Why Anthony Callea almost pulled out of book deal

Despite his flashy outfits and lavish lifestyle, Anthony Callea says he’s a shy person who found writing about his private struggles “really confronting”.

Anthony Callea has revealed all about his rise to fame in his new book. Picture: Jason Edwards

Even as late as last month Anthony Callea was asking if it was too late to pull the pin on his book.

For the first time, the singer has opened up his life – revealing all about his rise to fame from getting his big break on Australian Idol to coming out as gay, dealing with death threats, relationships and his battles with anxiety.

“I’m not going to lie it’s definitely been a process,” Callea, 40, said.

“There’s been some moments where I go I’m so excited but then about a month ago I called the publisher saying ‘is it too late to pull this?’.

“I feel it’s so raw to me and I usually express myself differently.

“The thing for me, too, when I first got that edit back and I started reading it again – this is actually my life and I’m going to put this out there and it’s really quite confronting.”

Despite his flashy outfits, diamante microphones and lavish lifestyle he says he’s never sought fame.

Singer Anthony Callea says writing his book was a ‘confronting’ experience. Picture: Jason Edwards

He is largely a shy and private person but turning 40 was a significant milestone – it marks half of his life that he’s been in the spotlight.

“This whole process has definitely been a year-long psychology session,” he said.

“It has brought to the surface things that I have put in a vault and I haven’t thought about for a very long time because I needed to not think about them to move forward in a positive and happy way.

“It’s all part of my story and there’s so many beautiful things that have happened in my life.

“This is my truth and the entire book is me.

“As you become a little bit older you realise that I don’t want a lot of people around me, I want quality people around me. People I can trust. Like I constantly declutter my wardrobe, I declutter my life.

“I never – and still to this day – I never grew up as a kid saying that I wanted to be famous.

“I always wanted to be a successful singer and performer. (Fame) definitely does not drive me.”

Callea says he is proud of his Australian Idol experience, revealing he was wracked with anxiety the first time he went to audition and had to come back the next year.

He is close with the winner of his season, Casey Donovan.

“It was a positive experience,” he said.

“Obviously reading all the ins and outs of what I was going through may paint a picture that it wasn’t so positive but I have so many beautiful memories of that time.

“Without that I wouldn’t be where I am today. But it’s just a platform. For me to still be doing what I’m doing and loving what I’m doing ... you have to work your a--- off.”

This year Callea is doing something different and will tour with his husband and singer Tim Campbell.

He credits Tim for keeping him grounded.

“It’s been 15 years together,” he says, adding with a laugh, “Time for a trade-in, eh.

“But seriously I feel very content now. It’s a really beautiful feeling being in a position where you are, excuse the pun, an open book.

“I’m not guarded and that’s because of some really great people in my life.

“Tim has been that person that has brought the best out of me.

“He said I want you to enjoy this process moving forward and talking about your book because it’s something you should be really proud of.”