Random were a five-member Australian R&B vocal group formed in 2005 by Xylocaine "Xy" Latu, Wayne Tauvao, Tasesa Junior "TJ" Tauvao, Donald Tauvao and Andy-Iese "Jesse" Tolo-Paepae. Random were the winners of the first season of The X Factor (Australia); they were also the first (of five worldwide) group to win the franchise.[1] In October that year, they issued their debut self-titled album, which peaked in the ARIA Albums Chart top 100. Their first single, "Put Your Hands Up", peaked at No. 7 on the related ARIA Singles Chart. A follow-up single, "Are You Ready", reached No. 36. The group disbanded in 2007 but briefly reunited in October 2009 for a one-off performance.
Random | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Genres | R&B |
| Years active | 2005–2007, 2009 |
| Labels | Sony/BMG |
| Past members |
|
History
Random formed at the Brisbane auditions for The X Factor (Australia) in December 2004.[2] Initially Xylocaine "Xy" Latu and Andy-Iese "Jesse" Tolo-Paepae were to compete as a duo, Rough Diamonds; while Tasesa Junior "TJ" Tauvao wanted to enter as a solo artist: he was attending with his brother Wayne Tauvao and their cousin, Donald Tauvao – all three were former members of a vocal trio, 315.[2][3] Prior to auditioning all five agreed to compete as a combined R&B vocal quintet and named themselves, Random.[2] The group were mentored by Mark Holden and won the TV talent contest.[3]
After X Factor
The group released their first single "Put Your Hands Up" on 10 June 2005[4] after their win. The single reached No. 7 on the Australian ARIA Chart.[3][5] Their second single, "Are You Ready", peaked at No. 36 in September.[3][5] They released their self-titled debut album on 9 October 2005,[6] but it only reached No. 79.[3]
The group performed at Australia's biggest Christian music festival, the Australian Gospel Music Festival Awards in 2006 before breaking up.
In October 2009 the group reunited for a one-off benefit concert for victims of the Samoan tsunami.[7] Latu reflected on their split, "we all wanted to do different things and there were other personal issues that needed to be taken care of."[7] All five ex-members were either performers or record producers.[7]
Members
- Xylocaine "XY" Latu, (born 13 January 1979 in Tonga) from Logan Central
- Andy-Iese "Jesse" Tolo-Paepae, (born 19 January 1984 in Australia) from Kingston
- Wayne Tauvao, (born 8 December 1985 in New Zealand) from Queensland
- Tasesa Junior "TJ" Tauvao, (born 31 May 1988 in New Zealand) from Kippa-Ring
- Donald Tauvao, (born 12 October 1988 in Western Samoa) from Redcliffe
Discography
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS [8] | ||
| Random | 79 |
Singles
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS [9] | |||
| "Put Your Hands Up" | 2005 | 7 | Random |
| "Are You Ready" | 36 |