NATALIE BASSINGTHWAIGHTE

Natalie Bassingthwaighte is an Australian singer, actress, television presenter, and entertainer who has enjoyed success across music, television, theatre, and film. Best known as the former lead singer of the electro-pop band Rogue Traders and for her role as Izzy Hoyland on Neighbours, Natalie has become one of Australia’s most versatile performers.

Music Career and Rogue Traders

Natalie Bassingthwaighte had considered a music career for many years and was previously a member of an R&B group before focusing on other opportunities. In 2004, she began working on her own music and was recruited as the lead singer of Australian electro-pop band Rogue Traders.

The band, founded by James Ash and Steve Davis, had already released a debut album before searching for a permanent vocalist. After auditioning with the song Voodoo Child, Natalie secured the role as the band’s frontwoman.

In 2005, Rogue Traders released Voodoo Child, which became a major hit in Australia and internationally. The single reached the Top 10 in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom and earned the MTV Australia Award for Best Dance Video.

Subsequent hits including Way to Go! and Watching You also achieved strong chart success. Later that year, the band’s album Here Come the Drums reached number two on the ARIA Albums Chart and achieved four-times platinum certification.

Success with Rogue Traders

In 2007, Rogue Traders released their third studio album, Better in the Dark. The album featured successful singles including:

Don’t You Wanna Feel
I Never Liked You
What You’re On

Natalie contributed as a songwriter on several tracks, showcasing her growing talent as both a performer and composer.

After several successful years with Rogue Traders, Natalie Bassingthwaighte left the band in 2008 to focus on her solo music career.

Solo Music Career

Natalie’s debut solo album, 1000 Stars, was released in 2009 and debuted at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart.

The album produced several successful singles, including:

Alive
Someday Soon
1000 Stars
Not For You
Love Like This

Both Alive and Someday Soon achieved platinum certification and became Top 10 hits in Australia.

As a songwriter, Natalie co-wrote several tracks on the album, further establishing herself as a respected artist within the Australian music industry.

Theatre and Live Performances

In 2011, Natalie returned to the stage, performing at the iconic Sydney Opera House in the production Love, Loss and What I Wore.

The production highlighted her talents beyond music and television and allowed audiences to see her versatility as a live performer and actress.

Charity and Community Work

Natalie Bassingthwaighte has also supported numerous charitable causes throughout her career.

She participated in fundraising projects including the charity single This Woman’s Work, recorded to raise awareness and funds for children affected by Sanfilippo syndrome.

Her involvement in charitable initiatives reflects her commitment to supporting important community causes.

Television Career

Natalie’s acting career began in television during the late 1990s with guest appearances on Australian dramas.

Neighbours

Natalie Bassingthwaighte achieved national fame through her role as Izzy Hoyland on the long-running Australian television series Neighbours.

She appeared on the show from 2003 to 2006 and quickly became one of its most popular characters.

Her performance earned nominations for:

Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality
Silver Logie Award for Most Popular Actress

She later returned to reprise the role and appeared in the Neighbours 30th anniversary special.

Television Presenting

In 2008, Natalie expanded her television career by becoming the host of So You Think You Can Dance Australia.

Her work as a presenter earned critical acclaim and multiple Logie Award nominations, including recognition as one of Australia’s most popular television personalities.

The X Factor

Natalie joined The X Factor Australia in 2011 as a judge and mentor.

Her industry experience and musical expertise made her a valuable addition to the judging panel, and she remained with the program for multiple seasons.

She also served as a judge on The X Factor New Zealand.

Acting Roles

Beyond Neighbours, Natalie has appeared in a variety of television productions, including:

Underbelly: The Golden Mile
Brock
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia

Her performances have demonstrated her versatility across drama, reality television, and entertainment programming.

Film Career

Natalie Bassingthwaighte has also appeared in several film productions throughout her career.

Her film credits include:

Counterstrike
When Darkness Falls
Prey (released internationally as The Outback)

These projects allowed her to further expand her acting credentials and showcase her talent on the big screen.