Katie Underwood (born 23 December 1975) is an Australian dance music artist who rose to fame in 2000 as a member of Bardot, winners of the original Popstars reality show.
In February 1999, 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, Underwood began working with singer/songwriter Charlie Rooke (formerly of The Sharp) 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 all girl pop group, Bardot. The group achieved instant success with the #1 hit “Poison” and its #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 but in early 2001 decided to leave the group in pursuit of a role in the production of Hair. Unfortunately for Underwood, the production fell through due to financial problems, and her career subsquently plumetted. Underwood later spoke of the deep depression she fell into as a result of what most people thought was a foolish career decision. She subsquently 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 television series Undercover Angels, a reality 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 #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. In 2007 Underwood starred in and produced a burlesque musical ‘Dark Angels’ (www.darkangels.com.au) - which also starred magician Cath Jamieson and featured burlesque performers Kelly Ann Doll and Erin Walsh. Aspects of this show were then adapted for these three to work with Underwood again in the 2008 Comedy Festival show ‘Dolls, Doves and a Diva’.
2009 has already been a busy year for Underwood. She reunited with Bardot compatriot Tiffani Wood for the musical ‘Valentino’ (about Rudolph Valentino), which also starred Normie Rowe. Underwood was asked to contribute to a CD aimed at raising money for the Bush Fire Appeal following the horrific Black Saturday fires in Victoria. Her contribution, ‘Every Moment’, is a jazz number - reflecting her return to her musical roots. Teaming up with the Matt Dwyer Trio, Underwood headlined a show ‘Swing Both Ways’ at Pricilla’s in South Yarra, which ran from April until July.