Hi-5 has been nominated for the 2002 ARIA award for best Children's Album. The team, made up of Kellie Hoggart, Tim Harding, Kathleen de Leon, Charli Robinson and Nathan Foley, won the award in 2000 and 2001. Kellie, 28, tells Stuff that her three years performing with the troup has been a blast.
How did you get involved with Hi-5? There was an audition process through my agent and there was a "recall" of about 30 people. More than 300 people auditioned in Sydney. I have never been to a recall that went all day. They picked the five in our group (which became Hi-5). We harmonized really well together. That was in 1998.
What is the best part of working in Hi-5? The fact that we can do everything (such as performing live, or on television). You couldn't pick a better job if you can sing, dance and act. And Chris Harriot, our music composer, is fantastic.
Describe your first public performance? It was when I was 17 and I was in Teen Queens (a band). We had to do a shopping centre performance. I was worried what would happen and whether the microphone would cut out, that sort of thing. Even when I was doing our first film clip, I forgot to sing.
Who were the Teen Queens? A band put together by Forest Redlich, producer of E Street (television series). He was the director of Westside Music. They came up with the concept of Teen Queens, which was a television show. We did a pilot and single to promote the show, set in the 1970's.
What were you like as a child? I was a mummy's and daddy's girl. I like to be alone and when we went out I used to be hanging on to mum. I was also very sporty. I was one of those children who spoke only when spoken to.
You're a drummer. Did you annoy the neighbours? I think I annoyed my parents. I started in year three and got to a pretty good standard. My mum said, "You have got a year to stay with it and then I'll get you some drums." She said, "Why can't you just play the piano?"
What does it take to be a good drummer? Practice in holding the sticks correctly, timing and co-ordination. It's not as easy as it looks.
If you could be an animal, what would you be? A dog because they love their owners. They just get fed and well looked after.
What makes you angry? Racism and lies, or someone speaking about something when they don't know the whole story.
