21 Most Famous Australian Singers You Should Hear

Australia has produced a remarkable array of singers who have made significant contributions to the global music scene. From pop icons to rock legends, and from soulful jazz vocalists to innovative indie artists, these Australian singers have captivated audiences with their unique voices and compelling performances.

Their music reflects a rich cultural heritage and a diverse range of influences, making them not only stars in their homeland but also internationally recognized talents.

This article explores the careers and achievements of some of the most famous Australian singers, whose impact on the music industry continues to resonate around the world.

21 Most Influential Famous Singers from Australia of All Time

These singers have made significant contributions to Australian music, gaining both national and international recognition across a wide range of genres.

Here’s a list of 21 famous Australian singers, spanning various genres and eras:

#1 Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue is one of Australia’s most successful and enduring pop icons. Born in Melbourne in 1968, she began her career as an actress on the soap opera Neighbours, where she gained national fame. Her transition to music was marked by the release of her debut single “Locomotion” in 1987, which became an instant hit in Australia. Minogue quickly gained international recognition with hits like “I Should Be So Lucky” and “Can’t Get You Out of My Head.”

Over the decades, she has reinvented herself numerous times, maintaining her status as a pop superstar with a career spanning over three decades. Known for her catchy tunes, glamorous image, and engaging live performances, Kylie has sold over 80 million records worldwide, earning her the title “Princess of Pop.”

#2 Sia

Sia Furler, known mononymously as Sia, is an Australian singer-songwriter and pop star renowned for her distinctive voice and emotive songwriting. Born in Adelaide in 1975, Sia initially gained recognition as a vocalist for the band Zero 7 before launching a solo career. Her early solo work was more understated, but she broke into the mainstream with the release of We Are Born (2010) and, more notably, 1000 Forms of Fear (2014), which featured the global hit “Chandelier.”

Sia is also a prolific songwriter, having penned hits for artists like Rihanna (“Diamonds”) and Beyoncé (“Pretty Hurts”). Known for her reclusive persona and often hiding her face during performances, Sia has become a powerful figure in the pop music world, blending raw emotion with innovative production.

#3 Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John was an internationally acclaimed singer and actress, beloved for her sweet voice and girl-next-door image. Born in England in 1948 and raised in Melbourne, she began her career in the early 1970s as a country-pop singer, achieving success with hits like “If Not for You” and “I Honestly Love You.” However, it was her role as Sandy in the 1978 film Grease that catapulted her to global stardom.

The film’s soundtrack, featuring songs like “You’re the One That I Want” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” became one of the best-selling movie soundtracks of all time. Newton-John continued to enjoy success throughout the 1980s with songs like “Physical,” which topped charts around the world. In addition to her musical achievements, she was a dedicated advocate for cancer awareness, drawing from her own experiences as a survivor.

#4 John Farnham

John Farnham is one of Australia’s most revered rock singers, often referred to as “The Voice” due to his powerful and versatile vocal abilities. Born in England in 1949 and raised in Melbourne, Farnham first found fame in the 1960s as a teen pop idol with hits like “Sadie (The Cleaning Lady).” However, his career truly took off in the 1980s with the release of his album Whispering Jack (1986), which included the iconic anthem “You’re the Voice.”

The album became the highest-selling album in Australian history at the time and solidified Farnham’s place as a national treasure. Known for his dynamic stage presence and enduring appeal, Farnham has continued to be a major figure in Australian music, earning numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.

#5 Jimmy Barnes

Jimmy Barnes is a legendary figure in Australian rock, known for his raw, powerful voice and high-energy performances. Born in Scotland in 1956 and raised in Adelaide, Barnes first rose to fame as the lead singer of the rock band Cold Chisel, which became one of Australia’s most successful bands in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like “Khe Sanh” and “Flame Trees.” After Cold Chisel disbanded in 1983, Barnes launched a successful solo career, releasing his debut album Bodyswerve, which topped the Australian charts.

His follow-up album, For the Working Class Man (1985), became a defining moment in his career, solidifying his status as a rock icon. Barnes’s music, which often reflects themes of working-class struggles, has made him a beloved figure in Australian culture, and his influence extends across generations of rock musicians.

#6 Natalie Imbruglia

Natalie Imbruglia is an Australian singer-songwriter and actress who gained international fame with her debut single “Torn” in 1997. Born in Sydney in 1975, Imbruglia began her career as an actress on the Australian soap opera Neighbours before transitioning to music. “Torn” became a global hit, topping charts around the world and establishing Imbruglia as a pop star. Her debut album, Left of the Middle (1997), was a commercial success, selling over 7 million copies worldwide.

Imbruglia continued to release music throughout the 2000s, though none of her subsequent work matched the success of her debut. In addition to her music career, Imbruglia has acted in films and theater and has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors. Despite the challenges of living up to the massive success of her early work, Imbruglia remains a beloved figure in pop music.

#7 Michael Hutchence (INXS)

Michael Hutchence was the charismatic frontman of the iconic Australian rock band INXS. Born in Sydney in 1960, Hutchence rose to fame in the early 1980s with INXS, which became one of the most successful rock bands of the decade. Hutchence’s deep, sensual voice and magnetic stage presence helped propel the band to international stardom with hits like “Need You Tonight,” “New Sensation,” and “Never Tear Us Apart.”

Known for his sultry image and dynamic performances, Hutchence was a key figure in the band’s success, blending rock, funk, and new wave influences into a unique sound. Despite his success, Hutchence struggled with personal issues and died tragically in 1997. His legacy endures as one of the greatest rock frontmen in music history, and INXS remains a defining band of the era.

#8 Keith Urban

Keith Urban is a New Zealand-born Australian country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has achieved significant success in both Australia and the United States. Born in 1967 in Whangarei, New Zealand, and raised in Australia, Urban moved to Nashville in the early 1990s to pursue a career in country music. He gained recognition with his self-titled debut album in 1999, which featured hits like “But for the Grace of God.”

Urban’s blend of traditional country with pop and rock elements helped him stand out in the genre. He has released numerous successful albums, including Golden Road (2002) and Ripcord (2016), earning multiple Grammy Awards and becoming one of the leading figures in contemporary country music. In addition to his music career, Urban is known for his role as a judge on American Idol and his marriage to actress Nicole Kidman.

#9 Tina Arena

Tina Arena is one of Australia’s most successful female artists, known for her powerful voice and emotional performances. Born in Melbourne in 1967, Arena began her career as a child star on the television show Young Talent Time. She transitioned to adult stardom in the 1990s with the release of her album Don’t Ask (1994), which included the hit singles “Chains” and “Sorrento Moon.” The album sold over 2 million copies worldwide and established Arena as an international star.

She has since released several successful albums in both English and French, earning acclaim for her versatility and vocal prowess. Arena’s music spans pop, rock, and adult contemporary genres, and she has been honored with numerous awards, including several ARIA Awards. She continues to be a prominent figure in the Australian music industry and remains one of the country’s most respected and beloved artists.

#10 Delta Goodrem

Delta Goodrem is an Australian pop singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the early 2000s. Born in Sydney in 1984, Goodrem began her career as an actress on the soap opera Neighbours before launching her music career. Her debut album Innocent Eyes (2003) became one of the highest-selling debut albums in Australian history, producing hit singles like “Born to Try” and “Lost Without You.”

Goodrem’s music is known for its melodic pop sound and introspective lyrics, often drawing from her personal experiences, including her battle with cancer at a young age. She has released several successful albums, including Mistaken Identity (2004) and Delta (2007), earning numerous ARIA Awards and becoming one of Australia’s most popular and enduring pop stars. Goodrem is also known for her work as a coach on The Voice Australia and her philanthropic efforts.

#11 Peter Garrett (Midnight Oil)

Peter Garrett is best known as the lead singer of the politically charged rock band Midnight Oil. Born in Sydney in 1953, Garrett joined Midnight Oil in 1976, and the band quickly became known for its hard-hitting rock sound and socially conscious lyrics, addressing issues such as environmentalism, Indigenous rights, and social justice. Hits like “Beds Are Burning” and “Blue Sky Mine” brought the band international fame, with Garrett’s powerful stage presence and distinctive voice driving their success.

In addition to his music career, Garrett is also a prominent political figure, having served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives and as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts. His dual careers in music and politics have made him a significant figure in Australian public life, with his work continuing to inspire activism and change.

#12 Nick Cave

Nick Cave is an iconic Australian singer-songwriter, author, and actor, best known as the frontman of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Born in Warracknabeal, Victoria, in 1957, Cave began his music career with the post-punk band The Birthday Party before forming the Bad Seeds in 1983. Known for his deep, baritone voice and dark, poetic lyrics, Cave has explored themes of love, death, and redemption throughout his career.

Albums like Murder Ballads (1996), The Boatman’s Call (1997), and Push the Sky Away (2013) have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated global following. Cave’s work is noted for its literary qualities, and he has also written novels and screenplays. His influence extends beyond music, as he is regarded as one of the most significant and enigmatic artists of his generation, continuing to evolve and challenge himself creatively.

#13 Courtney Barnett

Courtney Barnett is an acclaimed Australian indie rock singer-songwriter known for her witty, observational lyrics and deadpan delivery. Born in Sydney in 1987 and raised in Melbourne, Barnett gained attention with her 2013 EP The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas, which featured the breakout single “Avant Gardener.” Her debut album Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit (2015) was a critical and commercial success, earning her widespread acclaim and a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.

Barnett’s music blends elements of garage rock, folk, and grunge, with her lyrics often exploring themes of anxiety, self-reflection, and everyday life. She has become a leading figure in the indie music scene, known for her distinctive voice and sharp, humorous songwriting.

#14 Gotye

Gotye, born Wouter De Backer in 1980 in Belgium and raised in Melbourne, is an Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his genre-blending music. Gotye gained international fame with his 2011 hit single “Somebody That I Used to Know,” featuring Kimbra, which topped charts worldwide and won several awards, including a Grammy for Record of the Year. His album Making Mirrors (2011) showcased his eclectic style, combining elements of indie pop, rock, and electronic music.

Gotye’s music is known for its innovative use of sampling and his ability to craft emotionally resonant songs. Despite the massive success of “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Gotye has maintained a relatively low profile, focusing on various musical projects and his work with the band The Basics.

#15 Vance Joy

Vance Joy, born James Keogh in Melbourne in 1987, is an Australian indie folk singer-songwriter who gained international recognition with his breakout single “Riptide” in 2013. The song became a massive hit, topping charts in multiple countries and earning multi-platinum status. Joy’s debut album, Dream Your Life Away (2014), was a commercial success, featuring a mix of folk-pop melodies and introspective lyrics. His music is characterized by its warm acoustic sound, heartfelt lyrics, and catchy melodies.

Joy’s subsequent albums, including Nation of Two (2018), continued to build on his success, solidifying his place as a leading figure in the indie folk scene. Known for his engaging live performances, Joy has toured extensively, including supporting major acts like Taylor Swift. His music has resonated with audiences globally, making him one of Australia’s most successful contemporary artists.

#16 Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly is an iconic Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist whose career spans over four decades. Born in Adelaide in 1955, Kelly is often regarded as one of Australia’s greatest songwriters, known for his ability to tell compelling stories through his music. His extensive discography covers a wide range of genres, including rock, folk, and country, with his lyrics often exploring themes of love, politics, and Australian culture.

Some of his most famous songs include “To Her Door,” “Dumb Things,” and “From Little Things Big Things Grow,” the latter co-written with Kev Carmody, which has become an anthem for Indigenous land rights. Kelly’s influence on Australian music is profound, and he has earned numerous awards, including ARIA Hall of Fame induction. His music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and remains a vital part of Australia’s cultural landscape.

#17 Jessica Mauboy

Jessica Mauboy is an Australian pop and R&B singer, songwriter, and actress who first gained national attention as the runner-up on the fourth season of Australian Idol in 2006. Born in Darwin in 1989, Mauboy quickly transitioned from reality TV star to successful recording artist. Her debut album, Been Waiting (2008), featured the hit single “Burn” and was certified double platinum. Mauboy’s music is known for its blend of pop, R&B, and dance, with her powerful voice and charismatic presence making her one of Australia’s most popular contemporary artists.

She has released several successful albums, including Get ‘Em Girls (2010) and Hilda (2019), earning multiple ARIA Awards. In addition to her music career, Mauboy has pursued acting, starring in the critically acclaimed film The Sapphires (2012) and participating in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2018. She is also known for her advocacy for Indigenous rights and representation in the media.

#18 Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was an Indigenous Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music captivated audiences worldwide. Born blind in 1971 in Galiwin’ku, Elcho Island, off the coast of Arnhem Land, Gurrumul was a member of the Yolŋu people and sang in his native Yolŋu languages as well as in English. He first gained recognition as a member of the band Yothu Yindi and later with Saltwater Band before embarking on a solo career.

His debut album, Gurrumul (2008), was a critical and commercial success, featuring hauntingly beautiful songs that showcased his extraordinary voice and deep connection to his culture. Gurrumul’s music transcended language barriers, and his gentle, soulful melodies resonated with listeners around the globe. He was widely regarded as one of Australia’s most important musicians, using his music to bridge cultural divides and raise awareness of Indigenous issues. Gurrumul passed away in 2017, but his legacy continues to inspire and move people worldwide.

#19 Kate Ceberano

Kate Ceberano is a versatile Australian singer, songwriter, and actress known for her work across a wide range of genres, including pop, jazz, and soul. Born in Melbourne in 1966, Ceberano first gained attention as the lead singer of the funk band I’m Talking in the mid-1980s. She launched her solo career with the jazz album Kate Ceberano and Her Septet (1987) before achieving commercial success with the pop album Brave (1989), which featured hits like “Bedroom Eyes.”

Ceberano’s ability to effortlessly move between genres has made her a unique figure in the Australian music scene. Over the years, she has released numerous albums, exploring everything from jazz standards to original pop songs, and has won multiple ARIA Awards. In addition to her music career, Ceberano has appeared in films and television shows and has been involved in various philanthropic efforts. Her enduring appeal and diverse body of work have made her one of Australia’s most beloved entertainers.

#20 Megan Washington

Megan Washington, known mononymously as Washington, is an Australian singer-songwriter and musician known for her jazz-inspired pop music. Born in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, in 1986 and raised in Brisbane, Washington initially trained as a jazz singer before transitioning to a more pop-oriented sound. She gained national attention with her debut album I Believe You Liar (2010), which was both a critical and commercial success, earning her two ARIA Awards, including Best Female Artist.

Washington’s music is characterized by its lyrical honesty, catchy melodies, and her distinct, breathy vocal style. Her subsequent albums, including There There (2014) and Batflowers (2020), continued to showcase her evolution as an artist, blending pop, electronic, and indie influences. Washington is also known for her candid discussions about living with a stutter, which has made her an advocate for speech therapy and self-acceptance.

#21 Dan Sultan

Dan Sultan is an Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his powerful blend of rock, blues, and soul music, often infused with his Indigenous heritage. Born in Melbourne in 1983, Sultan is of Arrernte and Gurindji descent and has used his music to address themes of identity, culture, and social justice. He first gained attention with his debut album Homemade Biscuits (2006), but it was his second album, Get Out While You Can (2009), that established him as a major force in the Australian music scene, winning an ARIA Award for Best Male Artist.

Sultan’s music is known for its raw, emotional intensity, and his commanding stage presence. He has continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including Blackbird (2014) and Killer (2017), further cementing his reputation as one of Australia’s most talented and socially conscious artists. Sultan is also an advocate for Indigenous rights and has been involved in various charitable initiatives supporting Indigenous communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Australian singer became a global pop icon with hits like “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”?

Kylie Minogue is the Australian singer who became a global pop icon with hits like “Can’t Get You Out of My Head.” Her career spans over three decades, and she is one of the best-selling artists worldwide.

Who is the Indigenous Australian singer known for his haunting voice and songs in Yolŋu languages?

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was an Indigenous Australian singer known for his haunting voice and songs in Yolŋu languages. His music transcended language barriers and brought global attention to Indigenous Australian culture.

Which Australian singer-songwriter gained international fame with the hit “Somebody That I Used to Know”?

Gotye, an Australian singer-songwriter, gained international fame with the hit “Somebody That I Used to Know.” The song topped charts worldwide and won multiple awards, including a Grammy for Record of the Year.

Which Australian singer transitioned from a teen pop idol to a rock icon with the hit “You’re the Voice”?

John Farnham transitioned from a teen pop idol to a rock icon with the hit “You’re the Voice.” The song became an anthem in Australia and solidified his status as one of the country’s most beloved singers.