Former Australian Idol Natalie Gauci returns home with fresh songs and new love

Former Australian Idol Natalie Gauci is back from the brink of self-doubt with fresh songs, new love, and a tour date in her hometown.

Former Australian Idol Natalie Gauci is back in Melbourne to perform songs from her new album, Pictures Of Mars. Picture: Hamish Blair

FORMER Australian Idol Natalie Gauci is home to perform her first shows in seven years after a long period of dark times and self doubt.

London-based Gauci has returned to Melbourne with new songs, an album due in March, and love in her heart for British entrepreneur Ashon Spooner.

She told Confidential: “I’ve grown up so much. I feel like I’m ready to tell my story through my music and shows. Idol was part of my journey, and a big part of my life. But it wasn’t easy.”

Gauci won Idol in 2007, but says she felt disconnected to the victory. “I lost myself, I lost my identity, and I had to work hard to get back,” Gauci said.

Her new album, Pictures Of Mars, features songs from pre-Idol to the present day, and collaborations with award-winning British acts Nithin Sawney and Talvin Singh.

Gauci financed the album via the entertainment and arts crowd-funding site, Phundee. Her campaign raised more than $16,000.

She said: “I’ve always had drive to follow my heart and my vision. I’ve been crafting and writing and building for this moment.”

Gauci has also found love. “Ashon is amazing, and we both have big dreams. It’s taken me a long time to open my heart, and trust,” she said.

Ashon said: “Natalie is incredible. She speaks very much from the soul. That rawness is beautiful to see.”

Natalie Gauci performs at the Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick, on Friday night.

Her website is www.nataliegauciofficial.com and Twitter handle @ngauciofficial