Same Same didn’t mind that our interview with Alexis Jordan was a few minutes late. She was in concert in Norway and decided to give her fans an extra encore. A busy girl, she’s been flying around Europe delighting audiences with her uplifting songs.

The 18-year-old comes to the phone, still buzzing from being on stage. “It went really well, the crowd was amazing, and I just had a lot of fun.”

But it must be freezing in Norway, we point out. “Yes, so I’m so excited to be coming to Australia. I think I’m going to be there a week – so I get to spend a little time with you guys! It’ll be busy but I hope I get one day off to just see the beautiful country.”

In the few days since she’s been announced as a Mardi Gras Party guest, ticket sales for Sydney’s huge March 5 party have accelerated. Alexis realises how important and high-profile the event is. “I know that a lot of great artists have performed and that I’m proud to support the gay community. I know that I’ve got lots of fans over there and I want to show them that I appreciate it.

“It’s going to be a great show. I like to give surprises, so we’ll see what’s in store.”

RISING STAR

Alexis’ much anticipated self titled debut album will be released locally on the 4th of March. It’s a culmination of several years’ worth of grassroots fandom triggered by her appearances on America’s Got Talent when she was just 15.

Her stunning YouTube video song performances earned her thousands of views, and attracted the attention of rapper Jay-Z who insisted she be signed up to his record label.

“Yeah, it is amazing, it’s really cool,” the adorable singer says of her road to fame. “And more than that, it’s amazing to see people put up YouTube covers of my songs. Not too long ago I was doing the same thing with artists that I love, so it’s really so cool to see my fans do that for me.

“I’m so grateful, and I’ve got my family here to keep me grounded. I just want to do this for the rest of my life – as long as my audience lets me.”

“I’m really happy about my album, and even more than that I’m really happy about meeting new people every day and touring the world,” she adds. “Not a lot of teenagers get to do that.”

Oddly, Alexis is becoming well-known in Europe and Australia but is not so big in America. Is a major US tour her next goal? “Of course! Happiness went number one on the Billboard Dance chart, so I was very happy about that. So I’m anxious to go back out there. Good Girl was already on Billboard Dance and the video hasn’t been released over there. Everything is building up really well – I’m extremely excited.”

OUR PARTY

Alexis Jordan isn’t the only on-stage stunner to get excited about at this weekend’s Mardi Gras Party.

It’s a good bet that Mardi Gras anthem singer Wynter Gordon will also be revving up the crowd, and the Party crew say they’ll drop many more surprises on the night. There may even be a couple more big guest announcements this week. Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, Sydney’s hot divas Dallas Dellaforce and Joyce Maynge are confirmed for a show based on the hit spooky ballerina movie Black Swan, and iconic rock chick Sarah McLeod will also get the crowd revved up.

One show will see a garden bloom out of a changing urban landscape, and will be a sensory experience for the entire audience.

“One of the biggest elements of Mardi Gras Party are the explosive and colourful shows,” says CEO of New Mardi Gras Michael Rolik.

“This year we’re raising the bar with our shows, and I can guarantee you at least a couple of exclusive international surprises on the night! There’s only one way to find out who will perform, and that’s to be there on the night.”

Be there for an array of shows and performers throughout the night, with surprise guests popping up on stage when you least expect them.

DJs for this year’s Mardi Gras Party include Calvin Harris (UK), Frankie Knuckles (NYC), Seamus Haji (UK), Larry Tee (NYC) and Steven Redant (FRA), as well as the very best local talent featuring Kate Monroe, Murray Hood, Kam Shafaati (MEL), Sveta and many more. Bob Downe is set to bring his All-Star Retro-Gras to the Forum stage, with hours of classic anthems and camp hits to keep you moving and laughing on the dancefloor.

The official 2011 Mardi Gras Party is set for 10pm on Saturday 5 March at Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter. Tickets are available from Ticketek.

CONFIRMED PARTY DJ TIMES

Hordern – House/electro progressive
10pm-midnight: Kate Monroe
Midnight-2:30am: Frankie Knuckles
2:30-4am: Calvin Harris
4-6am: Larry Tee
6-8am: Steven Redant

RHI – Anthems & vocal house
10pm-midnight: Murray Hood
Midnight-2am: Justin Ryan
2-4am: Seamus Haji
4-6am: Yinon Yahel
6-8am: Francisco Guerra

Dome – Dark/Tribal
10pm-midnight: Kam Shafaati
Midnight-2am: Sveta
2-4am: Feisty
4am onwards: Baby Bear

Forum – Retro to electro
10pm-midnight: DJ Spin-Off competition winners
Midnight-2am: Bob Downe’s ‘All-Star Retro Gras’
2-4am: Matt Vaughan
4am onwards: Mark Murphy