Five different people from different backgrounds sharing the dream of a musical career embark on a journey as ONE..
Introducing the successor of Bardot - Scandal'us. Enduring a grueling audition process that saw the thousands of hopefuls reduced to hundreds, then to 36 finalists and after several high pressured, tear-filled auditions, down to the final five.
Melbourne's Jason Bird, Adelaide's Anna Belperio and Daniela Scala, Sydney's Tamara Jaber and Hobart's Simon Ditcham are Australia's latest answer to the second season of its top rating reality television programe, Popstars.
But what was it that made these five shine out so much over the thousands of other hopefuls? As the Popstars program shows, other finalists also demonstrated an incredible amount of vocal skill, dancing ability and musicianship. So what was it that gave these guys the edge? The judges deliberated long and hard but, in the end, they put it down to that elusive 'X Factor' that differenciates a real star from an 'also-ran'.
Scandal'us made Australian music history by being the first Australian group to enter the charts at No.1 with their debut single and then hold it there for three weeks. The single "Me, Myself & I" is nearing double platinum (Australia) sales and is also featured on the group's debut album, "Startin' Somethin'", already certified gold (Australia) selling over 72,000 copies. The only other Australian act to go straight into No.1 with their debut single was Bardot, who maintained that position for just two weeks.
"Me, Myself & I" is an explosive slice of contemporary, edgy rhythm and blues that tips its hat at all five members love of the power of pop. The infectious catchy chorus will stay in your head all day no matter how hard you shake it off. Produced by Paul Gray and Craig Porteils, for Song Zu Records, it was written by Scandinavian hitmaker Fred Johansson and remixed by Gary Kee, who was responsible for the sound of Gwyneth Paltrow's No.1 hit single, "Cruisin'".
"Me, Myself & I" takes the staccato rhythm and blues of Destiny's Child and throws in the Latino groove of Jennifer Lopez. Its amazing video was produced by ARIA award winner, Mark Hartley, responsible for the visually sumptuous clips of Bardot and Madison Avenue and choreographed by the inimitable Kelly Abbey.
Scandal'us has been invited to tour with British pop phenomenon Hear'say in a major tour of England, Scotland and Ireland this August/September. Les Gock, manager for Scandal'us said: "The Hear'say tour is an extraordinary opportunity and will combined with a major media push for the group. We leave for the UK in the next few weeks to meet with record company executives and to prepare for the tour."
Anna Belperio 2nd July 1979 in Adelaide Has one younger sister, two dogs and a yellow canary.
Anna's first language is Italian and she didn't speak English until she started school. The first word she learned to pronounce (apart from Mama and Papa) was chocolate!
Anna's earliest memory of loving music was when her mum played Tom Jones' "What's New Pussycat" - nothing could stop her dancing around the room to that song! Anna's dad encouraged her interest and brought her a guitar. But after three lessons her fingers hurt so much that she changed to electronic organ.
At age six, Anna entered the Yamaha International Electone Festival and has competed every year since. She was a state finalist twice and won a Young Composer's Music Award. Anna also participated in school musicals, choirs and ensembles and on weekends performed in a band for wedding ceremonies.
Anna has always wanted to be a performer but thought it would be safe to have a back up profession. Last year, she finished her Bachelor of Education and, just before making the final group of Popstars, was offered a music teaching profession.
"To be a performer has always been my dream. When I was chosen for the group, I could not believe I had been offered this great opportunity of a lifetime. I am grateful for every experience and opportunity that has been offered to me in the past, which has enabled me to get this far. This is so cool - getting paid to sing, dance and perform. I must have the best job in the world!"
Simon Ditcham Born 15 March 1978 in Hobart He has lived in the same house - designed and built by his father all of his life. Simon has two brothers, one sister and a dog called Holly.
Simon had a brief stint in the army after finishing school, and then studied for a Bachelor of Environment Design at the University of Hobart. He worked in an architectural firm until last year when he decided to follow his passion - a love of music and performing. Simon's other passion is sport and he has represented Tasmania at both tennis and hockey.
Simon formed his first band "Serby" with some schoolmates. After numerous line-up changes, they were known to have the finest rhythm section in Hobart. Simon, the last original member, left the group after five years for Popstars.
"When the auditions came up, I wasn't even going to go in them. If it wasn't for my friends insisting, I wouldn't be here. So I took a chance and look where it has got me. Life is full of surprises."
Tamara Jaber Born on Friday 13th July in Sydney. Tamara started singing and dancing at the age of three and always stole the limelight at family functions. By the age of eight she had started formal tap, jazz and ballet lessons.
She successfully auditioned for the Newtown Performing Arts High School where she studied dance and drama. At 14, she represented Australia in the American Song and Dance Championships and won first prize.
Tamara won a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Music for Years 11 and 12, completing a Diploma of Music at the same time as completing her HSC. She has also worked with John Farnham and Tina Arena.
"I am so grateful for the experience, wisdom and opportunities that I have been given by everyone who has taught me. The discipline instilled during my training has allowed me to stand out from the thousands of people who auditioned for Popstars. I wake up every morning feeling blessed that I am able to do what I love and it is this gift that drives me to want to work harder and to be the best I can."
Daniela Scala Born on 30th March 1982 in Adelaide. She has one elder sister, Giuliana, who also auditioned for Popstars.
As a child, Daniela explored the possibilities of all sorts of professions. Her first choice was to become a vet. Worried that her cat Sugar was too hot, Daniela decided to put him into the refrigerator. Next came the idea of becoming a hairdresser. But after finding a pair of scissors and creating a rather unique zigzag fringe, she knew there had to be another calling.
Daniela's mother is a trained opera singer and encouraged Daniela to study music. In her HSC, Daniela scored 90% for her exam performance. At 16, Daniela entered the South Australian Karaoke Competition. Although she was the youngest performer, she came third. In 1997, she came second in the Young Composers Awards and this experience convinced her where her future should lie - singing and songwriting.
In 1998, Daniela traveled to Italy to perform the Australian anthem at an international soccer tournament. This once performance led to a month long stay, performing at shopping centers, cafés and dances. It was her first taste of stardom as the Italians thought she was a well-known Australian performer!
Daniela is a keen soccer player, but most of all, loves playing the piano and composing songs. Last year she composed a few songs for an unreleased movie.
"When the first Popstars auditions happened, I was too young. So the second time around I took no chances. I convinced myself to strive and reach for it. I tried my best and I did not underestimate my chances. So here I am, with the biggest smile on my face. From the moment I was in, I promised myself to appreciate everything because I knew I would be endlessly grateful."
Jason Bird Born in Middlesex, England on 21st May 1979. His family moved to Perth when he was eight years old. Jason is the second youngest of a family with threes sisters and two brothers.
Jason was a born performer. He used to make his family listen and watch his impressions of his favourite pop stars and would get quite upset when they did not pay full attention to his performance.
His first performing job was as a dancer and choreographer, which took him to Singapore for six months. Back in Perth, while continuing as a dancer, he also managed a major music store.
Last year, Jason and brother Simon decided to move to Melbourne to further their careers. Three months later, they both auditioned for Popstars.
"All my life I have worked and waited for an opportunity like this and now to be given one is a dream come true. Without the tremendous support of my family and friends, I would not be here now. To become a pop star, I realized that a great group of any sort is not made up of perfect individuals, but is a perfect balance of strengths and weaknesses combined, working towards a mutual goal."