Paulini Curuenavuli has had quite a year. Former Young Diva and friend Ricki-Lee Coultier suddenly quit the successful group, and her own personal life has been a full of ups and downs.
As the Young Divas, Emily Williams, Kate DeAraugo and now Jessica Mauboy, prepare to release their next album, Paulini, 24, reveals she’s entered a new phase in her life and that includes a new man!
You’re hard at work on the second Young Divas album?
Yeah, we’re right in the middle of it, nearly finished. It’ll be a covers album. It’s happy, party, disco style for all the girls out there.
Was Jessica Mauboy nervous in the beginning?
She was, absolutely. She couldn’t believe she was there with us in the studio. She was taking some dance lessons which is good because I can’t dance. Emily can but Kate doesn’t. [laughs]
How did Jess get the nod to join the group?
We had a few different girls who we could choose from and we were thinking of other ways to get that member but then we agreed she’d bring something different to the Young Divas.
You’re getting ready to work on your third solo album?
Yeah, middle of next year I’ll be releasing a single and writing the album after the Divas one comes out. It’ll be pop and soul with some orchestra thrown in.
We hear you’re in a new relationship with a Sydney sportsman?
I’m keeping it low-key. I’ve learnt from the past. Right now it’s about building a friendship and meeting other people. I’m not looking for anything serious. I’m living life and having fun.
Is it important that your parents like whoever you intend to marry?
Absolutely. I think I’d feel totally crap if they didn’t. I wouldn’t be comfortable. I’d have to get their approval.
For more of this interview, see this week’s Woman’s Day (on-sale September 10)
