Anthony Cosmo Callea (born December 13, 1982 in Melbourne to Italian parents) is an ARIA Award winning Australian singer and was the runner-up in the 2004 season of Australian Idol.
Callea currently holds the record for the highest-selling single and
fastest-selling single in Australia for his debut single "The Prayer".
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 12.
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 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 and rendered him speechless. Mark Holden invented a new concept of the 'Grand Royale' Touchdown for his fine performance. The competition concluded in November 2004 with Callea as runner-up to Casey Donovan.
2005-2006: Anthony Callea
He 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 had become the highest-selling Australian single of all time, as it was certified four times platinum, selling in excess of 280,000 copies. 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-Present: A New Chapter
Callea released the single "Live for Love" on November 4, 2006, the first from his second album A New Chapter and the only song he didn't co-write. Both the single and the album, which was released on November 25, 2006 debuted at number 9. The album lasts just over an hour and contains his characteristic mix of genres - powerful ballads as well as more up-tempo songs, all of them co-written by Callea. The second single "Addicted to You" contained two extra songs - "Try" and "Meant For Love" and debuted at No 19.
Callea has performed as a special guest support for Irish pop group Westlife & special guest support for Diana Ross on her I Love You Tour in October 2006, and contributed his version of a Brian McKnight song, "Home", to the compilation album Home: Songs of Hope & Journey by various Australian artists to raise funds and bring attention to beyondblue, an Australian initiative against depression.
Personal life
On March 27, 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".
Callea's confirmation of his sexuality came after his accidental on-air 'outing' by Sydney radio station Edge 96.1. In March 2007, breakfast traffic reporter Vic Larusso stated that he had met Callea and his partner at a party the previous weekend. Edge 96.1 later apologised, claiming that Larusso hadn't realised Callea's sexuality was not common knowledge to the Australian public. Callea had previously denied being gay and refused to discuss his private life, a denial for which he later expressed regret.
On March 30, 2007, Australian High Court judge Justice Michael Kirby 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."
On 5 December, 2007, Callea told Brisbane's Courier Mail that he had split with his partner of three years and was "officially single as of a week-and-a-half ago."
Rumours then began circulating that Callea was dating former Home and Away actor Tim Campbell. On December 12, 2007, Campbell acknowledged that he was gay in an exclusive with The Advertiser, but said the former Australian Idol contestant was just a friend. Campbell and Callea became friends after performing together in the musical Rent.
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 special guest Tina Cousins from the UK, who at the time, was enjoying radio airplay with her new release Wonderful Life.
A New Chapter Tour 2007
From July to September 2007, Callea embarks on a hugh Capital & Regional tour on his "A New Chapter" Tour with his 4 piece band which includes Mark Amato on keyboard, taking in venues such as the outdoor Hunter Valley Gardens, The Gov, Star City Ballroom and The Palms at Crown. Capital cities include Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. Callea will perform the songs in his album A New Chapter as well as some of his classic songs. Also joining Callea on BV is Susie Ahern The concert tour will be held in the following venues shown in the table below. A Special Encore Performance has now been added - Fri 24 Aug, Melbourne The Palms Ticketek. By popular demand a 4th Concert has now been added at the Melbourne The Palms Ticketek 26th August.
| Date | Suburb | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 27 | Rooty Hill, New South Wales | Rooty Hill RSL |
| July 28 | Hunter Valley, New South Wales | Hunter Valley Gardens |
| July 29 | Dapto, New South Wales | Dapto Leagues Club |
| August 3 / 4/ 24/ 26 | Southbank, Victoria | The Palms at Crown |
| August 5 | Pyrmont, New South Wales | Star City Casino |
| August 9 | Woden Town Centre, Australian Capital Territory | Southern Cross Club |
| August 10 | Dee Why, New South Wales | Dee Why RSL |
| August 11 | Fairfield, New South Wales | Fairfield RSL |
| August 12 | Hurlstone Park, New South Wales | Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL |
| August 16 / 17 | Chermside, Queensland | Kedron Wavell Services Club |
| August 18 | Southport, Queensland | Southport RSL |
| August 31 and September 1 | Hindmarsh, South Australia | The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel |
| October 20 | Bunbury, West Australia | Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre |
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, singers including the Band & Bugles of The Rifles from UK and The Band of the Grenadier Guards from Buckingham Palace plus members of the Dance Ensemble of the People's Liberation Army of China.
Other projects
It Takes Two
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"
Dead Man Walking
In September, 2007, Callea played a role in the operatic production Dead Man Walking, which has been described as fresh, cutting edge theatrical production that uses opera, Negro-spiritual, and pop music to tell the true story of Sister Helen Prejean, an unconventional nun, who accompanies Joe de Rocher to his death. 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.
Dead Man Walking was Callea's first musical production, playing a supporting role alongside Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Jud Arthur, Elizabeth Campbell, Catherine Carby, Kirsti Harms, and Hayden Tee.
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 production was be directed by Chris Kabay and musically directed by Simon Holt of yellow glass theatre.
This was Callea's second musical production, starring alongside Tim Campbell from Home & Away and Nikki Webster. A sneak peak of Anthony & Tim's performance was given at the 2007 Channel Seven Perth Telethon, where they sang "What You Own" and "Seasons of Love" with the cast of the show.
The successful production of Rent ended on November 25, 2007 and was praised by critics.
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 Awarded a Grand Royal Touchdown for this performance.
- 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
Discography
Albums
| Statistics | Singles |
|---|---|
Anthony Callea
|
|
A New Chapter
|
|
Singles
| Year | Song | Australia | Certification | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | "The Prayer" | 1 (5) | 4x Platinum (ARIA) | Anthony Callea |
| 2005 | "Rain / Bridge over Troubled Water" | 1 | 2x 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
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
DVD
- Anthony Callea: Per Sempre (For Always) (DVD single)
- Anthony Callea: Live In Concert (recorded at The Palais, Melbourne)[debuted at #3 in ARIA DVD Chart]
Awards
| Award | Category | About | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | ||||
| 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 Young Awards 2005 | 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 | |
Career Highlights
- Anthony was announced as the Official Ambassador for Vision Australia 2007 for the 70th annual Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl 24th December 2007.
- Anthony was a special guest performer at the 40th Annual (Perth Telethon 2007) held to raise funds for the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children on 13th & 14th October2007. Opening the ceremony with his massive No.1 hit The Prayer. He was also involved with the Pre Promotion of the Telethon with the young lady named Telethon Child 2007 Bridget Gilmour
- Sang National Anthem at the Wallabies All Blacks Bledisloe Cup, MCG (30 June 2007)
- Performed Live For Love for the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne Good Friday Appeal at Channel 7 Telethon Melbourne (6 April 2007) which raised a record $11.7m.
- Sang National Anthem at the Golden Slipper Stakes AAMI Golden Slipper Rosehill Gardens (31 March 2007)
- Sang National Anthem at the Rugby League Trinations-Game 2 (21 October 2006)
- Sang National Anthem at the 2005 Australian Grand Prix
- Sang National Anthem at the State of Origin (2005)
- Supernova nominee (2005)
- Sung for Luciano Pavarotti (2005)
- Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne 4 years running (2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007)
- Tribute performance at the 2005 Logies Awards for 2004 tsunami victims
- Performed seconds before midnight at Sydney Lord Mayors New Years Eve Party at the Sydney Opera House (2005)
- Recorded the song "The Healing of a Heart " for closing credits of Bambi II in 2006
- Sang for Queen Elizabeth II in March 2006 at Commonwealth Day Church Service in Sydney
- Ran and tripped in Commonwealth Games Baton relay on the day of the opening ceremony in March 2006.
- Sang at the Sunrise Benefit Concert for the people of Beaconsfield after the great escape of Miners.
- Sang National Anthem at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the Australia vs Greece soccer game (May 2006)
- Sang at the 2005 ARIA Music Awards.
References
- ^ ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2004 Singles. Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved on November 14, 2006.
- ^ Anthony Callea's Official Site. Retrieved on 2007-03-27.
- ^ Benns, Matthew (2004-11-07). Anthony dismisses Idol gossip. The Age. Retrieved on 2007-03-17.
- ^ Ross, Norrie (31-03-07). Gay Idol receives high praise. Sunday Herald Sun. Retrieved on 2007-04-01.
- ^ Anthony Callea's new support act . NEWS.com.au. Retrieved on Dec 12, 2007.
- ^ "A New Chapter" Concert Tour 2007. Retrieved on July 4, 2007.
- ^ Anthony Callea starts new chapter. Faster Louder. Retrieved on July 4, 2007.
External links
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