Vanessa Amorosi breaks down during live interview after being told of Olivia Newton-John's death
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND: Australian singer Vanessa Amorosi performed at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Tuesday, August 9, bringing a lively few days to an end. However, the singer was taken aback when she learned of Olivia Newton-John's death during her interview with hosts while talking about the closing ceremonies. Amorosi was overwhelmed with emotions and the interview had to be cut short.
While talking to Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and David 'Kochie' Koch about her performance at the closing ceremonies of the 2022 CWG, the 41-year-old singer was asked about her memories with late 'Grease' star Olivia. In the latter half of the interview, Natalie said, "We know it's a sad day for you and so many people, but we wanted to show this photo from quite a few years ago of you, Olivia Newton-John, and Tina Arena. Can you talk us through those memories, that time, Vanessa?" After looking at the photograph where Amorosi is sitting with Olivia and Arena and laughing out loud, Amorosi begins talking shakily, "Both of these women are women I have looked up to since I was a kid… I don't know. I'm actually very sad about Olivia, to be honest. It's..." That is when she raises her hand to opt out of the interview as she got too emotional. The said picture was from Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
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Who is Vanessa Amorosi?
Vanessa Amorosi is a 41-year-old Australian singer and songwriter who has a combined sale of over 2 million, including singles and albums. Her career took off in 1999 when she released 'Have A Look,' which eventually reached gold status in Australia. Later on, her debut studio album, 'The Power,' helped her gain international fame. Following this, she was given the chance to perform at both, the 2000 Olympic Games opening ceremony and its accompanying closing ceremony in Sydney. The latter one is where she was clicked with Olivia and singer-songwriter Tina Arena. So far, Amorosi has received a total of 16 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association), and APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) nominations. Amorosi won an APRA award with "'Shine,' a VIVA Comet Award for 'Best International Newcomer' and an ARIA No.1 Chart Award with 'This Is Who I Am'.
At the start of the chat, she explained that she walked off from such an important stage only to hear bad news. She said, "I don't particularly want to think about it, because I'll get very emotional. I just literally had one of the highest endorphins that just happened out there [at the closing ceremony], to being extremely sad coming offstage and checking my phone. I don't think I've really processed it yet." She paid tribute to her friend and inspiration on Instagram writing, "@therealonj There is so many things I want to say (emoji). You made it feel possible to break the world as an Australian artist and be a truly beautiful person inside and out helping so many💔💔 #strong #iconic #inspiring You will be forever missed."