Anthony Callea

For the self-titled album by this singer, see Anthony Callea (album).

"Callea" redirects here. Not to be confused with CALEA (disambiguation).

Anthony Cosmo Callea is an Australian singer-songwriter and stage actor who rose to prominence as the runner-up in the 2004 season of Australian Idol. Callea's debut single, a cover of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli's song "The Prayer", is the fastest-selling single by an Australian artist;^[1] it held the number-one spot on the ARIA Singles Chart for five weeks, a record for the debut single of an Australian Idol contestant,^[2] and was the second-highest-selling Australian single of the 2000s.^[3]

Anthony Callea
Anthony Callea at the 2012 Multicultural Festival Canberra, in February 2012
Background information
Birth name	Anthony Cosmo Callea
Born	Melbourne, Australia
Genres	Pop, pop rock, dance-pop
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter, musical theatre actor
Years active	2004–present
Labels	Sony Music Australia (2004–2009) ABC Music (2013–2015) Sony Music Australia (2016–present)
Website	www.anthonycallea.com.au

Callea has accumulated a string of awards, including an ARIA Music Award, Channel V Artist of the Year, Pop Republic Artist of the Year, MTV Viewers' Choice Award, Variety's Young Entertainer of the Year, an MO Award, and a Gospel Music Award. He is known for his powerful trained voice and his versatility in a range of genres in releases and live performances. All but one of the tracks on his second album A New Chapter were co-written by him. October 2011 saw Callea release his first new music in four years, a single titled "Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh", self-funded,^[4] released and distributed as a fully independent venture through his own production company, Vox Enterprises. The dance-pop track was co-written in LA with two-time Grammy-nominated and official DJ for the Black Eyed Peas, Poet Name Life.^[5] It signalled a departure from the ballads for which he is known and was released in digital format only.^{[citation needed]}

In March 2013, it was announced Callea signed a record deal with ABC Music and would release his third studio album on 26 April 2013. The new release, entitled Thirty, was the first of two albums released that year, and were distributed by Universal Music.^[6] The second, released on 8 November 2013 was a Christmas album titled This Is Christmas. In August 2014 Callea released his third album with ABC music but, in contrast to previous albums, this was a Live DVD/CD Ladies & Gentlemen: The Songs of George Michael filmed and recorded at the Palms at Crown Melbourne. The DVD debuted at number 1 on the Australian ARIA Charts. On 5 August 2016, after three albums with ABC Music, Callea announced that he had re-signed with Sony Music Australia and would be releasing his sixth album Backbone along with an East Coast tour, due to be released in September 2016.^{[citation needed]}

Early life and music career

Anthony Callea started singing and performing at a young age. In an interview with Sydney Unleashed, he stated:

"I started recording and writing when I was 16. When I turned 18, I started gigging more and eventually was working 2-3 nights a week. I also became a vocal coach and ended up having 32 private students a week. I was 21 when I auditioned for Australian Idol and that was definitely the turning point for me."^[7]

2004: Australian Idol

He was selected for the final 30 in the television series Australian Idol in 2004. Based on viewer votes, he did not make it through the first round of competition, but was invited back as a "Judge's Choice Wildcard", where his performance earned him a place in the final 12.^[8] The competition concluded in November 2004 with Callea finishing as runner-up to Casey Donovan.

Australian Idol performances and results (2004)
Episode	Song	Result
Audition	"Wishes" by Human Nature	Through to the Theatre Rounds
Theatre Rounds	Un­known	progress to top 30
Top 30	"Angel" by Sarah McLachlan	did not progress / through to Judge's Choice Wildcard
Judge's Choice Wildcard	"The Reason" by Hoobastank	Through to live shows
Live show 1: Australian Made (Top 12)	"Heaven Knows" by Rick Price	Saved by Public
Live show 2: Pop (Top 11)	"Ignition" by R. Kelly	Saved by Public
Live show 3: The '60s (Top 10)	"Gimme Some Lovin'" by Spencer Davis Group	Saved by Public
Live show 4: Disco (Top 9)	"Car Wash" by Rose Royce	Saved by Public
Live show 5: Contestants' Choice (Top 8)	"The Prayer" by Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion	Saved by Public
Live show 6: Beatles (Top 7)	"I Saw Her Standing There" by The Beatles	Saved by Public
Live show 7: The '80s (Top 6)	"I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner	Saved by Public
Live show 8: RnB-Soul (Top 5)	"Back at One" by Brian McKnight	Saved by Public
Live show 9: (Top 4)	"Fever" and "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66" by Nat King Cole	Saved by Public
Live show 10: (Top 3)	"Hold the Line" by Toto and "Bridge over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel	Saved by Public
Live show 11: Grand Final	"Listen with Your Heart" (Winner's Single) by Diane Warren, "Walking Away" by Craig David and "Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera	Eliminated in 2nd position

Callea was immediately signed to Sony/BMG Records, and his first single, "The Prayer" was released in December 2004. It debuted on the ARIA Singles Chart at number one, and remained there for five consecutive weeks. Within seven weeks, it was certified four times platinum, selling in excess of 280,000 copies.^[9] In 2010 ARIA named it as the second-highest selling single of the last decade, which also made it the second-highest selling Australian artist song of that decade.^[3] His next single, the double A-side "Rain"/"Bridge over Troubled Water" spent two weeks at number one. His self-titled album debuted at number one in the week of 4 April 2005, and remained at the top of the chart for three weeks. His third single "Hurts So Bad" debuted at number ten on the ARIA Charts, while the album's final single, "Per Sempre (for Always)" debuted at number five.

2005–present: Continued success

In July 2005, Callea made an east coast of Australia tour adding dates along the way in 2005. Supporting Callea on tour was Tina Cousins. Callea's DVD Live in Concert was released on 7 November 2005.^[10] It debuted at No. 3 in the ARIA DVD Chart and was awarded platinum status.

Callea released the single "Live for Love" on 26 May from his second album A New Chapter, the only song on the album which he did not co-write. Both the single and the album, released on 25 November 2006, debuted at number 9. The album contains a mix of genres characteristic to Callea, including power ballads and more up-tempo songs. Callea also contributed his version of the Brian McKnight song, "Home", to the compilation album Home: Songs of Hope & Journey, which was released to raise funds for BeyondBlue, an anti-depression organisation. The second single "Addicted to You" debuted at no. 19 when released in February 2007.^[11] A New Chapter features two exclusive tracks entitled "Whatever It Takes" (originally recorded by Edyta Górniak for the album Invisible) and "Meant for Love" when purchased digitally, which didn't make the album's final cut.

In 2007, Callea was one of the professional voices on a Seven Network's weekly musical competition program, It Takes Two, in which celebrities from non-musical fields were teamed with professional singers to perform a duet each week. Callea was paired with radio DJ Jo Stanley and finished in second place, competing against Jolene Anderson and David Campbell at the finals. In 2008, Callea again performed as one of the professional voices on It Takes Two, and his partner for season three was ironwoman Candice Falzon. Callea and Falzon were eliminated in week seven, finishing in fifth place.

From July to September 2007, Callea embarked on his A New Chapter tour with his four-piece band. Callea performed the songs in his album A New Chapter as well as some of his classic songs, playing 18 shows across the country. In September 2007, in his first musical production, Callea played a supporting role in Dead Man Walking, the true story of Sister Helen Prejean, an unconventional nun, who accompanies murderer Joe de Rocher to his death by execution. It explores the opposing desires for vengeance and forgiveness in this extreme situation, and the commitment required to love or to hate a fellow human being. In November 2007, Callea played the lead role Mark Cohen, a filmmaker and video artist, and Roger's roommate, in the Perth production of American Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical Rent. This was Callea's second musical production. He starred alongside his now-partner, Tim Campbell. Callea took the role of Boq in the Australian premiere of the Broadway musical Wicked, in Melbourne 2008–2009 and in 2013 he was cast as Rydell High's rock star student Johnny Casino in the Australian production of Grease (musical) alongside Rob Mills as Danny, and Gretel Scarlett as Sandy. Bert Newton, Todd McKenney, Lucy Maunder and Stephen Mahy also starred.

Callea joined the cast of Foxtel's Ultimate School Musical: Fame documentary in 2010^[12] filming the series alongside Ruby Rose and others in Melbourne. The show features school children attempting to put on a professional musical in just six weeks. Callea is the series' voice coach.^[13]

After nationwide auditions the students of Essendon Keilor College in Melbourne were cast in the 10-part series to premiere exclusively on FOX8 under the guidance of director Eddie Perfect, theatre producer John Frost, choreographer Kelley Abbey and singer Callea.^[14]

In 2011, Callea headlined the 2011 Stockholm PrideFestival.^[1][15]

Callea's third release was released independently.^[16] Callea released the lead single "Oh Oh Oh Oh" to his upcoming EP in 2011. It reached No.17 on the Australian Artist Singles Chart.^[17] A 2012 EP titled Last To Go peaked at No. 7 on the Independent Distribution Music Chart.^[18][19]

His third studio album Thirty in 2013 is a collection of inspirational songs embracing the artists and music that had influenced him, with some original tracks.^[20]

Callea released a 2013 Christmas album, This Is Christmas with duets with the National Boys Choir and husband/actor Tim Campbell.^[21][22][23]

On 16 May 2014 Callea performed a one-off concert titled Ladies and Gentlemen – The songs of George Michael.^[24][25] This concert was recorded and will be released as a 17-track CD/DVD on 1 August 2014.^[26] In June, Callea announced an extension of his "Ladies & Gentlemen: The Songs of George Michael" concert, with dates in September and October through Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

On 31 January 2016, Callea was revealed as a contestant on season 2 of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Australia. He placed fourth in the series behind the ultimate winner Brendan Fevola. He also described his time in the jungle as one of the best experiences of his life and hoped that it bought more awareness to his chosen charity Lifeline (crisis support service).^[27][28]

Callea released his fifth studio album Backbone in 2016, which debuted at number 1 on the ARIA Charts. It officially released on 16 September 2016.^[29] Callea promoted the album with a 5-date tour.^[30]

In September 2017, Callea released ARIA Number 1 Hits in Symphony which also debuted at number 1 on the ARIA Charts.^[31][32][33]

In October 2019, Called released the stand-along single "What's Wrong with Me?".^[34][35] This was followed in 2020 with "Lonely" and "Shadows".^[36][37]

In October 2020, Callea was announced as a competing celebrity contestant on the fifth season of The Celebrity Apprentice Australia in 2021.^[38][39] Callea went on the show supporting the Children's Cancer Foundation, and raised $20k for them before he was "fired" in task 4.^[40][41]

On 30 September 2022, Callea released "Heaven" and announced the forthcoming release of studio album, Forty Love, which was released on 21 October 2022.^{[42][43][44][45]} Upon announcement, Callea said "This album celebrates my 40 years in this life, yeah I can't believe it either! It feels like nothing else I have ever released, it's entirely me expressed through music which I am so proud of. It celebrates and appreciates the love and happiness I am fortunate to have, whilst also taking stock of the unpredictability and highs and lows of life. It is my DNA carved and molded into music and lyrics and I truly hope it resonates with people for its stories and its pop melodies as we all navigate this thing called life!".^[43] The album's second single was a song titled "Only One".^[46] The album peaked at number 5 on the ARIA Charts.^[47]

Notable performances

• In 2005, performed with Luciano Pavarotti on his last trip to Australia.^{[citation needed]}
• In March 2006, performed for Queen Elizabeth II at Commonwealth Day Church Service in Sydney.^[48]
• In 2006, Callea was the support act for the Australian leg of Diana Ross's I Love You 2006 tour.
• In 2007, Callea was the support act for Westlife's Arena Tour.^[49]
• In 2008, Callea was the support act for Celine Dion's Taking Chances world tour.^[50]
• In February 2009 joined Tina Arena to perform an impromptu performance of "The Prayer" at Melbourne's Grand Hyatt re-launch^[51][52]
• In 2010, was a special guest of the Australian leg of Whitney Houston's Nothing but Love World Tour.^[53]
• In January 2011, performed a one-off special concert for the Australian Flood Victims at Rally For Relief at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne.^[54]
• In 2013, supported Mariah Carey on her first Australian shows in 14 years.^[55][56]
• In 2013, performed "Go the Distance" at The Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Opening Ceremony.^[57][58][59]

Personal life

On 27 March 2007, after speculation and tabloid rumours dating back to his Idol appearances, Callea publicly acknowledged that he is gay by issuing a statement confirming his sexuality and thanking his fans and his then-partner, Paul Riggio, who worked as a talent coordinator on Australian Idol during Anthony's run on the show.^{[citation needed]}

"Yes, I am gay," Callea said. "I have no issue with my sexuality now, but it's taken time to become confident with who I am and happy with who I am. I'm comfortable enough to come clean now. It's a weight off my shoulders".^[60]

On 30 March 2007, Michael Kirby, then a judge of the High Court of Australia, described Callea as an "admirable Australian" for coming out. Justice Kirby added, "In terms of influencing popular culture and understanding of the reality of human sexual diversity, I would trade ten judges for one popular singer."^[61]

Callea has also admitted to suffering from depression in his teenage years, saying, "I went through major depression. I hated myself. I had to see a psychologist. I wasn't talking to anybody. My parents didn't know what was wrong with me."^[62] Callea has since supported beyondblue, an Australian initiative against depression, by contributing his version of a Brian McKnight song, "Home", to a compilation album, Home: Songs of Hope & Journey, by various Australian artists to raise funds and bring attention to the organisation and its cause.^{[citation needed]}

In February 2008, he and actor/singer Tim Campbell confirmed that they were in a relationship after they broke up with their respective partners to be together. On 18 August 2014, Campbell and Callea announced their engagement.^[63] They were married in New Zealand in November 2014.^[64]

Callea was part of the Tsunami Relief Telethon and was invited to perform at the Red Cross Ball in the presence of Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark. He has worked with The Starlight Foundation, the Royal Children's Hospital, The Mirabel Foundation, and The Salvation Army. Callea was the ambassador for the 2007 Perth Telethon for the Royal Children's Hospital and in 2007 was appointed official ambassador for Vision Australia. For the second time he was official ambassador for 2009's Vision Australia's Carols By Candlelight. 2022 marked the 19th year in a row Callea performed at this event.

Callea sang at Shane Warne's memorial service.

Discography

Main article: Anthony Callea discography

• Anthony Callea (2005)
• A New Chapter (2006)
• Thirty (2013)
• This Is Christmas (2013)
• Backbone (2016)
• ARIA Number 1 Hits in Symphony (2017)
• Forty Love (2022)

Awards and nominations

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music. It commenced in 1987.

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
ARIA Awards 2005^[65]^[66]	Anthony Callea	ARIA Award for Highest Selling Album	Nominated
	"The Prayer"	ARIA Award for Highest Selling Single	Won
	"Rain" / "Bridge Over Troubled Water"		Nominated

Channel V Oz Artist of the Year

The Channel V Oz Artist of the Year was an annual award presented by Channel V Australia and is voted by the Australian public. It ran from 1997 to 2015.

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2005	Anthony Callea	Channel V Oz Artist of the Year	Won

Mo Awards

The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards (commonly known informally as the Mo Awards), were annual Australian entertainment industry awards. They recognise achievements in live entertainment in Australia from 1975 to 2016.^[67]

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result (wins only)
2004	Anthony Callea	Contemporary Rock Performer of the Year	Won

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External links

 

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