Kate DeAraugo became a household name when she won the 2005 season of Australian Idol.
However, after releasing several solo singles and joining the girl group Young Divas, alongside former Idol contestants including Ricki-Lee Coulter, she took a step away from the spotlight.
And as the talent show returns to television after 12 years as part of Channel Seven’s 2022 prime time line-up, Daily Mail Australia takes a look at where Kate, 35, is now.
Remember her? Former Australian Idol winner Kate DeAraugo (pictured in 2006), 35, has resurfaced and sounds just as incredible as she did during her days in the spotlight
In early May amid Victoria’s lockdown, Kate resurfaced and was seen performing renditions of iconic hits alongside her cousin Josh DeAraugo.
Josh shared videos to Instagram of the pair jamming to songs including Ain’t Nobody by funk band Rufus and singer Chaka Khan while in isolation at their homes.
Kate sounded just as incredible as she did when she won Australian Idol in 2005.
Music runs in the family: In early May amid Victoria’s lockdown, Kate resurfaced, seen performing renditions of iconic hits alongside her cousin Josh DeAraugo (both pictured)
Perfect duo: Josh shared videos to Instagram of the pair jamming to songs including Ain’t Nobody by funk band Rufus and singer Chaka Khan while in isolation at their homes
Outdoor gigs: The duo have also performed together at events, including Bendigo’s winery and reception venue, Chateau Dore, in November (pictured)
The duo have also performed together at events, including Bendigo’s winery and reception venue, Chateau Dore, in November.
After winning Australian Idol, Kate signed to Sony BMG and released her debut album, A Place I’ve Never Been, in December 2005.
She went on to form part of pop girl band Young Divas in 2006, alongside other Australian Idol contestants Emily Williams, Ricki-Lee Coulter and Paulini Curuenavuli.
Claim to fame: After winning Australian Idol in 2005 (pictured), Kate signed to Sony BMG and released her debut album, A Place I’ve Never Been, in December of that year
Girl band: Kate (far left) went on to form part of pop girl band Young Divas in 2006, alongside other Australian Idol contestants Emily Williams (second left), Ricki-Lee Coulter (far right) and Paulini Curuenavuli (second right). The band however parted ways in 2008
The band however parted ways in 2008.
Kate made headlines in June 2017, when she was caught by police carrying .43 grams of ice in Shepparton, as reported by The Shepparton News.
Police also allege she was caught five days later with ice, and that she was illegally carrying a large knife and a tomahawk.
She was reportedly also caught driving under the influence of drugs and had faced up to 15 years in jail.
Faced court: In November 2017, Kate avoided conviction after pleading guilty to possessing ice, drug driving and weapons offences. Pictured arriving at the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney in July 2015
Returning: In October, Angus Ross, Seven’s Director of Programming announced Australian Idol’s return for 2022: ‘Idol is the granddaddy of them all! The biggest show in the world comes to Seven in 2022, and we know Australians are going to love it’
In November 2017, Kate avoided conviction after pleading guilty to possessing ice, drug driving and weapons offences.
She was handed a 12-month community correction order in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to eight charges.
She was also disqualified from driving for a minimum of six months.
Now a top-selling artist: Based on the global Pop Idol format – the most-watched TV franchise in history – Australian Idol aired from 2003 to 2009 on Channel Ten. Pictured is Shannon Noll, who placed runner-up in the 2003 season
In October, Angus Ross, Seven’s Director of Programming announced Australian Idol’s return for 2022.
Australian Idol is a Fremantle and Eureka co-production for the Seven Network and will premiere on Channel Seven and 7plus in 2022.
Based on the global Pop Idol format – the most-watched TV franchise in history – Australian Idol aired from 2003 to 2009 on Channel Ten.
The talent show is famous for discovering a string of top-selling artists, including Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Casey Donovan, Matt Corby and Ricki-Lee Coulter.
Where it all began: Pictured is Casey Donovan performing during the Australian Idol finale in 2004, which she won