Guy Sebastion Mouths Off At Missy Higgins

[peewee]

]Guy Sebastion Mouths Off At Missy Higgins[/b]

By Paul Cashmere

5 October 2004

Australian Idol product Guy Sebastian has been outspoken against musician Missy Higgins criticizing her for criticizing Idol.

Sebastian, who found fame in the reality television show, told journalist Christine Sams of the Sun-Herald 'Someone like Missy Higgins goes on Triple J's Unearthed and then later kind of bags out Idol. Where do you draw the line? What's the proper way to enter the industry?'

'We have never seen any similarity between Unearthed and Idol' Triple J program director Richard Kingsmill tells Undercover News. 'Unearthed is about uncovering and unearthing original songwriters and making it work for their years to come. Idol is a karaoke and covers show catering for a pop formula. We are looking for people who have a career to offer'.

As well as Missy Higgins, previous Triple J Unearthed winners include Grinspoon, Endorphin and Killing Heidi.

'Unearthed is not a talent quest' Kingsmill says. 'It is a handout to regional Australia for a chance to be heard. Idol is about TV ratings and people covering others people's material. We don't look to see if we can lift ratings if we Unearth a certain act'.

In the Sun Herald article, Sebastian also said he couldn't understand why Delta or Kylie can have success because of Neighbours and that Idol isn't credible. Um, Guy, maybe because Neighbours isn't a talent quest or a music show?

Sebastian's latest single 'Out With My Baby' sold 14,471 units in its first week. Missy Higgins album 'The Sound of White' debuted at number on on September 13 selling 19,326 in the first week.

Source: Undercover.com.au (http://undercover.com.au/news/2004/oct04/20041005_missyhiggins.html)

Who else saw or heard about this? I just wondered what Missy had said about Australian Idol. So I had a look around and this is all I found:

As one of the only non-Australian Idol artists to top the Australian charts this year, she is a vocal critic of Idol's machinations. 'It's not what music's about, it saddens me it's cheapened like that.

Source: The Age (http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/09/15/1095221653910.html?oneclick=true)

Just wondered what people thought on the matter. I definitely agree that Australian Idol contestants do get a free ride to fame and if they do well in the show they will sell records no matter how good the record is. However, I agree with Guy Sebastian that she did get a little help. I mean sure most people get a bit of help somewhere and this was nowhere near as much as through Australian Idol...but she still did. I guess I just don't much agree with bagging out Australian Idol. Maybe cuz I love it hahaha. Anyway debate time. ;)

[jake]

well i cant comment on the Australian idol but we had it in the UK this year and the pickings were very poor nothing to set you on fire no unique talent a very poor show in fact http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif what we got was manufactured rubbish that seems to have sunk with out a trace thankfully (although no doubt they will foist more of the same on us when we least expect it grrr)
now on the other hand we had Fame Academy which was a little more serious in the fact the artists all had to write their own material although they sung covers on show downs but this is where we got the lovely Alex Parks from http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif a unique talent that these shows very rarely unearth
and there is always the worry of credibility from winning these shows but if the artist has something then no matter how they get discovered as long as they stay true to themselves and dont sell out for the fame of it then these talent show winners should be given a hearing
sadly for most of them the contracts they sign usually leave them with no say so over the direction their career goes so maybe this is where the problems arise
so when a struggling artist emerges who's gone the other route of gigs and hard slog see the instant fame these talent show winners gain its hard to swallow
but and heres the rub these talent shows although enjoyable to watch attract a certain type of fame hungry person because a serious credible artist doesn't want the stigma of these shows attached to them and thats why maybe only a very few make it via this route and the only winners are the producers who make money off the free publicity these shows give to the dispensable pop stars they produce
just one other point about these shows is that why spend money on an unproven product to develop it when there is products already with the exposure and publicity paid for http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif which sort of leaves the struggling artist out in the cold cos all development moneys have been used
lucky for Alex she was such a unique talent that polydor recognised this and gave her pretty much free reign on her career path and wasn't forced into the dispensable pop product but has been allowed to develope
woah and now think i better leave some room on this page for someone else to comment hee hee http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[peewee]

Representatives from music companies or some sort of people involved musically should maybe try to find some new artists and then they throw them in to compete and be judged on perhaps. Or they should get some people writing their own songs. There's lots that could be done I guess but I suppose the success of the Idol shows financially speak for themselves.

[miss_piggy1786]

(peewee @ Oct. 06 2004,00:10)]Who else saw or heard about this? I just wondered what Missy had said about Australian Idol. So I had a look around and this is all I found:

As one of the only non-Australian Idol artists to top the Australian charts this year, she is a vocal critic of Idol's machinations. 'It's not what music's about, it saddens me it's cheapened like that.
That is all I had read also. *I think that Australian Idol is getting worse. *My parents are addicted to it and we usually have heated discussions about it afterwards, lucky we agree otherwise it could turn ugly *http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif hahaha

Anyway, I do believe that it is a bit of an easy passage for many and I dont agree with those who go on because they 'want to be famous'. *I dont agree with those who try out just because they have nothing better to do or the 'why-not' attitude, like that stupid chick from Adelaide. *I also dont agree with people like Ricki-Lee, who is the best impersonator I've ever heard. *Everyone says she is really good but she sings the songs exactly like the originals, eg has anyone ever heard the Ike and Tina Turner version of Proud Mary--its exactly like how she sung it. *

I also, for the record, think that Marcia is a waste of space and the tv goes on 'mute' in my house when she has anything to say. *What she said to Chanel on Sunday was uncalled for and has only added to the hate many ppl have for the show. *In my opinion, if she has nothing constructive to say then she should not say anything at all and also get some better wigs (sorry it had to be said).

I think what Missy Higgins was trying to say was that the show is crap, which I guess it is, and I hope that she wasnt taking a stab at those 'artists' who have come from it, cause that is just poor sportsmanship http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

Many ppl have the defense that many of the contestants have been singing in bands and what-not for a long time previous to being on the show and they are just looking for their 'break'. *This is true for some, eg Guy came and sang at my school several times long before Idol with all of his church do-das, but many of the contestants are in cover bands, which in my opinion, makes you an accomplished singer, but not an accomplished artist, like Missy Higgins is.

anyway, enough ranting and raving for one day. *What do other ppl think?

[Hannah]

Hey Miss Piggy, I completely agree with you, must be something in the water *http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

I think that all of those involved in the show have brought this negative image on themselves though. *When the judges rant and rave about who is better based on who is more likey to sell more records does not sit too well with some ppl.

I think another reason Idol has less credibility though is because people dont necessarily vote on who is the best artists, they vote on ppls looks or their personality, eg Milsy (or whatever he is calling himself these days)

I actually agree with both Missy and Guy (we are on first name basis you see *http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif hehehe) I think Idol is a poor effort in many respects but also many artists get their break in 'unconventional' ways. *Delta would have been nothing without Neighbours and her disease (not going any further on that issue cause its a bit of a pandoras box), does anyone remember her first single? it was not 'born to try' but was some cheezy song where in the video clip she and this hot guy were running through the forest and it was before she went on neighbours and it was a flop. so, like Guy said, where do you draw the line?

Hannah<><who prefers circles to lines cause they are much more friendly

[Hannah]

Hey guys I just found this

http://www.undercover.com.au/news....an.html (http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2004/oct04/20041006_guysebastian.html)

Its Guy's response to 'Guy Sebastian Mouths of at Missy'

Its all on now!!!!!!!!!!

[Angel]

bah, I'm amused http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Guy's too nice. He should be angry for my entertainment. http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[xr6turbo_guy]

ok, let me get this straight. guy sebastian is manufactuered, sings trash that wasnt

written by himself. the only he's famous is because of this pathetic afro. missy higgins

is purely original, she didnt really want to enter uneartherd, it was her relo who

encouraged her.

anyways, for guy sebastian to make such comments about missy, i think we can all see why.

missy higgin's music is selling more than guy sebastian's full-on dog-pile, trashy music,

as a matter of fact, his album should belong in the 'Bargain' bin at stores like sanity,

hmv, kmart etc. in fact, i bet there are a sufficient amount of his album sitting at

Slavation Army's stores, to give to every starving child in every third-world country (even

if these kids have a copy, there's no garuntee they'll like it).

another fact: missy higgins, a name that was not heard of to a lot of people months ago,

has been nomintaed for 4 ARIA's less than 2 weeks after her album was released.

Has any of the OZ idols been nomintaed for any ARIA's?

in case you dont know, the answer is Z-E-R-O! Surprise, surprise.

And I wonder why mark dickhead holden is whinging about none of idols been nominated.

I SAY: WAKE UP MARK YOU NUMBNUT, IDOL IS FOR LOSERS, THE ONLY REASON NONE OF THE IDOLS HAVE

BEEN NOMINATED IS BECAUSE THEY ARE LOSERS. THE ARIA'S DEAL WITH R-E-A-L MUSICIANS, NOT FOR SOME PATHETIC, MANUFACTUERED LOSERS WHO PROCLAIM TO BE 'MUSICIANS' i.e shannol noll, guy ****** sebastian etc.

[Hannah]

Ok Turbo Guy, this is obviously a topic close to your heart and I dont like Shannol Noll either. *But can you accept that Guy Sebastian has even a minute amount of talent? *

The ARIA award nominations cut off point was before Guy and Missy released their albums, which is amazing for Missy because this means all of her nominations are based purely on her Scar EP. *But for Guy this means that he has been judged on his first album, which by the sounds of it he wasnt too impressed with. *But he has now come out with his second CD which he had greater contribution to. *

I think that this is very similar to my opinion of Delta (and Guy for that matter as well). *I do not like her music, the way in which she became famous or that sickly-sweet mannerism she has, but I can accept that she is a talented artist and I wouldnt bag her out saying she is not a credible artist because I dont like her songs. *Now you obviously hate Guy Sebastian's music, and the way in which he became famous, but can you accept that he may have some level of talent?

Oh, and another point I think should be made is that many people are quick say negative things about 'pop' music. *But may I remind you that 'pop' music is short for 'popular' music. *Meaning that many artists such as Missy Higgins, John Butler Trio, Jet and so forth all make 'pop' music, whether they like it or not.

Hannah<><who believes everyone should listen to ppl's opinions with an open-mind yet not comprimise their own beliefs to accomodate to others

[xr6turbo_guy]

(Hannah @ Oct. 06 2004,22:17)]Ok Turbo Guy, this is obviously a topic close to your heart and I dont like Shannol Noll either. *But can you accept that Guy Sebastian has even a minute amount of talent? *

The ARIA award nominations cut off point was before Guy and Missy released their albums, which is amazing for Missy because this means all of her nominations are based purely on her Scar EP. *But for Guy this means that he has been judged on his first album, which by the sounds of it he wasnt too impressed with. *But he has now come out with his second CD which he had greater contribution to. *

I think that this is very similar to my opinion of Delta (and Guy for that matter as well). *I do not like her music, the way in which she became famous or that sickly-sweet mannerism she has, but I can accept that she is a talented artist and I wouldnt bag her out saying she is not a credible artist because I dont like her songs. *Now you obviously hate Guy Sebastian's music, and the way in which he became famous, but can you accept that he may have some level of talent?

Oh, and another point I think should be made is that many people are quick say negative things about 'pop' music. *But may I remind you that 'pop' music is short for 'popular' music. *Meaning that many artists such as Missy Higgins, John Butler Trio, Jet and so forth all make 'pop' music, whether they like it or not.

Hannah<><who believes everyone should listen to ppl's opinions with an open-mind yet not comprimise their own beliefs to accomodate to others
hi hannah

may be i'm a bit too bored tonight...!!!

anywayz:
i refer to your quote: 'Now you obviously hate Guy Sebastian's music, and the way in which he became famous, but can you accept that he may have some level of talent?'

-no i cant accept that he MAY have some level of talent! yep you heard me lady. may be i'm a bloke, but the male friends in my loop have the same opinion. female friends: dont know about their opinion, may be it's coz i dont know many females (coming from a uni course full of blokes-engineering). but most females i know are the punk kinda chics, they dont like him either.

if guy sebastian had real talent, he wouldnt have to try out for idol in the first place.

he would hvae been some singer for whatever band, choir etc singing at pubs at brunswick st WAITING to be discovered.

also, the only way to distingush a 'good' and a 'crap' artist is the way he/she performs live. guy sebastian has a lot of make up and dresses like there's no tomorow, a lot of his sounds are through synthesisers, the aritical enviornment makes him sound 'good'. missy higgins: she's talented, awesome playing live, requires no pre-recordings. NOW THAT'S REAL MUSIC.

the only reason idol was created was KA-CHING for the old bloke who owns channel 10.

on a diffferent note, the meaning of 'POP' these days mainly refers to the stuff 15 year old kids like; britney spears, nsync, jessica simpson, that kinda sutff. their CD's have a place in my household: that is, as beer/tea/coffe coasters.

but i guess that's my way of interpreting 'POP'.

[peewee]

I don't have a lot to say and I don't really want to rise to the top with the steam but I'm going to step up and say that anybody you have ever heard of has talent!!! I mean isn't that just logical? You don't get to be a household name or even 1000 fans unless you can do a little bit of something. There are plenty of better looking women out there than say Britney Spears so why aren't they in her spot? You may argue that she just has charisma or something and still cannot sing but whether anyone likes it or not she has talent. I'm using her as an example cuz she's the easiest to bag and the most bagged. Doesn't mean she's great or even very good. That depends on people's individual opinions. What it means is that people like her...and just because you hate her doesn't mean she sux.

Now this can so easily be applied to the Idol situation. Look how many people try out for it? Do all these people have no talent whatsoever? The most popular person in Australia from last year's show was Guy Sebastian. More people voted for HIM than anyone else involved in the show. A hell of a lot of people voted. Something tells me all those people aren't stupid and that at least one of them thought he/she saw a minute fraction of talent.

Everyone has a right to their opinion, but I don't think anyone has a right to say something is bad or somebody is not talented.

[joblow3]

Ha what a discussion we have here http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I say each to their own http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I agree with a lot that has been said up here...but meh, it doesn't worry me if someone makes it through a different process than others. I first saw Missy when she was performing with the Waifs before she even released her first EP. Instantly liked her music, and with the exception of last night, I've seen her everytime she has been to Brisbane (I think 6 or 7 times now). I would buy a cd for liking the music an artist makes whether they come from Idol, or from unearthed http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif (mind you i dont have ANY idol cds lol) Some people have an easier path than others, but that's life. Anyways might see some of you at the show tonight...im so excited! http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Take care all http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Hannah]

(xr6turbo_guy @ Oct. 06 2004,23:06)]-no i cant accept that he MAY have some level of talent! yep you heard me lady. *may be i'm a bloke, but the male friends in my loop have the same opinion. *female friends: dont know about their opinion, may be it's coz i dont know many females (coming from a uni course full of blokes-engineering). *but most females i know are the punk kinda chics, they dont like him either.

if guy sebastian had real talent, he wouldnt have to try out for idol in the first place.

he would hvae been some singer for whatever band, choir etc singing at pubs at brunswick st WAITING to be discovered.

also, the only way to distingush a 'good' and a 'crap' artist is the way he/she performs live. *guy sebastian has a lot of make up and dresses like there's no tomorow, a lot of his sounds are through synthesisers, the aritical enviornment makes him sound 'good'. *missy higgins: she's talented, awesome playing live, requires no pre-recordings. * NOW THAT'S REAL MUSIC.

the only reason idol was created was KA-CHING for the old bloke who owns channel 10.

on a diffferent note, the meaning of 'POP' these days mainly refers to the stuff 15 year old kids like; britney spears, nsync, jessica simpson, that kinda sutff. *their CD's have a place in my household: that is, as beer/tea/coffe coasters.

but i guess that's my way of interpreting 'POP'.
Ok, here comes my rebuttal....

You say that you female friends dont like him but I didnt ask you that, I asked you if you could admit he had even the slightest amount of talent. *Now I hate Delta Goodrem to the core of my being, but I dont think she has no talent, I just dont like her songs.

I dont think it is very fair to say that 'if Guy Sebastian had any real talent, he wouldnt have tried out for idol in the first place'. *I'm NOT a musician so I can only imagine how hard it is to get into the industry and I think that auditioning for anything that is likely to give you a leg up only shows that you are proactive in your approach to your chosen lifestyle.

You also said that if he was a 'real' artists he would have been a singer for a band or in a choir. *I would just like to say that Guy was in lots of these things and even toured to the USA with one of these bands. *Also, you talked about his live performances. *Guy came to sing at my high school several times and my school went to many 'youth alive' gigs where he was the star attraction and his live performances were immaculate, and this was way before the fro and all that (infact he had a shaved head).

So I would just like to say, incase I have been misunderstood, that I respect your opinion about your taste in music but I think it is unfair to attack someone's credibility just because you dont like them or the manner in which they entered the industry

Hannah

[miss_piggy1786]

I have to agree with Hannah and peewee on this one. just because someone makes music you dont like, doesnt mean they are not talented or that they havent worked really hard to get to where they are.

[jake]

the only problem with these talent shows is one thing and thats some of these artists are so desperate to make it that they are willing to sell their souls for it http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif which leaves behind a puppet manipulated by greedy producers and music with no soul and an artist without integrity no longer true to themselves and this is all evident in what they churn out for us to listen too
and yes these artists have a level of popularity selling their particular brand of music therefore making the producers even richer with a proven formula that they have no intention of changing
but do they have longevity not many of them do regardless of talent they are disposable with the next one waiting in the wings
and only artists who have stayed true to their art regardless of how they got their start in the industry are the ones that do seem to last although they may not sell truck loads of singles their albums always sell
i will listen to all manner of music and sing along (badly) with the most popular of music played but il only buy music which moves me or affects me and for me personally this is usually an artist that hasn't succumbed to the lure of fame and celebratory although has both doesn't value them like they value their music http://missyhiggins.org/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif