Paulini to Play Leading Role in THE BODYGUARD

Producers John Frost, Michael Harrison and David Ian today announced that one of Australia's finest vocalists and performers, Paulini, will play the leading role of Rachel Marron in the Australian Premiere of the international award-winning hit musical The Bodyguard. The 2017 Australian tour of The Bodyguard will commence at the Sydney Lyric Theatre on 22 April 2017, before playing at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane from July and the Regent Theatre, Melbourne from August. Tickets for the Sydney season are on sale from 31 October from Ticketmaster.

Australia first fell in love with Paulini and her impressive five octave range during the inaugural series of Australian Idol. One of her childhood idols was Whitney Houston, and Paulini won the National Star Search Competition in her teens with her rendition of Whitney's timeless classic When You Believe. The Fijian-born singer songwriter went on to release three highly acclaimed albums, and has travelled the globe from New York to Los Angeles, Paris and London, collaborating with some of the world's best music producers. With her incredible voice, stunning looks and engaging personality, Paulini is one of Australia's most uniquely talented performers.

"We are thrilled to give the extraordinary Paulini her first musical theatre role as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard," said John Frost on behalf of his co-producers. "When Paulini came into the audition room and sang those Whitney Houston hits, we knew she was born to be our leading lady. The Bodyguard has been a huge hit everywhere it has played since its 2012 world premiere in London - I have no doubt Australia will fall in love with this iconic story and those soaring ballads all over again, especially with the beautiful Paulini leading the cast. I'm also looking forward to auditioning to find our leading man, our 'Bodyguard'".

Based on the smash-hit Warner Bros 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner and written by the acclaimed, Oscar-nominated screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Big Chill, The Empire Strikes Back), The Bodyguard features a book by Oscar winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman).

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer is hired to protect superstar singer Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge - what they don't expect is to fall in love.

A 'BRILLIANT!' (The Times), breathtakingly romantic thriller, The Bodyguard includes a whole host of Whitney Houston's greatest hits including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, Greatest Love Of All, Million Dollar Bill, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time - I Will Always Love You.

ABOUT PAULINI

With her incredible voice, stunning looks and engaging personality, Paulini is one of Australia's most uniquely talented performers. The Fijian-born singer songwriter first enthralled the nation on the inaugural series of Australian Idol. Audiences instantly fell in love with Paulini's impressive five octave range - a voice still unrivalled and like no other in this country. Since then Paulini has forged a hugely successful career. Her debut album 'One Determined Heart' and smash single 'Angel Eyes' achieved double platinum status, both hitting the #1 spot. She is still one of only 10 Australian female solo artists to have a #1 album on the Australian ARIA Charts.

She then released another highly acclaimed album 'Superwoman' before releasing two more double platinum albums with the popular all-girl group Young Divas. In 2015, debuting at #25 on the ARIA charts, Paulini's highly-anticipated third solo album 'Come Alive' was released, an infectious, fresh blend of catchy pop, sexy grooves, funky RnB and heart-felt soul that was a labour of love for Paulini, inspired by her personal experiences.

Paulini's sound has been Influenced by some of the most iconic voices in music, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and her childhood idol Whitney Houston, having won the National Star Search Competition in her teens with her incredible rendition of Whitney's timeless classic When You Believe, showcasing her world class talent from a young age.

Since signing with Alberts Music Publishing, the singer travelled the globe from New York to Los Angeles, Paris and London, collaborating with some of the world's best producers including Chris Rosa (producer for Macy Gray/Jamie Foxx), Erik 'Blue2th' Griggs (Jordin Sparks, Dreamgirls soundtrack) and Philippe-Marc Anquetil (Little Mix, Emeli Sande, Timomatic). Paulini's song writing abilities are very much in demand, she's penned songs for many International Artists including hits for The Voice winners from France and the Philippines in recent years.

She has had incredible success internationally having wowed audiences at New York's illustrious Pride festival, sung in Dubai, Paris, Berlin and Shanghai across several prestigious global sporting events, and performed at the esteemed G'Day USA showcase in the States celebrating all things Australian.

Paulini has come a long way since her days on Australian Idol; she is thrilled for her theatrical debut in The Bodyguard and performing songs she has known and loved for as long as she can remember. Looking and sounding better than ever, she maintains the grace and humility audiences first fell in love with and cannot wait to embrace this next chapter of her musical journey with her fans. They say some singers are made and others are born, and the latter remains true for this Australian sweetheart.