Jump to content

Anthony Callea

From Alfawiki
Anthony Callea
Born (1982-12-13) December 13, 1982 (age 43)
Australia
Occupation(s)Vocalist, songwriter, stage performer
Years active2004–present
Known forRunner-up on Australian Idol (2004)

Anthony Cosmo Callea (born 13 December 1982) is a well-known Australian vocalist, songwriter, and stage performer who rose to fame as the runner-up on the 2004 edition of Australian Idol. His first single, a rendition of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli's "The Prayer", set a record as the fastest-selling single by an Australian artist, maintaining the top position on the ARIA Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks—an unprecedented achievement for an Australian Idol debut—and ranked as the second-best-selling Australian single throughout the 2000s.

Throughout his career, Callea has earned numerous accolades, such as an ARIA Music Award, Channel V Artist of the Year, MTV Viewers' Choice, and a Gospel Music Award. Renowned for his commanding vocal ability and adaptability across genres, he contributed as a co-writer to nearly every track on his sophomore album, A New Chapter. In October 2011, he independently launched the dance-pop track "Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh" via his own production company, Vox Enterprises; this single was co-written in Los Angeles alongside Grammy-nominated DJ Poet Name Life.

In March 2013, Callea inked a deal with ABC Music, releasing two albums that year under Universal Music: Thirty in April and the holiday-themed This Is Christmas in November. August 2014 marked the release of a live DVD/CD titled Ladies & Gentlemen: The Songs of George Michael, recorded at Melbourne’s Palms at Crown; it debuted atop the ARIA Charts. On 5 August 2016, after producing three albums with ABC Music, Callea returned to Sony Music Australia, unveiling his sixth studio album, Backbone, in September 2016.

Early life and music career

Anthony Callea is the firstborn child and eldest grandchild on both sides of his family tree, which includes professionals such as builders, dentists, and lawyers. He began vocal training at age five under Liana Scali and continued this instruction until he turned eighteen.

By sixteen years old, Callea was actively writing and recording music; by eighteen, he was performing regularly while also working as a vocal coach for 32 private students each week. At twenty-one, auditioning for Australian Idol marked a pivotal moment in his musical journey.

2004: Australian Idol

In 2004’s season of Australian Idol, Callea advanced to the final 30 contestants. Although initially eliminated during this stage, he was brought back as a "Judge's Choice Wildcard," earning him a place among the final 12 competitors. Ultimately, he finished as runner-up to Casey Donovan.

After the competition concluded, Callea signed with Sony/BMG Records and released his debut single "The Prayer" in December 2004. It entered the ARIA Singles Chart at number one and achieved four times platinum certification with sales exceeding 280,000 units. In recognition of its success, ARIA named it the second-best selling single of that decade in 2010.

2005–2007: Debut album and A New Chapter

In March 2005, Callea launched the double A-side single "Rain"/"Bridge over Troubled Water", which topped the ARIA chart for two consecutive weeks and achieved double Platinum certification. His self-titled debut album entered the charts at number one in April 2005. The third release from the album, "Hurts So Bad", reached number ten, while the fourth single, "Per Sempre (for Always)", climbed to number five.

During July 2005, Callea toured along Australia's east coast, extending his schedule in response to popular demand. The Live in Concert DVD, released in November 2005, debuted at number three on the ARIA DVD Chart and earned platinum status.

In 2006, Callea traveled overseas to write and record songs for his sophomore album. Sony BMG insisted on releasing "Live for Love" as the lead single in November 2006; notably, this was the only song on the album he did not co-write. The album A New Chapter debuted at number nine and was supported by a nationwide tour.

Also in November 2006, Callea contributed a rendition of "Home," originally by Brian McKnight, to the charity compilation Home: Songs of Hope & Journey, benefiting BeyondBlue.

The single "Addicted to You" peaked at number 19 on the ARIA charts in February 2007.

In 2007, Callea took part as a professional vocalist on Seven Network’s musical contest It Takes Two. Partnered with radio personality Jo Stanley, he secured second place. He returned the following year alongside ironwoman Candice Falzon, finishing fifth.

September 2007 saw Callea cast in a supporting role in the opera Dead Man Walking, which delves into themes of revenge and forgiveness. In November, he portrayed Mark Cohen in Perth’s staging of the rock musical Rent, performing alongside his partner Tim Campbell.

By mid-2008, Callea took on the role of Boq in Melbourne’s inaugural production of Broadway’s Wicked. Later that year, he traveled to New York to record a musical theatre album but ultimately decided against proceeding due to a lack of enthusiasm and consequently parted ways with Sony BMG.

2009–2012: Last to Go

In 2010, Callea worked as a vocal coach on Foxtel’s documentary series Ultimate School Musical: Fame, which followed students from Essendon Keilor College as they developed their performing arts abilities.

October 2011 marked the independent release of his single "Oh Oh Oh Oh", which reached number 111 on the ARIA Charts. This was followed by the February 2012 release of his EP titled Last to Go.

2013–2014: Thirty, This Is Christmas & Ladies & Gentlemen: The Songs of George Michael

In March 2013, Callea announced his third studio album, Thirty, released through ABC Music. The collection reflects on his first thirty years and includes inspirational songs alongside previously written original material.

In July 2013, Callea was cast as Johnny Casino in Australia’s production of the musical Grease (musical).

His Christmas album, This Is Christmas, featuring duets with the National Boys Choir and his husband Tim Campbell, was released in November 2013.

On 16 May 2014, Callea held a special concert titled Ladies & Gentlemen: The Songs of George Michael. This performance was recorded and subsequently released on CD and DVD on 1 August 2014. Following its success, he extended the tour with additional shows across Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne during September and October 2014.

2016–2018: Backbone and ARIA Number 1 Hits in Symphony

In January 2016, Callea took part in the second season of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Australia, ultimately securing fourth place. He regarded the experience as one of his most memorable and aimed to promote awareness for his selected charity, Lifeline (crisis support service).

September 2016 marked the release of Callea's fifth studio album, Backbone, which entered the ARIA Charts at number one. To support the album, he embarked on a tour comprising five dates.

His sixth studio album, ARIA Number 1 Hits in Symphony, was released in September 2017 and also debuted at the top position on the ARIA Charts.

Towards the end of 2017, Callea composed a song intended for Australia's entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, but was informed just days prior that he would not be participating; Jessica Mauboy was subsequently announced as the country's representative.

2019–2021: Independent singles

In October 2019, Callea unveiled the standalone single "What's Wrong with Me?", followed by releases of "Lonely" and "Shadows" throughout 2020.

October 2020 saw Callea confirmed as a celebrity contestant on the fifth season of The Celebrity Apprentice Australia, which aired in early 2021. Representing the Children's Cancer Foundation, he successfully raised $20,000 before being eliminated during the fourth task.

In 2021, Callea toured across Australia with the Together Again tour.

2022–present: Forty Love and Behind the Voice: Dietro la Voce

On 30 September 2022, Callea released the single "Heaven" and announced his eighth studio album, Forty Love, which was officially released on 21 October 2022. He described this album as an intimate reflection on his 40 years, capturing his life's joys and challenges through pop-inspired tracks. The album's follow-up single was "Only One". Forty Love reached number five on the ARIA Charts.

In April 2023, Callea published his autobiography titled Behind the Voice: Dietro la Voce.

Significant performances

  • 2005: Shared the stage with Luciano Pavarotti during his final visit to Australia.
  • March 2006: Performed for Queen Elizabeth II at the Commonwealth Day Church Service held in Sydney.
  • 2006: Served as support act for Diana Ross during her Australian leg of the I Love You tour.
  • 2007: Supported Westlife on their Arena Tour.
  • 2008: Opened for Celine Dion during her global Taking Chances tour.
  • February 2009: Joined Tina Arena for an impromptu rendition of "The Prayer" at Melbourne's Grand Hyatt re-launch event.
  • 2010: Featured as a special guest during Whitney Houston's Australian dates on her Nothing but Love World Tour.
  • January 2011: Performed at the Rally For Relief concert held at Rod Laver Arena to support Australian Flood Victims.
  • 2013: Supported Mariah Carey during her first Australian performances in fourteen years.
  • 2013: Delivered a performance of "Go the Distance" at The Special Olympics Asia Pacific Opening Ceremony.
  • 2022: Sang at the Shane Warne state memorial service.

Personal life

On 27 March 2007, during the period of speculation linked to his appearances on Idol, Callea openly acknowledged his homosexuality, expressing gratitude to his supporters and to his partner at the time, Paul Riggio, who worked as a talent coordinator on Australian Idol throughout Callea's participation.

"Yes, I am gay," Callea confirmed. "I no longer struggle with my sexuality, though it took time to reach a place of confidence and contentment with my identity. It feels like a burden lifted."

Just days later, on 30 March 2007, Michael Kirby, then a High Court Justice and also openly gay, commended Callea as an "admirable Australian" for his public declaration. Kirby highlighted how popular culture plays a crucial role in broadening acceptance of human diversity.

Callea has candidly shared his experience with severe depression during adolescence, which prompted him to seek professional psychological support. He has actively backed beyondblue, an Australian mental health organization, by contributing his rendition of Brian McKnight's "Home" to the compilation album Home: Songs of Hope & Journey.

In February 2008, Callea and actor-singer Tim Campbell confirmed their relationship following the conclusion of prior partnerships. They revealed their engagement on 18 August 2014 and subsequently married in New Zealand in November of the same year.

Discography

ARIA Music Awards

Since 1987, the ARIA Music Awards have annually celebrated outstanding achievements and innovation within Australian music across various genres.

! |- | rowspan="3"|2005 | Anthony Callea | Highest Selling Album | | rowspan="3"|[1][2] |- | "The Prayer" | rowspan="2"| Highest Selling Single | |- | "Rain" / "Bridge Over Troubled Water" | |-


Channel V Oz Artist of the Year

Awarded by Channel V Australia, this accolade was decided by public vote and was presented from 1997 until 2015.

|- | 2005 | Anthony Callea | Channel V Oz Artist of the Year | |-


Mo Awards

The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards honored excellence in live performance from 1975 through 2016. (Wins only) ! |- | 2004 | Anthony Callea | Contemporary Rock Performer of the Year | |[3] |-


External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ARIA2005
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named TallP2005
  3. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Anthony_Callea&oldid=56165"