Gen Y remixes the role model
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Sydney Star Observer - Found Mar. 16, 2010 ... about their â??idolsâ?? sexuality, only to be met with a vociferous, 'I donâ??t care, I still love him!' Just ask Anthony Callea. |
Adoring crowd urges Whitney on
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Brisbane Courier-Mail - Found Mar. 1, 2010 Houston returns to Melbourne to play at the Plenary on Saturday.Special mention should go to support Anthony Callea's impressive performance. Whitney Houston: Smoking on tour is excuse for voice - In Entertainment Whitney Houston delivers a shocker live - Music-News Smoking blamed for Whitney Houston's concerts sham - New Zealand Herald Whitney Houston faces backlash - Gulf News Explore All |
Whitney urged on by adoring crowd
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Herald Sun - Found Mar. 1, 2010 Special mention should go to support Anthony Callea's impressive performance including a brilliant cover of Hearts Alone. |
Denyer granted new Sunrise
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Daily Telegraph Australia - Found Jan. 23, 2010 Idol's fame on screen FORMER Australian Idol crooner Anthony Callea will return to the small screen, confirming to this columnist that he has... Grant's hot for weather - Herald Sun Explore All |
Denyer granted new Sunrise
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NEWS.com.au - Found Jan. 23, 2010 Idol's fame on screen FORMER Australian Idol crooner Anthony Callea will return to the small screen, confirming to this columnist that he has... |
Denyer granted new Sunrise
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NEWS.com.au - Found Jan. 23, 2010 Idol's fame on screen FORMER Australian Idol crooner Anthony Callea will return to the small screen, confirming to this columnist that he has... |
Arias: Top 100 singles of the noughties
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Adelaide Now - Found Jan. 6, 2010 TOP 100 SINGLES 1 ANGELS BROUGHT ME HERE Guy Sebastian 2003 2 THE PRAYER Anthony Callea 2005 3 I GOTTA FEELING Black Eyed Peas 2009 4 POKER FACE Lady ... |
Continents apart, same aim: gay marriage
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Sydney Star Observer - Found Dec. 29, 2009 Kylie Madonna Lady Ga Ga Whitney Houston Samantha Fox Anthony Callea Taylor Swift Dolly Parton Robbie Williams Don't care George Michael... |
Guy Sebastian Had Best Selling Song Of The Decade
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Undercover Music News - Found Jan. 6, 2010 ... and albums chart of the past decade which put the Sebastian debut on top and surprisingly ahead of Anthony Callea â??The Prayerâ??. |
Delta Goodrem Scores Decade's Biggest Australian Album
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Billboard - Found Jan. 7, 2010 2003. 'Angels Brought Me Here' was one of three domestic recordings to crack the top 5 of the decade, the others being Anthony Callea at No. Goodrem, Sebastian best sellers of decade - Digital Spy Delta Goodrem Scores Decade's Biggest Australian Album - Billboard Delta Goodrem Scores Decade's Biggest Australian Album - Billboard Delta Goodrem Scores Decade's Biggest Australian Album - Billboard Explore All |
Anthony Callea Biography
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Anthony Callea
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| Anthony Callea | |
|---|---|
 Callea performing at The Palms at Crown Concert, December 08
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Anthony Cosmo Callea |
| Born | 13 December 1982 |
| Origin | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Genres | Pop |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, musical theatre actor |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Labels | Sony Music Entertainment (2004–present) |
| Website | Official Website |
Anthony Cosmo Callea (born 13 December 1982 in Melbourne) is an ARIA Award-winning Australian singer songwriter who rose to prominence in the 2004 season of Australian Idol when he became runner up. Anthony's debut single "The Prayer" holds the record as the fastest selling single of all time in Australia. Callea has accumulated a string of awards including an Aria 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 Callea, and his albums, singles and DVD have all achieved Top 20 status.
Biography
Early years
Callea, credited as Anthony De Fazio, appeared in an episode of Funky Squad, "The Wrong Side of the Tracks", in 1995.
Australian Idol
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.
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: 60's 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: 70's 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
Post-Idol
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 reported it had become the highest-selling Australian single at that time, as it was certified four times platinum, selling in excess of 280,000 copies.1 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 on 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.
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.
2009: Currently working on 3rd album
Callea is currently working on his third studio album with Sony Music.
Charity work
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
Anthony Callea Tour 2005
In July 2005, Callea embarked on an extensive east coast tour adding dates along the way. Supporting Callea on tour was Tina Cousins.
Diana Ross I Love You Tour 2006
During the Australian leg of Diana Ross's I Love You Tour, Callea performed as her support act.
Westlife Face to Face Tour 2007
During the Australian leg of Westlife's Face To Face Tour, Callea performed as their support act, Westlife's Arena Tour in Australia February 2007.
A New Chapter Tour 2007
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.
Tattoo Spectacular 2007
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.
Celine Dion Taking Chances World Tour 2008
On March 26, 2008, Celine Dion will commence the Australian leg of her World Taking Chances Tour. Callea has been announced as the special guest support act.
Songs from the Movies - Sydney Symphony May 2008
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 the 7th to the 10th of May, 2008.
One Night Only - Anthony Callea in Concert
On 6 December 2008 Anthony Callea will be taking 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.
Whitney Houston 'Nothing But Love' Tour 2010
Anthony Callea has 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 will play in Brisbane, Hope Estate Hunter Valley, Sydney, Melbourne, and finishing in Adelaide.
Television Work
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
- 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"
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
- 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)"
Ultimate School Musical:Fame
In January 2010 it was confirmed that Callea joined the cast of Foxtel's Ultimate School Musical: Fame 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 Callea2
Theatre/Musicals
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.
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. Based on Giacomo Puccini's opera La bohème, the musical centers on a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Alphabet City in the last days of the Bohemian East Village, under the shadow of AIDS.
This was Callea's second musical production. He starred alongside his now-partner, Tim Campbell.
Wicked: The Broadway Musical
On 12 February 2008, it was announced that Callea had taken on the role of Boq in the Melbourne production of Wicked, which opened in July 2008 at the Regent Theatre. Callea plays the role of Boq until January 4, 2009, when his contract expires.
Wicked is the multi award winning Broadway Musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman. The story is based on the best-selling novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire.
Wicked, tells the story behind the Wizard of Oz and looks at what happened before Dorothy dropped in.
The character of Boq is an endearing but misguided munchkin, besotted with Glinda, who is impervious to his devotion.
Personal life
On 27 March 2007, after speculation and tabloid rumours dating back to his Idol appearances, Callea publicly acknowledged that he was 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".3
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."4
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 anyone. My parents didn't know what was wrong with me."5 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
| Releases | ||
|---|---|---|
| ↙Studio albums | 2 | |
| ↙Singles | 7 | |
| ↙Video albums | 1 | |
| ↙Music videos | 7 | |
| ↙B-sides | 4 | |
| ↙Tours | 3 | |
The following is a complete discography of every album and single released by Australian pop music artist Anthony Callea.
Albums
| Year | Information | Australia | Sales and Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Anthony Callea |
|
Australian sales: 140,000 |
| 2006 | A New Chapter |
|
Australian sales: 35,000 |
Singles
| Year | Song | Australia | Certification | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | "The Prayer" | 1 | 4× Platinum (ARIA) | Anthony Callea |
| 2005 | "Rain"/"Bridge over Troubled Water" | 1 | 2× Platinum (ARIA) | |
| "Hurts So Bad" | 10 | - | ||
| "Per Sempre (for Always)" | 5 | - | ||
| 2006 | "Live for Love" | 9 | - | A New Chapter |
| 2007 | "Addicted to You" | 19 | - |
Other
- "I Wanna Know What Love Is" (studio recording Track 3 of Australian Idol: The Final 12 2004)
- "Listen with Your Heart" (released as bonus CD to a limited number of debut albums)
- "Wanna Be the One" (B-side to "Rain/Bridge Over Troubled Water" CDS)
- "Don't Tell Me" (B-side to "Rain/Bridge Over Troubled Water" CDS)
- "The Healing of a Heart" (Bambi 2 soundtrack)
- "Meant for Love" (B-side to "Addicted to You")
- "Try" (B-side to "Addicted to You")
- "Whatever It Takes" (iTunes exclusive cover made by Edyta Gorniak)
- "Home" (on Home: Songs of Hope & Journey compilation)
- "The Christmas Song" (on The Spirit of Christmas 2005 compilation)
- "Far from Over" (iTunes special)
Videography
DVD
| Year | Title | Australia | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Anthony Callea Live in Concert | 3 | Platinum (ARIA) |
- Anthony Callea: Per Sempre (For Always) (DVD single)
Music videos
- 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
| Award | Category | About | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | ||||
| Pop Republic Awards 2007 | Australian Male Artist Of The Year | Himself | 3rd | |
| Australian Gospel Music Awards | Outstanding Achievement Award | The Prayer | Won | |
| 2006 | ||||
| MTV Australia Video Music Awards 2006 | Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice Award 2006 | Himself | Won | |
| Dolly Teen Choice Awards 2006 | Hottest Album Of 2006 | 'Anthony Callea' | Won | |
| 2005 | ||||
| Pop Republic Awards 2005 | Artist Of The Year | Himself | Won | |
| Variety Club Heart Awards 2005 | Young Entertainer of the Year | Himself | Won | |
| MO Award 2005 | Australian Performer Of The Year | Himself | Nominated | |
| MO Award 2005 | Contemporary Rock Performer | Himself | Won | |
| Channel V's OZ Artist Of The Year Award 2005 | Oz Artist Of The Year | Himself | Won | |
| ARIA Awards 2005 | Highest Selling Single | The Prayer | Won | |
| ARIA No.1 Chart Awards 2005 | ARIA No.1 Single | Rain / Bridge Over Troubled Water | Won | |
| ARIA No.1 Chart Awards 2005 | ARIA No.1 Single | The Prayer | Won | |
| ARIA No.1 Chart Awards 2005 | ARIA No.1 Album | 'Anthony Callea' | Won | |
References
- ^ "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2004 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-singles-2004.htm. Retrieved November 14, 2006.
- ^ "Idol's fame on screen". Sunday Telegraph. 2010-01-24. http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/television/denyer-granted-new-sunrise/story-e6frfmyi-1225822954973.
- ^ "Anthony Callea's Official Site". http://www.anthonycallea.com.au/newsEvents/home.do?newsId=20030829004424. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
- ^ Ross, Norrie (2007-03-31). "Gay Idol receives high praise". Sunday Herald Sun. http://www.news.com.au/sundayheraldsun/story/0,,21477361-661,00.html. Retrieved 2007-04-01.
- ^ AAP (2007-03-27). "Anthony Callea comes out". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/03/27/1174761391314.html. Retrieved 2008-01-04.
- ^ "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2005 Albums". ARIA. Retrieved 10 February 2008.
- ^ "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2006 Albums". ARIA. Retrieved 10 February 2008.
External links
- Official website
- Anthony Callea Twitter profile
- Official forum
- Manager
- Sony Bandit.fm Breathe profile
- Official Youtube
- Official MySpace page
- Daily News
- IMDb Anthony Callea profile
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