Anthony Callea: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

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Born:

Dec 13, 1982 in Melbourne, Australia

Genres:

Rock Music, Adult Contemporary Rock Music

Decades Active:

2000's

Australian pop senstation Anthony Callea was born in Melbourne December 13th, 1982. Callea entered numerous talent competitions as a child. While still young he sought training at the infamous Australian Johnny Young Talent School, a musical theatre style boot camp located in Western Australia. In his early twenties he auditioned for Australian Idol, the most successful international franchise of American Idol. Though initially voted off the program, Callea made it back into the line up thanks to the high praise from the judges, ultimately placing as first runner up. Not long after, Callea was offered a contract to record with Sony/BMG. His first single, a cover of Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dione's "The Prayer" debuted at number one on ARIA's singles chart. Within seven weeks, "The Prayer" had become the best selling single in Australian history. His self titled 2005 release debuted at number one, and remained at the top of national charts for weeks. Callea's follow up release A New Chapter debuted at number nine. His sophomore effort, featuring primarily songs of his own composition, fell short of sales expectations. Released on November 25th of '06, the record debuted at number 9. In March of 2007, an Australian radio reporter "outed" Callea on a morning talk show, initializing a media frenzy surrounding his sexual identity. Callea has since been interviewed and openly identified himself as gay and proud, surprising and dividing his enormous fan base.

- Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide