☀️ Return of the Harmony Queens: Bella Delivers Aussie Cheer with “I Love Christmas, Too”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
After two decades, the beloved Golden Guitar-winning Australian vocal trio Bella—comprised of the stellar voices of Lyn Bowtell, Kate Ballantyne, and Karen O’Shea—have reunited to release their first new music. Their festive single, “I Love Christmas, Too,” arrives just in time for the holidays, perfectly capturing the bright, warm spirit of an Australian Christmas Down Under.
A Long-Awaited Reunion
Bella first captivated audiences in the early 2000s, quickly becoming one of Australia’s most loved vocal trios with their stunning harmonies and chart success. The group earned two CMAA Golden Guitar Awards, including New Talent of the Year, and an ARIA nomination for their debut album, Gravity. Their singles “Secret of Life” and “Don’t You Fall” became staples on Australian country radio, showcasing the unique blend of voices that defined their sound.
Though they took a hiatus from recording, the bond between Bowtell, Ballantyne, and O’Shea has remained strong, as they’ve continued to reunite each year for the cherished Tilligerry Carols on the Green. This year, that enduring friendship and tradition inspired them to step back into the studio and bottle the fun and warmth of an Aussie Christmas into a brand-new song.
Reflecting Christmas Down Under
“This is the first time we’ve recorded and released music in 20 years,” shared Lyn Bowtell. “It’s been such a joy to come together again with a song we all wrote, inspired by our own experiences of Christmas Down Under.”
The trio recognized a genuine need in the festive music landscape, as Kate Ballantyne noted, “We felt there was a real gap in Christmas music that truly reflects an Australian Christmas.” Most holiday standards focus on snow and winter weather, a theme that doesn’t quite match the reality of a summer Christmas for many. Karen O’Shea summed up the Australian reality perfectly: “I love a white Christmas song as much as anyone, but here in Australia it’s all about the air-con and a good barbie.”
Review of “I Love Christmas, Too”
“I Love Christmas, Too” is a vibrant, feel-good track that instantly lifts the spirits. From the opening notes of a catchy piano intro, the song sets a lively, energetic pace. It’s a joyous celebration of summer, family, and fun, themes that define the festive season in Australia.
The production is bright and crisp, featuring lively brass arrangements that add a celebratory punch. However, the true highlight of the track is, unequivocally, the trio’s unmistakable harmonies. Their voices—tight, rich, and perfectly blended—interweave with the same brilliance that made them standouts two decades ago.
This isn’t a sombre ballad; it’s the kind of infectious tune designed to be the soundtrack to holiday parties and backyard barbecues. Its immediate accessibility and memorable melody ensure that it’s the kind of song that will have people singing along from the first chorus, establishing itself as a potential new Aussie holiday classic.
The return of Bella with “I Love Christmas, Too” marks a joyful new chapter for the group. The shared history, enduring friendship, and exceptional vocal talent of Lyn Bowtell, Kate Ballantyne, and Karen O’Shea shine through every note, reminding fans why they were, and still are, one of Australia’s most loved vocal trios.