Guy Sebastian's rise to national phenomenon honoured as South Australian Music Hall of Fame member in 2024
From Adelaide, Guy Sebastian's high-profile television entrance on Australian idol was followed by being a judge on Australia's The X Factor (2010-12, 2015-16), a coach on Voice Australia (2019-2024) and with ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) music education series Don’t stop the music. He represented Australia at the 2015 Eurovision Song contest.
Image courtesy Guy Sebastian Facebook
Guy Sebastian was inducted into the South Australia Music Hall of fFame in 2024, recognising his phenomental national achievements, with international flourishes, since a musical start in Adelaide.
Malaysian-born Sebastian migrated to Australia in 1988 with his family, eventually moving to Adelaide where his father Ivan worked as a geologist. After attending King’s Baptist Grammar School, Sebastian studied medical radiation at the University of South Australia but left to pursue music. He taught vocals at Temple Christian College and other high schools while also working as a recording engineer and studying music technology at the University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium.
Sebastian's earliest performance experience came through another Adelaide phenomenon: Paradise Community Church, one of the largest in Australia, where he was one of the main worship singers. He also sang at the Paradise Community Church youth conference, Planetshakers, in 2002 and 2003. After being the first winner of television's Australian Idol in 2003, he recorded the Adore (2004) and Set Me Free (2005) albums. His debut single. "Angels brought me here" was the highest selling song in Australia between 2000 and 2009.
Sebastian had 10 albums reach top 10, including three No.1s, He also had 23 top-20 singles and was the only Australian male artist in Australian chart history to achieve six No.1 singles, Ten of his singles, most notably "Battle Scars", were certified multi platinum. His 69 platinum and seven gold certifications and combined album and single sales of more than five million in Australia were the highest of any Australian Idol contestant.
Sebastian's high-profile television entrance on Australian idol was followed by being a judge on Australia's The X Factor (2010-12, 2015-16), a coach on Voice Australia (2019-2024), along with the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) 2018 music education series Don’t stop the music. He represented Australia at the 2015 Eurovision Song contest.
Also on the international scene, Sebastian worked with top American musicians, including Eve and Lupe Fiasco, Robin Thicke, Brian McKnight, Steve Cropper, John Mayer and Jordin Sparks. “Battle Scars”, with Fiasco, was on the USA (United States of America) Billboard Hot 100 for 20 weeks, reaching No.71. It was No.2 in Norway and New Zealand. His Eurovision song reached the top 50 in five European countries. Sebastian sung at many notable events, including performing for Pope Benedict XVI, Oprah Winfrey and Queen Elizabeth II.
Sebastian received 34 ARIA (Australian recording Industry Association) awrd nominations, winning seven including best pop release and best live act. Other awards included the APRA (Australian Performing Rights Association) urban work of the year, Urban Music Awards for best male artist and best R&B (rhythm and blues) album, and an international songwriting competition award for "Battle Scars".
With a strong commitment to charity, Sebastion was an ambassador for World Vision Australia and the Australian Red Cross. He created The Sebastian Foundation with his wife Jules and was made a member of the Order of Australia a (AM) in 2019 for significant service to music and charity.
