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Former Australian Idol star Kate DeAraugo explains how winning the show fuelled her drug addiction

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In simpler terms, Kate DeAraugo, who won Australian Idol‘s third season, has shared insights on how the victory in this long-running reality show’s music competition contributed to her struggle with drug abuse, both supporting and exacerbating it.

2005’s Australian Idol champion, now 39 years old, hit rock bottom in 2017 when she admitted guilt for holding crystal meth, driving under the influence of drugs, and violating weapons laws.

Instead of being convicted, the celebrity received a community corrections order and has been diligently working towards self-reformation and changing her lifestyle for the better ever since.

I’ve been substance-free for an impressive seven years now, having successfully overcome my battle against a highly addictive drug. Today, I choose to share my journey openly in hopes of providing support and guidance to those grappling with addiction.

The singer mentioned on TikTok that while Australian Idol victory didn’t directly cause my drug addiction, it likely provided me with the resources to use drugs more extensively and develop a stronger habit faster than I would have if I were just an ordinary 18-year-old engaging in typical activities.

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‘But do I blame them for my addiction?’ Kate asked rhetorically in the video posted on Saturday. 

‘I can’t. I was an addict way before any of that,’ she said. 

From her childhood, the celebrity born in Bendigo openly confessed that she had involved herself extensively in numerous harmful and chaotic behaviors.

‘Starting with food,’ she said. 

In my zealous fandom, I’d like to share a personal struggle that resonates deeply with me – Kate’s battle against binge eating during her high school years. It’s a story that touches my heart and serves as an inspiration.

In 2023, I took to the airwaves of my podcast “Why Do I Feel This Way?” and shared a deeply personal story. From the tender age of five, I found myself grappling with binge eating.

That was the initial method I used to manage those overwhelming emotions and feelings of discomfort with my body.

Kate was the third ever winner of Australian Idol. 

Kate said that she ‘wasn’t introduced to drugs properly until after the show happened.’ 

It was there that my addiction really gained momentum, yet I strongly feel that it would have developed regardless,” she asserted.

Instead of pointing fingers at Australian Idol or the music industry for my addiction, I can’t honestly say they are the cause, as I don’t genuinely think that is accurate.

Following her victory on Idol, Kate secured a recording contract with Sony BMG and unveiled her first single “Maybe Tonight” in November 2005.

The song first entered the ARIA charts at the top position and was certified platinum, just like the artist’s initial album, titled “A Place I’ve Never Been,” also achieved this milestone.

After that, she became a member of the successful Australian girl band The Young Divas, which included former Idol contestants Ricki-Lee Coulter, Paulini, Emily Williams, and Jessica Mauboy. However, they parted ways in 2008.

In her video, Kate clarified that contrary to certain assumptions, she does not hold anyone accountable for anything.

She mentioned during an episode of Shannon Noll’s Idol Talking podcast in 2023 that it had been five years since she last used substances and was celebrating her sobriety.

Kate stated, “Addiction is something that needs to be discussed more openly, and I believe our nation still lacks adequate knowledge on the subject.

My path in life took an unexpected turn, leading me to experience things and visit places I hadn’t planned for or desired. However, it was simply the direction my journey unfolded as life guided me along the way.

After reflecting on the past events, acknowledging the need to pause, scrutinize oneself, and accept accountability for personal life choices was undoubtedly the toughest and scariest challenge I’ve faced so far, she remarked.

One day, Kate got a surprising look at herself in a mirror, which made her realize that changes were necessary in her life.

‘I was painfully thin, my appearance was disfigured, and I felt incredibly lonely. When I looked in the mirror, I wondered who I was. Somehow, I had a sudden clarity or perhaps a guiding force that told me… if things didn’t improve, I wouldn’t survive.’

After phoning her mother, she was picked up and taken back home. Exactly a month afterwards, she made her final use of drugs and has since remained drug-free for over seven years.

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2025-06-24 11:21

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