Young Divas
Encyclopedia
Young Divas was an Australian girl group
that had consisted of previous Australian Idol
contestants. The original line up consisted of season one
finalist Paulini Curuenavuli, season two
finalist Ricki-Lee Coulter
, season three
winner Kate DeAraugo
and runner-up Emily Williams
. The group were formed in May 2006 by Sony BMG Australia, for a one-off single and national tour to promote all members as solo artists. However, the group's success prompted the release of a debut album, becoming an official group.
Their self-titled debut studio album, Young Divas
, was released in November 2006, and debuted at number four on the ARIA Albums Chart
, rapidly achieving double platinum certification for sales of 140,000 copies. The album produced two successful singles, "This Time I Know It's for Real" and "Happenin' All Over Again". Despite their commercial success as a group, Coulter parted ways with the group in June 2007, to resume her solo career. She was later replaced by season four
Idol runner-up, Jessica Mauboy
. The Young Divas then went on to release their second studio album, New Attitude
, which spawned the hit single, "Turn Me Loose". In 2008, the group officially disbanded, with all members resuming their solo careers.
of Donna Summer
's single "This Time I Know It's for Real" on 7 May 2006, to attract attention for the tour, where all members would perform their solo material, and songs as a group. The single peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart
, and certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association
(ARIA), for sales in excess of 70,000 copies.
Following the release of the single, the group embarked on the Young Divas Live! tour across Australia. Originally planned for only a two week period, the tour proved to be successful that extra dates were added and ran for three months to sell out audiences, causing band member Ricki-Lee Coulter to postpone her wedding.
A cover of Lonnie Gordon
's "Happenin' All Over Again" was released as the group's second single. The song peaked at number nine on the ARIA Singles Chart, and certified gold. After a strong reception of their second single, Sony BMG decided that the Young Divas would record a full-length album of classic disco and pop covers. Their self-titled debut album, Young Divas
, was released on 14 November 2006. The album debuted at number four on the ARIA Albums Chart
, and certified double platinum for sales of 140,000 copies. A cover of Hazell Dean
's single, "Searchin'", was released as the third and final single from the album on 17 March 2007. The song failed to match the success of the two previous singles, and only reached number forty on the ARIA Singles Chart.
. The announcement of the cancellation came at a time when rumours were circulating that Coulter was set to leave the group, due to clashes with fellow member, Kate DeAraugo. During this time, Coulter headed overseas to work on her next solo album, and was temporarily replaced by Emily Williams' older sister and former Idol contestant, Lavina Williams. The rumours were denied by the group's manager, David Champion, who conceded that Coulter would return for the group's national tour in April 2007, and for the recording of their second album. He also stated that her solo commitments was one of the reasons the group pulled out of the tour, but also claimed that their growing popularity meant they were too "successful" to be a support act.
However, on 22 June 2007, it was announced that Coulter had left the group to resume her solo career and to marry her fiance, Jamie Babbington. She told Qconfidential, "I just couldn't do it all – I really had to get back to doing what I love doing, and that's my solo career." Despite the rumours of a clash with DeAraugo, Coulter said "the girls have been great, they understand completely. They know where I'm coming from." During this time, rumours began to circulate that Lavina Williams, season two
Idol winner Casey Donovan
and season four
runner-up, Jessica Mauboy
, would be Coulter's replacement. However, during an Australian Idol concert at Federation Square
in Melbourne
on 26 September 2007, it was revealed that Mauboy was the new member. Her management saw the Young Divas as a perfect learning curve about all that was positive and negative in the music industry.
The group released their second studio album, New Attitude
, on 26 November 2007. Its lead single, "Turn Me Loose", was released on 3 November 2007. The song was a cover of Canadian rock band Loverboy
's 1981 hit of the same name. The Young Diva's version featured New Zealand rapper, Savage
. It peaked at number fifteen on the ARIA Singles Chart. The album debuted at number ten on the ARIA Albums Chart, and certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), for sales of 35,000 copies.
On 28 March 2008, Sony BMG announced in The Daily Telegraph
that due to the poor sales of "Turn Me Loose", a second single would not be released from New Attitude. It was also stated that the group were not being dropped from the record label and would continue to record music. However, during a visit to Indonesia
in June 2008, Mauboy told The Jakarta Post
that she was currently working on her first solo album, and that its first single would be released in August, with the album launch planned for September. Paulini's fan site also reported in July 2008, that Paulini was also working on her next solo album with the production team at PLW studios in Melbourne
. On 24 August 2008, a press release from Sony BMG, confirmed that Mauboy and Paulini have left the group to concentrate more solidly on their solo careers. Paulini's manager, Nicole Hart, stated that her decision to leave "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." The group's manager also stated, "the spirit of the Young Divas will live on in a new incarnation with a third album once the new line-up is finalised. Think of the Young Divas not so much as an act but a finishing school for future superstars." However, a second line-up change never occurred, leaving Williams' and DeAraugo to resume their solo careers.
Girl group
A girl group is a popular music act featuring several young female singers who generally harmonise together.Girl groups emerged in the late 1950s as groups of young singers teamed up with behind-the-scenes songwriters and music producers to create hit singles, often featuring glossy production...
that had consisted of previous Australian Idol
Australian Idol
Australian Idol is a Logie Award-winning Australian singing competition, which began its first season on July 2003 and ended its run in November 2009. As part of the Idol franchise, Australian Idol originated from the reality program Pop Idol, which was created by British entertainment executive...
contestants. The original line up consisted of season one
Australian Idol (season 1)
The first season of Australian Idol was produced by Fremantle Media subsidiary Grundy Television in association with UK company 19TV, and was broadcast on Network Ten for 19 weeks in the latter half of 2003...
finalist Paulini Curuenavuli, season two
Australian Idol (season 2)
The second season of Australian Idol debuted on 13 July 2004. Over 50,000 people throughout Australia auditioned.-Overview:As well as the five larger cities, the judges also visited Canberra, Hobart, Darwin and Tamworth this year...
finalist Ricki-Lee Coulter
Ricki-Lee Coulter
Ricki-Lee Coulter is an Australian recording artist and television and radio presenter. In 2004, Coulter was placed seventh place on the second season of Australian Idol...
, season three
Australian Idol (season 3)
The third season of Australian Idol debuted on 26 July 2005. The first of three semi-finals was held on 16 August 2005 with three of the Final 12 contenders announced the following night on 17 August 2005...
winner Kate DeAraugo
Kate DeAraugo
Katherine Jenna "Kate" DeAraugo, pronounced de roosh , is an Australian singer-songwriter who was the third winner of Australian Idol in 2005. After idol, DeAraugo signed to Sony BMG and released her debut single, "Maybe Tonight", in November 2005. The single debuted and peaked at Number 1 on the...
and runner-up Emily Williams
Emily Williams
Emily Williams , is a New Zealand-born Australian singer-songwriter, who rose to fame on the third season of Australian Idol in 2005, and became runner-up of the season...
. The group were formed in May 2006 by Sony BMG Australia, for a one-off single and national tour to promote all members as solo artists. However, the group's success prompted the release of a debut album, becoming an official group.
Their self-titled debut studio album, Young Divas
Young Divas (album)
Young Divas is the debut album by the Young Divas, made up of Australian Idol finalists Ricki-Lee Coulter , Paulini Curuenavuli , Kate DeAraugo and Emily Williams ....
, was released in November 2006, and debuted at number four on the ARIA Albums Chart
ARIA Charts
The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June...
, rapidly achieving double platinum certification for sales of 140,000 copies. The album produced two successful singles, "This Time I Know It's for Real" and "Happenin' All Over Again". Despite their commercial success as a group, Coulter parted ways with the group in June 2007, to resume her solo career. She was later replaced by season four
Australian Idol (season 4)
The fourth season of Australian Idol first episode aired on 6 August 2006 and concluded on 26 November.-Format Changes:Changes for the fourth season of Australian Idol included the cancellation of "Inside Idol"; a "streamlined" semi-finals ; and the contestants will be able to bring...
Idol runner-up, Jessica Mauboy
Jessica Mauboy
Jessica Hilda Mauboy , is an Indigenous Australian R&B singer-songwriter and actress. In 2006, Mauboy was the runner-up on the fourth season of Australian Idol, she had auditioned for the talent show in Alice Springs to pursue a recording career...
. The Young Divas then went on to release their second studio album, New Attitude
New Attitude (album)
New Attitude is the second album by the Young Divas and the first to feature Jessica Mauboy who replaced Ricki-Lee Coulter after she left to concentrate on her solo career....
, which spawned the hit single, "Turn Me Loose". In 2008, the group officially disbanded, with all members resuming their solo careers.
2006-2007: Formation and Young Divas
The Young Divas were formed in May 2006 by Sony BMG Australia, for a 17-date national tour to promote all members as solo artists. The group released a cover versionCover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
of Donna Summer
Donna Summer
LaDonna Adrian Gaines , known by her stage name, Donna Summer, is an American singer/songwriter who gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s. She has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. Summer is a five-time Grammy winner and was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach...
's single "This Time I Know It's for Real" on 7 May 2006, to attract attention for the tour, where all members would perform their solo material, and songs as a group. The single peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart
ARIA Charts
The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June...
, and certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association
Australian Recording Industry Association
The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956...
(ARIA), for sales in excess of 70,000 copies.
Following the release of the single, the group embarked on the Young Divas Live! tour across Australia. Originally planned for only a two week period, the tour proved to be successful that extra dates were added and ran for three months to sell out audiences, causing band member Ricki-Lee Coulter to postpone her wedding.
A cover of Lonnie Gordon
Lonnie Gordon
Lonnie Gordon is a female Hi-NRG, house and soul singer-songwriter from New York's Bronx, who has scored many chart hits during the 1990s and 2000s.-Early life and career:...
's "Happenin' All Over Again" was released as the group's second single. The song peaked at number nine on the ARIA Singles Chart, and certified gold. After a strong reception of their second single, Sony BMG decided that the Young Divas would record a full-length album of classic disco and pop covers. Their self-titled debut album, Young Divas
Young Divas (album)
Young Divas is the debut album by the Young Divas, made up of Australian Idol finalists Ricki-Lee Coulter , Paulini Curuenavuli , Kate DeAraugo and Emily Williams ....
, was released on 14 November 2006. The album debuted at number four on the ARIA Albums Chart
ARIA Charts
The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June...
, and certified double platinum for sales of 140,000 copies. A cover of Hazell Dean
Hazell Dean
Hazell Dean is a British dance-pop singer, who achieved her biggest success in the 1980s as a leading Hi-NRG artist. She is best known for the top ten hits "Searchin' ", "Whatever I Do " and "Who's Leaving Who"...
's single, "Searchin'", was released as the third and final single from the album on 17 March 2007. The song failed to match the success of the two previous singles, and only reached number forty on the ARIA Singles Chart.
2007-2008: Line-up change, New Attitude and disbandment
In February 2007, it was announced that the Young Divas had pulled out of their scheduled national tour supporting Irish group, WestlifeWestlife
Westlife are an Irish boy band established on 3 July 1998. They are to disband in 2012. The group's line-up was Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, and Brian McFadden . The group are the only act in British and Irish history to have their first seven singles peak at number one...
. The announcement of the cancellation came at a time when rumours were circulating that Coulter was set to leave the group, due to clashes with fellow member, Kate DeAraugo. During this time, Coulter headed overseas to work on her next solo album, and was temporarily replaced by Emily Williams' older sister and former Idol contestant, Lavina Williams. The rumours were denied by the group's manager, David Champion, who conceded that Coulter would return for the group's national tour in April 2007, and for the recording of their second album. He also stated that her solo commitments was one of the reasons the group pulled out of the tour, but also claimed that their growing popularity meant they were too "successful" to be a support act.
However, on 22 June 2007, it was announced that Coulter had left the group to resume her solo career and to marry her fiance, Jamie Babbington. She told Qconfidential, "I just couldn't do it all – I really had to get back to doing what I love doing, and that's my solo career." Despite the rumours of a clash with DeAraugo, Coulter said "the girls have been great, they understand completely. They know where I'm coming from." During this time, rumours began to circulate that Lavina Williams, season two
Australian Idol (season 2)
The second season of Australian Idol debuted on 13 July 2004. Over 50,000 people throughout Australia auditioned.-Overview:As well as the five larger cities, the judges also visited Canberra, Hobart, Darwin and Tamworth this year...
Idol winner Casey Donovan
Casey Donovan (singer)
-Australian Idol :Donovan transferred to the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney's Surry Hills in 2004 and it was in this year that her stepfather encouraged her to audition for the second season of Australian Idol...
and season four
Australian Idol (season 4)
The fourth season of Australian Idol first episode aired on 6 August 2006 and concluded on 26 November.-Format Changes:Changes for the fourth season of Australian Idol included the cancellation of "Inside Idol"; a "streamlined" semi-finals ; and the contestants will be able to bring...
runner-up, Jessica Mauboy
Jessica Mauboy
Jessica Hilda Mauboy , is an Indigenous Australian R&B singer-songwriter and actress. In 2006, Mauboy was the runner-up on the fourth season of Australian Idol, she had auditioned for the talent show in Alice Springs to pursue a recording career...
, would be Coulter's replacement. However, during an Australian Idol concert at Federation Square
Federation Square
Federation Square is a civic centre and cultural precinct in the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia....
in Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
on 26 September 2007, it was revealed that Mauboy was the new member. Her management saw the Young Divas as a perfect learning curve about all that was positive and negative in the music industry.
The group released their second studio album, New Attitude
New Attitude (album)
New Attitude is the second album by the Young Divas and the first to feature Jessica Mauboy who replaced Ricki-Lee Coulter after she left to concentrate on her solo career....
, on 26 November 2007. Its lead single, "Turn Me Loose", was released on 3 November 2007. The song was a cover of Canadian rock band Loverboy
Loverboy
Loverboy is a Canadian rock group formed in 1980 in Calgary, Alberta. Throughout the 1980s, the band accumulated numerous hit songs in Canada and the United States, earning four multi-platinum albums and selling millions of records...
's 1981 hit of the same name. The Young Diva's version featured New Zealand rapper, Savage
Savage (rapper)
- Studio albums :-Singles:-Featured singles:- External links :*****...
. It peaked at number fifteen on the ARIA Singles Chart. The album debuted at number ten on the ARIA Albums Chart, and certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), for sales of 35,000 copies.
On 28 March 2008, Sony BMG announced in The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph (Australia)
The Daily Telegraph is an Australian tabloid newspaper published in Sydney, New South Wales, by Nationwide News, part of News Corporation.The Tele, as it is also known, was founded in 1879. From 1936 to 1972, it was owned by Frank Packer's Australian Consolidated Press. That year it was sold to...
that due to the poor sales of "Turn Me Loose", a second single would not be released from New Attitude. It was also stated that the group were not being dropped from the record label and would continue to record music. However, during a visit to Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
in June 2008, Mauboy told The Jakarta Post
The Jakarta Post
The Jakarta Post is a daily English language newspaper in Indonesia. The paper is owned by PT Bina Media Tenggara, and the head office is in the nation's capital, Jakarta....
that she was currently working on her first solo album, and that its first single would be released in August, with the album launch planned for September. Paulini's fan site also reported in July 2008, that Paulini was also working on her next solo album with the production team at PLW studios in Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
. On 24 August 2008, a press release from Sony BMG, confirmed that Mauboy and Paulini have left the group to concentrate more solidly on their solo careers. Paulini's manager, Nicole Hart, stated that her decision to leave "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." The group's manager also stated, "the spirit of the Young Divas will live on in a new incarnation with a third album once the new line-up is finalised. Think of the Young Divas not so much as an act but a finishing school for future superstars." However, a second line-up change never occurred, leaving Williams' and DeAraugo to resume their solo careers.
Discography
Studio albums- Young DivasYoung Divas (album)Young Divas is the debut album by the Young Divas, made up of Australian Idol finalists Ricki-Lee Coulter , Paulini Curuenavuli , Kate DeAraugo and Emily Williams ....
(2006) - New AttitudeNew Attitude (album)New Attitude is the second album by the Young Divas and the first to feature Jessica Mauboy who replaced Ricki-Lee Coulter after she left to concentrate on her solo career....
(2007)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award ceremony | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards 2006 The fourth annual Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards were held on 11 October 2006 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre in Sydney. The show was hosted by Sophie Monk, Dave Lawson and James Kerley. The nominees were announced on 10 August 2006 and closed on 20 September 2006.Lindsay Lohan was... |
Fave Song ("This Time I Know It's For Real") | |
| Fave Australian Group |