Throughout Australia’s musical history, there are lots of names that stand out as classic singers everyone should know about. Many of these names are men’s; where are the female Australian singers? While there may not be as concise a classic hit sung by an Australian woman as something like “Waltzing Matilda” or “True Blue,” make no mistake: there have been many extremely talented female singers in Australia through the ages.
It’s unfortunate that women singers haven’t historically been as respected as male singers in many places in the world. While we can’t cover every famous, influential, successful female Aussie singer in one article, we can at least give recognition to a solid few who you should know about! Here are 15 of the most successful female Australian singers in the modern age.
| Singer | Most Famous Song | Genre Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Kylie Minogue | "Can't Get You Out of My Head" | Pop, Dance, Disco |
| Olivia Newton John | "Physical" | Pop, Country, Soft Rock |
| Sia | "Chandelier" | Pop, Electropop, Indie Pop |
| Tina Arena | "Chains" | Pop, Rock, Adult Contemporary |
| Iggy Azalea | "Fancy" | Hip-Hop, Rap, Pop |
| Missy Higgins | "Scar" | Folk, Pop, Rock |
| Delta Goodrem | "Born to Try" | Pop, Adult Contemporary |
| Courtney Barnett | "Pedestrian at Best" | Indie Rock, Alternative Rock |
| Judith Durham | "Georgy Girl" (with The Seekers) | Folk, Pop |
| Ruby Hunter | "Down City Streets" | Folk, Indigenous, Blues |
| Chrissy Amphlett | "I Touch Myself" (with Divinyls) | Rock, Pop |
| Natalie Imbruglia | "Torn" | Pop, Rock, Alternative Rock |
| Jessica Mauboy | "Burn" | Pop, R&B, Soul |
| Christine Anu | "My Island Home" | Pop, R&B, Indigenous |
| Joy Mckean | "Lights on the Hill" | Country, Folk |
Kylie Minogue
You may be tired of hearing about Kylie Minogue if you’ve read more than a few articles on this subject, however, you can’t deny her outstanding success and worldwide fame! There is a reason she always appears on lists of famous singers!
Often dubbed the "Princess of Pop," she rose to fame in the late 1980s with her hit "I Should Be So Lucky." Her career spans over three decades, encompassing diverse genres like pop, dance, and disco.
Internationally, she is celebrated for her infectious melodies and dynamic performances, especially her chart-topping album "Fever," featuring the global hit "Can’t Get You Out of My Head."
Minogue has earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award and an ARIA Hall of Fame induction, solidifying her status as an icon in both Australia and worldwide.
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John is an Australian singer and actress most renowned for her role in the musical film "Grease."
Her musical career took off in the 1970s with chart-topping hits like "Physical" and "I Honestly Love You," showcasing her versatile vocal range. Not everyone knows she was firmly in the country genre for a large part of her career!
She has won four Grammy Awards and is celebrated for her philanthropy, particularly in cancer research.
Her warm, approachable personality made her a beloved figure in both Australia and the U.S. Even after her passing in 2022, her legacy continues to inspire countless fans.
Sia
Sia Furler, known simply as Sia, is a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter celebrated for her emotive voice, distinctive style, and artistic presence in music videos and on stage.
Her first international hit song “Chandelier” was released in 2014, but her musical career began back in the mid-90s when she was singing with a band called Crisp. Her first album as a solo artist was released in 1997. Her second big hit “Cheap Thrills” was released in 2017.
Sia's innovative approach to music videos, often featuring dance and artistry (often with dancer Maddie Ziegler), has garnered international acclaim.
Over her career, she has received numerous awards, including ARIA Awards and Grammy nominations, establishing her as a leading figure in contemporary music while remaining a deeply respected songwriter behind the scenes.
Tina Arena
Celebrated Australian singer-songwriter Tina Arena is known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence.
She rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like "Chains" and "The Flame," demonstrating her ability to blend pop, rock, and soul.
Arena has enjoyed both domestic and international success, earning multiple ARIA Awards and a place in the ARIA Hall of Fame. Her work spans several decades and includes collaborations with international artists. Beyond music, she has ventured into musical theatre, proving her depth and reach as an artist in many different mediums.
Iggy Azalea
When "Fancy," hit the soundwaves, it immediately topped charts and became a cultural phenomenon, introducing the world to rapper and songwriter Iggy Azalea.
Emerging from Sydney, her unique blend of hip-hop and pop, along with her distinctive style, helped her carve a niche in the music industry. She quickly became one of the most recognisable young Australian female singers.
Azalea's debut album, "The New Classic," received critical acclaim and commercial success, leading to multiple nominations and awards, including the American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
Known for her bold persona and social media presence, she remains a prominent figure in contemporary music, continuing to push boundaries in music and in her persona.
Missy Higgins
Missy Higgins is an Australian singer-songwriter celebrated for her heartfelt lyrics and emotive performances.
Her debut album, "The Sound of White," released in 2004, featured hits like "Scar" and catapulted her to fame. She has garnered critical acclaim for her stunning musicality and lyricism, winning multiple ARIA Awards throughout her career. She is also recognized for her activism, using her platform to advocate for mental health and environmental issues. With a loyal fanbase, she continues to create music that resonates deeply with audiences both in Australia and internationally.
Delta Goodrem
Delta burst onto the music scene in the early 2000s with her debut album, "Delta," featuring the hit single "Born to Try."
Her pop and adult contemporary style has earned her numerous awards, including multiple ARIA Awards. Beyond music, she is a prominent television personality, even featured as a coach on "The Voice Australia." Beyond music, she is known for philanthropic work, particularly in cancer awareness. Her music, television presence, and interest in good causes make her a beloved figure both at home and abroad.
Courtney Barnett
Known for her witty lyrics and distinctive blend of indie rock and alternative music, Barnett is a beloved singer-songwriter.
She gained attention with her debut album, "Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit," featuring tracks like "Pedestrian at Best." Barnett’s unique storytelling approach has resonated with audiences, earning her critical acclaim and multiple ARIA Awards. She has also been nominated for Grammy Awards, solidifying her international reputation.
Known for her candidness and authenticity, Barnett continues to influence the music scene with her distinctive sound and relatable songwriting.
Judith Durham
Judith Durham is most known as the lead singer of the iconic Australian folk group The Seekers and is known for her angelic voice and captivating stage presence.
Rising to fame in the 1960s, Durham's performances on hits like "Georgy Girl" and "I’ll Never Find Another You" helped The Seekers become one of Australia’s most beloved bands. Her solo career also flourished, featuring emotional ballads and collaborations, including the unforgettable rendition of "I Am Australian" (with Russell Hitchcock and Mandawuy Yunupingu). Over her career, Durham received numerous accolades, including induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions to music and Australian culture.
Her legacy as a pioneering female artist continues to inspire generations even after her passing in 2022.
Ruby Hunter
Ruby Hunter was a revered Australian singer-songwriter known for her poignant storytelling and soulful music.
Born in the Aboriginal community of Point Pearce, she blended traditional Indigenous themes with contemporary sounds in her work. Hunter's debut album, "Thoughts Within," received critical acclaim and showcased her powerful voice in songs like "Proud, Proud Woman."
She is also known for her masterful songwriting, such as in the autobiographical song "Down City Streets" that she wrote for her husband, Archie Roach, to perform.
Throughout her career, she collaborated with notable artists, including Paul Kelly, and won multiple awards, including an ARIA nomination. Her contributions to Australian music and Indigenous culture have left a lasting impact, and she remains a respected figure in the music community even after her 2010 passing.
Chrissy Amphlett
Chrissy Amphlett was the electrifying frontwoman of the Australian rock band Divinyls, known for her iconic hit "I Touch Myself."
Emerging in the 1980s, Amphlett's bold stage presence and distinctive voice made her a standout figure in rock music. The band’s fusion of rock and pop earned them both domestic and international success, resulting in multiple ARIA Awards.
Amphlett’s influence extended beyond music; she was an advocate for women's empowerment and discussed issues like sexuality and mental health. Her legacy as a pioneering female rock artist continues to resonate with fans and musicians today.
Natalie Imbruglia
Natalie Imbruglia is an Australian singer-songwriter and actress who gained fame in the late 1990s with her breakthrough single "Torn."
To the rest of the world, she might be a one-hit-wonder, but in Australia, she found continued success. Her debut album, "Left of the Middle," showcased her emotive voice and earned critical acclaim, propelling her to international stardom.
Imbruglia's blend of pop and rock has won her multiple awards, including ARIA and MTV awards. Beyond her music career, she has also acted in television and film, displaying her versatility as an artist. With a dedicated fan base, Imbruglia remains a beloved figure in both Australian and global music scenes.
Jessica Mauboy
First appearing on "Australian Idol," Mauboy quickly gained a fan following for her performance and presence.
Her debut album, "Been Waiting," produced hits like "Burn" and the titular track "Been Waiting" which showcased her powerful voice and R&B influences. Mauboy has achieved significant commercial success in Australia, winning several ARIA Awards and representing Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Her dynamic stage presence and relatable lyrics have resonated with fans, making her a household name. In addition to her music, Mauboy has ventured into acting, proving her skills as a multifaceted artist in Australian entertainment.
Christine Anu
Christine Anu is an influential Australian female artist, a singer and songwriter known for her vibrant music and lyrics and cultural advocacy.
She gained popularity in the 1990s with her hit "Island Home," which celebrates her Torres Strait Islander heritage. The hit song is probably the most well-known Australian folk song by a solo woman.
Anu's fusion of pop, R&B, and traditional Indigenous sounds has earned her multiple awards, including ARIA Awards and nominations. Beyond music, she is recognized for her work in promoting Indigenous rights and culture. Anu's engaging performances and dedication to her roots continue to inspire audiences, making her a significant figure in Australia’s music scene.
Joy McKean
The revered Australian country music singer-songwriter is most known for her contributions to the genre alongside her husband, the legendary Slim Dusty. She wrote or co-wrote many of Slim Dusty’s famous songs and didn't record many solo tracks, instead recording with Slim or her sisters.
A veritable bush balladeer, her lyrics often reflect rural life and Australian landscapes, with notable tracks like "Lights on the Hill." Throughout her career, McKean has won several awards, including multiple Golden Guitars, affirming her status as a country music icon.
Beyond her musical accomplishments, she played a crucial role in preserving Australian folk music traditions. McKean's influence continues to resonate within the country music community, ensuring her legacy endures.
In Australia’s early music days all the way to the present day, there are more notable female musicians than you can count! Many up-and-coming current Australian female singers are sure to solidify their place as unforgettable musicians in the next few years as well. Be sure to keep checking for new female talents in Australia so you can experience a new generation of great music!
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You have forgotten Renee Geyer, Wendy Matthews, Vika & Linda Bull, Kate Ceberano, & a few more. Thank you for at least acknowledging. The ones you have & making a point of saying the men are always recognised & remembered but its not equally so for the women singers.
Hi! Thank you for your comment! You’re absolutely right, Renee Geyer, Wendy Matthews, Vika & Linda Bull, and Kate Ceberano are all incredible artists. We’ll be sure to include them in future updates! Thanks for the great feedback.
Dear Brooke,
You are a STAR! I’ve been trying unsuccessfully to recall Renee’s name for simply weeks.
Thank you in bucketfuls!
p.s. Wasn’t she a power house and Kate Cebrano too.
Buttercup.
Most of this is pop which is ok. I’d love to see some discussion of serious or poetic singer songwriters. Joustene Lorenz is by far the most interesting female singer songwriters coming out of Australia at the moment. She’s the descendant of the great poet songwriters—Dylan, Cohn, Joni Mitchell etc. Two examples— ‘Iron Tower -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN49eLWz4Tk ‘Blue’ -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bVLYk26KFg