By HUMBERTO GUIDA, Photographs: DANIELA FEDERICI

Passersby might assume the tall, beautiful blonde sitting by the pool at chic West Hollywood boutique hotel Sunset Marquis is a model, or maybe an actress, but her hands give her away. With heavy silver rings that together form a delicate brass knuckle, as well as a long, black bohemian dress and leather bands (she's overheard describing her fashion sense as "gypsy"), she has to be in music.

Most Americans wouldn't know who Delta Goodrem is. But they would realize she is somebody: During the course of the morning, as she hangs out by the pool of the well-known rock-star haven, none other than Slash and the Black Crowes frontman, Chris Robinson, walk by to little fanfare, while the statuesque beauty from down under is getting a nonstop stream of attention from the talent agents and record producers who regularly hobnob around the place. Goodrem is the biggest thing to come out of Australia's music scene since Olivia Newton-John (who happens to be a mentor of hers). Next time, you'll recognize her.

At only 23, Goodrem is as accomplished as a singer could be...

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