Emma Watkins Explained

Emma Watkins
Birth Name:Emma Olivia Watkins
Birth Date:1989 9, df=yes
Birth Place:Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1]
Years Active:2010–present
Genre:Children's
Label:ABC Kids / ABC Music
Past Member Of:The Wiggles
Spinoffs:Emma!

Emma Olivia Watkins (born 21 September 1989)[2] is an Australian children's entertainer, singer, actress, and dancer, best known as a former member of the children's group the Wiggles from 2013 to 2021. She replaced Greg Page after the group's lineup changes and was the first female member of the group. Due to her popularity as a Wiggle, she received her own spinoff children's show called Emma!, which featured her in her yellow Wiggles outfit as a solo performer. She debuted her own children's entertainment character, Emma Memma, in 2022, releasing her first solo children's music album in September 2022. In early 2023, she released a book titled Hello, Emma Memma. An accompanying television series titled Emma Memma: Sing. Dance. Sign. is in development.

Early life

Watkins started ballet when she was four. She saw the Wiggles perform Irish dancing and later studied other styles of dance, including jazz, hip hop, tap and contemporary. She attended The McDonald College, a performing arts school, won a full scholarship at the Sydney Film School, and completed a certificate specialising in musical theatre at ED5 International in Sydney. Watkins earned a master's degree in Media Arts and Production at the University of Technology Sydney. She has taught dance to children since she was in high school. She has also performed in Bollywood films, learned drums and other percussion instruments, was crowned Miss Granny Smith Apples in 2009, and was learning Auslan, the Australian sign language, by 2012.[1] As of 2021, she was doing her PhD research on sign language and dance.[3]

Career

2010–2021: The Wiggles

In 2010, Watkins began performing with the Wiggles, first as Fairy Larissa and then as Wags the Dog, Dorothy the Dinosaur, and as a Wiggly Dancer.[1] [4] [5] She used her film skills during tours with the group, providing them with video and editing services.[1] In May 2012, the Wiggles announced that Watkins would become the first female Wiggle, replacing founding member Greg Page as the Yellow Wiggle.[4] The original members stated that they chose Watkins because she was the most qualified for the job, and commented that it was "a strategy for marketing the Wiggles into the next generation".[6]

Lisa Tolin of the Associated Press called Watkins a strong role model for girls, and reported that her fans came to concerts dressed like her and that they gave her homemade bows, which had become part of her signature look.[7] Because of her popularity, the company produced a new television series titled Emma!, featuring Watkins as a solo performer, which aired in 2015.[8] Up to 80% of the audience at Wiggles concerts would emulate her costuming and wear yellow; by 2021 it was estimated that 50% of the group's merchandising was specific to the "Emma" brand.

In September 2019, it was announced that Watkins would host weekend afternoon programs on Sydney and Melbourne radio station smoothfm.[9] In October 2020, Watkins appeared in the music video for "Back 2 Back" by Samantha Jade. At the 2020 ARIA Music Awards in November, she joined an ensemble of Australian women singers to perform "I Am Woman" as a tribute to its singer and songwriter, Helen Reddy.[10]

It was reported through corporate filings that Watkins had acquired approximately 8% ownership of the Wiggles' brand as well as a company directorship in June 2018.[11] Watkins announced her departure from the Wiggles in October 2021 and was replaced by Tsehay Hawkins.[12] [13]

2022–present: Emma Memma

In early 2022, Watkins hinted at the introduction of a new children's entertainment character, Emma Memma, through her social media.[14] The new character was designed to incorporate elements of song, dance and sign language.[14] Toronto-based company Headspinner Productions announced their partnership with Watkins in July 2022 to debut the character in a new pre-school television series titled Emma Memma: Sing. Dance. Sign.[15] Watkins was appointed as an executive producer for the series, to be produced through her company Apricot Sea.[15] The series is expected to begin filming in early 2023 for release later in the year.[15] The character and its design were officially revealed in July;[16] music videos were subsequently released through YouTube.[15] In February 2023, Watkins released a book to go with her Emma Memma character, music and upcoming children's television series. The book was titled Hello, Emma Memma.[17] [18] [19]

During this period, Watkins competed on the fourth season of the Australian version of The Masked Singer as "Zombie" placing eighth.[20] [21] She also appeared as a celebrity contestant on the 2022 Lego Masters Australia Christmas special.[22] [23] Watkins provided the narration for the ABC children's series Reef School in 2022. In June 2023, Watkins released another children's story book titled Emma Memma: How Are You?[24] as well as her first activity book that was called Emma Memma Sticker Activity Book.[25] Later that year, Watkins competed on the seventh season of The Amazing Race Australia with her sister, Hayley Watkins; tying equal first with Darren McMullen and nephew Tristan, and Alli Simpson and mother Angie.[26] In October 2023, she released her third kids story book, which was titled Emma Memma's Alphabet Day.[27] The book includes a fun little story involving Emma Memma as well as a page full of detailed illustrations presenting each letter of the alphabet in Auslan.[28] She also released her second activity book titled Emma Memma Craft Book.[29]

Personal life

Watkins and fellow Wiggles performer Lachlan Gillespie were married on 9 April 2016 at Hopewood House in Bowral, New South Wales.[30] [31] On 3 August 2018, Watkins and Gillespie announced their separation.[32]

In April 2018, Watkins was forced to withdraw from several shows, suffering from pain caused by severe endometriosis. She underwent surgery after being diagnosed with Stage IV endometriosis. Her specialist, Professor Jason Abbott, believes that Watkins' speaking out about her diagnosis helped raise awareness of the condition.[33]

On 5 April 2021, Watkins announced her engagement to Oliver Brian, a musician who worked with the Wiggles. They had begun dating in December 2019.[34] On 2 May 2022, she and Brian were married.[35]

Publications

Discography

See also: The Wiggles discography.

Studio albums

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
DetailsPeak chart positions
AUS
[36]
Emma Memma 35
Ballet Time
  • Released: 17 August 2023
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
-
Twirly Tunes
  • Released: 15 March 2024
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
-

Extended plays

Title! scope="col"
Details
Days of the Week
  • Released: 18 February 2024
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: digital download, streaming

Filmography

Television roles
YearTitleRoleNotesReferences
2022The Masked SingerZombieSeason 4
Reef SchoolNarrator[37]
Lego Masters Australia Christmas specialHerselfChristmas special
2023The Amazing Race AustraliaHerselfSeason 7

Awards and nominations

AIR Awards

The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.! |-| 2023| Emma Memma| Best Independent Children's Album or EP| | [38] [39] |-| 2024| Ballet Time| Best Independent Children's Album or EP| | [40]

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music.! |-| 2023| Emma Memma| Best Children's Album| | [41] |-

Australian Women in Music Awards

The Australian Women in Music Awards is an annual event that celebrates outstanding women in the Australian Music Industry who have made significant and lasting contributions in their chosen field. They commenced in 2018.

! |-| rowspan="1" | 2024| rowspan="1" | Emma Watkins | Special Impact Award| | rowspan="1" | [42]

References

  1. Web site: Meet the next generation Wiggles. https://web.archive.org/web/20140125013349/http://www.wiggletime.com/thewiggles/announcement-meet-the-next-generation.htm. 25 January 2014. wiggletime.com. dead. 2 September 2015.
  2. Birth date references:
    • Twitter acknowledgement confirming 21 September: Emma_Wiggle . Emma Watkins . 381754415532621824 . 22 September 2013 . Onstage in Chicago on my birthday! #wiggleschicago @TheWiggles @Anthony_Wiggle @Lachy_Wiggle @Simon_Wiggle . 2 September 2015.
    • Chicago Rosemont theatre concert date: Web site: The Wiggles – 21 Sep 2013 . Chicago-Theater.com . 2 September 2015.
    • Birth year: 1989 based on a Daily Telegraph article. News: Domjen. Briana. We're engaged! Purple Wiggle Lachy Gillespie pops the question to yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins. 11 April 2016. The Daily Telegraph. 4 May 2015 . Lachlan "Lachy" Gillespie, 29, and Emma Watkins, 25, have taken their wiggly romance one step further, with Gillespie popping the question over the weekend..
  3. Web site: Lawson . Claudia . Signing and Dancing with Emma Memma . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231129015106/https://fjordreview.com/blogs/all/signing-and-dancing-with-emma-memma . 29 November 2023 . 9 August 2024 . Fjord Review.
  4. Web site: Cuneo. Clementine. 18 May 2012. Emma Watkins is Ready, Willing, Able for The Wiggles. Herald Sun. 20 May 2012.
  5. Web site: Emma Watkins may be known as the Yellow Wiggle but she also has a hip side . 29 June 2014 . Daily Telegraph . Christine . Sams .
  6. News: Shedden . Iain . The Wiggles: Split the band, save the brand . The Australian . 19 May 2012 . 25 November 2018 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120520002826/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/the-wiggles-split-the-band-save-the-brand/story-e6frg6nf-1226360720614 . 20 May 2012 . dmy .
  7. News: Lisa . Tolin . Newest Wiggle Inspires an Army of Wiggling Girls . . Associated Press . 15 August 2013 . 27 July 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033001/http://www.vnews.com/lifetimes/8065323-95/newest-wiggle-inspires-an-army-of-wiggling-girls . 4 March 2016 . dmy .
  8. 605154169251438592. Not long 'til @Emma_Wiggle teaches us a song about the corroboree frog and the sound it makes in her new show, Emma! . abckids . ABC Kids . 31 May 2015 . 2 September 2015.
  9. Web site: Emma Watkins Joins smoothfm Weekend Line Up. Davies. Brynn. smoothfm.au. en. 7 October 2019.
  10. Web site: Amy Shark, Delta Goodrem, Jessica Mauboy, the McClymonts, Tones and I Lead Tribute to Legendary Helen Reddy . Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) . 23 November 2020 . 10 January 2021 .
  11. Web site: Cousins. Lucy E. . The Business of Being Emma Wiggle . T Magazine Australia. The New York Times Company . 1 June 2021. 23 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210825045430/https://taustralia.com.au/the-business-of-being-emma-wiggle/ . 25 August 2021. live.
  12. News: Doyle . Michael . Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins quits, to be replaced by 15-year-old Tsehay Hawkins . ABC News . 18 October 2021 . Australian Broadcasting Corporation . 19 October 2021. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20211209002018/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-19/yellow-wiggle-emma-watkins-announces-she-is-leaving-the-band/100549538. 9 December 2021.
  13. News: Emma Watkins to depart The Wiggles. Knox. David. 19 October 2021. TV Tonight. 24 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211024061219/https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/10/emma-watkins-to-depart-the-wiggles.html. 24 October 2021. live.
  14. News: Jurewicz . Jade. Former Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins reveals new children's character will use sign language . . . 22 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220731015529/https://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/former-yellow-wiggle-emma-watkins-reveals-new-childrens-character-will-use-sign-language--c-6893311 . 31 July 2022 . 31 July 2022. live.
  15. News: Headspinner Partners With Former Wiggle Emma Watkins . Townsend. Kelly . 13 July 2022 . Kidscreen . Brunico Communications . 31 July 2022 . 31 July 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220731020124/https://kidscreen.com/2022/07/13/headspinner-partners-with-former-wiggles-star-emma-watkins/ . live .
  16. News: Former Wiggle Emma Watkins reveals new character, Emma Memma. ABC News . 1 August 2022 . Australian Broadcasting Corporation . 1 August 2022. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20220801104541/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-01/emma-watkins-former-yellow-wiggle-reveals-new-character/101289254. 1 August 2022.
  17. Web site: Hello, Emma Memma by Emma Memma . 2023-05-13 . www.penguin.com.au . en.
  18. Web site: Dalgliesh . Nehal . 2022-12-01 . Emma Watkins to Release Her First "Emma Memma" Children's Book . 2023-05-13 . CelebrityKind . en-AU.
  19. Book: Hello, Emma Memma . .
  20. Web site: 16 August 2022 . Former Wiggle Emma Watkins Revealed As Zombie On The Masked Singer . The Music.
  21. Web site: Molk . Steve . 2022-08-15 . Recap Emma Wiggle revealed as Zombie on The Masked Singer Australia . 2022-09-06 . TV Blackbox . en-AU.
  22. Web site: Knox. David. Upfronts 2023: Nine. 14 September 2022. TV Tonight. TV Tonight. 14 September 2022.
  23. Web site: Knox. David. Airdate: Lego Masters: Bricksmas Special 2022. 11 November 2022. TV Tonight. TV Tonight. 11 November 2022.
  24. Web site: Emma Memma: How Are You? . Dymocks.
  25. Web site: Emma Memma Sticker Activity Book . Dymocks.
  26. Web site: The Amazing Race Australia Celebrity Edition: Meet The 11 Teams. 10Play. 9 June 2023. 9 June 2023.
  27. Web site: Emma Memma's Alphabet Day by Emma Memma . 2024-01-17 . www.penguin.com.au . en.
  28. Book: Memma, Emma . Emma Memma's Alphabet Day . 2023-10-10 . Puffin . 978-1-76134-378-0 . 1st . en.
  29. Book: Memma, Emma . Emma Memma Craft Book: Create fun craft, includes a green plane cardboard insert . 2023-10-10 . Puffin . 978-1-76134-182-3 . 1st . en.
  30. Web site: Purple Wiggle to marry Yellow Wiggle after weekend proposal . The Sydney Morning Herald. 5 May 2015 . 11 April 2016 . Ward, Mary . https://web.archive.org/web/20210407104016/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/purple-wiggle-to-marry-yellow-wiggle-after-weekend-proposal-20150505-gguejl.html . 7 April 2021 . live.
  31. Web site: Purple Wiggle Lachlan Gillespie and Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins tie the knot in royal-inspired wedding. . 9 April 2016 . 11 April 2016. Domjen, Briana . https://web.archive.org/web/20210407104118/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Fnews%2Fpurple-wiggle-lachlan-gillespie-and-yellow-wiggle-emma-watkins-tie-the-knot-in-royalinspired-wedding%2Fnews-story%2F030173f0e441f3de5fabed913f8ceb63&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=31610046eb5eb4c8eda18bd227eef391-1617792078 . 7 April 2021 . live.
  32. Web site: The Wiggles' Emma and Lachy split after two years of marriage . . 3 August 2018 . 3 August 2018 . Rota, Genevieve . https://web.archive.org/web/20210407104236/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/the-wiggles-emma-and-lachy-split-after-two-years-of-marriage-20180803-p4zvek.html . 7 April 2021 . live.
  33. Web site: The show goes on for The Wiggles . . 3 December 2018 . 23 December 2018 . Hassall, Greg . https://web.archive.org/web/20210407104336/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-17/emma-watkins-wiggles-reveals-reason-behind-marriage-split/9992508/ . 7 April 2021 . live.
  34. Web site: The Wiggles star Emma Watkins announces engagement to bandmate Oliver Brian . . 5 April 2021 . 7 April 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210407103733/https://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/the-wiggles-star-emma-watkins-announces-engagement-to-bandmate-oliver-brian-ng-b881839213z . 7 April 2021 . live.
  35. Web site: 2 May 2022 . Emma Watkins stuns in new wedding photos: 'Radiant' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502083614/https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/emma-watkins-stuns-wedding-photos-radiant-073332251.html . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . Yahoo.
  36. Web site: ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart. Australian Recording Industry Association. 12 September 2022. 9 September 2022.
  37. Web site: Perry. Kevin. First Look: Tony Armstrong, Emma Watkins and Uncle Jack Charlies features in new ABC family adventure Reef School . 1 November 2022. TV Blackbox . 13 January 2023. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20221101180916/https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2022/11/01/first-look-tony-armstrong-emma-watkins-and-uncle-jack-charles-feature-in-new-abc-family-adventure-reef-school/ . 1 November 2022.
  38. Web site: Nominees Announced for the Australian Independent Music Awards 2023 . Music Feeds. 31 May 2023. 31 May 2023.
  39. Web site: King Stingray and Genesis Owusu Win Big at 2023 AIR Awards . Music Feeds. 4 August 2023. 5 August 2023.
  40. Web site: 2024 AIR Awards Nominees: Genesis Owusu, Cub Sport, RVG, Teen Jesus & More. The Music. 14 May 2024. 16 May 2024.
  41. Web site: Nominees Announced for 2023 ARIA Awards. Music Feeds. 21 September 2023. 23 September 2023.
  42. Web site: 2024 Finalists. Australian Women in Music. 24 July 2023. 4 August 2024.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Emma Watkins".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.