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Kate DeAraugo

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Katherine DeAraugo
Born (1985-11-05) November 5, 1985 (age 41)
Australia
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Years active2005–present
Known forWinner of Australian Idol season 3 (2005)

Katherine Jenna DeAraugo (born 5 November 1985) is an Australian singer-songwriter who emerged as the champion of the third season of Australian Idol in 2005. After her triumph, she signed a contract with Sony BMG and launched her first single, "Maybe Tonight", which entered the ARIA Charts at Number 1 and received platinum certification. Her inaugural album, A Place I've Never Been, released in December 2005, also earned platinum recognition. Subsequently, DeAraugo became a member of the multi-platinum selling girl group Young Divas, which remained active until 2008.

Australian Idol

Prior to achieving fame, DeAraugo worked as a swimming instructor in Bendigo, Victoria and auditioned unsuccessfully for the initial two seasons of Australian Idol. She later took vocal coaching from Venetta Fields on the Gold Coast, Queensland, ultimately moving to Queensland to try out for the show's third season in 2005.

On 14 November 2005, DeAraugo advanced to the grand final by overcoming Lee Harding. Her father, a Bendigo-based businessman and car dealer, spearheaded a local campaign to rally support for her. The finale featured an all-female showdown against Emily Williams, with DeAraugo narrowly clinching victory by a mere 2% margin—the slimmest difference recorded in the program’s history. Remarkably, she was the only winner who never received a "touchdown" from judge Mark Holden and consistently avoided placement in the bottom group throughout the competition.

2005–2006: A Place I've Never Been

After winning Australian Idol in 2005, DeAraugo swiftly completed her first album within six days. Her debut single, "Maybe Tonight", released on 27 November 2005, sold 20,307 units, debuted at number one for two consecutive weeks, and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). The track stayed within the top 50 for 13 weeks and enjoyed extensive rotation on Australian music video channels. In September 2006, "Maybe Tonight" received a nomination for the ARIA Award in the "Highest Selling Single" category.

DeAraugo’s initial album, A Place I've Never Been, was launched on 12 December 2005 through Sony BMG, entering the ARIA Albums Chart at number 10 with first-week sales of 15,600 copies. The album maintained a position in the Top 50 for eight weeks and remained on the chart for a total of 19 weeks, achieving platinum certification during its debut week. Her follow-up single, "Faded", released on 19 February 2006 and co-written by pop-rock duo the Veronicas, debuted at number eight on the ARIA Singles Chart and remained in the Top 100 for 24 weeks.

2006–2007: Young Divas

DeAraugo teamed up with fellow Australian Idol contestants Emily Williams, Ricki-Lee Coulter, and Paulini to form Young Divas, embarking on a nationwide tour. Their rendition of Donna Summer's "This Time I Know It's for Real" was released on 6 May 2006, entering the charts at number seven and peaking at number two. The single achieved platinum status and spent 24 weeks in the Top 30. Due to popular demand, a music video was produced after the single’s release. The group promoted both the single and their tour through appearances on programs such as Sunrise and Dancing with the Stars. The success of their tour led to additional performances beyond the original schedule.

Building on this momentum, Young Divas released their self-titled debut album on 18 November 2006, which debuted at number four on the ARIA Albums Chart. Their second single, a cover of Lonnie Gordon's "Happenin' All over Again," reached number nine. While continuing group activities, members also pursued solo projects; DeAraugo announced she was working on her second solo album.

The group contributed "2000 Miles" to the compilation Home: Songs of Hope & Journey, supporting beyondblue, an Australian mental health organization. For her involvement in this initiative, DeAraugo was granted honorary membership in The Coterie. On 22 June 2007, Ricki-Lee Coulter departed from Young Divas to concentrate on her solo career amid speculation about internal disagreements. DeAraugo and the remaining members planned to proceed with recording a second album expected later that year.

2007–2008: New Attitude and group disbandment

On 26 September 2007, DeAraugo appeared alongside the group during the top 12 night of the fifth season of Australian Idol. Season four runner-up Jessica Mauboy was introduced as the new member of Young Divas, replacing Ricki-Lee Coulter. They performed "When You Believe," originally by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.

During an Australian Idol special aired on 9 October 2007, they revealed their forthcoming second album would be titled New Attitude. On 22 October, they showcased their new single "Turn Me Loose" featuring New Zealand rapper Savage. Released on 17 November 2007, the single peaked at number 15 on the ARIA Singles Chart. The album followed on 26 November, debuting at number 10 and earning gold certification with sales reaching 35,000 copies. They performed "Turn Me Loose" once more during the season five finale when Natalie Gauci was announced as winner.

On 28 March 2008, Sony BMG declared that no further singles would be issued from New Attitude due to disappointing performance of "Turn Me Loose," though the group remained under contract. On 24 August 2008, original member Paulini and Jessica Mauboy exited to focus on solo careers, leaving DeAraugo and Emily Williams as the sole members. Manager David Champion indicated plans for a third lineup following a break; however, both artists resumed individual careers in 2009, effectively bringing an end to Young Divas.

2008–present: sophomore album and participation in Excess Baggage

During the latter part of 2008, DeAraugo dedicated time to composing and recording her second solo album, following her 2005 debut release A Place I've Never Been. She toured various Australian venues, intending to launch the new album by August 2010, with lyrics centered around intimate experiences such as relationships and overcoming personal struggles.

By November 2011, she disclosed that the finished second album's release had been postponed due to challenges related to body image. In February 2012, DeAraugo took part in Nine Network’s weight-loss reality program Excess Baggage, appearing alongside public figures like Kevin Federline and Christine Anu. Her official biography confirmed ongoing work on her follow-up album.

In February 2015, DeAraugo contributed a song to the digital soundtrack of the movie Dinosaur Island. Subsequently, in April, she announced a forthcoming single titled "Shut Your Mouth," which was released on 1 May. Co-written by DNA Songs, this track conveys her journey through adversity, addressing emotions such as anger, bitterness, and empowerment.

Personal life

In January 2008, DeAraugo entered into a sponsorship agreement with weight management company Jenny Craig, becoming the representative for their nationwide "Get Real" campaign aimed at promoting youth health across Australia. However, on 11 August of the same year, she ended her involvement due to health complications, revealing lactose intolerance prevented her from adhering to the dietary regimen required.

In 2017, Victorian Police arrested DeAraugo on two occasions for possession of crystal methamphetamine and weapons including a tomahawk and a large knife. She appeared in court on 4 October and intended to plead guilty at a hearing scheduled for 15 November. Although facing a potential sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment, she ultimately avoided conviction.

Studio albums

Overview of albums with selected chart rankings and certifications
Title Details Highest chart
positions 		Certifications
AUS
A Place I've Never Been
  • Release date: 12 December 2005
  • Available formats: CD, digital download
  • Record label: Sony BMG
 10
  • ARIA: Platinum

Singles

Compilation of singles with selected chart positions and certifications
Year Title Peak chart
positions 		Certifications Album
AUS
2005 "Maybe Tonight" 1
  • ARIA: Platinum
 A Place I've Never Been
2006 "Faded" 8
2015 "It's True" — Dinosaur Island (soundtrack)
"Shut Your Mouth" — Non-album single


Music Videos

Year Title Director
2005 "Maybe Tonight" Anthony Rose
2006 "Faded" TWiN

Additional Appearances

Official releases beyond DeAraugo's solo albums include:

Year Title Compilation
2002 "Lover of Mine"
"Tell Me" 		Sing for the Women
2005 "Please Don't Ask Me" (cover of John Farnham)
"Ready" (performed with Australian Idol Top 13) 		Australian Idol 3: The Final 13

Contributions

Awards and Nominations

|- | 2006 | "Maybe Tonight" | Highest Selling Single | |}

External Links=

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