Anthony Callea
- Attended Johnny Young Talent School
Anthony Callea, born Anthony Cosmo Callea on December 13, 1982, in Melbourne, Australia, is a celebrated Australian singer-songwriter and stage actor. He gained national recognition as the runner-up in the inaugural season of Australian Idol in 2004, a platform that propelled him into the spotlight and laid the groundwork for a successful music career. His powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence quickly garnered him a loyal fan base, making him one of Australia's prominent pop artists.
Callea's debut single, a stunning cover of the duet "The Prayer," originally performed by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, marked a significant milestone in his career. Released shortly after his stint on Australian Idol, the single became the fastest-selling debut by an Australian artist. It achieved an impressive five-week reign at the top of the ARIA Singles Chart and was recognized as the second-highest-selling Australian single of the 2000s, solidifying his status in the industry.
Over the years, Anthony Callea has amassed a plethora of awards, reflecting his impact and talent in the music scene. His accolades include an ARIA Music Award, Channel V Artist of the Year, and the Pop Republic Artist of the Year, among others. Renowned for his versatility, Callea has demonstrated his ability to excel in various genres, which is evident in his diverse discography. His second album, "A New Chapter," showcased his songwriting skills, with nearly all tracks co-written by him.
In October 2011, Callea made a notable return to the music scene after a four-year hiatus with the release of "Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh," a self-funded single that marked his independence as an artist. This dance-pop track was co-written in Los Angeles with Poet Name Life, a two-time Grammy-nominated producer known for his work with The Black Eyed Peas. This independent venture demonstrated Callea's evolution as an artist and his commitment to creative control over his music.
Callea's partnership with ABC Music began in March 2013, leading to the release of his third studio album, "Thirty," on April 26, 2013. This album was the first of two projects released that year, with the second being a Christmas-themed album titled "This Is Christmas," which came out on November 8, 2013. In August 2014, he ventured further by releasing a live DVD/CD titled "Ladies & Gentlemen: The Songs of George Michael," filmed at the Palms at Crown Melbourne, which debuted at number one on the Australian ARIA Charts, emphasizing his live performance prowess.
In September 2016, after a fruitful period with ABC Music, Callea announced his re-signing with Sony Music Australia, heralding the release of his sixth album, "Backbone." This return to a major label highlighted his ongoing relevance in the music industry and his ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes. As of now, Callea continues to engage his audience with his distinctive voice and artistic vision while enjoying a fulfilling personal life with his spouse, actor Tim Campbell, whom he married in 2014.