Anthony Callea has sung for the Queen, but says when he got the chance to meet Mary and Fred, he ‘stuffed it up’.
Anthony, you were runner-up on Australian Idol, then again on It Takes Two. Do you mind always being “the bridesmaid”?
[Laughs]. I don’t mind at all. I’m glad we got into the grand final. Jo Stanley’s so not a singer! We so didn’t deserve to win, but we were rapt to make it to the final.
Did that show wear you down?
A part of me is glad it’s over. I didn’t realise how much it would take out of me. When I was first asked to go on It Takes Two, I said no. Then I thought, hold on, who gets the opportunity to sing on national TV each week in front of 1.5 million people?
You’ve performed for everyone from Pavarotti to the Queen. Do you sometimes pinch yourself?
I sure do, and it can be nerve-racking! When I met Princess Mary and Fred I totally stuffed it up. I’d been given a book of protocol and apparently you don’t offer them your hand, you wait for them to offer theirs. Well I forgot about that and went over and held out my hand. But they were lovely. Mary had asked for me to perform, which was an honour.
How was it singing for the Queen?
When the Prime Minister’s office phoned to ask if I’d sing for the Queen, I thought somebody was pulling my leg. It had to be a joke. But no, it was for real — my grandparents were impressed! So later, here I am at this beautiful church in Sydney and I look up and there’re snipers in the church! I thought, this is so wrong. The entire experience felt a bit unreal.
You came out in March. Has all the attention died off?
People still bring it up. Two weeks ago I walked into a music store and a guy came up and shook my hand. He said, “I’m not gay but I wanted to say congratulations for your stance. We just can’t have people being judged on their sexuality or religion.”
Tell us about your tour?
I want it to be more relaxed and spontaneous than past performances. I want it to be more like a jam. Before the tour I’ve just been spending time with the musicians, working together and getting more familiar with each other. I won’t be singing the songs exactly the same way each night. I recently tried The Prayer just with the piano, no strings, and it sounded good so I may give that a go.
Do you sing at home much — say, in the bath?
Of course. The acoustics are great in the bathroom.
Does your partner, Paul, get sick of it?
Yes. At times he’ll say, “Can you just shut up?” But of course I sing on.
Anthony’s national tour runs until September 1. He performs at Sydney’s Star City on August 5. For details go to www.anthonycallea.com.au
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