Guy Sebastian

Guy Sebastian

Guy Theodore Sebastian (born 26 October 1981) is an Australian pop, R&B, and soul singer-songwriter who was the first winner of Australian Idol in 2003. Since 2010 he has been a judge on Australia's The X Factor. Sebastian has released seven albums which all peaked in the top six of the ARIA Charts, with one reaching number one. His first six albums gained either platinum or multi-platinum certification. Armageddon, released in October 2012, is his second album to achieve a number two peak and has been certified gold. He has also released 14 top 15 singles, including 11 top tens. Sebastian is the only Australian male artist in Australian chart history to achieve six number one singles, and he is third overall for all Australian acts. Five singles reached multi-platinum certification, including the 6× platinum "Battle Scars" and three others certified 4× platinum. One of these, his debut single "Angels Brought Me Here", was the highest selling song in Australia last decade. With 36 platinum and four gold certifications and combined album and single sales of over 2.6 million in Australia, he has the highest certifications and sales of any Australian Idol contestant.

Sebastian has also reached the top ten in New Zealand with an album and five singles, including two number ones, and gained six platinum and two gold certifications there. In 2012 "Battle Scars", a collaboration with American rapper Lupe Fiasco, reached number 73 on the US Billboard Hot 100 Chart, and number 23 on the Billboard Digital Song Chart. "Battle Scars" has also reached number 12 in Norway. Sebastian has worked with other notable American musicians. He co-wrote songs with Brian McKnight and Robin Thicke for his album Beautiful Life. The Memphis Album was recorded with members of the MGs including Steve Cropper, who were his band on his 2008 Australian tour. Like It Like That has three tracks with John Mayer on guitar and backing vocals, and "Art of Love" featuring Jordin Sparks. "Who's That Girl", from his album Twenty Ten, features Eve.

During his career Sebastian has received 17 ARIA Awards nominations, including Single of the Year, Best Male Artist and Best Pop Release, winning Highest Selling Single ARIA Awards for "Angels Brought Me Here" and "Who's That Girl". "Who's That Girl" also won the 2011 APRA Urban Work of the Year Award. Other awards include the Oz Artist of the Year Award, and Urban Music Awards for Best Male Artist and Best R&B Album. Sebastian has performed at many notable events, including performing for Pope Benedict XVI, Oprah Winfrey and Queen Elizabeth II. He has a strong commitment to charity, and is currently an ambassador for World Vision Australia, Golden Stave and the Australian Red Cross.