Casey Donovan

Since becoming the youngest-ever winner of Australian Idol at just 16, Casey Donovan has gone on to become one of Australia’s most versatile Indigenous entertainers. Casey is a powerhouse entertainer and an accomplished musician, actor, writer, host and columnist.

She has carved out a successful career across various entertainment platforms including print, television and stage where she inspires young people with her drive and tenacity to achieve.

Casey is a multi-award winner and nominee, with an ARIA No.1 Award for Listen with Your Heart and Deadly Awards for Best Album, Best Single and Most Promising New Talent. She has appeared on stage in productions of Flower Children, where she played the indomitable Mama Cass from The Mamas and The Papas. She also appeared in the stage production of The Sapphires and Shakespeare’s As You Like It, amongst others.

In 2014 Casey released her autobiography Big, Beautiful and Sexy -also the name of one of her hit songs – a deeply honest account of the years since she won Australian Idol and the ups and downs that have accompanied this young woman as she made her way through her teen years to be the woman she is today. The book prompted positive feedback from readers the world over.

Casey is an ambassador for the Plus Size Movement in Australia, which has seen her appear in the Curvy Couture Roadshow in Melbourne as part of Fashion Week. She actively promotes the importance of self-acceptance and healthy self-esteem amongst young people and is regularly asked to speak to young people about her experiences. She writes a monthly column for Canadian publication Pink Blitz magazine and is a monthly contributor for Plus Model Magazine in the USA.

Casey lends her name and support to a number of charitable and non-profit organisations in her roles as Ambassador for APRA/AMCOS, Advocate for the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, advocate for National Indigenous Ear Health Campaign and as one of the founding members of the New South Wales Indigenous Chamber of Commerce.

Casey is also a strong advocate for stronger Cyber safety amongst young people and preventing predators reaching children in the cyber world.

In 2015, Casey starred in the concept tour Back to Bacharach, performing classic Burt Bacharach songs, and is the host of Fusion, NITV’s Indigenous music program.

As well as being one of Australia’s best young musical entertainers, Casey is also an MC and a keynote speaker on themes such as positive body image, culture, social acceptance and breaking down stereotypes.