The multi-award-winning Australian artist sings like an angel and swears like a trooper – but she draws the line at karaoke. The things we learn...

What is your greatest strength?

Perhaps it’s my honesty. I struggle to be a part of anything I don’t believe in.

What is your great weakness?

In the past my weakness has been trying to please everybody. But as life transpires, I’ve now come to realise that pleasing everyone is absolutely impossible.

What scares you?

Where life is heading, to be honest. When I was growing up, the future was something to really look forward to. I think now the simplicity of everyday living has been lost and the modern world is becoming more and more complicated, when technology was meant to make things easier! I feel in some ways that it’s making us increasingly disconnected from one another.

What’s your favourite karaoke song?

I’m not a karaoke person, I’m afraid– though I could be tempted after a few drinks!

What virtue do you admire most in people?

Honesty, come what may.

If you could do any other job, what would it be?

It would be something to do with food, diplomacy or interior design.

What’s one thing about you that would surprise people?

I’m extremely houseproud. My home is my sanctuary and it’s always clean and tidy. I also love to cook for my family and friends.

What’s your idea of absolute happiness?

Being with my family.

If you could have dinner with two famous people, who would you choose?

Stephen Fry and Barry Humphries.

What travel experiences are on your bucket list?

Vietnam has been on my hit list for some time. And Argentina – I’ve travelled a lot but have never made it to Buenos Aires.

What’s your most treasured possession?

My 33-year-old Yamaha piano and my Jos Myers paintings – I’m lucky to have a few of them.

How do you switch off?

At the moment, I’m watching the TV series Nashville. It’s got me hook, line and sinker.

If you could turn back time, what would you change in your life?

I wouldn’t change anything – I don’t think you’re meant to.

What is your greatest achievement?

My son Gabriel, my angel.

Who is your personal hero?

My partner of 15 years, Vincent Mancini.

What is the most Australian thing about you?

Apparently, I swear like a trooper!

Where would we find you at a party?

Most likely in some dark corner, surrounded by colourful characters, exchanging stories and hopefully laughing my head off.

If you were an animal, what would it be?

A cat, providing it has the nine lives it’s supposed to have!

What would you spend your last $20 on?

A plate of pasta.

How would you like to be remembered?

For some strange reason, a “good woman” springs to mind.  

Tina Arena’s new album, Eleven, is out now. She is being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame at the ARIA Awards on November 26.

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