Charley (singer)

This article is about the singer known professionally as Charley. For the character on Oz, see Oz (TV series) § Main cast.

Charley
Born
Claire Howell

Gold Coast, Australia[1]
OriginGold Coast, Australia, Australia
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instrument
  • Vocals
Years active2016–present
Label
Websitewww.emimusic.com.au/charley/

Claire Howell (born 16 September 1997), professionally known as Charley, is a Sydney-based, Australian singer and songwriter.[1][2][3] She is best known for entering The Voice Australia in 2016 and 2017 and for winning the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition Unpublished Australasian Songwriter Award/ Emerging Songwriter Prize in 2022 and 2024.[4]

Early life

Howell grew up in a musical family on the Gold Coast, Australia.[1]

Career

The Voice

In 2016, Howell auditioned for season five of The Voice Australia, and chose to sing coach Jessie J's "Who You Are" in her blind audition, where she received a four chair turn and joined team Jessie J. She was defeated in the first of the Battle rounds.[1]

In 2017, Howell returned for season six of The Voice Australia and sang coach Seal's "Crazy" for her blind audition. After another four chair turn, Howell coach team Delta Goodrem and made it to the last of the live shows before being eliminated in 9th or 10th place.[1]

Following The Voice, Howell relocated to Sydney and was signed to EMI Music Australia in 2020 changing her performing name to Charley.[1]

2021-present

On 5 March 2021, Charley release for her debut single, "Hard for Me".[5]

In 2022, Charley entered "I Suck At Being Lonely" into Eurovision – Australia Decides with the intend to represent Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest.[6] She came 4th out of 11 contestants.

She won the Emerging Songwriter Prize at the 2022 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition saying, "I'm so stoked to have won this award – this song means so much to me as it's my first queer song and having had so much support from my fans and music community/industry after coming out means the world. This song came from such a sad moment in my life so having some type of reward for it is very bittersweet. Thank you so so much."[7]

Charley's debut EP, Timebombs was released on 23 June 2023.[2] At the 2023 ARIA Music Awards, the EP was nominated for Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist.[8][3]

In January 2026, Charley announced the forthcoming release of debut album The Chronicles of a Serial Idealist.[9] Upon announcement, Charley said, "This album captures some of the most defining moments of my life so far, and releasing it feels equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. Where Timebombs came from, trying to hold things together as they fell apart, this record is about finding hope in the mess - being honest, reflective, and learning to let go."[9]

Discography

Albums

List of album, with selected details
Title Details
The Chronicles of a Serial Idealist
  • Released: 17 April 2026[9]
  • Format: digital, CD
  • Label: EMI, UMA

Extended plays

List of EPs, with selected details
Title Details
Timebombs
  • Released: 23 June 2024
  • Format: digital
  • Label: EMI, UMA

Awards and nominations

ARIA Awards

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual award ceremony event celebrating the Australian music industry.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2023 Timebombs Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist Nominated [8]

Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition

The Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition is an annual competition that "acknowledges great songwriting whilst supporting and raising money for Nordoff-Robbins" and is coordinated by Albert Music and APRA AMCOS. It commenced in 2009.[10]

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 "Worst Taste in Girls"
(co-written with Anthony Egizii and David Musumeci) 		Emerging Songwriter Prize Won [7]
2024 "Timebomb"
(co-written with Anton Engdahl and Kristin Carpenter) 		Unpublished Australasian Songwriter Award Won [4]
2025 "Man On the Moon"
(co-written with Ned Houston and Harry Charles) 		Emerging Global Songwriter Awards Finalist [11]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Australia Decides 2022: Getting to know Charley". Aussievision. 24 December 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
  2. ^ a b "Australian Singer, Charley, On Why Music Is Her Source of Empowerment". Marie Claire. 1 June 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
  3. ^ a b "Charley". cairns crocodiles. 2026. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
  4. ^ a b "Winners of the 2024 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition announced!". Alberts. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
  5. ^ "New talent Charley arrives with debut single "Hard for Me"". Women in Pop. 5 March 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
  6. ^ "Australia Decides 2022: Charley releases her entry "I Suck At Being Lonely"". Aussievision. 10 February 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
  7. ^ a b "King Stingray wins 2022 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Comp". APRA AMCOS. June 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
  8. ^ a b "Nominees Announced for 2023 ARIA Awards". Music Feeds. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  9. ^ a b c Mary Varvaris (30 January 2026). "Charley Announces Debut Album The Chronicles of a Serial Idealist". The Music (magazine). Retrieved 6 February 2026.
  10. ^ "About the Vanda Young Global Song Writing Competition". APRA AMCOS. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
  11. ^ "Australian songwriters take top honours at the 2025 Vanda & Young Global Song Comp". Alberts. January 2026. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
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