Courtney Act

Courtney Act

Courtney Act is an Australian drag queen and one of the semi-finalists of Australian Idol in 2003. However she is only the third singer of the competition to release an official/solo single, following Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll. This single is “Rub Me Wrong” and was released in 2004, peaking at #29 in the ARIAnet Singles Chart.

Courtney Act (a play on the phrase “caught in the act”) is actually the nom de guerre of “gender illusionist” Shane Jenek. Shane auditioned for Australian Idol as himself but did not get beyond the selection auditions. Returning the next day as Courtney, he wowed the judges and went through to the semifinals. Revealing impressive voice and singing talents as well as a stage presence considerably ahead of many of the other contestants, he continued until being finally voted off in thirteenth place. Courtney particularly impressed judge Ian “Dicko” Dickson, who signed Jenek to the BMG label following the completion of the show.

Shane Jenek is a native of Brisbane, but now lives in Sydney.


Art on show as Mardi Gras ramps up2

Art on show as Mardi Gras ramps up

By Matt Akersten 20th Feb, 2013

With just a few days to go until the Harbour Party, and only ten sleeps until the massive Parade and After-Party, the Sydney Mardi Gras cultural festival is in full swing.

Welcome back to Disgraceland!2

Welcome back to Disgraceland!

By SSHQ 11th Feb, 2013

Lock up your kids - Disgraceland, Saturday F#cking Night and Courtney Act are all coming back to Oxford Street for a very limited time over the Mardi Gras period.

One last night for Nevermind111

One last night for Nevermind

By Matt Akersten 5th Nov, 2012

Oxford Street's gay hotspot Nevermind has shut its doors, with its new owner planning a hetero rebrand – but the Disgraceland crew will have one last hurrah this weekend.

Courtney's back for massive Mardi Gras week55

Courtney's back for massive Mardi Gras week

By SSHQ 15th Feb, 2012

Tasty Oxford Street venue Ruby Rabbit will be open throughout the entire pre-Mardi Gras Parade and Party week, featuring DJs and special guest entertainment each night.

Luciana for Disgraceland farewell412

Luciana for Disgraceland farewell

By Matt Akersten 20th Oct, 2011

After two and a half years, Nevermind's regular Friday Disgraceland and Saturday F##king Night events are finishing up – but will say goodbye with a Bigger Than Big guest star.

Courtney Act goes for Glee35

Courtney Act goes for Glee

By Matt Akersten 13th Oct, 2011

One of Sydney's favourite drag queens now lives in sunny California and has her sights set on joining the musical cast of hit high school show Glee.

Can Courtney Act?67

Can Courtney Act?

By chadstjames 30th Jun, 2011

Famous Les Girls showgirl Carlotta is set to be depicted in a TV mini-series and Courtney Act is up for a role!

Mardi Bar opens on Thursday with Cazwell4

Mardi Bar opens on Thursday with Cazwell

By Tim D 23rd Feb, 2011

This Thursday night we’re swinging open the doors to the Same Same Mardi Bar on Oxford Street for a week long festival of fun times, good music and international entertainment in the lead up to Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Same Same Mardi Bar is three times the fun523

Same Same Mardi Bar is three times the fun

By Tim D 14th Feb, 2011

Our favourite annual event is back. The Same Same Mardi Bar that takes over Oxford Street for Mardi Gras is going to be even better this year with three headliners set to send you wild.

Spot the ball in Courtney's Act911

Spot the ball in Courtney's Act

By Matt Akersten 9th Dec, 2010

Oxford Street's partygoers are thrilled their favourite drag singer Courtney Act is back at Nevermind each Friday night – but her ballsy new show was a shocker last weekend!

Our Courtney conquers Hollywood46

Our Courtney conquers Hollywood

By Matt Akersten 27th Sep, 2010

It's official – Hollywood loves Sydney's gorgeous drag star Courtney Act.

Disgraceland Melbourne moves

Disgraceland Melbourne moves

By Travis de Jonk 20th Apr, 2010

One of Melbourne’s hottest new queer nights, Disgraceland is set to change to a new venue this ANZAC weekend.

Amanda Lepore To Launch Disgraceland In Melbourne512

Amanda Lepore To Launch Disgraceland In Melbourne

By Travis de Jonk 16th Feb, 2010

An awesome new weekly gay party is set to be launched in Melbourne next weekend by transsexual fashion starlet and pop culture icon Amanda Lepore.

World AIDS Day Concert This Sunday45

World AIDS Day Concert This Sunday

By SSHQ 3rd Dec, 2009

Tickets are still available to the Sydney World AIDS Day concert, being held this weekend as a tribute to the music of legendary singer/songwriter Elton John.

Gentlemen Prefer Blokes Returns!107

Gentlemen Prefer Blokes Returns!

By Christian Taylor 21st May, 2009

If you missed seeing Courtney Act, Trevor Ashley and Virginia Gay in Gentlemen Prefer Blokes during Mardi Gras season don't fret - it's back again for two shows at the Civic Hotel Underground before it whips off to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

Courtney Act's a Legend

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Courtney Act's spectacular farewell show at Nevermind featured Rhys Bobridge, Dallas Dellaforce and Vanity.
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Zepol23 Zepol23 said on Wed 20th Feb, 2013
"will probably check out one of these..."
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xtacee1990 xtacee1990 said on Mon 12th Nov, 2012
"Well no wonder gay clubs in sydney are closing one after ..."
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Travis de Jonk Travis de Jonk said on Wed 15th Feb, 2012
"Oh David Arquette! I love that club!"
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Light-Bearer Light-Bearer said on Fri 21st Oct, 2011
" One is on Friday the other is on Saturday. Otherwi..."
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badamj2000 badamj2000 said on Sun 16th Oct, 2011
"I dont know if I can approve."