Adelaide singer Guy Sebastian to be inducted into SA Music Hall of Fame

The former Adelaide singer has opened up about his shock decision to quit The Voice as he prepares to receive a special accolade in his hometown this week.

Guy Sebastian has paid tribute to his South Australian roots as he returns home to receive a “huge honour” at the SA Music Awards this week.

The chart-topping singer will be inducted into the SA Music Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Thursday night, joining legendary acts including Cold Chisel, The Angels and Paul Kelly.

Now based in Sydney, Sebastian, 43, said he was “very humbled” by the honour, and credited growing up in Adelaide for making him the success he is today.

“I could have learned music anywhere and loved it, but I think it’s more what Adelaide did for my soul, and what this city did for me as a person,” he said.

“Adelaide teaches you to never give up – it’s a South Aussie thing to fight to the end and this industry is pretty full on.

“I’ll forever be a South Aussie… I’ve always wanted to do SA proud and hopefully I have so far.”

Guy Sebastian will be inducted into the SA Music Hall of Fame this week. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Singer Guy Sebastian attends the finale of the second Australian Idol in 2004. Picture: Patrick Riviere/Getty Images

Born in Malaysia, Sebastian was 10 when he moved to Adelaide’s northern suburbs with his family. He attended King’s Baptist Grammar School in Wynn Vale before studying medical radiation at UniSA. But music remained his first love.

So the “chubby, fuzzy-haired” performer made the tough call to quit his degree and follow his dreams, much to the dismay of his parents, Nellie and Ivan.

“I just remember their big ‘gulp’ when I told them… they said it was an unrealistic dream and I needed to study,” he said.

Soon after in early 2003, he auditioned for Australian Idol, and the rest is history.

Sebastian went on to win the inaugural reality talent show, and has since released ten top 10 albums, including three number ones. He has also racked up 23 top twenty singles, and has combined album and single sales of over five million in Australia.

Sebastian’s wife Jules, his sons Hudson and Archie, and his Adelaide-based family will be among the crowd at the Dom Polski Centre on Thursday night.

Sebastian with his sons Hudson, 5, and Archie, 3, in 2017. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Guy Sebastian and wife Jules Sebastian. Picture: Don Arnold/Getty Images for & Juliet Australia

The former Voice coach said Archie, 10, is already showing the same musical chops as his famous father.

“He’s really good. He’s got it. His pitch and harmony… and he’s so in love with music,” Sebastian said.

“I think he definitely wants to be a singer.”

Sebastian also opened up on his recent shock decision to quit Seven’s TV talent show after six years, saying he simply wants to devote more time to his music.

“The last year and a half to two years, I’ve been trying to throw all these balls up in the air and at some stage, you end up being a little burnt out,” he said.

“I love The Voice so much but I’ve been working on this album for four years now, I’m about to release it and if I fill my year again with The Voice and everything else... something has to give.

“I need to give my music the respect that it deserves.”

Sebastian has already launched new single, No Reason to Stay, and is hopeful of releasing the new record early next year. He’s also planning an extensive national and international tour in 2025 and beyond.

“When I’m writing music I’ve always said it has to either move you, or make you want to move. If I’m not doing either of those things then it’s just a jam and I’m being indulgent. But I always try to stick to those two things,” he said.

“It’s time to get back to music and just have fun with it.”