Paulini

Paulini Curuenavuli (born 15 October 1983), better known simply as Paulini, is a Fijian Australian R&B and pop singer, songwriter and actress, who rose to prominence as a contestant on the first season of Australian Idol in 2003. She subsequently signed a recording contract with Sony BMG until 2009, when she signed with Independent record label Albert Music.

In 2004, Paulini released her debut single "Angel Eyes", which peaked at number one on the ARIA Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks, and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). The single earned Paulini an ARIA Music Award nomination for 'Highest Selling Single'. Her debut studio album One Determined Heart (2004), debuted at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart, where it remained for two consecutive weeks. The album was also certified platinum by the ARIA. Paulini earned ARIA No. 1 Chart Awards for both "Angel Eyes" and One Determined Heart. In 2006, Paulini released her second studio album, Superwoman, which included the singles "Rough Day" and "So Over You". The album reached number 72 on the ARIA Albums Chart, failing to achieve the commercial success of her debut album. Superwoman earned Paulini two nominations at the 2007 Urban Music Awards for 'Best R&B Album' and 'Best Female Artist'.[1] Also during 2006, Paulini became a member of Australian all-girl pop group Young Divas. The group later disbanded in 2008, with all members resuming their solo careers.

In November 2009, Paulini released a charity single titled, "Scarless", to help raise awareness and support for the White Ribbon Campaign. In November 2010, she collaborated with Irish singer Ronan Keating on the single "Believe Again". Paulini also made her acting debut in the television film Sisters of War (2010). Since signing with Albert Music in 2009, Paulini has written songs for several artists in Europe, and has collaborated with songwriters such as Allan Eshuijs. Her third studio album Come Alive was released in May 2015, and debuted at number 25 on the ARIA Albums Chart. The album was preceded by the singles "Air It All Out" and "By My Side".

Early life, beginnings and Australian Idol

Born in Fiji in 1982, Pauline Curuenavuli moved to Sydney with her family when she was four years old.[2] At six years of age, she was already singing in her local choir. In 1990 Pauline's brother was shot and killed during a robbery incident.[2] In 1997, she was placed into a talent development program at her high school, Bankstown Girls High School.[2] Pauline entered the televised talent contest StarStruck, winning the contest.[2] Following the show, Pauline recorded a track, "When You Believe" for the program's CD.[2] With the involvement of her high-school music department, Pauline was also a participant on ABC's live Schools Spectacular concerts.[2] In 2001, she formed a band called MIXX, which included her two sisters, Sereima Curuenavuli and Litia Curuenavuli.[2] At the same time she began cutting demos as a solo artist. In 2003, Pauline was invited by the South Pacific Games team in Fiji to open their competition. She recorded the show's anthem, "Many Rhythms, One Love," for the Games' official album, The Pacific at Its Best.[2]

During this time, Paulini auditioned for the first season of Australian Idol.[2] She earned praise from the judges for performing songs by Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Thelma Houston, and Toni Braxton.[2] During the final five week, Paulini wore a gold dress designed for her by Charlie Brown. Judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson commented on the dress saying "You should choose more appropriate clothes or shed some pounds", which resulted in a great deal of debate and controversy in the media relating to teenage girls and anorexia.[3] In the "final four" week, Paulini landed in the bottom two with fellow finalist Cosima De Vito. It was then announced that she was eliminated.[4] In a poll taken on Australian Idol, Paulini's elimination was the second most surprising elimination ever.[2]

Music career

2004–2005: One Determined Heart

Main article: One Determined Heart
Paulini in September 2012

Following her departure on Australian Idol, Paulini was offered many recording contracts, but ultimately accepted a four-album deal with Sony BMG Australia.[2] In 2004, she recorded her debut album, which was produced by Audius Mtawarira, who had previously collaborated with Delta Goodrem. The album was mainly a collection of covers, featuring only two original tracks, "One Determined Heart" and "We Can Try", with the former bearing the same name as the title of the album. The first single released from the album was a cover of Canadian Jeff Healey's 1988 hit, "Angel Eyes". The song was an instant success, peaking at number one on the ARIA Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks.[5] "Angel Eyes" was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), for shipments of 70,000 copies. It remained in the top ten for 2 months, and became the fourth best-selling Australian artist single of 2004 in Australia.[6][7]

In July 2004, One Determined Heart was released and debuted at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart, where it remained for two consecutive weeks. The album was also certified platinum by the ARIA. Paulini won ARIA No. 1 Chart Awards for both "Angels Eyes" and the album.[8] "Angel Eyes" also received a nomination for 'Highest Selling Single' at the 2004 ARIA Music Awards.[9] The album's second single "We Can Try" peaked at number 30 on the ARIA Singles Chart[10] and at number 9 on the ARIA Urban Singles Chart.[2]

In November 2004, Paulini released her debut EP titled, Amazing Grace: Songs for Christmas. The EP reached number 70 on the ARIA Albums Chart and the top-ten of the ARIA Urban Albums Chart.[2] During this time, Paulini served as a supporting act for Tina Arena's Australian tour.[11] On 26 November 2004, Paulini made her first television guest appearance on Home and Away. During an episode of the show, she performed "We Can Try" and "Silent Night".[12] In May 2005, Paulini served as a supporting act on Guy Sebastian's Beautiful Life Tour.[13]

2006–2008: Superwoman and Young Divas

In late 2004, Paulini finished recording her second studio album Superwoman (Paulini album) in London, Los Angeles and Spain.[2][14] However, her record label Sony BMG decided to wait nearly 18 months before releasing it.[2] The album had several false release dates and push-backs, which sparked rumours that Paulini was being dropped from the label.[2] However, Superwoman was released on 5 August 2006.[15] The album reached number 72 on the ARIA Albums Chart and became Paulini's lowest charting album of her career to date.[2] Its lead single "Rough Day" was released in January 2006, and debuted at number 26 on the ARIA Singles Chart and number 3 on the ARIA Dance Chart.[16] The album's second single "So Over You" was released on 13 May 2006.[17] It peaked at number 49 on the ARIA Singles Chart and number 13 on the ARIA Urban Singles Chart.[2][18] "I Believe" was originally scheduled to be released as the album's third single; however, its release was cancelled for undisclosed reasons.[19] An accompanying music video for the song was released.[20]

On 28 May 2006, Paulini became a mentor on the first season of the celebrity singing show, It Takes Two. She served as a mentor for television presenter Simon Reeve, and both were eliminated from the show on 9 July 2006. Also during 2006, Paulini and previous Australian Idol contestants Ricki-Lee Coulter, Emily Williams and Kate DeAraugo were asked by Sony BMG to be part of an all-girl band concept called Young Divas, for a 17-date national tour to promote all members as solo artists.[21] The group released a cover version of Donna Summer's single "This Time I Know It's for Real" on 7 May 2006,[21] to attract attention for the tour, where all members would perform their solo material and songs as a group.[22] The song peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart,[23] and was certified platinum by the ARIA, for shipping 70,000 copies.[24] "Happenin' All Over Again" was released as the group's second single. It peaked at number nine and was certified gold.[23][25] The group's success prompted the release of a debut album of classic disco and pop covers, titled Young Divas, on 18 November 2006. The album debuted at number four on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified double platinum.[23][26]

In May 2007, Paulini returned for the second season of It Takes Two, and served as a mentor for actor Lochie Daddo. In June 2007, it was announced that Coulter had left the Young Divas to resume her solo career.[27] She was later replaced by season four Australian Idol runner-up Jessica Mauboy. In November 2007, Young Divas released their second studio album New Attitude, which included the top-fifteen single "Turn Me Loose". The album debuted at number 10 on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified gold.[23][26]

For the rest of 2007, Paulini continued working as a solo artist. In December 2007, she took the lead female vocalist role in the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra production of the "Gospel Messiah", alongside James Morrison and Doug Parkinson.[28] In July 2008, Paulini collaborated with fellow singer Guy Sebastian on the song "Receive the Power", which was chosen as the official anthem for the Roman Catholic Church's World Youth Day 2008.[29] In August 2008, it was announced that Paulini had left the Young Divas to resume her solo career.[30] Paulini's manager at the time, Nicole Hart, stated that Paulini's decision to leave the group "is totally amicable with the other girls. She just wants to continue on with her solo career. There is no animosity, there is nothing negative."[30] At the same time, Mauboy also decided to leave the group, leaving DeAraugo and Williams as the only remaining members.[30]

2009–2013: Albert Music and independent releases

Paulini in May 2013

Following her departure from Young Divas, Paulini ended her contract with Sony BMG and signed a publishing deal with Independent record label Albert Music.[31] During this time, she began working on her then-upcoming third studio album. In an interview with Auspop in November 2009, Paulini revealed that the album's style would be mainly contemporary pop.[31] She explained: "So it's still very commercial – a very new sound. Kinda like a Jordin Sparks kind of thing. All of the songs on there I've co-written or written. I'm really excited about it. It's something that's very close to me, because I've been a big part of it since day one."[31] Paulini also worked on the album in New York City and had originally planned to release it in mid-2012.[32]

On 13 November 2009, Paulini released a charity single titled "Scarless", to help raise awareness and support for the White Ribbon Campaign.[33][34] In 2010, Paulini held a European writing tour, collaborating with songwriters such as Allan Eshuijs, who wrote Cascada's "Evacuate the Dancefloor" (2009).[35] Paulini co-wrote "Touching a Stranger", the single for Eshuijs' project Wildboyz.[35] In November 2010, she appeared in the television film Sisters of War, playing the role of a nun named Sister Marie.[36] On 5 November 2010, Irish recording artist Ronan Keating released a single with Paulini titled "Believe Again", which was included on his seventh studio album, Duet (2010).[37]

On 15 May 2011, Paulini released her sixth overall lead single titled "Show Me Your Colours (The Ping Pong Mix)", to coincide with her performances at the 2011 Volkswagen Table Tennis Cup in China.[38][39] By October 2011, five international songs that Paulini wrote were already released in Spain, South Africa, Germany and Netherlands.[40] Paulini wrote the song "Definition of a Woman" for South African recording artist Sasha-Lee Davids, "I'm Only Human" for German recording artist Cherine Nouri, and "Culpable" for Spanish recording artist Edurne.[40] Paulini's seventh lead single "Fireman" was released digitally on 10 February 2012.[41] Paulini co-wrote the song with Alfred "The Angel" Tuohey and Mimoza Blinsson, and was recorded in Germany.[32] In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Paulini stated: "I'm a strong woman and I know who I am as a person and as an artist. This track is sexy, it's fun and I love it."[42] Her eighth lead single "Heartbreak Is Over" was released digitally on 18 January 2013.[43]

2014–present: Decca Records, Come Alive and Merry Christmas

Paulini wrote the song "Bienvenue dans ma maison" ("Welcome to My Home") for The Voice France winner Yoann Fréget's debut album, Quelques heures avec moi, which was released in January 2014.[44][45] In October 2014, it was announced that Paulini had signed a new record deal with Decca Records Australia to release her third studio album Come Alive.[46][47] She worked on the album throughout 2014 in Berlin, London, Los Angeles, New York City and Paris with several producers including Chris Rosa, Erik "Blue2th" Griggs and Philippe-Marc Anquetil.[46] "Air It All Out" was released on 17 October 2014, as the first single from Come Alive.[48] The album was released on 29 May 2015,[49] and debuted at number 25 on the ARIA Albums Chart.[50] Paulini's fourth studio album Merry Christmas was released on 30 October 2015.[51]

Philanthropy

Paulini has performed for many charitable events including, the "Olivia Newton-John & Friends Concert", raising funds for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal and the "Beneath The Stars" event. In 2008, Paulini visited the Sydney Children's Hospital to perform in the Starlight express room.[52] She also regularly performs at the annual Christmas Carol events, such as the Carols in the Domain, Vision Australia's Carols By Candlelight and Brisbane's Carols in the City, where performers donate their time to raise money for various charities.[53][54][55] In June 2010, Paulini became an ambassador for The Global Good Foundation, a charity campaigning against domestic violence.[56] On 9 August 2010, she performed at the "Dueting for the Kids" concert held at the State Theatre in Sydney, where she performed "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" with Leo Sayer, as well as dueting with Mark Williams on the song "Crazy". All proceeds of the concert went to the "Australian Children's Music Foundation". In 2011, Paulini performed at the launch of the 2012 Firefighters Calendar in order to help raise funds for the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children.[57]

Personal life

In 2006, Paulini dated rugby league player Wes Naiqama. The relationship soon ended with claims Naiqama assaulted her.[58] In 2009, Paulini released a single about the assault titled, "Scarless". However, she refuses to speak about Naiqama by name, but stated the song was written to help other victims who have been through domestic violence.[34]

Discography

Main article: Paulini discography

Filmography

Television appearances
Year Title Role Notes
2004 Burke's Backyard[59] Herself; guest appearance 1 episode
2004 Home and Away Herself 1 episode
2005 Celebrity Overhaul[60] Herself
2006 It Takes Two Herself; mentor 6 episodes
2007 It Takes Two Herself; mentor 2 episodes
2009 Celebrity Singing Bee[61] Herself
2009 Pyramid[62] Herself; guest appearance 1 episode
2010 Domestic Blitz[63] Herself; guest appearance 1 episode
2012 The Celebrity Apprentice Australia Herself; guest appearance 1 episode
Television films
Year Title Role Notes
2010 Sisters of War Sister Marie Supporting role

Awards and nominations

Year Type Award Result
2004 ARIA No. 1 Chart Awards[8] ARIA No. 1 Album (One Determined Heart) Won
ARIA No. 1 Single ("Angel Eyes") Won
ARIA Music Awards[9] Highest Selling Single ("Angel Eyes") Nominated
2006 Urban Music Awards (Australia and New Zealand) Best Female Artist Nominated
2007[1] Best Female Artist Nominated
Best R&B Album (Superwoman) Nominated
2012 Poprepublic.tv IT List Awards[64] Favourite Australian Female Artist Nominated
Favourite Single of 2012 ("Fireman") Nominated

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Rhino's Urban Music Awards 2007 – Review". Hiphopn.com. Archived from the original on 2011-12-22.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Chisling, Matthew. "Paulini > Biography". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2011-01-07.
  3. ↑ Leone, Vikki (2003-11-03). "An image of success". The Age. Fairfax Digital. Retrieved 2011-01-07.
  4. ↑ Warneke, Ross (2003-10-23). "Idol aside, it's all on the nose". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  5. ↑ "Paulini – Angel Eyes". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2011-01-07.
  6. ↑ Paulini - Angel Eyes (Song). ARIA Chart archives. Hung Medien. Retrieved 9 December 2011
  7. ↑ End Of Year Charts - Top 20 Australian Singles 2004.Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 9 February 2012
  8. 1 2 "Australian Recording Artists Make ARIA Chart History". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  9. 1 2 "ARIA Awards 2010: History: Winners by Year". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 2010-06-19.
  10. ↑ "Paulini – We Can Try". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2011-01-07.
  11. ↑ "Paulini Joins Tina Arena On Her National Tour". Sony Music Australia. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  12. ↑ "Catch Paulini On Home And Away". Sony Music Australia. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  13. ↑ "Beautiful Life Tour 05". Guysebastian.com.au. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
  14. ↑ "Interview: We catch up with Paulini, a.k.a 'Superwoman'". Amo.org.au. 2006-06-16. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  15. ↑ "Superwoman – Album". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  16. ↑ "Paulini – Rough Day". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  17. ↑ "Paulini – So Over You – EP". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  18. ↑ "Paulini – So Over You". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2011-01-07.
  19. ↑ "Calling All Believers: Catch Paulini Live On Sunrise Tomorrow". Sony BMG Australia. 2006-08-03. Archived from the original on 2007-09-09.
  20. ↑ "I Believe Video – Paulini". Take 40 Australia. MCM Entertainment. Retrieved 2012-10-08.
  21. 1 2 Sams, Christine (2006-05-06). "Divas know it's for real this time". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Digital. Retrieved 2011-06-03.
  22. ↑ "Girls get their acts together". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Digital. 2006-05-07. Retrieved 2011-06-03.
  23. 1 2 3 4 "Discography Young Divas". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved 3 June 2011.
  24. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2006 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 2011-06-03.
  25. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2007 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  26. 1 2 "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2007 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  27. ↑ "Ricki-Lee goes solo". News.com.au. 2007-06-22. Retrieved 2011-06-03.
  28. ↑ Jones, Steve (2007-12-14). "Handel's Messiah". DB Magazine. Archived from the original on 2011-12-23.
  29. ↑ "Aussie idol to sing WYD theme song". Cathnews.com. Archived from the original on 2011-12-23.
  30. 1 2 3 "Turn me loose, and Paulini quits the Young Divas". News.com.au. 2008-08-25. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  31. 1 2 3 "INTERVIEW : Paulini". Auspop. Retrieved 2010-05-03.
  32. 1 2 "Paulini Fires Up For 2012". Paulini.com.au. Archived from the original on 2012-01-26.
  33. ↑ "Scarless – Single". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2011-12-20.
  34. 1 2 Moran, Jonathan (2009-11-14). "Paulini sings of NRL bad boy's abuse". The Daily Telegraph. News Limited. Retrieved 2011-12-23.
  35. 1 2 "Paulini Curuenavuli | Song Writers". Albertmusic.com. Archived from the original on 2011-12-20.
  36. ↑ "Former Australian Idol star Paulini Curuenavuli Takes Holy Orders for TV Role". The Courier-Mail. Queensland Newspaper. Retrieved 2010-05-09.
  37. ↑ "Believe Again (feat. Paulini Curuenavuli) – Single". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2011-12-20.
  38. ↑ "Show Me Your Colours (The Ping Pong Mix) – Single". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2011-12-20.
  39. ↑ "New Single Unveiled". Paulini.com.au. Archived from the original on 2011-12-20.
  40. 1 2 "Paulini – International Songwriter". Paulini.com.au. Archived from the original on 2011-12-20.
  41. ↑ "Fireman – Single". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2012-02-10.
  42. ↑ Moran, Jonathan (2012-01-07). "Paulini Curuenavuli turns up the heat with a scorching new look in her hot new single Fireman". The Daily Telegraph. News Limited. Retrieved 2012-01-08.
  43. ↑ "Heartbreak Is Over – Single". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2014-10-09.
  44. ↑ "Paulini makes an impression in France". Paulini.com.au. Archived from the original on 2014-10-12.
  45. ↑ "Quelques heures avec moi par Yoann Fréget". iTunes Store (France) (in French). Apple. Retrieved 2014-10-12.
  46. 1 2 Cashmere, Paul (2014-10-12). "Robert Rigby Signs Paulini To Decca". Noise11. Noise Network. Retrieved 2014-10-12.
  47. ↑ "Exclusive: Paulini Airs It All Out". auspop. 2014-10-08. Retrieved 2014-10-08.
  48. ↑ "Air It All Out (Remixes) by Paulini". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
  49. ↑ "Come Alive by Paulini". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 2015-04-26.
  50. ↑ Edina, Patsy (6 June 2015). "Paulini Returns To ARIA Chart With First Album In 8 Years". Noise11. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  51. ↑ "Merry Christmas by Paulini". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
  52. ↑ Paulini Visits the Sydney Children's Hospital. YouTube. Retrieved 2010-08-17.
  53. ↑ Paulini performing 'Operator' at Carols in the Domain. YouTube. Retrieved 2010-08-17.
  54. ↑ Ave Maria – Paulini Curuenavuli. YouTube. Retrieved 2010-08-17.
  55. ↑ Paulini and Guy Sebastian – Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols Brisbane 2009. YouTube. Retrieved 2010-08-17.
  56. ↑ "Ambassadors". Ggf.org.au. Archived from the original on 2011-12-23.
  57. ↑ "Childrens Hospital Fund Raiser". Paulini.com.au. Archived from the original on 2011-12-23.
  58. ↑ Toohey, Barry (2009-02-11). "Wes suspended over pub incident". The Daily Telegraph. News Limited. Retrieved 2011-05-28.
  59. ↑ "Burke's Backyard > Fact Sheets > Celebrity Gardener – Paulini". Burkesbackyard.com.au. Archived from the original on 2011-12-23.
  60. ↑ "Celebrity Overhaul (TV Series 2005)". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 2012-01-04.
  61. ↑ Knox, January (2009-01-29). "Returning: Celebrity Singing Bee". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 2011-12-23.
  62. ↑ "Pyramid Premieres on Channel Nine". Throng.com.au. Archived from the original on 2011-12-23.
  63. ↑ "Domestic Blitz Returns To Channel Nine". Throng.com.au. Archived from the original on 2011-12-23.
  64. ↑ "IT List Awards 2012". Poprepublic.tv. AKA Entertainment. Archived from the original (requires registration) on 2012-01-03.
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