Australian Idol star Kate DeAraugo’s career change after drug scandal

After three years sober, former Australian Idol winner Kate DeAraugo has taken an unexpected career turn.

After three years sober, former Australian Idol winner Kate DeAraugo has taken an unexpected career turn.

It has been 16 years since DeAraugo won the reality singing competition and just over three since she escaped conviction for the possession of methamphetamine, commonly referred to as the drug ‘ice’.

“Those last few years when things got really dark, it would have been nice for nobody to know my name but that isn’t the situation,” the 35-year-old said in an interview with Kylie Gillies and Larry Emdur on The Morning Show.

Kate DeAraugo on Seven’s top rating The Morning Show.

“It is what it is and what happened, happened. The last three years I have been pretty off the radar in my own world.”

DeAraugo is currently studying a certificate three in civil construction.

“I am learning to operate big machines and excavators and build stuff,” she said.

“It is really random but I’ve really enjoyed it. I got out there and did traffic management for a while and it has just sort of carried on to looking at other avenues in construction. It opens up lots of opportunities to work on big civil sites and building big projects, I love it.”

In 2017, DeAraugo was at the centre of a spectacular fall from grace when Victorian Police charged the singer with the possession of ice, as well as a tomahawk axe and a large knife.

She faced 15 years in jail but escaped conviction.

“It is no secret that mental health and depression and addiction and all of that stuff has been a big part of my story,” she said.

Australian Idol finalists Kate DeAraugo, Lee Harding and Emily Williams.

“It is a pretty big topic and one that I am happy to talk about but potentially a bit heavy for 9.30am on a Thursday morning. The good news is I am nearly three years in recovery now. It was a dark time but an incredible learning experience now that I am out the other end.”

DeAraugo won the third season of Australian Idol in 2005 over runner-up Emily Williams.

After releasing her solo album, she and Williams later joined the girl group, The Young Divas.

Watching back a clip of Idol, which is returning as a format on Seven, she said: “It is a range of emotions watching that back. So many things have happened, good, bad and otherwise in those 16 years. It certainly brings a smile to my face. It was a pretty incredible time.”

Young Divas: Ricki Lee Coulter, Emily Williams, Kate DeAraugo and Paulini Curuenavuli.

DeAraugo also credited her “supportive partner” for being by her side through difficult times.

New music, she indicated, is always on the cards. Whether or not she will share it publicly is the issue.

“Never say never. I have learnt one thing in the last three years and that is I love music no matter what. I found a whole new love for it being able to do it with a clear mind and a clear heart. If the right opportunity came along, who would know. The biggest focus in my life these days is my happiness and my well being.”

Originally published as Australian Idol star Kate DeAraugo’s career change after drug scandal