Falloon playing career on line
Star rises as Baumer hits right notes
MURWILLUMBAH schoolgirl Nina Baumer will be looking to channel Beyonce when she steps into the spotlight for her Blind Audition on The Voice tonight.
A star on the stage at Wollumbin High School, in northern NSW, Baumer, 17, has proven herself a standout with a string of roles as everyone from Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella to Madame from Aristocrats and Dance Captain in Fame the Musical.
Throw in 12 years studying classical music, work with the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra, six years of contemporary lessons and gigs as a featured artist with the School Spectacular and its Talent Development Program and you get a singer/songwriter whose talent matches her ambition.
Just as at home singing pop, funk, soul and jazz as she is classical, Baumer juggles school with a part-time job at a Thai restaurant in Murwillumbah.
“I can officially say that I have auditioned for Season 4 of The Voice Australia! Be sure to tune in on my audition on Tuesday July 7th at 7pm on @Channel9! So super excited!!!!” Baumer posted on Facebook.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me and for all the excited messages! Apologies to those who I didn’t get back to! Wish me luck!!”
Based on footage of Baumer’s previous performances, she won’t need much luck – the bubbly brunette has a beautiful voice with a big range and the technical training to bring out its best.
While she cites her favourite vocalists as Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Joss Stone, Tina Arena, Mariah Carey and Queenslander Kate MillerHeidke, Baumer is just at home belting out rock anthems such as AC/DC’s Thunderstruck, as she did when she wowed audiences at the 2014 Schools Spectacular. HE was the Gold Coast Titans’ player of the year in 2014 but Beau Falloon is now desperately trying to save his NRL career.
Falloon was one of the five Titans players charged with supplying cocaine in February following a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation into drug trafficking.
Falloon’s lawyer Chris Nyst yesterday attempted to have his client’s charges thrown out after indicating he would make a “no case” submission.
Mr Nyst’s request for an urgent court date was denied by Magistrate Joan White, who adjourned the case until October 7, despite Falloon’s manager Steve Gillis tendering an affidavit stating it was urgent for his client’s career to have the matter sorted.
The Bulletin understands the Titans are unlikely to resign the off-contract Falloon beyond this season and his management is seeking a new club for the 28-year-old.
But other NRL and English Super League clubs are unlikely to enter negotiations with the hooker until his case is finalised.
Falloon, who is recovering from a wrist injury, trained with the Titans yesterday in preparation for Monday’s home game against Manly and coach Neil Henry said it had been a frustrating season for the man crowned the Gold Coast’s best player last year.
“It’s been tough for him,” Henry said.
“He couldn’t play the first couple of games (club suspension) then came back for a couple, missed one with suspension (dangerous tackle) and then injured himself after that.
“He hasn’t been able to get any rhythm and play footy.
“He’s looking forward to getting back out there. It’d be good if he can play on Monday night.”
Other Titans stars to be charged, Greg Bird and Dave Taylor, are contracted to the club beyond this season but Jamie Dowling and Kalifa Faifai Loa are also trying to prolong their careers.
Solicitor Campbell MacCallum – who represents Bird, Taylor, Dowling, Faifai Loa and former Titans Ashley Harrison and Joe Vickery – indicated he would apply to crossexamine witnesses at the next court appearance.
Bird, Faifai Loa and Harrison will next appear in court on October 7 while Dowling, Taylor and Vickery will appear on October 8.
Outside court Mr MacCallum said in October he would also make a “no case” submission in relation to his clients.
He raised concerns about the delays in court and said it was likely the matters wouldn’t be resolved until next year.