Cultural Diversity Roster

Sophie Monk is an English-born Australian singer, model and actress. Monk was a member of the girl group Bardot and released a solo album called Calendar Girl. She has appeared in films such as “Date Movie,” “Click” and “Spring Breakdown.”

Monk’s professional music career began in 1999 when she responded to an advertisement at the recommendation of her mother, which requested girls with vocal and dance experience. The advertisement was for an Australian reality television series, “Popstars,” a TV talent show that aimed to create a successful new girl group. In one audition, she performed a rendition of Marilyn Monroe’s famous “Happy Birthday, Mr. President,” working on her previous experience as a Monroe impersonator at Warner Bros. Movie World. After numerous rounds of singing and dancing workshops, Monk was selected as a member of the group, which was named Bardot.

Bardot became the first Australian act to debut at the No. 1 position with both its debut single, “Poison,” and self-titled debut album. Further singles “I Should’ve Never Let You Go” and “These Days” followed and in August, the group embarked on its first national tour. Bardot performed at the 2000 ARIA Awards at which they were nominated in three categories. In July 2001, the group released “ASAP,” the first single from their second album. The single peaked Top 5, as did follow-up single, “I Need Somebody,” their most successful single since “Poison.” The second album, Play It Like That debuted at No. 16, achieving gold status. Monk co-wrote the album track “Feel Right” with bandmate Sally Polihronas. In 2002, final single, “Love Will Find A Way” completed Bardot’s string of consecutive Top 20 hits and the group embarked on its second national tour. In May, the group disbanded.

In 2002, Monk signed a recording contract with Warner Music Australia and started working on a solo album. The first single “Inside Outside” was released in October 2002 and was produced by Grammy Award-winning music producer Rob Davis. Monk performed the song at the 2002 The Footy Show Grand Finale to promote the single. The track peaked at No. 5 on the ARIA Singles Chart and went on to sell over 35,000 copies worldwide. Her next single, “Get the Music On,” peaked at No. 10 on the ARIA Singles Chart.

In June 2007, Monk recorded a cover of “Push It” by Hip-Hop trio Salt-n-Pepa. The cover was recorded to promote Biofit Bra by Pleasure State which she is a spokeswoman for and was produced by her then-boyfriend Benji Madden. Monk performed the song at a Biofit Bra launch in Catalina, Rose Bay.

Monk co-hosted the 2DayFM Breakfast Show in Sydney with Merrick Watts, Jules Lund and Mel B replacing the Kyle and Jackie O Show.

In 2004, Monk made her acting debut in a bit role on the Nine Network made-for-television film “The Mystery of Natalie Wood” portraying the role of Marilyn Monroe. That same year, Monk appeared in the music video “Always” by pop punk band Blink-182. Monk has had small roles in films such as “Click,” “Murder World” and “Spring Break ’83.”