Top 15 Australian Male Singers: Notable Musical Talents

Australia has produced a wealth of musical talent, with its male singers making local and international waves.

With multiple awards and chart-topping hits, Australian singers cover various genres, including pop, rock, and R&B, showcasing Australia’s diverse music scene.

Does Australian music entice you? Let’s explore some of the most renowned Australian male singers, highlighting their standout contributions to the music world and what makes them true icons.

List of Best Australian Male Singers

15: Bon Scott

Date of Birth: July 9, 1946, Kirriemuir, Scotland

Date of Death: February 19, 1980, East Dulwich, London, England

Best Songs:

• Highway to Hell
• Let There Be Rock
• Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
• T.N.T.
• It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)

Career Journey:

Bon Scott was born in Scotland and moved to Australia as a child. He began his musical career as a drummer and vocalist with local bands, starting with The Spektors, then joining The Valentines, a pop-rock group, and later Fraternity, which leaned more into progressive rock.

Breakthrough:

Being one of the most famous Australian singers of all time, Scott’s breakthrough came in 1974 when he became the lead singer of AC/DC. His gritty vocals and magnetic stage presence quickly became central to the band’s identity.

Under his leadership, AC/DC released several landmark albums, including High Voltage (1975), T.N.T. (1975), and the legendary Highway to Hell (1979), propelling the band to international fame and solidifying Scott as a rock icon.

Singing Style:

His mix of rock, blues, and hard-hitting lyrics helped shape the hard rock genre. His wild stage energy and strong vocals made him one of rock’s best.

Legacy:

Died in 1980, he was ranked number one among the 100 Greatest Frontmen of All Time by Classic Rock. Furthermore, the film The Kid from Harvest Road (2024) was about Scott’s time in Western Australia before becoming a musician.

14: Geoffrey Gurrumul

Date of Birth: January 22, 1971, Galiwin’ku, Elcho Island, Australia

Date of Death: July 25, 2017, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

Best Songs:

• Wiyathul
• Bapa
• Djarimirri
• Jesu
• Gathu Mawula

Accolades:

• ARIA Music Awards
• Deadly Awards
• Rolling Stone Australia – 50 Greatest Artists

Career Journey:

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, commonly known as Gurrumul, was a blind Indigenous Australian musician. Immersed in traditional music from a young age, he taught himself to play guitar (left-handed and upside-down), piano, and didgeridoo by age five.

He first gained attention as a member of Yothu Yindi and later with the Saltwater Band, blending contemporary music with Indigenous themes.

Breakthrough:

Gurrumul’s solo career took off with his 2008 debut album, Gurrumul. Sung in Yolŋu dialects and English, the album captivated global audiences with its spiritual depth and haunting beauty. It reached Triple Platinum status in Australia and became an international success, marking a powerful cultural moment for Indigenous Australian music.

Singing Style:

His music fused soul, folk, and traditional Aboriginal sounds, often stripped down to minimal instrumentation. Singing predominantly in Yolŋu languages, he conveyed profound emotion and ancestral storytelling that transcended language barriers.

Legacy:

Before passing away in 2017, Gurrumul became Australia’s most commercially successful Indigenous artist, selling over 500,000 albums worldwide. His music continues to influence and inspire, serving as a bridge between ancient Yolŋu culture and modern global audiences.

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13: Michael Hutchence

Date of Birth: January 22, 1960, Crows Nest, Sydney, Australia

Date of Death: November 22, 1997, Sydney, Australia

Best Songs:

• Need You Tonight
• Never Tear Us Apart
• New Sensation
• Suicide Blonde

Accolades:

• ARIA Hall of Fame
• Countdown Music and Video Awards
• MTV Video Music Awards

Career Journey:

Michael Hutchence began his musical journey through school friendships, particularly with Andrew Farriss, leading to the formation of the rock band INXS. The band started in the Australian pub rock scene before rising to international fame.

Breakthrough:

INXS’s global breakthrough came with the album Kick (1987), featuring hits like Need You Tonight and Never Tear Us Apart. This album catapulted the band to international stardom and cemented Hutchence’s image as a stylish, magnetic frontman.

Singing Style:

Hutchence was known for his deep baritone, sensual stage presence, and emotionally charged delivery. His songwriting, often poetic and reflective, added depth to the band’s mainstream appeal.

Beyond music, Hutchence also ventured into acting, appearing in films like Dogs in Space (1986) and Frankenstein Unbound (1990).

Legacy:

Despite his tragic death in 1997, his work with INXS continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and his legacy as a genre-defying artist and performer endures in global music history.

12: Gareth Liddiard

Date of Birth: 1976, Port Hedland, Western Australia

Best Works:

• Shark Fin Blues
• Strange Tourist
• The Future of History

Accolades:

• National Live Music Awards

Career Journey:

Gareth Liddiard began his musical journey playing the saxophone in school, but later switched to rock music. He started performing in bands in high school and co-founded the acclaimed rock group The Drones in 1997.

Breakthrough:

Liddiard’s breakthrough came with The Drones’ 2005 song Shark Fin Blues, which resonated deeply with fans and fellow musicians. The song was later voted Australia’s greatest song by a panel of artists in a Triple J poll.

He released a solo album, Strange Tourist (2010), showing a softer and more personal side of his music. He also formed another band, Tropical Fuck Storm, and worked on special music projects for film and TV.

Singing Style:

Liddiard’s music blends rock, punk, and experimental elements, often characterized by unconventional song structures and intense performances.

Recent Work:

Liddiard’s current band, Tropical Fuck Storm, is set to release their highly anticipated album, Fairyland Codex, on June 20, 2025, under Fire Records.

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11: Matt Corby

Date of Birth: 1990, Oyster Bay, New South Wales, Australia

Best Songs:

• Brother
• Resolution
• Miracle Love
• Sooth Lady Wine
• Reelin’

Accolades:

• ARIA Music Awards
• J Awards

Career Journey:

Matt Corby began his musical journey inspired by gospel hymns and a modest $80 acoustic guitar. Classically trained and active in local musical theatre, he first gained national attention at age 16 as the runner-up on Australian Idol (2007).

Breakthrough:

Corby’s breakthrough came in 2011 with his EP Into the Flame, featuring the soulful and emotionally charged single Brother. The track won ARIA Song of the Year and established Corby as a serious and versatile artist with genuine creative depth. His albums Telluric (2016) and Rainbow Valley (2018) showcase a maturing artist constantly pushing sonic boundaries.

Singing Style:

Matt Corby’s sound blends soul, indie rock, and psychedelic rock, often centered around his haunting falsetto, rich instrumentation, and emotionally introspective lyrics.

Recent Work:

His 2023 album Everything’s Fine continued to evolve his sound with lush arrangements and reflective themes, reinforcing his status as a standout voice in contemporary Australian male singers.

10: Peter Andre

Date of Birth: February 27, 1973, London, England

Best Songs:

• Mysterious Girl
• I Feel You
• Flava
• Mysterious Girl
• Insania

Accolades:

• ARIA Award
• World Music Awards

Career Journey:

Peter Andre gained fame in the early 1990s after gaining attention on the Australian talent show New Faces.

Breakthrough:

In 1992, he released his debut single Drive Me Crazy, which reached number 72 on the Australian singles chart. His musical breakthrough came with the global hit Mysterious Girl (1995), which combined pop, R&B, and reggae elements and showcased his smooth, radio-friendly vocals.

Singing Style:

Andre is known for his genre-blending sound, mixing pop, R&B, and reggae, supported by catchy melodies and upbeat production.

Recent Work:

In 2023, Andre expanded his presence in entertainment by joining GB News as a weekend co-host alongside Ellie Costello, adding to his long-standing role as a media personality.

With some of the best pop songs, his enduring relevance, versatility, and charm have solidified his place as the best Australian male pop singer.

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9: Daniel Johns

Date of Birth: April 22, 1979, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Best Songs:

• Be Ok Again
• Modern Conversation
• Aerial Love

Accolades:

• AIR Awards
• APRA Awards
• ARIA Music Awards

Career Journey:

Daniel Johns rose to prominence as the lead vocalist and guitarist of Silverchair, achieving massive success in the 1990s with their grunge-influenced sound. At a young age, he gained acclaim for his mature songwriting and quickly became a standout figure in Australia’s alternative rock scene.

Breakthrough:

Silverchair’s debut EP single, Tomorrow (1994), became a defining anthem of ’90s rock and launched the band into international fame. In 2015, his debut solo single, Aerial Love, reached number 21 on the Australian ARIA Charts.

Singing Style:

He is known for his versatile vocals and emotionally raw performances. Over time, he shifted from grunge and post-rock to explore R&B, electronic, and synth-pop in his solo work, showcasing a fearless approach to musical experimentation.

Recent Work:

In 2024, Johns collaborated with Astrid Williamson on remastered versions of Seven Seas, reflecting his continued engagement with evolving sounds and collaborations.

8: Paul Kelly

Date of Birth: January 13, 1955, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Best Songs:

• Petrichor
• God’s Hotel
• Love Letter
• Deeper Water
• How To Make Gravy

Accolades:

• AARIA Awards
• APRA Awards
• Victorian Country Music Awards

Career Journey:

Paul Kelly is known for his ability to weave vivid narratives into his music. With a career over four decades, he has consistently focused on themes central to Australian life and identity.

Breakthrough:

Kelly’s breakthrough came with To Her Door (1987), a poignant track that showcased his storytelling prowess and established him as a master lyricist in Australian rock and folk circles. In 1992, he released a solo live double album, Live, May 1992, which reached number 72 on the Australian charts.

Singing Style:

Kelly’s music blends rock songs, folk, and country, grounded in heartfelt lyrics and simple yet powerful melodies.

Recent Work:

In 2024, Kelly released his 29th studio album, Fever Longing Still, reinforcing his place as one of the most influential Australian male singers.

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7: Troye Sivan

Date of Birth: June 5, 1995, Johannesburg, South Africa

Best Songs:

• Talk Me Down
• Wild
• Happy Little Pill
• My My My!
• Youth · 6. Heaven

Accolades:

• ARIA Music Awards
• APRA Music Awards
• MTV Europe Music Awards

Career Journey:

Troye Sivan began as a YouTube personality and quickly gained recognition for his emotionally rich approach to pop, becoming a voice for a new generation of listeners. In 2007, he released his debut EP Dare to Dream, leading to a successful music path.

Breakthrough:

His breakout single Happy Little Pill (2014) introduced a fresh synth-pop sound laced with personal vulnerability. The success of Blue Neighbourhood (2015) solidified his status as a rising global pop artist.

Singing Style:

Sivan’s sound blends synth-pop, indie pop, and electronic, marked by introspective lyrics that explore themes like identity, love, and queer experience. His soft yet expressive vocals and sleek production define his artistic voice.

Recent Work:

In 2024, Sivan featured on Charli XCX’s remix album Brat and It’s Completely Different but Also Still Brat, reaffirming his status in contemporary pop. He also conducted a concert tour named Something to Give Each Other Tour, which gained positive reviews from critics.

6: Nick Cave

Date of Birth: September 22, 1957, Warracknabeal, Australia

Best Songs:

• Jubilee Street
• Red Right Hand
• The Weeping Song
• Nobody’s Baby Now

Accolades:

• ARIA Music Awards
• APRA Music Awards
• EG Awards / Music Victoria Awards
• Inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame

Career Journey:

Nick Cave began his career in the post-punk band The Birthday Party, later forming Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, where he honed his dark, lyrical storytelling and emotionally intense music. Over the decades, he has become a global icon of alternative music and poetic songwriting.

Breakthrough:

Cave gained international recognition with Red Right Hand (1994), a haunting track that found renewed popularity through shows like Peaky Blinders. This song exemplifies his gothic sound and narrative depth.

Singing Style:

Cave’s music fuses rock, post-punk, garage rock, and classical influences. His deep baritone, theatrical presence, and poetic lyrics explore themes of love, death, faith, and myth, making his work emotionally and intellectually rich.

Recent Work:

In 2024, Cave voiced Bill Clarke in the stop-motion film Memoir of a Snail, extending his artistic expression into cinema. His ongoing influence across music, literature, and film cements his legacy as one of the most profound and acclaimed Australian male singers ever.

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5: Vance Joy

Date of Birth: December 1, 1987, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Best Songs:

• Riptide
• Mess Is Mine
• Georgia
• Saturday Sun
• Missing Piece

Accolades:

• AIR Awards
• APRA Music Awards
• ARIA Music Awards
• ASCAP Pop Music Awards

Career Journey:

Vance Joy, born James Gabriel Keogh, transitioned from aspiring footballer to internationally recognized singer-songwriter. His career began in the early 2010s, driven by a distinctive indie folk-pop sound.

Breakthrough:

His global breakthrough came with Riptide (2013), a ukulele-driven anthem that topped charts and became a modern indie classic. It launched his debut album, Dream Your Life Away (2014), and established his place in the global music scene.

Singing Style:

Joy’s sound blends indie folk and pop, marked by gentle melodies and introspective lyrics.

Recent Work:

With In Our Own Sweet Time (2022), Joy continued to refine his heartfelt storytelling and melodic sensibility. In 2023, he collaborated with Noah Cyrus for the single Everybody Needs Someone, securing his place as one of Australia’s most beloved contemporary male singers.

4: Jimmy Barnes

Date of Birth: April 28, 1956, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Best Songs:

• Working Class Man
• Driving Wheels
• No Second Prize
• Good Times
• Lay Down Your Guns

Accolades:

• APRA Awards
• ARIA Awards
• Country Music Awards of Australia

Career Journey:

Jimmy Barnes began his music career as the frontman of Cold Chisel, rising to fame in the late 1970s. After the band’s initial split, he launched a hugely successful solo career that made him a pillar of Australian rock music.

Breakthrough:

In 1984, Barnes released his first solo album, Bodyswerve (1984), which debuted at number one on the Australian charts.

Singing Style:

Known for his gritty, soul-infused rock vocals, Barnes blends hard rock, blues, and soul, often singing about working-class struggles, resilience, and family. His emotionally charged delivery has become a defining feature of Australian rock.

Recent Work:

In 2025, Barnes released his 21st studio album, Defiant, reaffirming his enduring passion and relevance in the music scene. He remains one of the most influential Australian male singers with numerous platinum records and iconic live performances.

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3: John Farnham

Date of Birth: July 1, 1949, Dagenham, Essex, England, UK

Best Songs:

• You’re the Voice
• Pressure Down
• Age of Reason
• Two Strong Hearts

Accolades:

• ARIA Awards
• 1987 Australian of the Year
• Officer of the Order of Australia

Career Journey:

John Farnham’s music career spans over six decades, beginning as a teen pop idol in the 1960s before evolving into one of Australia’s most revered vocalists. He replaced Glenn Shorrock as lead singer of Little River Band (1982 – 1985), which marked a successful musical path.

Breakthrough:

His defining moment came with You’re the Voice (1986) from the album Whispering Jack, which became Australia’s highest-selling album and solidified his status as a national icon.

Singing Style:

Farnham is celebrated for his powerful tenor voice and emotional depth, seamlessly blending pop rock, adult contemporary, soul, and R&B.

Recent Work:

In 2024, Farnham published his memoir The Voice Inside (with Poppy Stockell), offering insights into his career triumphs, personal battles, and fight against mouth cancer.

2: Guy Sebastian

Date of Birth: October 26, 1981, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia

Best Songs:

• Battle Scars
• Choir
• Before I Go
• Angels Brought Me Here
• Like a Drum

Accolades:

• ARIA Award (Nominated)
• APRA Urban Work of the Year

Career Journey:

Guy Sebastian rose to fame after winning the first season of Australian Idol in 2003, launching a successful music career marked by ten top-ten albums and a consistent presence in Australia’s pop and R&B scene.

Breakthrough:

His debut single, Angels Brought Me Here (2003), topped charts and became the highest-selling single of the decade in Australia, establishing him as a household name in the music industry.

Singing Style:

Sebastian is known for his smooth, soulful voice and ability to blend pop, R&B, and gospel influences. His music often explores love, resilience, and personal growth, backed by strong vocal performances. He has given some of the best romantic songs of all time.

Recent Work:

He appeared as a judge in The X Factor (2010 – 2012), further enhancing his presence in the music industry. In 2025, he released the single Maybe and continued to shape Australia’s musical landscape.

1: Keith Urban

Date of Birth: October 26, 1967, Whangārei, Northland, New Zealand

Best Songs:

• You Gonna Fly
• The Fighter
• Somewhere In My Car
• Soul Food
• Tonight I Wanna Cry

Accolades:

• Grammy Awards
• Academy of Country Music Awards
• CMA Awards
• ARIA Music Awards

Career Journey:

Keith Urban, a New Zealand-born Australian singer, became a key figure in modern country music. In 1990, Urban signed with EMI in Australia and released his self-titled debut album, which charted at number 98 in Australia.

Breakthrough:

In 1997, he formed The Ranch, a band that recorded one studio album on Capitol Nashville and achieved two US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart singles. His songs But for the Grace of God (2000) and Somebody Like You (2002) further earned him a reputation in the music industry.

Singing Style:

Urban is known for his signature fusion of country, pop, and rock, complemented by emotive lyrics and expert guitar skills. His music blends mainstream appeal with the storytelling roots of country.

Recent Work:

In 2024, Urban released his twelfth studio album, High, exploring themes of hope, presence, and human connection. With collaborations ranging from Dolly Parton to Pink, he remains one of the most recognized Australian male singers.

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