If it's been a tough year for Delta Goodrem, you wouldn't know it, writes Jesse Kuch

Alot has happened in the life of Delta Goodrem since the release of her last album in 2007.

From soaring heights (with the record for the most No.1 singles in Australian chart history) to controversy (her public split with fiancé Brian McFadden and a public grilling for her performance on The Voice), no one can say that Delta’s life has been devoid of action.

Yet if you chat to the eternal optimist, you’d barely know she’s come across any controversy at all – something that shines through on her new work, Child Of The Universe.

“I can’t even accept some of the controversies,” she says. “I’m the straightest shooter and I’m proud to have turned from a teenager to an adult in the public eye.

“It’s ridiculous a lot of people think I’m a controversial artist, it’s definitely not my role in the world.

“I’m here to try and make people happy.”

Delta says after five years’ break it’s a strange feeling to finally have a new album out, but she couldn’t be happier with the results.

“It kinda feels strange, it’s always quite emotional the day it goes out,” she says.

“Because it’s sorta like you’ve ended a chapter and are starting a new one. But it’s definitely a beautiful feeling.”

She says the title of the album – Child Of The Universe – reflects a newfound comfort in her own skin, making it one of the most honest and stripped‑back works to date.

Of all the tracks, it’s Wish You Were Here – about the death of her lifelong friend Liam O’Flaherty in a motorcycle accident in 2009 – that is perhaps the closest to her heart.

And despite the subject matter, she says it’s a triumphant song that celebrates his life.

“Wish You Were Here is about that moment in your life when you lose a dear friend,” she says.

“It’s an abstract feeling. You have to find strength in them, especially when you’re not ready to say goodbye. I’m really proud of that track.”

Landing at Smithfield Shopping Centre this Sunday to perform songs from the album, Delta says she looks forward to bringing some music to her fans in Cairns.

“I love getting to meet my fans face-to-face, especially in places like Cairns where I don’t go to so often,” she says.
“So this is my way of saying thank you.”

Check out Delta Goodrem performing wish you were here and selected songs from Child Of The Universe this Sunday at Smithfield Shopping Centre from 11am. Child Of The Universe is out now on sony music at good record stores and iTunes nationwide.

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