The Girl in the Band: Belinda Chapple in-conversation

This is the story Bardot’s Belinda Chapple has wanted to tell for twenty years – a cautionary tale of exploitation and heartbreak.  

In 2000, millions of Australians tuned in to watch Popstars, one of the world’s first reality television competitions, in which five girls were selected from thousands to become members of a new band: Bardot. And Belinda Chapple signed a contract that would turn her life upside down.  Bardot shot straight to fame and Belinda spent the following three years relentlessly rehearsing, recording and touring. The band released two very successful albums, a slew of hit singles, and performed on world stages to thousands of adoring fans.  But Belinda discovered that the life of a popstar could be lonely, and it came with consequences she never saw coming. The impact on her body image was disastrous, and it was impossible to maintain romantic relationships, but at least she had her fellow band members to turn to for support … or so she thought.  

The Girl in the Band is a behind-the-curtains look at the ruthlessness of the entertainment industry. Belinda Chapple’s story will resonate with anyone who’s given up everything for a dream, only to have it shatter around them.

Belinda Chapple has one of the most recognisable faces in Australia. A veteran of the entertainment business, Belinda trained at the Johnny Young Talent school in Sydney. A singer, dancer and model, she shot to stardom as a member of the award-winning and platinum-selling band Bardot. Formed from one of the world's first reality television competitions, Bardot became the first ever group to debut at number on Australian charts with both their first single and first album. They completed several national and international tours throughout the UK, India, New Zealand, and the Asia Pacific region.  Today, Belinda is a graduate of the National Design Academy in London. As an interior designer, she has worked across the globe on both domestic and international hotel projects. Belinda is also the original concept creator and Executive Producer for the TV series ‘Paper Dolls’, and has recently gone back into the recording studio with her former bandmate Katie Underwood to form the pop duo Ka’Bel.

Lucia Hawley Lucia is an Australian presenter, writer and producer and has just been named as the local host of 7Bravo and face of iconic Live From E! red carpet coverage on the channel. Lucia will be covering all the red-carpet action from Australia's biggest awards shows and fashion events. She will also bring audiences interviews with some of the Country's most successful stars and celebrities visiting from across the globe. Prior to her work with E!/7Bravo, Lucia was a Lifestyle Associate Producer for 9Honey. She has spent the past few years working across the media space and has written articles for the digital team at Vogue Australia, covered the TV WEEK Logie Awards, the ARIA Awards and has reported on the latest breaking stories, interviewed Australian stars and shared the best fashion trends. Lucia graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Socio-legal studies.