18/04/08: THE GREAT WALK TO BEIJING : FULL DIARY
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Blogging
Here I am in my full trekking regalia, about to depart for Beijing to walk through the Gobi Desert to raise funds for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre. I can hear you sniggering already, as you know, it is totally out of my comfort zone to be sporting a 'flat' shoe! So you can see my dedication to this project, and now you can read about my soul searching travels…
**DAY ONE**
Well...This…Is…It. I am embarking on a life changing journey that involves Cancer - but this is the first I one that I have chosen! I have had family and many friends who have survived this disease, and three dear friends that I have lost. Cancer seems to be more and more a part of everyone's life. Why? - I want to scream as loud as I can.
Everyone taking part in the Great Walk to Beijing is on a personal mission - survivors, medics and others like me who have seen in close quarters this devastating illness.
Two flights from Melbourne I end up at the beautiful Ritz Carlton in Beijing.
After checking in and meeting a few of the team, we hear a famous Jamaican called AJ singing in the lobby...he is singing opera! It wasn't exactly what I was expecting to hear on my first visit to China....but it was "a yes from me" - this guy moves us with his vocal ability. I ask him if he will join us on the walk, come meet Olivia and sing for her too. Apparently the wheels are in motion for AJ to meet us on the wall - so before I have even made my first sponsored steps, I have recruited a random.
A welcome nights sleep in a bed that is like a cloud, then we are up early to depart Beijing - a city of 16 million people with smog thick enough it cuts the view of the sun.
Our first flight lands in Xian. We touch down briefly and re-board a flight to Jiayuguan. We are now in Western China in a desert city that seems positively deserted.
After two days of non-stop travel, I am over air transport and can't wait to get my walking boots on and 'Get physical'!
Fact of the day: 'Eggplant' is what they say in Chinese when they take happy snaps - like we say "cheese" Tip of the day: carry toilet paper - you will never find that in the public toilets Weigh In: 48.5kilos
**DAY TWO**
First day of walking and I am faced with a vertiginous climb. Wow! Have I done my training for this – sure!!!! I wore in my trekking boots by putting them on while I typed some emails at home the night before I left Melbourne, and pre trekking boot purchase, I did a few climbs 2 weeks ago in Los Angeles – yup…..I'm nervous!
This is the mountainous part of the Great Wall, where it sits between the Black Mountains and the Qilian snow capped mountains. It is a few kilometers up to the highest Northern viewing point then a 9km descent to the Jiayuguan Pass.
As you can see we are amazed to be here and stop to capture it ..s of 'happy snaps' – or breathing stops! The air is very thin and the altitude is making my heart best like a caged Tyrannosaurus.
Trust me…..walking down does just as much damage on your muscles as going up. I had calf muscles that felt like rocks by the end of this descent.
Ajay (host of The Biggest Loser in Australia) and I are comparing our 'weigh ins' for the day – everyone is expecting to lose weight on this trip, but as a late comer to the event, I'm told that none of the others have so far; even with the long days of climbing, and unusual meals that are sometimes not at all appetizing.
I meet Adam Sutton who is the most charming guy, and described to me as our 'Real Gay Cowboy'. I tell him, it doesn't get any gayer than taking a stroll with Olivia and me… singing Xanadu!
Walking through the fortress we stop for some arrow shooting – I split when I saw Johanna Griggs giving Kieren Perkins advice, as she was laughing out the side of her mouth, as I was standing right behind them!
I am amazed at the amount of time Olivia manages to spend with all of sponsored walkers – she absolutely loves to see we are all okay and loves to catch up on giggles and heart felt moments. She is always there with the biggest hug.
As we are in the desert, any form of vanity has gone out the window – dust masks are needed for long treks across the desert plains – on returning to the hotel, I can report that we are covered in it, and I confess to finding dust in places you don't want it! The water that we shower in has a brown colour, and so getting clean is done as quickly as possible.
Roadside shopping! Aside from the stuffed Camel dolls, your guess is as good as mine on the other stuff! A bunch of us hire some Ghengis Khan costumes and have a play around – it's amazing how silly we were getting – I will blame it on the heat and exhaustion!
Just as we are leaving the fortress I find some Camels for hire and figure it would be rude not to take one for a spin!
This is our on-the-road toilet being set up. We nickname it, "The Throne". It is by far the cleanest and nicest toilet we come across outside our hotels!
Fact of the day: 8 is a lucky number Tip of the day: do not drink any tap water and shut your mouth when you shower! Weigh in: 47.2 kilos
Pedometer says we have done 16.05 kms today!!!!!
Having dodged Donkey, Lamb and something that looked like Chicken-ish, at our Mongolian Feast last night – I take my vegetarian taste buds to the buffet in the hotel and knock back some red wines with the gang. My feet are now in my Ugg boots and I'm feeling fine!
**DAY THREE** Weigh In: 46.5 (I know! How does one lose weight that quickly!)
Today we trek through the Gobi Desert. The sun is hot and a cold wind whips at us from one side. Sunscreen is a must, as the rays sneak on to our skin without us feeling them; the wind has a way of gently numbing any exposed areas.
Report of the Day: The Great Wall is not so great! Well at least not this stretch, which had fallen down in many sections, and in others looked like a sand dune.
I manage to climb to the top and walk like I used to as a kid along the top of a wall. I could see for miles. I felt happy and on top of the world.
There is no other way to describe today, but a long trek through the desert. The sand is as fine as dust so most walkers wear surgical masks to stop inhaling and swallowing it. We looked like a trek group that is in fancy dress. Theme: Nurses!
Half way through the 12kms, a train track runs over the wall. It looks strong and shiny new. We check the line is free of oncoming trains and a few of us proceed to do a photo shoot lying on the track. It is just so tempting to lie across the tracks - like a kind of Vertigo. So stupid, but you just can't help yourself!
I show Olivia my Aussie Flag and we take it for a run. The surroundings are so barren and without colour, that the flag is a feast to our eyes.
Even though Olivia is sick with the flu, she takes every step with us. This wonderful lady has the strongest will power and I see her fight on, even when she is struggling. We see just three signs of native life the whole way. A small lizard that we play with as we are so amused that anything is able to survive out here; a small animal skull, and a dead snake! This place is tough!
I have a long chat with Scott, one of our Cancer survivors. He is always at the front of the pack, so we walk and talk. A firefighter who had two brushes with Cancer. One so strong he was administered 'fatal doses' of Chemo. He recounts his story of telling the doctors to do whatever they had to, as he had a wife and kids to look after - and he wasn't ready to go just yet! I ask if he misses his family. This big strong man made of muscle and a steel determination bursts in to tears. All I can do is hug him. "This is my first trip outside of Australia", he says, "I miss my family. My wife has been my rock and my kids gave me a reason to survive". I find out later that day when I speak to his lovely wife on the phone that she had lost her father and brother to Cancer prior to Scott's Cancer. My heart sinks.
With sore legs, I hobble to bed, as another big day lies ahead of us ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz Good Night
'Life is not how you survive the storm, but how you dance in the rain'
**DAY FOUR**
Weigh in: 46.5
We start the day with a 5 hour bus journey to Dun Huang City. Our bus stops in a lay way to set up toilet. We step out of the bus, the sun is blazing down heat, and my feet are a metre away from a trail of human feaces! It is explained to us by our local guide that this is normal in China. The side of the road is an open toilet. Men use the left of the highway, and women use the right. Right! Believe me, this is where you DO NOT want a photo inserted!!!!!
Note to self: remember you have packed your sense of humour!
We arrived in Dun Huang and I am happy to see some colour and greenery. Our eyes have been starved of colour, and it feels as though we have just stepped from an old Hollywood black and white Western film in to a 3-D Bollywood film. There is a fanfare for our arrival - pretty young dancers with full performance make up, all dressed in spangly bright Pink and Yellow costumes.
We are served a Chinese feast for lunch. The tables are covered in plates heaving with steaming food. I eat one unidentified dish...I must be getting brave. It is like blocks of clear jelly. I am told after it has pork rind in it. For a Vegetarian of 23 years I should be close to vomiting, but I couldn't taste or smell it, so I decide it was just a noodle.
We have a gentle stroll today, an excursion to the Mogao Grottoes. These are hand dug caves in the side of a mountain with sand dunes in the distant that look so perfect my mind tells me they must be a painted backdrop at the London Opera. We visit three of the larger caves - all with Buddha paintings and statues. I am sad to say there were no photos allowed inside, as it is one of the most breath taking sites I have ever seen.
When we step inside, it is dark and freezing cold (Ancient Air Con!). We stand at the feet of one Buddha, 113 feet high. The surrounding walls and ceilings are decorated with thousands of intricate individual drawings of Buddha that pattern around like tiles. This has been a place of contemplation for centuries. Buddhist Monks used to live here and famous artists made these Deities to inspire and span 10 Dynasties, last through wars and even a few earthquakes. I feel small, humbled and while processing why I am here, the word 'acceptance' repeats in my head.
On returning to the hotel I am moved by what I have seen and tears of sadness stream down my face, for the ones I have lost to Cancer. Three friends - one was my best friend. We were sitting around chatting one day when she noticed she felt a pain, like a Kidney infection. The following day she was taken to hospital. I sat by her side for the next three months, watching the devastation of Cancer take over. I will never forget the horrific diagnosis that she was not going to survive. My friend was just 36, and never to leave that hospital. In the most serene organised way, she planned her funeral and gave family and friends specific details to take care of. All I could do was rub her feet and look into her eyes and try to be brave. Six months after her passing I find myself with all her loved ones on a beach to scatter her ashes into the sea, as requested. There is nothing that can take your breath away more than holding ashes of your dear young lost friend in your hand, and un-curling finger by finger until they float away in the tide. I was numb all over.
This was just over a year ago - and I am now here, in Central China, crying and trying to 'accept' this personal devastation. Most of the walkers on this trip have no idea what I had been through, and suspect I am walking due to the experience of my sister's breast cancer. I wish that was the only reason. With one friend surviving Leukaemia, four surviving cancer, three friends lost to cancer and two currently being treated for cancer, the numbers are staggering.
Please please please help me raise money to find a cure for this illness that is plaguing our lives. I don't want to live with it, and I don't want to fight it - just find a cure and move forward to a time when it will no longer be a part of our world.
With love that stretches farther than the Great Wall is long, thanks for taking this journey with me
Many thanks to everyone who has already sponsored me. Yours Sincerely,
10/04/08 : LET”S GET PHYSICAL!
Current mood: focused
THE GREAT WALK TO BEIJING
Hi all,
The Great Walk to Beijing is new territory for me, I have never camped or forgone couture and a 4inch heel before!
Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way. As you have probably seen in the media, Olivia Newton-John has taken on the massive project of raising funds for a new cancer and wellness centre. You can help by sponsoring me on the Great Walk to Beijing.
As I'm counting the steps, singing my best rendition of Xanadu, nursing the blisters and wondering how I ended up in sub zero temperatures, I will remember that I have packed my sense of humour!
Simply click HERE if you would like to sponsor me.
Many thanks to everyone who has already sponsored me already - if anyone can walk the Gobi desert through a dust storm and still manage a disco grapevine dance move along the Great Wall, it's me!
Dannii recently teamed up with sister Kylie to recreate the infamous Dynasty cat-fight between Joan Collins and Linda Evans.
It was one of a series of sketches that made up an ITV special called 'The Kylie Show'. You can watch the hilarious sketch filmed in Kylie's dressing room below:
In 2005 Dannii enrolled as an Ambassador for Young People with the Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK's leading HIV and sexual health charity. Each year Dannii issues a World Aids Day picture to try and raise awareness and communicate important messages.
Dannii Minogue 2007 : "Stay safe and sexy this World Aids Day".
"At the moment we have a problem with young people finding it easier to actually have sex, than talk about wearing a condom. Last year alone nearly 8000 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in the UK and there is still no cure. As Ambassador For Young People I'd like to see easier and quicker methods introduced for HIV and STD testing and for better sex education to be made part of the school curriculum. Stay safe and sexy by using a condom every time you have sex."
Dannii's 1997 Studio Album 'Girl' is re-released on 29th October 2007. The double CD includes the original album with extra tracks and a Bonus CD with number one club mixes and previously unreleased material. Housed in a Super Jewel Case the album also includes a 24-page colour booklet. The album includes the Number One dance hits 'All I Wanna Do', 'Everything I Wanted', 'Heaven Can Wait' and 'Disremembrance'.
COMPACT DISC ONE 01. All I Wanna Do 02. Heaven Can Wait (Album Version) 03. So In Love With Yourself 04. Am I Dreaming? 05. Everybody Changes Underwater 06. Everything I Wanted (Album Version) 07. It It Moves – Dub It 08. Disremembrance (Album Version) 09. It's Amazing 10. Movin' Up (Extended Mix) * 11. Keep Up With The Good Times * 12. Someone New (Radio Edit) * 13. Coconut 14. All I Wanna Do (Trouser Enthusiasts Radio Edit) * 15. Everything I Wanted (Xenomania Radio Edit) 16. Disremembrance (Trouser Enthusiasts Radio Edit) *
COMPACT DISC TWO 01. All I Wanna Do (12" Extended Mix) 02. Everything I Wanted (Xenomania 12" Club Mix) 03. Heaven Can Wait (Trouser Enthusiasts Cloud Nine Mix) * 04. Disremembrance (Full Orchestral 12" Mix) * 05. All I Wanna Do (Qattara's Club Mix) 06. Everything I Wanted (Jupiter 6 Soul Surround Mix) 07. Disremembrance (Twyce As Nyce 1:40AM Club Mix) * 08. Movin' Up (Getting Harder Mix) - UNRELEASED 09. Keep Up With The Good Times (Xenomania 12" Mix) * 10. All I Wanna Do (Tiny Tim & The Mekon Dream Dub) *
THE VIDEOS: 01 LOVE AND KISSES (UK VERSION) 02 $UCCE$$ (UK VERSION) 03 JUMP TO THE BEAT 04 BABY LOVE 05 I DON'T WANNA TAKE THIS PAIN (UK VERSION) * 06 SHOW YOU THE WAY TO GO * 07 LOVE'S ON EVERY CORNER * 08 THIS IS IT 09 THIS IS THE WAY * 10 GET INTO YOU * 11 ALL I WANNA DO 12 EVERYTHING I WANTED 13 DISREMEMBRANCE 14 WHO DO YOU LOVE NOW? 15 PUT THE NEEDLE ON IT 16 I BEGIN TO WONDER 17 DON'T WANNA LOSE THIS FEELING 18 YOU WON'T FORGET ABOUT ME 19 PERFECTION 20 SO UNDER PRESSURE
BONUS VIDEOS: 21 RESCUE ME * 22 COCONUT * 23 EVERLASTING NIGHT * 24 LIVE FOR THE ONE I LOVE (LIVE) * 25 BEGIN TO SPIN ME ROUND * 26 DON'T WANNA LOSE THIS GROOVE * 27 I CAN'T SLEEP AT NIGHT 28 HE'S THE GREATEST DANCER (LIVE) * 29 KIDS (LIVE DUET WITH KYLIE) *
SHORT FILMS: 01 PUT THE NEEDLE ON IT - BEHIND THE SCENES 02 NEON NIGHTS 03 I BEGIN TO WONDER - BEHIND THE SCENES 04 YOU WON'T FORGET ABOUT ME - BEHIND THE SCENES
Dannii's 2003 Studio Album 'Neon Nights' is re-released on 29th October 2007. The double CD includes the original album with extra tracks and a Bonus CD with number one club mixes and previously unreleased material. Housed in a Super Jewel Case the album also includes a 24-page colour booklet. The album includes the Number One club hits 'Who Do You Love Now?', 'Put The Needle On It', 'I Begin To Wonder' and 'Don't Wanna Lose This Feeling'.
COMPACT DISC ONE 01. Put The Needle On It 02. Creep 03. I Begin To Wonder (Album Version) 04. Hey! (So What) 05. For The Record 06. Mighty Fine 07. On The Loop 08. Push 09. Mystified 10. Don't Wanna Lose This Feeling (Al Stones Radio Edit) 11. Vibe On 12. A Piece Of Time 13. Who Do You Love Now? (Radio Edit) 14. Come And Get It (Radio Version) * 15. Nervous 16. Just Can't Give You Up * 17. Hide And Seek 18. Don't Wanna Lose This Groove (Radio Edit) 19. Est-Ce Que Tu M'Aimes Encore? * 20. Goodbye Song 21. It Won't Work Out (Acoustic Version) *
COMPACT DISC TWO 01. Don't Wanna Lose This Groove – Extended Version (DANNII VS MADONNA) 02. Begin To Spin Me Round – Extended Version (DANNII VS DEAD OR ALIVE) 03. Who Do You Love Now? – Riva's Bora Bora Club Mix * 04. Put The Needle On It – Jason Nevins Freak Club Creation Mix * 05. Hide And Seek – Thriller Jill Original Extended Mix * 06. Come And Get It – Jerome Isma-Ae Remix * 07. Put The Needle On It – Tiga's Cookies Dub 08. Creep – Jon Dixon Club Mix * 09. I Begin To Wonder – Almighty Transensual Club Mix * 10. Put The Needle On It – Cicada Vocal Mix 11. Come And Get It – Sharam Jey Remix * 12. Don't Wanna Lose This Feeling – Jupiter Ace Speared Thru The Heart Mix *
Tune in to ITV every Saturday at 7:40pm for the start of X Factor : Series 4. Dannii joins her favourite TV judges, Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh to search the country for the next to win a million pound recording contract!
There are four judges and four categories this year: Girls under 25, Boys under 25, Over 25 and Groups. Who will Dannii get to mentor? Stay tuned – here comes TEAM MINOGUE!
Dannii says: "I've been the biggest fan of X Factor since the very beginning and I'm so happy to be a judge. This is the ultimate for me".
Log on to the X Factor website so you don't miss the 'Dannii from the BLOG' page that gives you ACCESS ALL AREAS to all the bits that were not seen on camera and the behind the scenes gossip and games!
DANNII MINOGUE : THE JUDGE
At 35 years of age, Dannii Minogue has been performing professionally for 28 years. Her first $ucce$$ came when she performed on the Australian entertainment show, Young Talent Time.
By 16, Dannii had a record deal and had begun work on her debut album Love and Kisses. The album produced 5 worldwide hits including Jump To The Beat, $ucce$$, and Baby Love/ The album went double Gold in the UK.
She starred in the soap Home & Away, which made her a household name in the UK and provided a springboard to launch her musical career. Now with four studio albums to her name (Love And Kisses, Get Into You, Girl and Neon Nights), Dannii has released 20 singles, as well as a Best Of collection, The Hits & Beyond, in 2006.
Dannii crossed over from chart pop (This Is It and All I Wanna Do) to dancefloor hits, earning her the title 'Queen of Clubs'. Her dance track, Who Do You Love Now?, made number one in the dance charts and number three in the UK charts, providing Dannii's highest chart entry at the time. It was soon superseded by I Begin To Wonder, which reached number one in the dance charts and number two in the UK charts, and led to one of Dannii's career highlights, performing to over 100,000 people at London's Party In The Park. She's also the only artist to have been granted permission to use a track by her hero, Madonna, on the bootleg, Don't Want To Love This Groove.
From this $ucce$$, Dannii played her favourite movie character, 'Rizzo' in the Australian production of Grease - the Arena Spectacular. This hosted over 66 Arena shows, to more than 450,000 in its first season. Another triumph saw Dannii play the lead, Esmeralda, for five sell-out months, in Notre Dame de Paris at the Dominion theatre in London's West End.
Dannii says, "I feel my career has come full circle, from my audition on a TV talent show, to judging the UK's finest talent on The X Factor. I'm honoured to be working with the best in the business, Simon, Sharon and Louis. This is going to be a great year!
While Next was revolutionising the High Street back in 1982, a bubbly Dannii Minogue was entertaining Australia. Both proved they have talent. 25 Years on, the two have found common ground: The Next Boutique lingerie collection.
The stunning new lingerie range supports the perfectly formed frame of X Factor judge, Dannii Minogue, in this season's Next Directory. This, a unique union, well timed, commemorates the 25 years Next are celebrating, and enforces the new style branding set to enrich the High Street.
Before you question the celebrity enlist, let it be remembered, Next is one brand, no stranger to familiar faces, for the Next Directory is responsible for many a supermodel career. That aside, both Dannii and Next possess a whole host of credentials; the ability to consistently engage the consumer, a loyal fan base, a dynamic influence over fashion and style.
So when Dannii, a long standing devotee of Next lingerie, (she can be seen flaunting a sexy black number in her You Won't Forget About Me video) was approached to exclusively model the Next Boutique range, she jumped to the beat.
The collection itself embodies all that is Dannii; beautifully sexy, gracefully girlie and exquisitely chic. Such delicate touches as cord embroidery, luxury laces, mini ruffles and ribbons authenticate this. Fabrics naturally compliment the strong colour palette. Beloved black, claret and teal dance alongside rose pink, chocolate and cream.
Balcony bras, plunge bras and T-shirt bras all appear in this extensive collection, pairing with mini briefs, thongs and demi thongs. Star pieces include the basque, bringing glamour to smalls in need of an overhaul. And the black quilted satin shorts are the LBD's answer to underwear.
Polka dot flirts with flocked dot. Animal print plays with pinstripe. And nightwear puts silky pyjamas*, chiffon slips and slinky robes into the limelight. Think girl next door meets boudoir beauty and you'll see this collaboration has true meaning with love and kisses all over it.
DANNII MINOGUE YOU WON'T FORGET ABOUT ME
Sizes range from 6-22 in selected styles only. Bra sizes range from 32A – 38DD in selected styles only. *Pyjamas are available in regular and long leg. Shop from 400 stores nationwide, online at next.co.uk or by phone 0844 844 8000.
X FACTOR : HERE COMES THE JUDGE!
Current mood: ecstatic
Dannii Minogue is over-the-moon to confirm she will be a judge on the 4th series of X Factor.
"How has it been possible for me to keep this secret for soooooooooooooo long? Fresh off the plane from Australia where I was judging Australia's Got Talent, it's X Factor a go-go and boy am I ready! I'm so excited to be working with my favourite TV judges Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne. Watch this space – here comes Team Minogue!".
Photograph (C) Talkback Thames for ITV
-- OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE --
Fourth Series – Fourth Judge
The X Factor Announces Its New Judging Line-up
After weeks of speculation, ITV today confirmed the two new Judges for the fourth series of The X Factor. Choreographer Brian Friedman and singer Dannii Minogue will join Sharon Osbourne and Simon Cowell on the show when it returns to the channel later this year.
Brian, who is currently appearing as a Judge on ITV's Grease Is The Word, is a world class choreographer who has worked extensively with some of the music industry's biggest names including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Pink and Beyonce. He said 'I'm flattered to be offered such a coveted position. After the warm welcome the UK has already given me I'm overjoyed to be extending my stay and work on this exciting new endeavour.'
Dannii Minogue has been a leading figure on the music scene for the past 16 years and has had 19 hit singles and 4 hit albums. Dannii's hit singles include the Top 10 smash hits Love And Kisses, I Begin To Wonder, Jump To The Beat, Put The Needle On It, Baby Love, Who Do You Love Now?, This Is It, Don't Wanna Lose This Feeling, All I Wanna Do and You Won't Forget About Me. She has appeared in West End musicals, DJs in Ibiza and been a Judge on the hit show Australia's Got Talent in her home country. Dannii said 'I can't wait to be part of the X Factor team and getting up close and personal on a daily basis with Simon, but he'd better watch out because when it comes to mentoring the acts because the gloves will definitely be off. Just because I'm the new girl I won't be a pushover - he'll soon see my competitive streak."
She continued 'I'm really excited to be working with Brian Friedman. He's hot and all my friends love watching him too! I've always been a huge fan of The X Factor. I can't wait to see what talent the UK has in store, I think the auditions are going to be very intense. So get ready, cause we are ready for you."
Paul Jackson, ITV's Director of Entertainment and Comedy said 'We're delighted we've managed to secure two new judges who between them have such a wealth of talent and experience. We're sure that they, with Simon and Sharon, and Dermot as host, will prove to be a winning combination and take The X Factor to a whole new level.'
Richard Holloway, Executive Producer of The X Factor said 'We always try and make each series real event television and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever before. We are auditioning at more venues, seeing more people and the entire production team are really excited at the prospect of finding the next Leona Lewis.'
As well as their Judging duties, Dannii, Brian, Simon and Sharon act as Mentors, guiding their selected Finalists towards the climax of the competition and a million pound recording contract. There will be fourth category this series. Contestants will be split into 14 – 24s Boys; 14 – 24s Girls; 25s and Overs and Groups. All four Judges will hope that one of their acts follow last year's winner Leona Lewis to glory and the coveted number one spot.
Dermot O'Leary hosts the new series and the UK's biggest talent search will start in June when the team scour cities across the country to find The X Factor 2007's winner.
AUSTRALIA'S GOT TALENT - THE WINNER!
Current mood: excited
After 10 weeks of live shows the first series of Australia's Got Talent reached it's grand final on Saturday 28th April 2007. Throughout the series judges Dannii Minogue, Tom Burlinson and Red Symons have been armed with the ultimate weapon of power, the decisive big red buzzer which determined just how far each act would go.
Performers who impressed the judges went through to the semi final rounds. From here the contestants faced the toughest judge of all - the Australian public.
DANNII SAID:
"From the first episode where my friends called me with offers of being able to make balloon animals and play the recorder though their noses, we have come to the first Grand Final winner of Australia's Got Talent.
The last two in the running were Heb Patton, who played the Gum Leaf with a heart as big as this country is wide, and Bonnie Anderson, who has just lost a baby tooth and can sing with the best that are out there on the main stage.
Australia voted, and Bonnie Anderson is our first Australia's Got Talent winner. Bonnie has a totally, natural talent and is a genuinely lovely girl. Our hearts fluttered when she took on the pressure of the $250,000 Grand Final prize.
I hope to see you all next season for Australia's Got Talent – Series Two.
Lots of love Dannii x
These pictures were taken exclusively backstage.
CHECK OUT THE NEW 'AUSTRALIA'S GOT TALENT' GALLERY OVER AT WWW.DANNIIMUSIC.COM
ALL PICTURES OF DANNII (C) KDB ARTISTS PTY. LTD.
Who will win the quarter of a million dollars in Series Two? Could it be YOU? We're looking for new acts RIGHT NOW!
So if you have a great and unique talent, we want to hear from you!
Whether, you're a dancer, an acrobat, a juggler, magician, comedian, contortionist, ventriloquist... or better still - something we haven't even thought of yet - we want to see you on the AGT stage!
We'll be starting up again soon, so don't delay! You could be up there on the Australia's Got Talent stage, doing your thing in front of a national TV audience! And who knows... you could be our next Australia's Got Talent winner... and $250,000 RICHER!
18/04/2007 - DANNII PERFORMS ON 'DANCING WITH THE STARS'
Dannii performed a show-stopping live performance of He's The Greatest Dancer last night in Australia. Performing, with four male dancers, Dannii had the audience on their feet!
- WATCH THE PERFORMANCE BELOW -
Watched by an enormous 1.9 million viewers, Dannii wore a dress created by Prahran couturiers J'Aton, with the aid of vintage fabric from Italian fashion legend Emilio Pucci.
All photographs (C) 2007 Channel Seven, Australia.
06/04/2007 : DANNII HELPS 'GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL'
Current mood: thoughtful
Dannii took part in the 76th Herald Sun, 3AW,Magic and Seven Network Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal on Friday 6th April. This year has set a new record of over $11,788,970.88cents! This is more than $1.5 million dollars up on last year's total.
Thousands of families gathered at Telstra Dome for the Good Friday Appeal's Kids Day Out in Australia. Football was on hold as fun and frivolity took over the concourse at the Docklands stadium with face-painting, athletics and live performances, including belly dancing, all a hit with even the smallest fans. Stars added to the youngsters' enjoyment. Among them were Dannii Minogue, Kate Ceberano, Bobby Morley and Tom Williams, Molly Meldrum, Paul Mercurio, Johanna Griggs and Fifi Box.
Appeal Director Christine Unsworth says she overwhelmed and ecstatic about the midnight grand total. "The response to our 76th year and the 50th anniversary for Channel Seven is such a tribute to Victorians and their dedication to keeping the Royal Children's Hospital in the top four pediatric hospitals in the world," said Ms Unsworth.
Pictured below with sisters Holly, Brooke and Charlotte, Dannii visited the Royal Children's Hospital and said it now had a special relevance for her because the blossoming relationship with her nephew Charlie had given her an even greater affinity with young patients.
The girls father, Rod said : "Thank you Dannii for spending some time with Charlotte. She clearly warmed to you as you were the only visitor she cuddled all day and she loved the dancing in the corridor!"
You can still donate to the Good Friday Appeal
By phone: Call the Good Friday Appeal office on 03 9292 1166 (Australia)
By post: Send cheque or money orders to: Good Friday Appeal P O Box 14744 MELBOURNE VIC 8001 AUSTRALIA
In person: At any Victorian National Australia Bank
31/03/2007 : AN UPDATE FROM OZ
Current mood: awake
Hi ya!
I'm having such a blast in Oz doing Australia's Got Talent. I wanna say a BIG thank you to everyone joining my official MySpace – I will try and post here as much as I can. I'll also be answering the questions in the Ask Dannii section of www.danniimusic.com very soon!
DANNII WEARS : Pucci Head Scarf
Being back at home in Australia has been such a tonic. I've loved every minute of family time, friends and lots of Summer fun. Australia's Got Talent is showcasing the best (and sometimes worst! He he!) of our diverse Aussie performers. The Semi Finals are heating up, and the pressure is on for one lucky person to secure the $250,000. www.australiasgottalent.com.au
As many of you will know the Grand Prix season began in my hometown Melbourne a couple of weeks ago – and nothing would have stopped me attending the race! The sun was shining and it was the most perfect day. I loved catching up with friends that work either on or off the track, and showing my big sis the thrill of F1.
In the first picture Kylie and I are joined by Sterling Moss. He's a very famous retired Formula One driver. Of course we couldn't turn down a picture with the gorgeous Jenson Button :-) !
David Coulthard had a spectacular crash that had him airborne, while Lewis Hamilton (British driver) landed a podium finish for his first race. Sadly Mark Weber did not make the podium in his home race – but I'm sure Redbull Racing have a great year ahead.
These exclusive pictures were taken on mine and Kylie's cameras. We were joined by our friend Benjamin Hart, who's busy filming for his role in Neighbours. His first episode will be aired in Australia in June, making UK screens by August. The sunshine gave us the excuse to all wear big sunnies!
I did a radio interview recently for Fox FM with DJs Hamish & Andy. The guys are hilarious, it was such a fun interview. We played a trick on one of their flat mates – that was quite naughty. One of the pics here is to say SORRY!!!! www.fox.com.au
Last time I told you about a photo shoot I did for the Australian edition of In Style Magazine. The April Issue has now hit the shelves across Australia. I'm so happy with the shots. It was a long day trying out different looks and shots - I wish I looked like that all the time!!!! www.instyle-australia.com
My new single He's The Greatest Dancer is released in Australia on April 16th. I will be doing some TV performances of the single that I'll let you know about very soon.
I will be back in London come European Summer. I have my bikini and it's ready to travel!
See you soon
Mwah, Dx
PS: If any of you are thinking of taking up a new hobby, I recommend Ballroom Dancing! I've been taking lessons in my spare time. It's so not as easy as it looks! But wow – what a good workout.
16/03/2007 - HE'S THE GREATEST DANCER - New Australian Single
Current mood: good
Due to popular demand Central Station Records will release Dannii's version of the Sister Sledge classic He's The Greatest Dancer as an exclusive Australian-only single.
The Maxi CD will hit the shops on Monday April 14th.
He's The Greatest Dancer has already topped the UK club charts. The exclusive CD features the Radio Edit & Extended Version plus hot remixes from Chris Lake, The Shapeshifters, Riffs & Rays and Sebastian Leger.
accomplished
focused
bitchy
excited
creative
ecstatic
thoughtful
awake
good
loved
