Katie Underwood is an Australian singer-songwriter, best known for being a member of Bardot, winners of the first Australian series of Popstars in 2000. Since departing the group in 2001, her solo career has included numerous vocal appearances on dance tracks such as the Disco Montego Top 10 single "Beautiful", and dance act T-Funk single "Be Together".
In February 1999 in London, Underwood recorded a dance track with UK trance act Terra Ferma, releasing her first single "Don't Be Afraid" through Platipus Records in the UK. She also recorded three more tracks which were included on the Terra Ferma album, released in early 2000. After returning from the UK to Melbourne, Underwood began working with singer/songwriter Charlie Rooke and they formed a jazz-swing band called Corduroy Lounge. In October 1999, she auditioned for the TV show Popstars, making it through to the final five. As a result, she was selected to join the girl group Bardot. The group achieved instant success with the No. 1 hit "Poison" and its No. 1 debut album, headlined its own national tour and performed at the 2000 ARIA Awards in which it was nominated for three awards. Underwood travelled to New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and the UK, promoting with Bardot. In early 2001 she decided to leave the group in pursuit of a role in the Harry M. Miller's production of Hair. Unfortunately for Underwood, the production fell through due to financial problems. Underwood later spoke of the deep depression she fell into as a result of what most people thought was a foolish career decision, despite the fact that Bardot's commercial success after her departure was muted. She subsequently turned the tables and made a successful comeback, earning respect from entertainment critics for her resilience. Focusing on her passion for the clubbing scene and dance music, Underwood returned to the spotlight in May 2002, collaborating with Australian dance duo Disco Montego, resulting in the Top 10 ARIA hit "Beautiful" and its follow-up "Magic". At this time, she also appeared on the series Undercover Angels, a reality TV show which aimed to give a helping hand to people in need. She released her first solo single "Danger" in September 2003 which peaked at No. 33 on the singles chart and took a two-year break in which no music was released. In June 2006, Underwood re-emerged with dance act T-Funk on the track "Be Together", topping the ARIA Club charts for five consecutive weeks. It peaked at No. 31 on the mainstream singles chart. The music video of this track directed by Bangladeshi born Australian director Zayed Rizwan AKA Silk was nominated in the best music video category in Aria Awards 2007. In November 2009, Underwood self-released her debut studio album called Ain’t Nobody’s Baby According to Sunshine Coast Daily, she makes rare musical appearances in Melbourne.
Acting career
In 2007 Underwood confirmed her plans to star in a new musical called Dark Angels, based on the story of a bisexual burlesque star, and a lesbian film called Submerge. She said she would have no problem with the leading roles because of her own lesbian experimentation. Dark Angels played in Melbourne during 2007. Submerge, directed by Sophie O'Connor, was due to be shot in January 2009. In 2009 Underwood toured in a new musical, David Tydd's Valentino, with fellow Bardot member Tiffani Wood, and Normie Rowe.
