Dean Geyer

Dean & Lisa Origliasso: (joint statement announcing their break-up) Our careers demand we be in different parts of the world now and in the future, and the pressures associated with this have forced us to make this very difficult decision. We remain committed and caring friends, with love, admiration and support for one another. We would appreciate respect for our privacy at this time.

Dean: Rush is the perfect title for my album - it sums up everything that I've felt in the past year. The whole process of creating, writing, recording and promoting has been a rush. I don't mean moving quickly, although that's certainly an aspect of my life these days! But it's been such a joyous ride for me. Just a year ago, this was just a dream. Now I'm living it! Australian Idol gave me the lucky break, and I intend to work very hard to keep up the momentum.

Dean: (asked if fame has affected his friendships) You really begin to distinguish between your real friends and friends who are just there, you know? Like some friends, because they don't understand what you're going through, they think that you're forgetting about them. It's hard because unless you're in the situation I'm in you really don't understand what it's like. I mean, I've picked up a lot of "best friends" that I never knew I had along the way. But then again, I've also met a lot of really cool people.

Dean: I raced in the celebrity race at the Australian Grand Prix. I'm addicted now! I've been saying that I want that to be my hobby. If I ever get the money, I'd love to buy a race car and take it out on the track when I can. That was awesome. I kind of felt bad, though, because every male I knew hated me. Who am I to be doing this? [Laughs]

Dean: (asked if he enjoys walking the red carpet) I do. It gets you away from what you do. The red carpet is a little holiday from the day job!

Dean: (on launching his music in South Africa) I don't know what their market is like now or what they're listening to, but I think we could give it a try. It's not that big a market. I actually know the South African Idol from 2004. He got in contact with me after I came third.

Dean: (asked about his sexuality) Actually, I read on Wikipedia that I was gay and that I came out on January 3, 2007. I was like, 'Woah! What's going on?' This is supposed to be an encyclopedia!

Dean: I'd love to take up racing car driving. I know how ridiculous that sounds, but I had such a great experience at the [Formula One] Grand Prix that I'd love to buy a kitted-out racing car as a hobby to take my mind off things.