While the world has been in lockdown, shut out from the festivities of life, Delta Goodrem has been busier than an elf in Santa’s workshop just waiting for the moment when she can reconnect.
Now, as the holiday season approaches, the singer-songwriter has not only announced a national tour in 2022 and released a deluxe edition of her Christmas album Only Santa Knows, but is also set to host her second TV special, Christmas With Delta Goodrem where she’ll perform her festive tracks alongside fellow artists and give back to some very deserving Aussies.
“The song Only Santa Knows is definitely my story of Christmas and was the knock-on effect for bringing to life the special which has been in my heart for years,” Delta, 37, tells TV WEEK. “I have my Santa hat on and I’m excited to create moments with Aussies and share the stage with some special friends.”
The Born To Try singer is joined on stage by the likes of Natalie Imbruglia, Andrea Bocceli, Craig David, Cody Simpson and Paul Kelly – all of whom took little convincing to be part of the show.
“It’s a wonderful mix of friends and artists from all walks of life whom I have met throughout different moments in my career,” Delta says. “At the end of the day, the show is about giving back and giving love through this platform. We simply want to say, ‘Merry Christmas’ to Australia.”
For many Australians, this season brings together family members who have been separated due to the global pandemic. Delta admits she, like many of us, struggled at times but found ways to stay motivated, including her many “Bunkerdown” performances on social media.
“It has been an incredibly heavy year, so of course, it was really tough. Absolutely everyone was effected [by the pandemic], myself included, and I tried my best to understand that things are always moving and I tried to adapt to change,” she explains.
“You always need something to look forward to in a challenging time and this was our way to keep everyone connected. We did around 35 Bunkerdown sessions. Often the reception wasn’t working, or the speakers were on the brink of breaking [laughs], but it was a nice way to stay connected.”
Reflecting on 2021, Delta reveals she is grateful for the professional wins she has managed to achieve despite the circumstances. However, she says bring on 2022.
“I’m bringing Christmas forward, so we can wrap up the year with some happiness and fun!” she says with a laugh. “I’m calling it for the year [laughs]!”
Having been in the recording industry since she was 18, Delta acknowledges that a lot has changed over time, but she remains mostly the same – including her love for Nina Tucker, the character she debuted on Neighbours almost 20 years ago.
“Nina Tucker will always be with me, it was such a treasured moment in time for me,” Delta recalls fondly. “[Since then] I’ve stayed strong to my DNA and intentions from the day I got into this,” she says.
“There’s a lot more noise out there these days and I’m forever evolving, but I like to think I’ve stayed true to my core and values.”