Sunday, February 11, 2007

Young Divas Pull Out Of Gig

Herald Sun



TOP-SELLING pop group The Young Divas have pulled out of the Westlife tour.

The group -- which contains Ricki-Lee Coultier, Emily Williams, Paulini Curuenavuli and Kate DeAraugo -- had been booked to support the Irish boy band when they tour Australia later this month.

But the girls have stepped down from the tour and been replaced by Anthony Callea.

The Westlife tour was initially booked for the Rod Laver Arena last September, but was rescheduled for the Vodafone Arena on February 26.

The support act reshuffle comes at a time when the group has been weathering speculation that Coultier is set to leave the quartet permanently, amid rumours of rampant egos and personality clashes.

Coultier filmed the video clip for the Diva's next single during the week and has headed overseas for six weeks to work on her solo album.

Lavina Williams, the sister of Diva Emily and also an Idol graduate, will stand in for Coultier while she is overseas.

Diva's manager David Champion tipped cold water on the red hot rumour that Coultier was planning to quit the group.

He said she would be promoting the girls' new single and would record the Divas' next album. "The Young Divas' success has surprised everybody," Champion said.

"It has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but the Divas are intent on going forward and continuing on this whirlwind of a ride.

"They are disappointed they won't be sharing the stage with Westlife, but are looking forward to headlining their own tour later this year."

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