FROM the first time ROBERT ``MILLSY'' MILLS hit television screens on AUSTRALIAN IDOL in mid-2003, the 21-year-old from Melbourne won the hearts of viewers.
Blessed with the vocal chords of ROBBIE WILLIAMS and i ectious charisma, Millsy instantly became one of the show's most popular contestants.
The former football player, who performed in acoustic cover band MEGA MEN before joining Australian Idol, was so popular that he made it into the top five finalists before being voted off.
Despite not taking out the coveted Australian Idol title, Millsy has continued to shine, and over the next year he promises audiences can expect to see a lot more of the lovable larrikin.
Like runner-up SHANNON NOLL, Millsy has also secured a recording contract with BMG and he is already in the studio planning the release of his debut album.
``I always just had my fingers crossed for a record deal,'' Millsy said.
``I have been songwriting since the show ended and I suppose that BMG hadn't come along I was hoping for an independent release or maybe going to another record company BMG said no .
.
.
but they said yes, so it's all exciting.
'' Millsy is working closely alongside TAXIRIDE's TIM WATSON and AUSTRALIAN IDOL musical director JOHN FOREMAN.
``I'm doing some co- writing with John and Tim just about my l e experiences in the last couple of months.
``It's been pretty crazy so I've got something to write about.
Beforehand I was always saying `Oh, I don't know what to write about', but it's coming along.
'' Millsy said the album will be predominantly rock- based.
``I want a band with me on stage.
I don't think I could see myself up there with dancing girls.
But before Millsy embarks on his solo career, he will reunite with the 11 other finalists from Australian Idol for a national tour that will see the group perform at some of the largest venues in the country.
COSIMA DE VITO, LEVI KEREAMA, PAULINI CURUENAVULI, KELLY CAVUOTO, CLE MORGAN- WOOTTON, REBEKAH LA VAUNEY, MATT CHADWICK, LAUREN BUCKLEY, PETER RYAN, SHANNON NOLL and winner GUY SEBASTIAN will join Mills to kick off the tour in Newcastle on Friday night.
It will be the first time all 12 finalists have met since the Australian Idol grand final at the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE in November.
Millsy said he can't wait to get back on stage and catch up with the group.
``We're totally pumped.
The fact that we're going to be playing the biggest venues in the country is amazing.
``Six months ago everyone was playing at their own little pubs or whatever and to think that now we're playing all these arenas is just amazing.
`` I haven't had the chance to perform since the show so I'm dying to get up and sing again.
``We all get about five minutes each in the first hour and then the second hour is jam-packed full of group songs.
``I'm not actually singing anything from the show but I won't say what because I'll save it as a surprise for the show.
We're keeping it all a mystery.
``Even Dicko's gonna be there .
.
.
I'm not sure what he's doing, though.
He'll probably just stand around and give everyone crap again.
'' AUSTRALIAN IDOL LIVE appears at Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday.
Doors open at 7.
30pm and tickets are available from TICKETEK on 4921-2121.
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