Your last full-length record was released in 2013, can fans expect some new music in the near future? Well, I did release Ladies & Gentlemen, The Songs of George Michael in 2014 and a Christmas song titled ‘Christmas Day’ last year which I wrote with John Forman, but yes, I’m always working on new material. I love my time working in the studio. Having said that though, it’s not something that should be rushed and forced. It needs to be somewhat an organic process and when the time is right, there will be another exciting album release.

As you just mentioned, you did Ladies & Gentlemen, The Songs of George Michael a couple of years ago, what is it about the work of George Michael that inspired you?
As a male vocalist, I have always been a massive fan of George Michael’s vocal ability and music, who isn’t really? It was 30 years since George Michael released his first single and I wanted to celebrate and pay tribute to his music with a concert at The Palms at Crown. Before I knew it, that concert was sold-out in basically a week or so and it turned into a national tour, an album and concert DVD release, which debuted at number one on the ARIA DVD Charts and a TV special thanks to the great people at Foxtel. It’s such a privilege to sing his music and pay respect to the amazing catalogue of material he has released over the years.

Let’s take it back a bit, what originally attracted you to music?
I grew up in a household where my parents played music all the time. I also remember watching a singer on TV at the age of five, I turned around to my mum and told her I wanted to do that. She sent me to singing lessons and I just fell in love with singing from that moment and had the most amazing vocal coach from the age of five to 18.

The country fell in love with you during your time on Australian Idol. What was that experience like for you?
It’s pretty hard to sum up that experience, but it would have to have been one of the most unique and best times of my life. It turned my world upside down and yes, at times it was hard and overwhelming, but I would do it all again in a heartbeat. That platform introduced me to the country and I’m forever grateful for that experience. I’m pretty lucky that 12 years down the track, I wake up everyday as a singer and get to call it my job.

You’re coming up to the Gold Coast to perform at Surfers Paradise LIVE, what are you most looking forward to doing while you’re in town?
I have spent a lot of time on the Gold Coast over the years, I absolutely love coming up north and also have some great friends there as well, which is a bonus. For me, live performance is what I love most about what I do. Getting up on stage with my whole band, nothing beats it! Being on Mother’s Day, I look forward to seeing many families in the audience, it will be a great day and excuse to spoil your mum!

Along with headlining your own national tours, you’ve toured with Celine Dion, Tina Arena, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Westlife and were hand picked to perform for Luciano Pavarotti, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark. What have been some of your personal career highlights on this incredible journey?
All of the above have been highlights and some amazing experiences in my time, but the thing that makes me smile and happy the most is seeing so many familiar faces in the crowd that have been there from day one. It warms my heart and I’m very lucky to have some really loyal and dedicated fans, it’s a beautiful thing to be part of their lives for so many years in one way or another. Many of them travel not only interstate but internationally constantly to watch me perform – for me, that is overwhelming and I’m forever grateful!

We have to ask, what was the I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here experience like? What was the hardest thing? And the most rewarding?
Where do I start? I knew it was going to be hard and a challenge, but man, did I underestimate how hard! The eating challenges and extreme physical challenges were hard and sometimes unbearable, but the hardest part of that entire experience was being cut off from my husband, my family and friends and the constant boredom! Each night, audiences see a snippet of our days and usually the exciting parts, but for a lot of the time, we are basically sitting around doing absolutely nothing and I mean nothing! Basically counting the minutes … and that’s hard when there’s not a clock or watch in sight! Am I happy I did it, abso-bloody-lutely, would I do it again? I’m not that stupid!

Who or what inspires you?
The people in my life inspire me – it’s one thing to work hard and love what you do, but to know that you get to go home to love and support, not only in my own relationship, but with family and friends is a beautiful thing. I love the people in my life and they all inspire me in one way or another!

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for people looking to pursue music as a career?
It’s not easy and don’t think it’s going to be all bells and whistles – however, if you love it that much and can’t think of anything else in life that makes you that happy or inspired, then follow what you are meant to do and always remember, you never stop learning your craft!