Anthony Callea

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Anthony Callea
Callea performing at Highpoint
Callea performing at Highpoint
Background information
Birth name Anthony Cosmo Callea
Born December 13, 1982 (1982-12-13) (age 25)
Origin Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Genre(s) Pop
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter - actor Musical theatre
Years active 2004–present
Label(s) Sony BMG (2004–present)
Website Official Website

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. Anthony currently holds the record for both the highest and fastest-selling single in Australia for his debut release, "The Prayer".

Contents

[edit] Biography

[edit] 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 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.

[edit] Australian Idol Performances

[edit] Post Idol

[edit] 2005-2006: Anthony Callea

Debut Album: Anthony Callea
Debut Album: 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 had become the highest-selling Australian single of all 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.

[edit] 2006-2007: A New Chapter

Second Album: A New Chapter
Second Album: A New Chapter

Callea released the single "Live for Love" on November 4, 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 November 25, 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.

[edit] 2008: Currently working on 3rd album

Anthony Callea is currently working on his third album with SonyBMG due for release later in 2008, refer anthonycallea.com.au biography.

[edit] Charity Work

Callea has been involved with many charities. He was part of the Tsunami Relief Telethon and was also invited to perform at the Red Cross Ball in the presence of Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark. Callea has also 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.

[edit] 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".[2]

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.[3]

On 30 March, 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."[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.

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."[1] Rumours then began circulating that Callea was dating former Home and Away actor Tim Campbell [6], but it was not until 13 February 2008 that the rumours were confirmed, with Campbell telling a breakfast radio show that "we have gotten to a point where we are very happy together." [7]

[edit] Tours

[edit] 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.

[edit] Westlife Face To Face Tour 2006

During the Australian leg of Westlife's Face To Face Tour, Callea performed as their support act.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

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

[edit] 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.

[edit] Celine Dion Taking Chances World Tour 2008

On March 26th 2008, Celine Dion will commence the Australian leg of her World Taking Chances Tour. Callea has been announced as the special guest support act.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Other projects

[edit] It Takes Two series 2

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.

[edit] Performances

[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 February 12, 2008. Callea and Falzon were eliminated in week seven, finishing in fifth place.

[edit] Performances

[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. 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.

[edit] Wicked: The Broadway Musical

On February 12, 2008, it was announced that Callea has taken on the role of Boq in the Melbourne production of Wicked (musical), which opens in July 2008.

[edit] Discography

Anthony Callea 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.

[edit] Albums

Year Information Australia Sales and Certifications
2005 Anthony Callea
1
 Australian sales: 140,000

ARIA: 2xPlatinum[8]
2006 A New Chapter
9
 Australian sales: 35,000

ARIA: Gold[9]

[edit] 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 -

[edit] 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)

[edit] Videography

[edit] DVD

Year Title Australia Certification
2005 "Anthony Callea Live in Concert" 3 1 x Platinum (ARIA)
  • Anthony Callea: Per Sempre (For Always) (DVD single)

[edit] Music videos


[edit] 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 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

[edit] References

  1. ^ ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2004 Singles. Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved on November 14, 2006.
  2. ^ Anthony Callea's Official Site. Retrieved on 2007-03-27.
  3. ^ Benns, Matthew (2004-11-07). Anthony dismisses Idol gossip. The Age. Retrieved on 2007-03-17.
  4. ^ Ross, Norrie (31-03-07). Gay Idol receives high praise. Sunday Herald Sun. Retrieved on 2007-04-01.
  5. ^ AAP (2007-03-27). Anthony Callea comes out. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved on 2008-01-04.
  6. ^ Anthony Callea's new support act . NEWS.com.au. Retrieved on Dec 12, 2007.
  7. ^ Tim Campbell confirms romance with Anthony Callea . NEWS.com.au. Retrieved on Feb 13, 2008
  8. ^ "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2005 Albums". ARIA. Retrieved February 10, 2008.
  9. ^ "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2006 Albums". ARIA. Retrieved February 10, 2008.

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Australian Idol
Seasons
1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6
Hosts
Judges
Winners
Winner's Singles
Runners-up
Shannon Noll · Anthony Callea · Emily Williams · Jessica Mauboy · Matt Corby
Notable alumni
Other personalities
Related articles
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