Andre scores hat trick at Coca-Cola Music Awards 1994

Variety Today - 1994

By Shirley Broun

PETER ANDRE'S Gold Coast-based family cried tears of joy as the successful recording artist scored his third big win at the 1993 Coca Cola Music Awards, held at Dreamworld recently.

While Peter, who began his professional career after winning New Faces just two years ago, was unable to attend due to his commitment as support act to Madonna in Melbourne, his parents, brothers Michael and Danny, and sister Debbie were among the thousands who attended the major music industry event.

As the most nominated artist at the event, it was no surprise when Peter, 20, came up trumps for Most Popular New Australian Artist, Dance Act and Best Chart Performance (37 weeks) by an Australian Artist.

A live cross to his dressing room in Melbourne enabled his fans - and his family and friends (who included `Girlfriend') - to see his reaction first hand and it was evident the young performer was overcome with his success at the 1993 Awards.

The next day he flew home to the Queensland Gold Coast to pick up his awards and catch up with family and a few of his music industry peers who were still getting over the night before.

Hosted by John Farnham, Toni Perrin and Fresh Prince, the awards brought together some of the Australian public's most loved performers and personalities ranging from guitar `wonder boy' Nathan Cavaleri to internationally renowned Terrence Trent D'Arby, and the quick moving Jeremy Jordan.

Televised `live' the event was fast-paced but the mood was one of total enjoyment, with artists taking their seats in the audience to enjoy the telecast and the many highlights.

Guest presenter and performer, Kim Wilde, was presented with a gold album and platinum single award, The Music Men reminded John Farnham of an early hit `Sadie the Cleaning Lady', Robyn Love (of Australian Dance Album winners Girlfriend) jumped to her feet at every opportunity to support her favourite performers, while, in the seat behind me, Warwick Capper vocally supported the music of Badlove.

Invited guests enjoyed a pre-awards cocktail party with the stars by the pool, entertained by fabulous Gold Coast-based showband, Shoo-Be-Doo, and Dreamworld's Casey the Clown (alias illusionist Tony Laffan).

After the awards, Dreamworld opened its rides and faciities to performers and guests, who enjoyed a seafood smorgasbord, wine, street entertainment and all the fun of the fair.

The rollercoaster ride was a real favourite, and many of the young guests will never forget their brush with the famous as they all joined the queue for an experience of a life-time.

Dreamworld left no stone unturned in making this event one to remember, with free icecream, fairyfloss, hot dogs, pizza ... in fact, everything was on the house and, I'm sure,k fellow party-goers will agree, it will be a hard act to follow for the next major awards presentation evening.

But, the party didn't stop there as the `who's who' of Australian and overseas music, mixed it with their peers later that night as they relaxed at the Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort - what better way to end what was, indeed, a superb evening at the 1993 Coca Cola Music Awards. Next year the Awards will be in Sydney.

The winners voted by the Australian public as the `MOST POPULAR' were:
Australian Independent Album, `The Honeymoon is Over', Cruel Sea; Australian Music Video, `Never Miss Your Water', Diesel; Video Hits Show, Rave; Australian Dance Album, `Make It Come True', Girlfriend; International Male Performer, Michael Jackson;Australian Song of the Year, `Walk Away Renee', Rick Price; International Song, `What's Up', four Non Blondes; Australian Independent Act, Falling Joy; Australian Male Performer, Diesel; Take 40 Award for International Act, East 17; Best Chart Performances by Australian Artist, Peter Andre; Indigenous Trophy, Bar Willoughby; Australian Female Performer, Wendy Matthews; Female International artist, Madonna; International Album, `Zooropa', U2; Australian Group, Baby Animals; Australian Album of the Year, `Heaven Knows', Rick Price. The Crystal Trophy for outstanding service to the industry went to Joe Camilleri.

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