Scientology for starters

The Daily Telegraph/August 30, 2004

Headlining a star-studded performance in Los Angeles hosted by Tom Cruise, as local singer Kate Ceberano did recently, would seem like a dream gig to many.

And without doubt, a particularly good vehicle for getting your new material noticed.

We'd like to think Ceberano, who was asked to perform at the Hollywood industry event by the former Mr Kidman himself, scored the gig simply through the strength of her music.

More likely though is that Ceberano's devotion to Scientology, the controversial religion founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard and followed by Cruise, was what got her a start at the event.

Kate performed with other notable scientologist musicians including Isaac Hayes and Chick Corea plus Beck, who has been rumoured for years to be a Scientology devotee.

Ceberano has moved temporarily back to Australia from her Los Angeles base to coincide with the release of her latest album 19 Days In New York, due out next month.