Discovered at 14 years of age and catapulting to international success, at 29 Melbourne born Vanessa Amorosi is regarded among Australia\'s most talented vocalists with in excess of 2 million records sold worldwide.

Vanessaâ\'s rapid rise and ongoing spectacular career has seen many highlights including performing at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and the Manchester Commonwealth Games, to touring Europe with Joe Cocker and collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, while collecting a swag of awards both within Australia and Internationally along the way.

Vanessa\'s latest ARIA Top 10 album, Hazardous has been awarded gold status in Australia with album singles including \"This Is Who I Am\", \'Hazardous\' and Mr Mysterious\". Her first released single from the double platinum album, \"This Is Who I Am\" debuted at number 1 and retained pole position for seven weeks. A feat not achieved since Kylie Minogue in 2007.

2010 continues on as a big year as this November, Vanessa is among the nominees for the $30,000 Outstanding Musicians Award as part of the Melbourne Prize for Music Awards 2010, which recognises the recent work of a Victorian professional musician, or group of musicians, as an outstanding example of creativity and skill. The Outstanding Musicians Award 2010 is supported by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch A.C. D.B.E.

At over $100,000 in total, the Melbourne Prize for Music 2010 and awards are some of the most valuable prizes of their kind in Australia and runs in a three-year cycle, which includes the Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture (2011), the Melbourne Prize for Literature (2012) and the Melbourne Prize for Music 2010 (next in 2013).

With winners announced on November 10, 3008 had the great privilege to find out more about Vanessa, her career to date and what it means as a Melburnian, to be nominated for this prestigious Melbourne Prize for Music Award.

You have had a lengthy music career for someone so young, when did you
get started and when did you know music was your future?

Yes, I have been very fortunate to have a long standing career. For as long as I can remember I have been singing. Both my parents were in music so I guess I was born into it. I was signed at the age of 14 so my career started very early.

What has the road been like in the Australian music industry to reach this point where you are nominated as a finalist for the Outstanding Musicians Award and in achieving the success you have to date here and internationally?

The road has been amazing; from when I was signed at 14 it really escalated from there. It has been an amazing experience and learning curve. From singing in front of millions at the Olympics to now releasing my latest album, Hazardous, and the album being so well received, has been
an incredibly humbling experience. I think the Australian market is so different to any other market in the world, you really learn your craft here on the road and without the ego.

What does being chosen as a finalist for the Outstanding Musicians Award
2010 represent to you personally?

It is truly an honour to be nominated, Melbourne is such a great city for live music, it is great to be part of the Australian Music scene, but also the Melbourne music scene.

Do you already have plans for the $30,000 prize money if you win?

I would really like to reinvest this money into my career as I am determined to take Australian music to the world.

You have worked with some great artists, mixers and producers including Joe Cocker, Rob Thomas, Mary J Blige, Chris Lord-Alge and the list just goes on, who has had the most inspirational affect on you as a musician and why?

Yes, having worked with the like of Brian Adam, Joe Cocker, Rob Thomas, Hoobastank, Mary J Blige and Savage Garden makes me feel like a young
veteran. I have learned so much from all these artists and the most important thing is that I have never stopped learning. I have also taken a bit from all these artists and musicians on how to stay in the business.... and to respect it.

Your music and style seems to be more open-minded and edgier in recent times, what do you attribute this to?

Honesty..... I felt that if I was honest with my music and songs that this would relate to the public... and it did. I am so blessed to have been accepted by my fans again and the industry with this album.

What do you feel it is about your music that resonates so strongly with audiences, you haven\'t left the spotlight since you first walked into it?

I think the audiences recognise that I am an artist that came through the business the old fashioned way, in the sense that I was a live performer
firstly and then a recording artist. I have really worked hard to become a better live performer and recording artist.

For the thousands of hopefuls out there, what does it take to make it as a finalist for a Melbourne Prize for Music accolade, and to be regarded as a musician that has made it?

I think that artists and musicians need to recognise that there is no fast track
to success or becoming a great artist or musician. It\'s about continuous hard work and determination and staying true to yourself.

A free public exhibition of all finalists will be held in the Atrium at Federation Square, The Melbourne Prize Trust\'s exhibition and event partner,
between 8 and 22 November 2010. Award recipients will be announced
on www.melbourneprizetrust.org on 10 November.
The Melbourne Prize for Music 2010 is supported by the State Government through Arts Victoria, and the City of Melbourne. The Melbourne
Prize Trust is an initiative of the Committee for Melbourne. Visit
www.melbourneprizetrust.org to
view the 2010 partners and patrons.