REVIEW: Guy Sebastian, Melbourne, Palais Theatre, 16th June 2012

18 June 2012

Many of you won't remember the 'World Idol' competition televised back in 2003. Memory is funny like that, how it can selectively block out the more unpleasant moments in your life.
The 'Pop Idol' Spin-off produced in the UK was short-lived. Simon Cowell couldn't hack getting upstaged by the judge from Poland who looked like he was getting toasty on some 'Polish Miracle Water' between songs.

PHOTO GALLERY: Check out all the pics from the gig right here!

Besides the ego battle between the international judges, what particularly stood out was the surge of patriotism for Guy Sebastian. There were ex-pats wearing his signature fro, Dicko brimming with pride and even a healthy looking Sophie Monk flying our flag in the front row. Weird.

So, it was cemented. Guy Sebastian, the 21-year-old singing teacher from Adelaide became somewhat of a national treasure and nearly 10 years on, inside a sold-out show at the Palais Theatre, the support hasn't wavered. If anything, it's only gotten stronger.

Guy begins on stage alone with an acoustic and a looping pedal. He steps effortlessly through scales and layers them to create harmonies for "Out With My Baby." The looping pedal isn't anything new and, perhaps, it's a little less impressive when you've seen Kiwi musician, "Liam Finn", use the same device to construct the sound of a four-piece rock band. But, then, Guy's not showcasing innovation, he's showcasing his vocal command and it's rich and resonating.

What follows are high-energy performances with slick looking musicians and back-up dancers that can sing, or are they back-up singers that can dance? They are good. Then comes the over-produced part, the theatrics, where inspirational lyrics meet heavy percussion at a Hillsong decibel and you can't help but wonder what percentage of the audience finds enlightenment.

Lining the stage are screens displaying complementary visuals in case, I'm guessing, we don't understand the premise of the song. For instance: we see water images during 'Caribbean' sounding song, baby images during song inspired by Guy's new-born, images of people living life tough in a song about people living life tough. Yet, with so much thoughtful clarity provided, the following question still remains: Why the white jeans, Guy?

Guy looks just as good as he sounds. He's toned and groomed and I think my friend was right when he said that anybody who can deliver on all fronts can wear whatever they want to wear. Wear your white jeans, Guy, wear 'em like a badge of honour. Let's be honest here, Guy could wear Crocs, socks and a moo moo and girls will still be cueing in Westfield for an autograph.

Why? Because he isn't just a talented singer with a huge fan-base, he's Australia's golden child. He entered our homes ten years a go and Australia has watched him develop into a multi Aria Award winning artist and marry and become a TV personality and have a kid, and we're going to be there through the rest of his trajectory because, well, simply, he's our 'Guy.'

Review: Holly Muir - The Take 40 Team
Photos: Lizzie Skyllas