The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June 1988. Prior to this, from mid-1983, ARIA had licensed the 'Kent Music Report' (which was later renamed as the 'Australian Music Report', until it stopped being published in 1999).,

The ARIA charts include:

• Weekly Top 100 highest selling singles
• Weekly Top 100 highest selling albums
• Weekly Top 100 highest selling digital tracks
• Weekly Top 100 highest selling digital albums
• Weekly Top 50 highest selling physical singles (ceased 4 April 2011 or ARIA report #1101)
• Weekly Top 50 highest selling physical albums
• Weekly Top 20 highest selling Australian singles
• Weekly Top 20 highest selling Australian albums
• Weekly Top 20 highest selling dance releases
• Weekly Top 20 highest selling country releases
• Weekly Top 20 highest selling compilation releases
• Weekly Top 50 highest selling catalogue albums
• Weekly Top 50 highest selling club releases
• Weekly Top 40 highest selling urban singles
• Weekly Top 40 highest selling urban albums
• Weekly Top 40 highest selling music DVDs
• Yearly Top 100 End of Year charts profiling the year in music
• End of Decade Top 100 charts profiling the decade in music ^[1]

The top 5 singles and albums are firstly published in News Limited newspapers each Sunday. All charts, in full, are then published on the ARIA Chart website each Sunday night at 6:30 pm AEST, in order for printed release the next day. Each chart is dated according to the Monday of the given week. The website and printed lists are shortened versions of the full chart, with only the top 50 singles and albums shown as well as only the top 40 digital tracks. The ARIA Report lists the charts listed above in full and is available via paid e-mail subscription each week (the report transitioned from paper to pdf starting 9 October 2000 or issue #554). These reports are uploaded to the Pandora Archive periodically.

Formulation of charts[link]

The ARIA charts are based on data collected from a number of traditional "bricks and mortar" retailers around Australia. Both the Top 40 Digital Track Chart and the Top 100 Singles Chart include data from online retailers including iTunes and BigPond music. Starting from 8 October 2006, due to low physical single sales at the time, the official ARIA singles chart included online data as well as physical sales. In 2006, it was announced that the Brazin retailing group, comprising major retailers HMV, Sanity and Virgin music/DVD stores would no longer contribute sales data to the ARIA charts.^[2][3] However, after a five month absence, Brazin reportedly re-commenced contributing sales figures to the ARIA Charts on 26 November 2006.^[4]

ARIA Awards[link]

There are numerous awards and events for Australian chart topping artist and groups that include:

The ARIA No.1 Chart Awards have been an event on the Australian music industry's calendar since 2002. The Awards were established in 2002 as a means of acknowledging Australian recording artists, and their record labels, who attained the coveted No.1 position on the ARIA album and singles chart

The ARIA Music Awards recognise excellence and innovation in all genres of Australian music. The very first ARIA Awards took place at Sydney's Sheraton Wentworth Hotel in front of 500 industry guests, on 2 March 1987. Nineteen years later, the ARIAs are held in front of 2,500 industry guests and 5,000 members of the general public. Up until 2008, the ARIA Awards were screened on Network Ten for many years. As of 2009, they air on the Nine Network, although the ratings of the 2009 ARIA Awards were well down on previous years.

"The ARIAs have always been, first and foremost, a showcase for local artists across a broad range of genres, produced by ARIA record company members. They are the highlight of the Australian music industry's calendar, covering a diverse range of talent over 28 categories". Denis Handlin, Chairman of ARIA.

The ARIA Hall of Fame has been an important part of the ARIA Awards since 1988. Traditionally taking place during the ARIA Awards ceremony, a diverse range of artists have been inducted into the Hall of Fame including Kylie Minogue, AC/DC, Dame Joan Sutherland, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny O'Keefe, Paul Kelly, John Farnham, INXS, Slim Dusty, Jimmy Little, Nick Cave, Midnight Oil and more.

In July 2005, ARIA staged the inaugural ARIA Icons: Hall of Fame event, which was introduced to honour the growing number of legendary performers, producers, songwriters and others who have had an impact on music culture in Australia. In the past, time constraints had prevented any more than one or two artists from being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame at each ARIA Awards, resulting in a lengthy waiting list of worthy recipients.

While ARIA intends to maintain a Hall of Fame segment within the ARIA Awards presentation, the ARIA Icons: Hall of Fame will become an annual stand-alone event that continues to honour those whose musical achievements have had A significant impact in Australia and around the world.

ARIA certifications[link]

A music single or album qualifies for a platinum certification if it exceeds 70,000 copies shipped to retailers and a gold certification for 35,000 copies shipped.

For music DVDs (formerly videos), a gold accreditation originally represented 7,500 copies shipped, with a platinum accreditation representing 15,000 units shipped.

Number-one singles[link]

Pre-2000:

• 1940s || 1950s || 1960s || 1970s || 1980s || 1990s

2000 to present:

• 2000 || 2001 || 2002 || 2003 || 2004 || 2005 || 2006 || 2007 || 2008 || 2009 || 2010 || 2011 || 2012

Number-one albums[link]

Pre-2000:

• 1960s || 1970s || 1980s || 1990s

2000 to present:

• 2000 || 2001 || 2002 || 2003 || 2004 || 2005 || 2006 || 2007 || 2008 || 2009 || 2010 || 2011 || 2012

See also[link]

• Music of Australia
• List of artists who reached number one on the Australian singles chart
• List of number one tracks on the Australian Club Chart

References[link]

External links[link]

• ARIA Charts home page
• ARIA Charts with archives from June 1988

Sam Clark
Background information
Birth name	Samuel James Clark
Born	(1987-10-18) 18 October 1987 (age 24) Adelaide, Australia
Origin	Melbourne, Australia
Genres	Pop rock
Occupations	actor, singer-songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, keyboards
Years active	2007–present (acting) 2009–present (singing)
Labels	Independent
Website	http://samclarkofficial.com/

Samuel James Clark (born 18 October 1987), known simply as Sam Clark, is an Australian actor, singer-songwriter from Adelaide, South Australia, best known for his role as Ringo Brown on the Australian soap opera, Neighbours. Clark made his musical debut in 2009 with the hit single "Broken", which peaked at number one on the Australian Physical Singles Chart^[1] His third single "Devastated" also peaked at number one on the same chart.^[2] In August 2010, Clark released his debut studio album, Take Me Home.

Early life[link]

Clark is a graduate of St Peter's College, Adelaide, and was a keen participant in several high school theatre productions, including a main role in West Side Story. In 2006, Clark formed a group (originally a duo) called, Solid White Line with members, Jake Long and James Brown.^[3]

Acting career[link]

Clark won the role of Ringo Brown after auditioning for a nation-wide Dolly Magazine competition with Adelaide Kane; as the winner, he won a three month contract with the show, which has since been extended. Clark made his Neighbours debut on 24 January 2007. The character is actually three years younger than Clark's actual age.^[4] Clark went through a long audition process compared with other Neighbours cast members, as he had to audition four times. On entering the show, Clark described Ringo as a "good-hearted kid", who does the normal things that a 16-year-old kid does.^[4] In 2009, it was announced that Clark was to take a three month break from Neighbours to focus on his music career.^[5] Clark returned to filming in February 2010.^[6] In July 2010, Clark announced that he would be leaving Neighbours in order to focus more on his music career. He said "I love acting and I'm definitely going to strive for further success in that part of my life, however music has always been a passion and I want to give it my all right now."^[7]

Music career[link]

[edit] 2009–present: Take Me Home

Since 2009, Clark has released his music through PLW Entertainment. "Broken" the debut single from Clark, was released in November 2009^[8] The single peaked at number thirty nine on the ARIA Singles Chart^[9] It has had a better impact on other charts where it peaked at number one on the Australian Physical Singles Chart and at number eleven on the Australian Singles Charts (chart only for Australian origin)^[1] The second single, "Send Me a Sign" was released on 22 April 2010^[10] and first premiered during an episode of Neighbours, where Clark sang it in character as Ringo Brown.^[11] The single failed to make an impact on the charts and had no physical release.

In July 2010, Clark released his third single, "Devastated"^[12] which debuted at number one on the Australian Physical Singles Chart.^[2] This single included the bonus track of "Suddenly", Clark's modern take on the original song by Angry Anderson, which was played in an episode of Neighbours during his character's (Ringo Brown) wedding to Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie).^[13] In August 2010, Clark began a five week national tour across Australia, visiting fifty schools to promote the single and to also talk about his commitment to giving blood as an ambassador for the Red Cross Blood Service.^[14] Clark's debut album, Take Me Home was released on 20 August^[15]

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

Singles[link]

Music videos[link]

Filmography[link]

Awards and nominations[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Sam Clark at the Internet Movie Database
• Sam Clark on Twitter
• Sam Clark on Facebook
• Sam Clark on Myspace
• Sam Clark's channel on YouTube
• Sam Clark on SoundCloud

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. It needs additional citations for verification. Tagged since January 2008. It may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Tagged since March 2008. It may need to be rewritten entirely to comply with Wikipedia's quality standards. Tagged since March 2012.

Melissa Natalie Tkautz
2007 ARIA Awards
Background information
Birth name	Melissa Natalie Tkautz
Born	(1974-01-24) 24 January 1974 (age 38)
Origin	Sydney, Australia
Genres	Pop Dance Europop
Years active	1990–present
Labels	Phantom Records & Westside Records (1991) JRB Music Distributors: Big Records & Rajon Music Group (2005) & Central Station Records (2007–2009) & Independent (2009–Now)
Website	melissatkautz.net [1]

Melissa Natalie Tkautz (born 24 January 1974) is an Australian actress, singer, songwriter and model of Austrian and Maltese heritage. Tkautz was married on Friday 6 February 2009 to her partner of 5 years, Kwesi Nicholas, she has a daughter named Ayla Nicholas

Very Early career[link]

Born in Sydney, Melissa began her career at age 3. By the age of 17 she had appeared in over 160 television and print commercials. She began acting in soap operas Richmond Hill and Home & Away in the late 1980s. Tkautz also had a supporting role in the mini-series The Girl from Tomorrow. During this time she attended the Academy of Dramatic and Social Arts in Sydney, graduating in 1991.

Early Career (1990 - 1991)[link]

At age 17, Tkautz was cast in the role of Nikki Spencer on the mega hit Australian soap opera E Street.

Nikki Spencer had moved to Westside (the fictitious Sydney suburb where the show took place) with her brother Zac. She was sent there to live with her aunt and uncle, George and Martha Sullivan. Nikki soon became involved in a relationship with the local police constable, Max Simmons (played by Bruce Samazan).

Tkautz soon became one of the show's main stars due to the popularity of her character. In 1991, she was voted as the hottest female on the earth by readers of TV Hits Magazine. Due to this popularity, the producers decided to have Tkautz record a song, which would be used in the show as part of a dream sequence, where Nikki had dreamed she was a pop star. This resulted in a recording career for Tkautz. However, due to the pressures of juggling two full-time careers, Tkautz left E Street to concentrate on her music career.

In 2007, a New Idea magazine article revealed Tkautz had relationships with E Street co-stars Marcus Graham and Simon Baker. Baker also appeared in the video for her single "Read My Lips".

Early Singing Career[link]

"Read My Lips"[link]

The idea of recording a song (as part of a dream sequence for Tkautz's character) was put forward by the makers of E Street. Tkautz was signed to the Laser Music label by record producer and promoter Gene Pierson who had the song "Read My Lips" specially written for her^{[citation needed]}. The single was launched via the show and soon shot to the number one position on the ARIA Charts, the highest selling single by an Australian artist in 1991. A music video was released for the song and the single was available on CD, Cassingle, 7" and 12" format. "Say Goodbye" was the B-side of the single.

The song was parodied by Gina Riley on the comedy television show Fast Forward as "Pout Your Lips".

Since 1991, Tkautz has re-recorded "Read My Lips" twice, the first version as the "Electro Pushers Remix" which was to be included as a bonus track on her unreleased third album, Glamorous Life. The second and newest version of the song is the "Neon Stereo Remix" which was performed live by Tkautz on Channel 7's The Morning Show. This version features strong electro beats and keyboards, bringing it up to date with current dance music. This version is legally not allowed to be used outside of the Channel 7 broadcast as it has not been sanctioned by Neon Stereo for public release. Read My Lips (Neon Stereo Remix) was first performed live at Big Gay Day in Brisbane in March 2008.

"Sexy (Is the Word)"[link]

Due to the massive success of "Read My Lips", a follow-up single — "Sexy (Is The Word)" — was recorded, and like the first single made its debut on an episode of E Street. Released in 1991 also, the song reached number 3 on the Australian charts. A music video was released for the song and the single was available on CD, Cassingle, 7" and 12" formats. "My Favourite Room" was the B-side for the single.

At the end of the year, Tkautz performed "Sexy (Is the Word)" at the 1991 Rugby League Grand Final, and also sang parts of Tina Turner's "The Best" with other performers, it being the Rugby League's anthem that year. Also in 1991, Tkautz toured the country as a support act for C+C Music Factory's Australian Tour.

In 2005, Tkautz re-recorded "Sexy (Is The Word)" and it featured as a bonus track on her 2005 album Lost & Found as both a radio edit and a club mix. The music video used for promotion throughout the clubs was essentially a sped up edit of her original video.

[edit] Fresh

In 1992, having left E Street, Tkautz's debut album Fresh was released. Containing 10 tracks, including the hits "Read My Lips" and "Sexy (Is the Word)", the album peaked at number 13 on the ARIA Album Charts. The single "Skin to Skin" was released and became a top 20 hit. Tkautz also performed a national tour showcasing her talents and the album. Due to her diverse fan base, Tkautz would often perform two shows a day, a show during the day for her younger fans, and then evening concerts for her adult audience. Fresh was released on CD and cassette format.

Tracks included:

1. Sexy (Is the Word)
2. Let's Get Pumping
3. My Imagination
4. Skin to Skin
5. If We Live Forever
6. Read My Lips
7. Tonight's the Night
8. My House
9. Something About You
10. Ain't No Saint

"Skin to Skin"[link]

Melissa's 3rd single, "Skin to Skin," was released in 1992 after the debut of her first album Fresh. "Skin to Skin" peaked at number 16 on the ARIA Charts. A music video was released for the song and the single was available on CD, Cassingle and 12" formats. "Take It from Me" was the B-side for the single.

"My House"[link]

Melissa's 4th and final single, "My House," was released in 1992. "My House" failed to chart on the ARIA Charts, due to limited airplay. A music video was released for the song and the single was available on CD single, cassingle and 7 Inch format. "Let Me Out" was the B-side for the single. Manu Bennett was featured as an extra in the video and later played Tkautz's love interest in Paradise Beach.

"Is It..?"[link]

In 1993, after E Street ended, Melissa decided to re-spark her music career. She released a new single, "Is It My Body" commonly known as "Is It...?" The release of this single launched a new direction for Tkautz. She had a new look and a somewhat funkier sound. The single was received well critically, but due to limited airplay and mismanagement of her career, the single peaked at #39 on the ARIA Singles Chart. "Is It...?" was to be the first single from her second album, which was scrapped. This was her last commercially released single until 2005.

Acting Career (1993 - 2000)[link]

In 1993, Melissa decided to return to E Street. Producers of the show and fans were thrilled to have her back, and Nikki’s return to Westside was one of the show's main draws and major focuses for the lead-in to the 1993 season. However, despite the good ratings the show was delivering, the show had declined in storylines and due to budget issues the network decided to axe E Street in May 1993.

In 1993 and 1994, Tkautz appeared as a special guest on Paradise Beach, playing Vanessa Campbell, the manipulative ex-girlfriend of Sean Hayden (played by Ingo Rademacher). Her role lasted several weeks and she also returned some months later when she was involved with Kirk Barsby (played by Manu Bennett). Strangely enough, he had previously appeared as an extra in the music video for Tkautz's "My House."

In 1995, she had a role in Echo Point.

In 1996, Tkautz joined the series Pacific Drive, where she played a model named Bethany Daniels. Dubbed as an "Australian version of Melrose Place," the series was filmed on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Despite the series never really taking off, this role was a major career move for Tkautz, playing the first ever long-term HIV positive character on Australian television. The series has since gained a cult following. When the show was cancelled after 2 seasons, Tkautz then joined the cast of Medivac as Nurse Evie Morrison.

Tkautz later appeared in the series All Saints. She also continued working as a model, doing local and international projects.

Singing Career (2005 - 2012)[link]

[edit] Lost and Found, "The Glamorous Life" and "All I Want"

In 2005, Tkautz relaunched her music career with a new single, a cover version of "The Glamorous Life", a song originally performed by Sheila E and written by Prince. Tkautz's re-working featured heavy guitars and a strong electro beat, but its release was marred by another cover of the same track by fellow Australian, producer Mr Timothy featuring Inaya Day on vocals.

Naturally having two versions of the same song released at the same time compromised airplay, but Tkautz toured the country promoting the single with her dancers gaining the track some success on the charts. It debuted at its peak position – #31 on the ARIA charts top 100. It also reached #6 on the ARIA club chart, #8 on the ARIA dance chart and #8 on the ARIA Australasian chart.

It had been a 15 year gap between album releases for Tkautz, yet her second album Lost & Found was released on 4 December 2005.

Tkautz's second single from this era, "All I Want", was released in November 2005, and peaked at #72 on the ARIA charts. The video for this single was not released, yet the song gained much attention in clubs around Australia with its various remixes.

Meanwhile, the single "The Glamorous Life" had success internationally, and in July 2007, the single was released in parts of Europe, such as the Netherlands.

"Easily Affected"[link]

Tkautz travelled to Sweden in early 2006 to work with the pop writing sensations 2N. Whilst there she recorded "Easily Affected," "Fake It Good" and "Not Enough." "Fake It Good" was to be released as her new single, however "Easily Affected" was considered more popular, thus it was released on 21 October. "Easily Affected" peaked at #86 on the ARIA chart. A music video was released for the song and the single was available on CD single format. "Easily Affected (12" Extended Version)", "Blink" and "The Glamorous Life (D.O.N.S. Remix)" all featured as extra tracks.

[edit] Glamorous Life album

Tkautz released "Easily Affected" which was to be the first single from her third album, Glamorous Life. The new album was to feature "Easily Affected," "Fake It Good" and "Not Enough" (3 songs recorded with 2N in Sweden) as well as reworked versions of select songs from Lost & Found. The album was also to feature a rare recording of "Read My Lips (Electro Pushers Remix)". This album was never commercially released, presumably due to "Easily Affected" peaking at #86. However, bootlegs and burnt copies have been quietly circulated by Tkautz's strong gay supporters. Little is known about this project, however some of these songs may be released commercially in the distant future.

"I Want Your Love"[link]

In 2008, Nick Skitz and Melissa Tkautz teamed up to create a cover version of the Transvision Vamp song "I Want Your Love."

Track Listing:

1. Radio Mix
2. Mark Rachelle Mix
3. Disco Nexxion Remix
4. Bohn & Kasten Remix
5. Kamikaze Kid Remix
6. Al Storm Remix

After only one week of sales the single debuted at No.60 on the combined ARIA singles charts, and No.26 on the physical singles sales charts on 14 April 2008. A CD and DVD single were released.

"New Music"[link]

Melissa has recently been working with numerous producers to create new material the first of which (a collaboration with DJ Nick Jay) was 'Something About You'

Acting Career (2008 - present)[link]

In late 2008, Tkautz starred in Swift and Shift Couriers (created by the same crew that created Fat Pizza). It aired on SBS ONE. Filming took place in early 2008, with some episodes being shot in Thailand and Egypt. This season had eight episodes that aired on TV during October/November 2008.

In 2011, she starred in season 2 of Swift and Shift Couriers. She also starred in Housos.

Recent projects[link]

Tkautz performed at the Annual Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day in February 2008. Her set included 4 songs: "Easily Affected", "True Love" (from Tkautz's Lost & Found album), "Read My Lips" (Neon Stereo Remix) and the new single "I Want Your Love". Tkautz also performed at Brisbane's Big Gay Day, held at the Wickham Hotel in Fortitude Valley on 9 March 2009. She performed "The Glamorous Life," "Read My Lips" and "I Want Your Love." She also just recently appeared on an episode on the Australian version of Celebrity – The Singing Bee where she placed 4th. Melissa has recently wed for the first time to her partner of 5 years Kwesi. They were married on Friday 6 February 2009 at the Cardinal Cerretti Memorial Chapel Manly. It has also been confirmed by Melissa while filming for an SBS program at the Sundeck Hotel in August that she is currently three and a half months pregnant.

New Single[link]

It has been revealed on Melissa Tkautz new website (www.melissatkautz.net) that she is back in the recording studio making a new song which will be released in Australia in 2012. More news to come.

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

• 1992 Fresh AUS #15
• 2005 Lost & Found Did Not Chart
• 2006 Glamorous Life (Unreleased Demo CD)

Singles[link]

Misc[link]

Compilations[link]

Compilations containing Melissa Tkautz songs:

• 1991: 100% Hits – "Read My Lips"
• 1991: 100% Hits Volume 2 – "Sexy (Is The Word)"
• 1992: 100% Hits Volume 4 – "Skin To Skin"
• 1993: E-Street The Music (TV Soundtrack) – "Read My Lips", "Sexy (Is The Word)" and "Skin To Skin"
• 1995: Take 40 No. 1's – "Read My Lips"
• 2005: Pepsi More Music – Best Of 2005 (DVD/Video compilation) – "The Glamorous Life"
• 2006: Wild Summer 2006 – "The Glamorous Life"
• 2006: Stonewall The Addiction (Mixed By Luke Leal) – "All I Want"
• 2006: Dance Hits Vol.2 – Eurodance Music Videos (Russian DVD/Video compilation) – "The Glamorous Life"
• 2006: Stonewall – The Addiction – "All I Want (Lost Knowledge Remix)"
• 2006: Clubworx 2 – (South Africa DVD/Video compilation) – "The Glamorous Life"
• 2007: Video Hits 20 Years of Australian Hits – "Sexy (Is The Word)"
• 2007: So Fresh Summer 2007 – "Easily Affected"

Awards and recognition[link]

See also[link]

• List of artists who reached number one on the Australian singles chart

References[link]

• "CelebritiesTime.com". Biography information. http://celebritiestime.com/bio_melissa_tkautz.html. Retrieved 23 April 2006. 
• "Talk About The Music". Information. http://www.talkaboutthemusic.com/group/rec.music.misc/messages/248647.html. Retrieved 23 April 2006. 

External links[link]

This article's use of external links may not follow Wikipedia's policies or guidelines. Please improve this article by removing excessive or inappropriate external links, and converting useful links where appropriate into footnote references. (August 2010)

• Melissa Tkautz on Myspace site.
• Melissa Tkautz at the Internet Movie Database
• A fan's website

Anthony Callea
Anthony Callea at the 2012 Multicultural Festival Canberra, in February 2012
Background information
Birth name	Anthony Cosmo Callea
Born	(1982-12-13) 13 December 1982 (age 29)
Origin	Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Genres	Pop, pop rock, dance-pop (recent)
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, musical theatre actor
Years active	2004–present
Labels	Sony Music Australia (2004–2009)
Website	www.anthonycallea.com.au

Anthony Cosmo Callea (born 13 December 1982) is an Australian singer-songwriter who rose to prominence after being the runner-up in the 2004 season of Australian Idol. He was signed to Sony Music Australia until 2009 and is now an independent artist. Callea's debut single "The Prayer" is the fastest-selling single by an Australian artist,^[1] held the No.1 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 last decade.^[3]

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, MO Award and a Gospel Music Award and 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 signals a departure from the ballads for which he is known and was released in digital format only.

His albums, DVD and singles have all debuted in the top 20 of the ARIA Charts with the exception of "Oh Oh Oh Oh", and an EP titled Last to Go released in February 2012.^[6] However, "Oh Oh Oh Oh" debuted at number 6 on the Official Independent Music Charts AIR Charts,^[7] and in its first week, peaked at number 17 on the ARIA Top 20 Australian Artists Singles Chart.^[8] Last to Go reached number 7 on the Independent Distribution Singles Chart.^[9][10]

Biography[link]

Early years[link]

In his first venture into television Anthony Callea, credited as Anthony De Fazio, appeared in an episode of Funky Squad, "The Wrong Side of the Tracks", in 1995.

[edit] Australian Idol

Anthony Callea began entering talent contests as a child and trained with the Johnny Young Talent School. He auditioned and 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 twelve.

Over the weeks of the competition, his popularity with the Australian public grew. During his run on the show, he gave several performances that earned him high praise from the judges, including his rendition of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge over Troubled Water", Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is" and Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion's duet "The Prayer." Judge Ian 'Dicko' Dickson said Callea's performance of the latter was the finest he had seen during his two years with the show. The competition concluded in November 2004 with Callea finishing as runner-up to Casey Donovan. He cited Cosima De Vito as his favourite contestant of the first series of Australian Idol. Callea was the first idol contestant in the competition that had never been included in the bottom three for the contestants who had the lowest votes each week.

[edit] Australian Idol performances

• Melbourne Auditions: "Wishes" by Human Nature
• Top 30: "Angels" by Robbie Williams
• Wildcard: "The Reason" by Hoobastank
• Top 12: Australian Made - "Heaven Knows" by Rick Price
• Top 11: Pop Night - "Ignition" by R. Kelly
• Top 10: 60s Night - "Gimme Some Lovin'" - Spencer Davis Group
• Top 9: Disco Night - "Car Wash" by Rose Royce
• Top 8: Idol's Choice - "The Prayer" by Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion
• Top 7: Beatles Night - "I Saw Her Standing There" by The Beatles
• Top 6: 80's Night - "I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner
• Top 5: R'n'B Night - "Back at One" by Brian McKnight
• Top 4: Big Band Night - "Fever" and "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66" by Nat King Cole
• Top 3: 70s Night - "Hold the Line" by Toto and "Bridge over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel
• Top 2: "Listen with Your Heart" (Winner's Single) by Diane Warren, "Walking Away" by Craig David and "Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera
• Grand Final: "The Prayer" by Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion

[edit] Post-Idol career

[edit] 2005–2006: Anthony Callea

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.^[11] 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.

Callea's DVD Live in Concert was released on 7 November 2005. It debuted at #3 in the ARIA DVD Chart and awarded Platinum status.

[edit] 2006–2007: A New Chapter

Callea released the single "Live for Love" on 4 November 2006, the first 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 in order to raise funds for BeyondBlue, an anti-depression organisation. The second single "Addicted to You" debuted at no. 19 when released in February 2007.

2012: Third studio album[link]

Callea is no longer with Sony and will release his third album as an independent artist. The first single is called "Oh Oh Oh Oh", and was released on 7 October 2011.^[12] It has not as yet charted in the ARIA Top 100, but has reached No.17 on the Australian Singles Chart which is for Australian artists only.^[8] In February 2012 Callea released a seven track EP titled Last to Go. The EP has not as yet charted on the ARIA Charts, but reached number seven on the Indepenent Distribution Music Chart.^[9][10]

Charity work[link]

Callea has been involved with many charities. He 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. Callea has worked with The Starlight Foundation, the Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital, The Mirabel Foundation and The Salvation Army. More recently, Callea was the ambassador for the 2007 Perth Telethon for the Royal Children's Hospital and in November 2007 was appointed the official ambassador for Vision Australia. For the second year Anthony has been appointed the official ambassador for 2009's Vision Australia's Carols By Candlelight. This will be the sixth year in a row Callea has performed at this event and cites this as one of the highlights of the year.

Tours[link]

Headlining tours[link]

In July 2005, Callea embarked on an extensive east coast of Australia tour adding dates along the way during his Anthony Callea Tour 2005. Supporting Callea on tour was Tina Cousins. 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 eighteen shows across the country.

On 6 December 2008, Anthony Callea took a night off from his successful run in Wicked and returns to the music stage for an exclusive Australian show at The Palms at Crown in Melbourne.

Overseas concert[link]

In August 2011 Callea will be a headline act performing at the Stockholm PrideFestival^[1][13] which is the largest Pride celebration in the Nordic region where he will also sample new music.

Musicians combined tours[link]

At the Tattoo Spectacular 2007, Callea performed his songs with accompaniment by the massed bands and the Tattoo Choir. The event combined a cast and crew of almost 900 musicians, performers, dancers and singers.

Callea and several other leading Australian performers have been invited to perform with the Sydney Symphony at the concert hall of the Sydney Opera House. The performance has been described as a tribute to the greatest film songs ever written and is scheduled from 7 to 10 May 2008.

Supporting tours[link]

During the Australian leg of Diana Ross's I Love You 2006 tour, Callea performed as her support act. During the Australian leg of Westlife's Face to Face Tour, Callea performed as their support act, Westlife's Arena Tour in February 2007. On 26 March 2008, Celine Dion commenced the Australian leg of her Taking Chances world tour. Callea performed as the special guest support act.

Anthony Callea had been announced as the special guest of the Australian leg of Whitney Houston's Nothing but Love World Tour opening in Brisbane on 22 February 2010. The arena tour played in Brisbane, Hope Estate Hunter Valley, Sydney, Melbourne, and finishing in Adelaide.

Notable performances[link]

• Performed a one off special concert for the Australian Flood Victims at Rally For Relief at Rod Laver Arena Melbourne on January 2011^[14]
• In February 2009 Anthony was joined by his long-time idol Tina Arena to perform an impromptu performance of The Prayer at the re-launch of Melbournes Grand Hyatt^[15][16]
• Was handpicked to sing for Queen Elizabeth II in March 2006 at Commonwealth Day Church Service in Sydney
• Tribute performance at the 2005 Logies Awards for 2004 tsunami victims
• In 2005, on what was to be Luciano Pavarotti final trip to Australia, the request of Pavarotti, Callea was flown over to Perth to sing at a Gala event that was being held in his honour.
• Performed number-one hit "The Prayer" at the 2005 ARIA Music Awards after winning the highest selling single of the year.

Television work[link]

[edit] It Takes Two series 2

In 2007, Callea was one of the professional voices on the 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.

Performances[link]

• Week One: The Veronicas - "4ever" (Pop)
• Week Two: Chaka Khan - "I Say a Little Prayer" (Songs from the Movies)
• Week Three: Kelly Clarkson - "Because of You" (Ballad)
• Week Four: Blondie - "Call Me" (No. 1 Hits)
• Week Five: Peaches & Herb - "Shake Your Groove Thing" (Disco)
• Week Six: ABBA - "SOS" (70's & 80's)
• Week Seven: Diana Ross - "You Are Everything" (Motown)
• Week Eight: Judy Garland - "Get Happy" (Swing) & Joan Jett - "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" (Rock)
• Week Nine: Anthony Callea - "The Prayer" (A song their mentor was famous for) & Chuck Berry - "Johnny B. Goode" (Rock & Roll)
• Week Ten (Finale): Encore performances of Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You", Judy Garland's "Get Happy", and a new performance of Irene Cara's "Flashdance... What a Feeling"

[edit] It Takes Two series 3

In 2008, Callea again performed as one of the professional voices on the Seven Network's weekly musical competition program, It Takes Two, in which celebrities from non-musical fields are teamed with professional singers to perform a duet each week. Callea's partner for season three was ironwoman Candice Falzon. The third series began airing on 12 February 2008. Callea and Falzon were eliminated in week seven, finishing in fifth place.

Performances[link]

• Week One: Mentors Group Performance: "Get Ready"
• Week One: KT Tunstall - "Suddenly I See" (Pop)
• Week Two: Thelma Houston - "Don't Leave Me This Way" (R&B/Soul)
• Week Three: Faith Hill - "This Kiss" (Country)
• Week Four: Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston - "When You Believe" (Ballad)
• Week Four: Mentors Group Performance: "Born to Hand Jive" from Grease
• Week Five: Roxette - "The Look" (80's)
• Week Six: CeCe Peniston - "Finally" (Disco)
• Week Seven: The Veronicas - "Hook Me Up" (Rock)
• Week Ten Grand Final: Cast Medley: Roxette - "The Look" (80's)
• Week Ten Grand Final: Mentors Group Performance: Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. - "You Don't Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)"

[edit] Ultimate School Musical: Fame

In January 2010 it was confirmed that Callea joined the cast of Foxtel's Ultimate School Musical: Fame,^[17] filming the series alongside Ruby Rose and others in Melbourne.

Ultimate School Musical: Fame features school children attempting to put on a professional musical in just six weeks. Callea is the series' voice coach.

After an extensive audition process across high schools throughout Australia, the students of Essendon Keilor College in Melbourne won the much sought after opportunity to be cast in Ultimate School Musical: Fame, a 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.^[18]

Theatre/Musicals[link]

[edit] Dead Man Walking

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.

[edit] Rent

In November 2007, Callea played the lead role Mark Cohen, a filmmaker and video artist, and Roger's roommate, in the Perth production of the critically acclaimed 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.

[edit] Wicked

On 12 February 2008, it was announced that Callea would originate the role of Boq in the Australian premiere production of the Broadway musical Wicked, which opened in July 2008 at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. Callea played his final performance 11 January 2009.

Personal life[link]

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.

"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".^[19]

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."^[20]

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."^[21] 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.

In February 2008 he and actor/singer Tim Campbell confirmed that they were in a relationship.

Discography[link]

Anthony Callea discography

Callea performing at The Palms at Crown Concert, 8 December 2008
Releases
↙Studio albums	2
↙EPs	1
↙Singles	7
↙Video albums	1
↙Music videos	7

The following is a complete discography of every album and single released by Australian pop music artist Anthony Callea.

Studio albums[link]

Extended plays[link]

Singles[link]

Soundtrack appearances[link]

Album appearances[link]

Videography[link]

DVD[link]

• Anthony Callea: "Per Sempre (For Always)" (DVD single)

Music videos[link]

• The Prayer
• The Prayer (Live on Idol Top 8)
• Rain
• Bridge over Troubled Water (LIVE on Idol)
• Hurts So Bad (LIVE)
• Per Sempre (for Always)
• Live for Love
• Addicted to You

Awards[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Representation
• Official Facebook
• Anthony Callea's Official youtube channel
• Anthony Callea on Twitter
• Anthony Callea at the Internet Movie Database
• Harbour Agency
• Sony Bandit.fm Breathe profile
• Daily News