Early Life, Beginnings and Australian Idol
Born in Fiji in 1982, Pauline Curuenavuli moved to Sydney with her family when she was four years old. At six years of age, she was already singing in her local choir. In 1990 Pauline's brother was shot and killed during a robbery incident. In 1997, she was placed into a talent development program at her high school, Bankstown Girls High School. Pauline entered the televised talent contest StarStruck, winning the contest. Following the show, Pauline recorded a track, "When You Believe" for the program's CD. With the involvement of her high-school music department, Pauline was also a participant on ABC's live Schools Spectacular concerts. In 2001, she formed a band called MIXX, which included her two sisters, Sereima Curuenavuli and Litia Curuenavuli. At the same time she began cutting demos as a solo artist. In 2003, Pauline was invited by the South Pacific Games team in Fiji to open their competition. She recorded the show's anthem, "Many Rhythms, One Love," for the Games' official album, The Pacific at Its Best.
During this time, Paulini auditioned for the first season of Australian Idol. She earned praise from the judges for performing songs by Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Thelma Houston, and Toni Braxton. During the final five week, Paulini wore a gold dress designed for her by Charlie Brown. Judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson commented on the dress saying "You should choose more appropriate clothes or shed some pounds", which resulted in a great deal of debate and controversy in the media relating to teenage girls and anorexia. In the "final four" week, Paulini landed in the bottom two with fellow finalist Cosima De Vito. It was then announced that she was eliminated. In a poll taken on Australian Idol, Paulini's elimination was the second most surprising elimination ever.
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