Today we’re chatting with Annaleese Caruso from South Australia, one of 30 remarkable women vying for the Miss Universe Australia 2025 crown, to be decided on August 15 at Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom.
So, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I am 28 years old from Adelaide, South Australia. I am a professional singer and model and have been singing since I was about 5 years old but performing live gigs since 13 years of age. With two appearances on The Voice Australia, one being the most recent season in 2024, where I was lucky enough to be a part of Team LeAnn Rimes. I have always been driven to chase my goals and think outside the box with Miss Universe Australia being my newest adventure.
What inspired you to take the leap and enter Miss Universe Australia?
I have always loved watching the Miss Universe Australia program closely over the years, having a few friends take part in the competition in the past. It was definitely something that crossed my mind a few times, however I don’t think I was ever ready mentally for a competition like this until now. My husband also helped give me that extra little push to enter as he always believed I could excel in this sort of program.
As part of the program, you had the amazing opportunity to travel to Vietnam, and stay at the beautiful Hoiana Resort. How was that experience for you?
Vietnam was one of the most incredible experiences. I had the best time getting to know all the other girls from the different states and making some very special new friendships that I believe I will now have for a lifetime. Hoiana was such a beautiful resort and all the activities we participated in all week were so exciting and fun.
What would you say was the highlight of the trip?
The highlight of the trip for me was definitely our visit to the Hearing and Beyond School. Meeting all the amazing children, learning sign language and to communicate with the children was so special and honestly something I will never forget.
As part of the trip, you also took part in your official swimwear shoot with Unnecessary the Label. How was that experience for you?
I absolutely loved the shoot! It was my first time doing a bikini shoot, and I couldn’t have felt more comfortable with the team and their vision. I had so much fun and would love to do more shoots like this in the future!
Your next question comes from our current Miss Universe Australia, Zoe Creed. If your younger self could see you today, not just on this stage but as a person, what do you think she’d be most proud of and why?
I think my younger self would be so proud to see that I haven’t given up on my dreams. I am still singing and striving for more with my music career. Entering this program is something I never imagined I would be confident enough to do and yet here I am, so I believe that my younger self would be super happy and proud of where I am right now.
With everyone bringing their own unique flair to the program, what would you say sets you apart from the other contestants?
Perhaps that I am a singer and performer. I am used to being put in high-pressure situations and on big stages which helps bring my musical flair into place.
What’s something about you that people might find surprising or interesting?
I love food and I love cooking. My husband and I like to think of ourselves as foodies. Since we travel a lot for his work, we get to try new cuisines all over the world and then I love to come back home and attempt to cook them.
If you could work on any dream project, with no limits on time or resources, what would it be?
I would love to put on a big stage show performance with multiple singers and performers from all over the world, with funds being raised for charity. With concert ticket prices rising, it would be nice to see some of that money going into charity work.
We have a few quick questions to wrap up the interview:
What’s a song that never fails to lift your mood?
Probably any song from the Burlesque movie soundtrack. It’s my favourite movie with one of my favourite singers, Christina Aguilera, and I just love everything about that movie and soundtrack. Singing the songs from this movie instantly lifts my mood. I really need to sing the songs rather than listen to them to fully bring my mood back up, as singing is my therapy.
What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence to me is being able to present yourself to anyone and everyone and be happy with the person you are introducing yourself as. Knowing that you are content with who you are as an individual.
If you had to swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
Rihanna. As one of my favourite singers and idols in terms of her outstanding music career, I would love to see her life in and out of the studio, on stage performing to her massive crowd of fans. It would give me chills to sing to an audience so large and hear them singing along with me.
What’s one thing you always have in your handbag (besides your phone)?
My lip gloss. You never know when you need to quickly touch up.
Window or aisle seat on a flight?
As someone who travels a lot, this answer varies depending on the flight time. On a really long flight I prefer an aisle seat so I can get up as often as I like without disturbing anyone next to me. However, on a shorter flight I love to look outside the window and see what we are flying over.
Help Annaleese and the Miss Universe Australia Finalists Make a Difference.
Annaleese, along with the other Miss Universe Australia Finalists, have collectively raised over $500,000 to support ToyBox and its official 2025 charities Camp Quality, Ocean Heroes and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate now using the link below.
