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| Full Name: | Anthony Callea |
| Birth Name: | Anthony Cosmo Callea |
| Famous As: | Singer |
| Date of Birth: | December 13, 1982 |
| Place of Birth: | Melbourne, Australia |
| Nationality: | Australian |
| Brother(s): | Matthew (younger) |
| Sister(s): | Christina (younger) |
| Education: | Attended Johnny Young Talent School |
| Claim to Fame: | Runner up in Australian Idol 2004 |
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Adelaide Now - Found Dec. 27, 2008 Presenting a bevy of big-name acts, including Jimmy Barnes, David Campbell, Anthony Callea and Marina Prior, the pair has their work cut out... |
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Brisbane Courier-Mail - Found Dec. 25, 2008 ... s event, hosted by the Today show's Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson, will also feature Anthony Callea, Marina Prior, Vanessa Amorosi and... |
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Herald Sun - Found Dec. 24, 2008 Up to 10,000 people attended the event, which included performances by former Australian Idol Anthony Callea and Carols favourites Marina... |
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Herald Sun - Found Dec. 24, 2008 Up to 10,000 people attended the event, which included performances by former Australian Idol Anthony Callea and Carols favourites Marina... |
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Daily Telegraph Australia - Found Dec. 23, 2008 ... and Stefanovic have their work cut out in presenting a host of acts, including Jimmy Barnes, David Campbell, Anthony Callea and Marina Prior. |
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Brisbane Courier-Mail - Found Dec. 23, 2008 ... s event, hosted by the Today show's Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson, will also feature Anthony Callea, Marina Prior, Vanessa Amorosi and... |
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Herald Sun - Found Dec. 20, 2008 This year's ceremony, the 71st, features performances by David Campbell, Jimmy Barnes, Anthony Callea, Hi-5 and Marina Prior, along with a... |
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Herald Sun - Found Dec. 13, 2008 ANTHONY Callea and his partner, Tim Campbell, will sing a duet together at Carols By Candlelight on December 24. It will be the first time an openly |
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The Age - Found Dec. 2, 2008 Anthony Callea's career has headed in some surprising directions. IT'S a topic that will not go away. There are few interviews Anthony Callea... |
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WA Today.com.au - Found Nov. 22, 2008 ... disappeared from view when her debut album flopped and she was dumped by Sony BMG. Her runner-up, Anthony Callea, found success with four top... City wins over country in quest for nation's idol - The Age Favourite Wes wins Australian Idol - Herald Sun Favourite Wes Carr takes Idol crown - The Age Bondi boy Wes Carr named new Idol - Sydney Morning Herald Explore All |
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Anthony Callea
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| Anthony Callea | |
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 Callea performing at Highpoint
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Anthony Cosmo Callea |
| Born | 13 December 1982 |
| 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 13 December 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".
Callea, credited as Anthony De Fazio, appeared in an episode of Funky Squad, "The Wrong Side of the Tracks", in 1995.
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 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.
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.
Anthony Callea is currently working on his third album with SonyBMG, which is due for release later in 2009, and in November 2008 travelled to New York to work on it.
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.
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".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 Campbell6, 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
In July 2005, Callea embarked on an extensive east coast tour adding dates along the way. Supporting Callea on tour was Tina Cousins.
During the Australian leg of Westlife's Face To Face Tour, Callea performed as their support act.
During the Australian leg of Diana Ross's I Love You Tour, Callea performed as her support act.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 27 July | Rooty Hill, New South Wales | Rooty Hill RSL |
| 28 July | Hunter Valley, New South Wales | Hunter Valley Gardens |
| 29 July | Dapto, New South Wales | Dapto Leagues Club |
| 3 August / 4/ 24/ 26 | Southbank, Victoria | The Palms at Crown |
| 5 August | Pyrmont, New South Wales | Star City Casino |
| 9 August | Woden Town Centre, Australian Capital Territory | Southern Cross Club |
| 10 August | Dee Why, New South Wales | Dee Why RSL |
| 11 August | Fairfield, New South Wales | Fairfield RSL |
| 12 August | Hurlstone Park, New South Wales | Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL |
| 16 August / 17 | Chermside, Queensland | Kedron Wavell Services Club |
| 18 August | Southport, Queensland | Southport RSL |
| 31 August and 1 September | Hindmarsh, South Australia | The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel |
| 20 October | Bunbury, West Australia | Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre |
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.
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.
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.
On 6th 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.
Anthony Callea and his partner, Tim Campbell, will sing a duet together at Carols By Candlelight on December 24.
It will be the first time an openly gay couple have sung together at such an event that is televised around the country. The couple were unavailable for comment yesterday.
Carols will be broadcast on Channel 9 and hosted by Today hosts Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On 12 February 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 at the Regent Theatre. Anthony will play the role of Boq until January 4 2009.
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.
| 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.
| Year | Information | Australia | Sales and Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Anthony Callea |
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Australian sales: 140,000 |
| 2006 | A New Chapter |
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Australian sales: 35,000 |
| 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 | - |
| Year | Title | Australia | Certification | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "Anthony Callea Live in Concert" | 3 | 1 x Platinum (ARIA) |
| 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 | |
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Description: Anthony Callea comes out
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Description: Anthony Callea at Kedron Wavell ...
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Description: Anthony's concert dates supporting ...
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Description: ... Channel 7 and see Anthony Callea ...
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Description: Anthony Callea Picture
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Description: Anthony Callea Story: $5.00 each + ...
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Description: Birth name: Anthony Cosmo Callea
Title: AnthonyCallea Highpoint.jpg
Description: Anthony Callea's Playlist An ...
Title: The Prayer by Anthony Callea of Australian Idol in 04
Description: This is the song The Prayer performed by Anthony Callea on Australian Idol in 04. It is good. Enjoy.
High resolution ...
Title: anthony callea rain
Description: anthony callea rain.
enjoy.
at the special ...&link=http://www.youtube.com/v/7saV00V6qP8&fs=1&hl=en&source=uds&autoplay=1&thumb=http://3.gvt0.com/vi/7saV00V6qP8/0.jpg&celebrity=Anthony Callea&videoType=YouTube)
Title: Anthony Callea When You Believe from Prince of Egypt
Description: Anthony Callea performs a Steven Schwartz song When You Believe from the score the Prince of Egypt (Mariah Carey Whitney Houston)at the special ...
Title: "This Kiss" Anthony Callea & Candice Falzon
Description: Performance on It Takes Two
Title: Anthony Callea The Christmas Song
Description: Carols by Candlelight 05. Anthony performs the carol The Christmas Song.
Title: ANTHONY CALLEA ROB GUEST MEMORIAL
Description: http://au.youtube.com/user/jewelchic
Anthony Callea sang a beautiful song at Rob Guests Memorial and a lot of you have requested it almost ...
Title: Anthony Callea Addicted to you
Description: Anthony Callea Addicted to you video clip
Title: Homesexual 2nd Birthday : Anthony Callea Live
Description: Anthony Callea performs live at Home Night Club, 2nd birthday HomeSexual
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