Hey guys!
I’m STILL buzzing over the amazing show from Australia Day LIVE at the Sydney Opera House! You know, I have had the privilege of performing at the Opera House quite a few times and I must say - it never loses it’s shine! I was just as nervous and excited, as I was that very first time I performed there back in 2004 for the Australian Idol grand final! The location is iconic and you certainly feel that presence when you are there.
This year, my friend John Foreman asked me to be part of the show alongside an epic lineup of Aussie artists including lots of old friends - Anthony Callea, Kate Ceberano, Jon Stevens, Conrad Sewell and Karise Eden - who I have had the pleasure of knowing for a very long time now! Not to mention the amazing Sydney Symphony Orchestra - which also consisted of so many familiar faces and friends! When they asked me to perform in the show - they said they wanted me to perform an iconic Aussie song……’Can’t Touch It’ and I must say…I got a little emotional when they said that! To consider one of my songs ‘iconic’ gave me ALL the feels…even if they were just saying that to be nice! hahaha (FUN FACT: Glenn Cunningham, who was singing BV’s - I actually recorded all of the BV’s and lots of the vocals for ‘Can’t Touch It’ at his house!) It was pretty cool that 15 years after Idol, I got to sing with my buddy Anthony Callea for the first time EVER! We performed the Kylie Minogue & Robbie Williams classic ‘KIDS’ and it was awesome to have some fun with him up there on stage - some people even said to me “That should have been the final two”! hahaha! OH - FUN FACT #2: Conrad Sewell actually auditioned for our year of Idol and made it to the Sydney round where we all sang for the judges - and he was the cutest little guy! And I haven’t seen him since then! He is such a great artist and has done so many great things - it’s great to see good Aussie talent ripping it up all around the world like he is!
I have to tell you, that I feel so lucky to have been a part of the show - but also, I feel lucky to have been part of this industry for 15 years!!! Walking around at rehearsals for the show and looking around - so much of the stage & tv crew and band are all the same faces that were there that very first time I auditioned - and there was certainly some comfort in that. But when I thought a little more about it, I thought, it is such a great reminder that GOOD PEOPLE stand the test of time…in any industry! I think about the advice that people like Kate Ceberano & Jon Stevens and many more have given me over the years - and it was always to just focus on the work and be a good person. That always resonated withe me, and I think it’s a true testament to anyone in this industry who has been able to forge a long lasting career - because there are so many ups and downs in our industry, and the nicest guy doesn’t always win, or get the most accolades…but in the end…if you work hard and let your work do the talking, you will succeed.
Anyway - I just thought I’d share that with you all!
Hope you enjoyed the show - I can’t wait to do more live shows for you xxx
ICYMI…you can watch it HERE… xxx