Former Australian Idol champion Kate DeAraugo has shared joyous news with her followers, announcing her engagement to long-term partner Shannon Riseley. The singer, 40, revealed the romantic development on Instagram this week.
A Parisian Proposal
The couple were on a family holiday in Europe with their two young sons, two-year-old Hudson and ten-month-old Noah, when Riseley decided to pop the question. The proposal took place in Paris, with the iconic illuminated Eiffel Tower providing the backdrop for the life-changing moment.
DeAraugo posted two photos to mark the occasion. One captured her look of joyous surprise, proudly holding her new diamond ring aloft in front of the famous Parisian landmark. A second image, taken at the Arc de Triomphe, showed the beaming couple wrapped in an embrace, revelling in their happiness in the so-called City of Love.
Finishing a Milestone Year
"What an incredible year 2025 was – and to finish it with this," Kate excitedly captioned her social media post. She added warmly, "Well, what can I say? It doesn’t get any better. I love you."
The Paris proposal served as the perfect finale to an idyllic family trip, which had also included stops in Amsterdam and London. The engagement caps off a significant year for DeAraugo and Riseley, who announced the birth of their second son, Noah, in March.
Fans and friends quickly flooded the comments section with congratulations. One follower wrote, "Congratulations, lovely. You and your beautiful family deserve alllll the happiness in the world!" Another echoed the sentiment, stating, "So exciting for the both of you and no better place than Paris!!!"
A Journey of Transformation
Kate DeAraugo rose to fame after winning the 2005 season of Australian Idol. However, her post-reality TV life faced severe challenges, including a public battle with drug addiction. In 2017, she hit rock bottom, pleading guilty to charges of possessing crystal meth, drug driving, and weapons offences.
She avoided conviction and was placed on a community corrections order, a turning point from which she has rebuilt her life. DeAraugo and Riseley have been together since 2019 after meeting on a dating app, with the singer previously saying they "clicked straight away."
The couple now focus on their young family, sharing their joys and milestones with supportive followers as they embark on this new chapter as an engaged couple.
