Guy Sebastian's Hit-Filled Dilemma: Crafting the Perfect Set List for 2026 Tour
Guy Sebastian is grappling with a delightful problem as he prepares for his upcoming Australian tour: an abundance of chart-topping hits that simply won't all fit into a single concert. With a career spanning 23 years and 10 studio albums, the singer faces the tough task of selecting which beloved tracks to include and which to leave out, all while ensuring fans enjoy a dynamic and engaging performance.
Balancing New and Old: A Set List Challenge
When planning his tour, Sebastian aimed to blend songs from his latest album, 100 Times Around The Sun, with classic hits that have defined his career. He emphasized the importance of creating a vibrant atmosphere where audiences can dance and celebrate, yet he couldn't ignore the emotional pull of his popular ballads. With limited time in a concert, the challenge became how to cram everything in without overwhelming the show.
"Twenty-three years, 10 albums: It's getting a little harder to decide what people really want to hear," Sebastian admits. "And you can never please everybody in that scenario. But I think we've done a good job of balancing the show between the hits from back in the day and some of the new album."
Western Australian fans will witness this careful curation firsthand when Sebastian performs at Perth's RAC Arena on May 15. Remarkably, this tour marks his largest ever, coming more than two decades after he rose to fame by winning the first season of Australian Idol in 2003.
From Reality TV to Enduring Stardom
In 2003, reality television was at its peak, and Sebastian's debut single, Angels Brought Me Here, became the highest-selling Australian song of the decade. While many reality stars fade into obscurity, Sebastian has demonstrated remarkable longevity, consistently releasing hits like Out With My Baby (2004), Battle Scars with Lupe Fiasco (2012), and Choir (2019).
Reflecting on his journey, Sebastian credits his success to the support of fans who voted for him on Australian Idol, spending 55 cents per call. "They did that so that I could achieve my dreams. And it's happened! Their investment actually worked. I'm actually living my dream. I know that's super cheesy, but it's never lost on me," he says.
Evolution of Artistry: From Survival to Celebration
Sebastian's dedication to his craft is evident in his meticulous songwriting process. For 100 Times Around The Sun, he wrote approximately 100 songs before narrowing it down to 13 tracks. This album represents a shift from his 2020 release, T.R.U.T.H., which was created during COVID-19 lockdowns and a difficult legal battle with his former manager.
"T.R.U.T.H. was about surviving, and this album's about thriving," Sebastian explains. "100 Times Around The Sun is definitely about enjoying life, and joy, and just making the most out of this small amount of time, this 100 times around the sun, if we're lucky, that we get."
On this album, Sebastian showcased his multi-instrumentalist skills, playing most instruments himself, including on the single Cupid. He feels more confident and capable than ever, attributing this to years of experience and trusting his instincts.
Family and Future: A Proud Father's Plans
Beyond his music, Sebastian is a proud father, with his youngest son Archie, 12, set to star in a musical theatre production. "He's an absolute gun singer," Sebastian says. "I'm actually going to try and get Archie up on stage on this tour. He's an absolute beast of a singer."
However, Sebastian remains tight-lipped about which song might feature Archie, adding to the anticipation for the tour. With so many hits to choose from, fans can only speculate, but one thing is clear: Guy Sebastian's problem of too many hits is a testament to his enduring appeal and artistic growth.
Guy Sebastian will perform at RAC Arena in Perth on May 15, offering a night of music that spans his illustrious career.
