Australian pop sensation Anthony Callea was born in Melbourne on December 13, 1982. Callea entered numerous talent competitions as a child, and while still young, he sought training at the Johnny Young Talent School, a musical theater-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 lineup 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.