When she belted out a version of The Rolling Stones' 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' at a street party, the then-13-year-old Gabriella Cilmi had no idea that that moment would change her life forever.
After being spotted by a record industry exec, Gab, now 16, was signed by international label Island Records (alongside Mariah and Janet) and recorded her upcoming album, Lessons to be Learned, in the UK with the production team behind some of Kylie's greatest hits.
We were lucky enough to catch up with this hot starlet after her recent Sydney showcase. Here's what she had to say...
You're a star at 16! Is that kind of surreal?
Yes and no. I have a bunch of friends in London who are my age and we just hang out. Apart from going to the Brit Awards, I haven't been hitting up the party scene. I've never performed in an arena before so it will be a great experience touring with James Blunt in May.
You've got one hellava set of lungs … is the rest of your family musical?
Not really. My dad bought a piano because it looked good in the house!
Did you play in a band at school?
I played in a garage band with some mates in Melbourne. We played a lot of Jet and Silverchair covers.
Did you ever predict this sort of fame back then?
I always loved singing, but I didn't imagine this. I was really very lucky — I didn't have to chase a music career, I sort of fell into it.
So you're living in London at the moment, right?
Yeah, I've been here for a year. I live in a suburb called Hammersmith. It's a great spot because it's near Notting Hill markets, which has great shopping, and there's this great gig venue nearby where I've seen Rufus Wainwright perform.
Is it tough being away from your family?
I miss them, but they come and visit, and I have a lot of family in Italy, too, which is only a short plane trip from London.
Who's the coolest person you've met on the road?
Ronnie Wood from The Rolling Stones, and I bumped into one of the Kings of Leon guys in the supermarket.
Do you have time to fit in other hobbies around your music?
I love badminton! I've a little net set up in my parents' backyard at home.
What about school?
I'm finishing high school by correspondence — I do about two hours of school work every morning. And yes, I have to take homework breaks!
And shopping?
When I'm in Australia I head to the shops in Greville Street (in Melbourne's Prahran), and I love jewellery. I always wear heaps of rings and a stack of silver bracelets.
Best freebie you've ever scored?
Dolce and Gabbana sunnies and t-shirts.
Fave bands?
MGMT, Kings of Leon, Muse, Norah Jones, and I always listen to Cat Stevens on my iPod.
Tell us one thing we wouldn't know about you?
I stash old bus tickets under my bed. I reckon they'll become rare one day [laughs].
Ultimate beauty must-have?
Lip gloss, I apply it like every five minutes!
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