Random (group)

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 (2005)–2007 (2007), 2009
Labels	Sony/BMG
Past members	Xylocaine "Xy" Latu Donald Tauvao Tasesa Junior "TJ" Tauvao Wayne Tauvao Andy-Iese "Jesse" Tolo-Paepae

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

List of albums, with selected details and chart position

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions
		AUS [8]
Random	Released: October 2005 Format: CD Label: Sony BMG (82876709362)	79

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions

Title	Year	Peak chart positions	Album
		AUS [9]
"Put Your Hands Up"	2005	7	Random
"Are You Ready"		36