Who is Sia? 13 things you probably didn’t know about her
Sia is our favourite socially phobic songbird whose inimitable acrobatic vocals - and penchant for penning surefire hits - have catapulted her to superstardom. (Even if we are left questioning our enunciation as a result.)
But besides the fame aversion and crazy brilliant ability to create musical magic, how much do we really know about Ms Sia Furler, the chandelier-swinging, wacky wig-wearing enigma from Down Under?
Fresh from revealing that she's collaborating with Zayn on a new song (out soon!), we took the opportunity to uncover some lesser-known tidbits about Sia, pop's ubiquitous force.
So, if you're wondering WHO IS SIA? You're about to find out...
GettyShe was rejected by Jamiroquai
Early in her career, the songwriter recorded backing vocals for the band. However, Jay Kay thought her voice was too distinctive and never used any of the material.
GettyShe starred in a 1997 episode of Home And Away...
…as a wedding singer at the beachside wedding of Travis and Rebecca.
GettyBreathe Me changed everything
Before becoming a soundtrack go-to for every emotionally charged reality TV moment, like, ever, it first stole our hearts when it featured on Six Feet Under’s final episode (2005). The six-minute final scene was written specifically to fit the evocative ballad, with the Grammy nominee crediting the use as “resuscitating my truly dying career”.
SplashShe’s an animal rights activist…
…and has three cool pooches (with equally cool names): Pantera Marvellous (a rescued stray), LickLick Science (who has three legs and “is like a hairy slug”) and Cereal. She says that her ambition is to “retire and retrain as a dog masseuse”.
GettyFame? Not her favourite thing…
Nope. She’s compared THAT to a sharp-tongued mother-in law who lies in wait for your self-esteem, while her contract promises no promo, touring or music video appearances. (Can we #respect this one?)
Rex FeaturesA-list fans include Beyoncé and Britney
Not only does she churn out banging tunes of her own, but she’s also written a wealth of gems for others: Queen Bey’s Pretty Hurts, Ne-Yo’s Let Me Love You, Britney’s Perfume, Rita Ora’s Radioactive, Kylie’s Sexercize, Céline Dion’s Loved Me Back To Life… the list goes on.
Getty ImagesShe helped Lea Michele channel her grief
The 40 year old wrote Lea’s ode to Cory Monteith, If You Say So, which was based on the couple’s final conversation. The experience resonated with the Adelaide native, having lost a boyfriend in a car accident in 1997.
GettyShe wrote Rihanna’s Diamonds in 14 minutes
Oh, and David Guetta’s Titanium in 40. Casual.
Getty/Rex FeaturesOlivia Newton-John is a childhood hero
When asked to do an Australian-eccentric concert, Sia reached out to childhood idol Olivia. Though plans fell through, she received an email from ON-J three months later: “She was writing to me, the little girl who sat on my sofa and watched Grease [1978], like, 163 times? I got chills. They're multiplying,” she told Interview magazine.
Rex FeaturesShe has a crooked bottom tooth
When she was younger, her parents gave her the option of fixing the tooth or studying in Italy for a year. She chose Italy, and she’s kept the tooth as it is.
GettyShe asked Amy Winehouse to collaborate
Amy’s response? "She said, 'No way.' And I was like, 'Why not?' And she said, 'I’m intimidated by you. I’ve been listening to you since I was a teenager,’” the Elastic Heart singer told Rolling Stone.
GettyManic Monday by The Bangles was the first single she ever bought
…and she considers Chrissie Hynde, whom she met on Top Of The Pops in the early Noughties, as one of the coolest celebs.
GettyShe’s written a screenplay
It’s called Sister. It’s based on a one-page story she wrote eight years ago. And she's making her directing debut, starring her video muse, Maddie Ziegler, and Kate Hudson who has shaved her head especially for the role.
Getty Images/ Rex FeaturesShe has collaborated with Zayn
The pair have joined forces for a new track called Dusk 'til Dawn and we cannot wait. Who knew these two were working together? EPIC.
