from Adelaide appeared relaxed throughout his performance.

Expected to be up against stiff competition from US Idol Kelly Clarkson and British
star Will Young, Sebastian wowed the studio audience, many of whom were sporting fro's
in support, with his performance of Louis Armstrong's What A Wonderful World.

Australian judge and BMG Australia marketing manager Ian "Dicko" Dickson told Sebastian
he was proud of him.

"I can't tell you how proud I am to be with you representing my adopted country in
my homeland and showing off what I think is one of the best talents I have seen in a long
time," Dickson said during the judging.

"Go the fro."

Speaking on the show after his performance, Sebastian said he didn't think anyone could
really rate their chances of success.

"We're up against the world's best and people who are immensely talented," he said.

Touted as the planet's biggest search for a superstar, World Idol will culminate in
the announcement of the winning idol on January 2 on the 10 network.

AAP kd/cjh

KEYWORD: IDOL

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