Anthony Callea

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IT TAKES TWO FINALISTS JO AND ANTHONY
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About Anthony Callea
Anthony Callea was a twenty-year old singing teacher in Melbourne. He held singing classes for some 27 young students by day and worked as a professional singer at Melbourne’s Crown Casino by night. In fact, he had been earning a living as a professional musician from the age of 17.
Anthony started singing tuition at the age of 5. And, it proved to be the right move … as a child you may have heard his voice on TV for commercials like ‘Milky Way’ and the ‘Uno’ card game.
By the end of his school days, and thirteen years of private tuition later, he topped the state with a perfect score in the Victorian equivalent of the HSC for Music solo performance.
In 2004 he, like thousands of young Australians around the nation, 50,000 in fact, auditioned for the new series of Australian Idol. But his joy of reaching the final 30 turned to disappointment when he was voted out.
It was no surprise when this obvious talent was soon returned to the competition as a “wild card entrant”. But what was amazing was his fight to the end … down to the very line alongside Casey Donovan.
His extraordinarily precise and emotive performance of Andrea Bocelli’s “The Prayer” shot straight to number one … where it remained for an amazing 5 weeks. “The Prayer” is officially the fastest selling Australian single of all time, and the ARIA Award winning, highest selling Australian single ever!
He has proved he is more than an “Idol” and followed his debut single with another number 1 Single, a number 1 Album, 2 Top 10 singles, and a national tour.
Anthony has also been 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. His regular work with The Starlight Foundation, the Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital, The Mirabel Foundation and The Salvation Army goes, for the most part, un-promoted, but his commitment to helping improve the lives of Australia’s sick and special needs children is unsurpassed. He was just recently presented with an award at the Variety Heart Awards for ‘Young Entertainer of the Year’. Anthony was also invited to perform for Luciano Pavarotti when he was last in Australia and Queen Elizabeth.
There was nothing in Anthony’s family history suggestive of his future profession. No one sang, no one played an instrument. So you can imagine his parents’ complete bewilderment when the then five-year old Anthony asked them if they could take him to singing lessons. “It was a bit weird but at the same time felt right”, recalls Anthony. “But they’ve always been supportive, saying if that’s what you really want to do, then go for it”. And he’s been going for it ever since.
At only 24, he is now one of Australia’s most respected … most in demand … and most awarded singer / songwriters. His 2007 Sophomore album ‘A New Chapter’ debuted in the Top10 with two Top 20 singles that followed. Anthony will be on tour with his band in July/August 2007 where he will be obviously performing songs from his latest album along with his classics.
Go to www.anthonycallea.com.au for more info
- Channel V Artist of the Year 2005
- Pop Republic Male Artist of the Year 2005
- 2006 MTV Viewers Choice
- 2005 ARIA Award - Highest Selling Single Of The Year (The Prayer)
- 1 Single of 2005 - Australian End Of Year Chart
- Three ARIA 1 Awards for 2005
(The Prayer/Rain/Bridge Over Troubled Water/Anthony Callea - the album)
- Australian Performer of the Year MO Award nomination
- Extensive 2005 national tour of Australia
- Gospel Music Award for - Most Outstanding Achievement 2007
- Hand-picked to sing for Pavarotti at a private function on his Australian concert tour & Queen Elizabeth on Commonwealth Day
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