Bachelor Girl: Permission To Shine With Guy Sebastian

**BACHELOR GIRL SHARE REIMAGINED VERSION OF ‘PERMISSION TO SHINE’ FEAT GUY SEBASTIAN + REDUX ALBUM SET FOR RELEASE AUG 7**

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One of the most iconic releases in Australian pop history, *Bachelor Girl*’s 1998 ARIA Award-winning debut studio album *Waiting For The Day* is set to receive the ultimate glow up in 2026, with the enduring duo today announcing their upcoming redux release, *[Waiting For The Day: Artist Sessions](https://us.list-manage.com/GYg4f9_ozpH?e=220f1bd8bb&c2id=0c4f074a7248f1c39f90f475a2115518)*, officially set to be unleashed on Friday August 7. Showcasing an array of acclaimed household Australian names (15 tracks, 15 illustrious artists) teaming up with *Bachelor Girl* on their forthcoming new outing, today the pair also unveil a sublime reimagined version of their anthemic track *[Permission To Shine](https://us.list-manage.com/_2kM6T770wA?e=220f1bd8bb&c2id=0c4f074a7248f1c39f90f475a2115518)*, featuring fellow Aussie luminary ***Guy Sebastian*****.**

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*Guy Sebastian & Tania Doko 2004*

An undisputed Australian classic, *Permission To Shine* was originally released as a promotional single for *Waiting For The Day* and swiftly found its place as a fan-favourite, with its empowering lyricism and sonic warmth beaming from start to finish. Decades after its release, *Bachelor Girl*’s reimagined version of *Permission To Shine* finds new life with the additional sparkle of *Guy Sebastian* on vocal duties; a creamy and affirming update coated with gospel, soul and hints of R&B. A seamless expansion of *Tania Doko *and *James Roche*’s rousing original, the longevity of this particular *Bachelor Girl* hit also firmly shines a light on the foresight of the late A&R American legend *Clive Davis*. The release comes paired with a groove driven remix delivering an infectious contemporary sound.

“*When Tania & James gave me a call about joining them on *Permission To Shine*, I couldn*’*t say no!  What a song! Bachelor Girl*’*s songs were part of the soundtrack to so many of our childhoods, and *Permission to Shine* is one of those Aussie classics that everyone knows and loves,” *shares Guy Sebastian. “*It was a real privilege to record this vocal with Tania and revisit a song that*’*s stood the test of time. And let*’*s be honest – Tania*’*s voice is just insane. Getting to sing alongside a voice like that was pretty special. The message behind this song feels more relevant now than ever, and hopefully we*’*ve honoured what people love about the original while giving it a fresh new chapter.”*

*“Permission To Shine feels fresh again because of Guy’s marvellous input, adding his soulful believability and male perspective. He’s a phenomenal communicator,” *says *James Roche* of the new reworked version of *Permission To Shine*.

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*“Permission was an important release for us back in 2000,” *adds* Tania Doko, “our fifth single to cement our ‘Waiting for the Day’ album, and would be the surprise gift that kept on giving for years to come. We owe much to the late A&R legend Clive Davis in NYC, signing us to Arista in the U.S, and for being the ‘golden ears’ he was. He handed us a cassette tape with the demo of Permission to Shine (written by Bridget Benenate) for us to put our own spin on. What incredible foresight from Clive to know instinctively that this little ‘no frills’ acoustic demo would be so right for us, and then, to predict that the song itself would make such a profound difference to so many. Over 26 years, if we had a dollar for every person who has shared that this 4 minute ‘lil pop song had saved them…well, it’s a humbling privilege as an artist.”*

Tapping *Guy Sebastian* to collab on such an important track in the *Bachelor Girl* back catalogue was also a no-brainer, as *Tania* elaborates, *“Apart from his ridiculously good acrobatic vocal skills, Guy sings feelings, not just notes. He’s a ‘double threat’ in that sense – skills and heart – for days. So, the question really was: “Why wouldn’t we ask him?!” It needed to be an artist who would embody this lyric that speaks to the human condition, leaving us with the reassurance and hope we’re looking for. Guy’s vocal is innately that ‘feel good balm to the soul’.*

*“We were also stable mates at BMG back in the early 00s when he won Oz Idol, and James produced the title track of Guy’s 2006 album ‘Closer to the Sun’. We’ve watched from the wings his extraordinary career trajectory and have great respect for the vocalist/artist/writer/producer he has become. Beautiful family, too…!”*

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Joining earlier reworked singles, including *Blown Away* with ***Tommy Emmanuel***** and *****Ella Hooper*****,*** Blind* with ***Darren Hayes***, and *Treat Me Good* with ***Jessica Mauboy***, the release of *Permission To Shine* today also accompanies the long-awaited announcement of the official release date for *Bachelor Girl*’s forthcoming redux album, *Waiting For The Day: Artist Sessions – *Friday August 7. Reworking the entirety of their breakout debut album *Waiting For The Day*, each reimagined version in 2026 simultaneously honours and powerfully expands the entire original 15 tracks into stunning new heights. Developed, produced and realised independently over 2 years, the album brings together an extraordinary collection of Australia’s biggest music names in a celebration of collaboration and creative independence.

Opening with insatiable hooks and buoyant, breathless charm on *Blind* featuring *Darren Hayes*, *Waiting For The Day: Artist Sessions* weaves in jaunty modern sheen (*My World* featuring ***Sheppard***), heart-wrenching ac