A powerful night of music and storytelling, Casey Donovan’s This Is Me Tour 2026 at The Cube Campbelltown showcases two decades of artistry in a moving live performance.
A Powerful Night At The Cube
The evening of April 18th 2026 at The Cube in Campbelltown was nothing short of extraordinary.
Casey Donovan, an absolute national treasure and proud Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti First Nations artist, delivered a performance that was as expansive as it was deeply personal, weaving together music, storytelling and lived experience with remarkable ease.
From the first note, it was clear this was a fully realised concert experience. One that celebrated over two decades of artistry while remaining fresh, current, and completely alive.
A Voice That Commands The Room
Her voice, as always, was the undeniable centrepiece. Effortless yet powerful, Donovan moved seamlessly through a varied repertoire spanning soul, pop and musical theatre.
Her delivery was technically masterful and emotionally grounded. Each lyric felt intentional and each phrase connected. Between songs, her stories unfolded with warmth, humour and vulnerability. She was wonderful, funny, powerful, inspiring, and at times deeply raw, creating a genuine connection that carried through the entire evening.
The audience hung on every word. There was a palpable stillness in the room, the kind that only happens when something special truly resonates. By the end of the night, that connection culminated in a rousing standing ovation, completely deserved after a show that was sensational from beginning to end.
Musical Highlights Throughout The Night
There were many musical highlights. Her rendition of Both Sides Now was breathtaking, a stripped back piano and vocal performance accompanied magnificently by Michael Tan. Intimate and refined, it allowed every nuance of her voice to shine.
The second set opened with Where Is My Husband!, a playful yet commanding shift that showcased her vocal agility and theatrical instincts.
The massive song, “Proud,” written by Australian maestro John Foreman, and Sydney songstress Justine Eltakchi, performed by Donavan for Eurovision in 2020, raised the roof of the auditorium.
And for many, the nostalgia of her Australian Idol winning single Listen With Your Heart, was deeply moving, bringing the audience full circle through her journey.
The Stories Behind The Songs
That journey was woven beautifully into the show. Donovan shared how her stepfather encouraged her to audition for Australian Idol, an idea she initially resisted, before stepping into the moment that would change her life.
She also spoke with striking honesty about a painful six year catfishing experience, handled with a grace that deepened the audience’s connection to her. Alongside this, she shared her hopes of starting a family, offering a glimpse into the next chapter of her life beyond the stage.
These moments gave even greater weight to her outstanding career in musical theatre, where she has captivated audiences in productions such as The Sapphires, We Will Rock You, Chicago, 9 to 5, and & Juliet. Her ability to move between concert stage, theatre, and personal storytelling is part of what makes this show, and Donovan, so compelling.
A Moment Of Quiet Truth
One of the most quietly powerful moments came towards the end when she said to the audience, “I hope you find love.”
It landed with complete authenticity. No performance, no façade, just something real. In a show filled with vocal brilliance, it was this sincerity that lingered.
Another standout in the second set was the live performance of her new single, One More Dance. Building from an intimate opening into a soaring, emotionally charged chorus, it speaks to resilience, heartbreak and hope, and translates beautifully in a live setting.
A Band Of Exceptional Musicians
Backing her was a band of exceptional calibre. Ralph Marshall on bass, Michael Tan on keys, Daniel Walsh on guitar, and Chris Travaglini on drums.
Her band are premium, and Chris even surprised the audience by playing saxophone at one point.
One of my favourite things in the world is watching my beloved friends shining in their gifts. I have worked extensively with both Ralph and Michael in live and recording settings, and watching them support Casey so beautifully was genuinely the cherry on top of a fantastic night for me.
Their exquisite musicality and sensitivity elevated everything. They truly were the sun, moon and stars.
Equally worth noting was the impeccable front of house sound. Under the direction of Nick Brown of GNB Productions, the mix was pristine. Clean, balanced, and consistently vocal forward. At no point were the vocals lost. They were always full and present, allowing every detail of Donovan’s performance to be fully experienced.
As a singer myself, hearing the fantastic vocal sound, and the stunning level of clarity, was deeply appreciated.
An Artist At A New Level
This performance forms part of her expansive This Is Me national tour, with over 50 dates across Australia, many already sold out. It is a culmination of a 21 year career, blending iconic moments from her time as the youngest ever winner of Australian Idol, with highlights from stage and screen.
Sharing the night with my friends who also genuinely appreciate and love music and great vocals only amplified the experience. We had the best time.
There is something rare about a show that balances polish with heart, scale with intimacy, and technical brilliance with emotional connection.
With This Is Me, Casey Donovan has created more than a concert. She has created an experience.
Her generosity of spirit and commitment to her craft remind us just how fortunate we are to have an artist of this calibre in Australia. I have heard Donovan live a number of times, always exceptional, yet the maturity and confidence on display last night revealed an artist at a new level. An undeniable authority that was a privilege to witness.
She reminds us of the power of music to connect, to heal and to bring people together in a way that few things can.
Photos by: Paul Dear