SUTHERLAND Shire's Mark Vincent, 22, will embark on a sentimental journey when he performs at Woolworths Carols in the Domain for the seventh time.
"My grandfather Bruno loved the Carols in the Domain and every day I think of him," Vincent said.
"He died when I was 14."
Vincent, of Caringbah, was only 15 when he shot to fame after he sang Nessun Dorma on Channel Seven's Australia's Got Talent. He went on to win the 2009 series.
Before that the singer's life was very much entwined with that of his grandfather but an urban myth has grown about the precise nature of that influence on Mark.
"He didn't sing, nobody in my family sings. My grandfather had a fruit shop and used to give me $30 to go around the corner for singing lessons," Vincent recalled.
"He'd go there with me once a week and I had so much respect for him.
"If I ever needed money to do with singing he'd help me out. I was only 15 when I first sang in the Domain and it's been an amazing journey to become the man I am today.
"I think the key to what I've done has been to stay level-headed and there is a lot of hard work, but you have to go with the the times.
"I try to introduce classical music to the younger generation."
Vincent released his sixth album last year; his first reached number two on the ARIA album charts.
He has recently completed a tour as part of his musical theatre debut with Dirty Dancing and while continuing his recording and performing career, Vincent studies everything from songwriting to dance at the Australian Institute of Music.
Vincent said performing before the Domain's 100,000-member audience and watched by 3 million television viewers, as with any other performance, made him nervous.
He overcomes stage fright with deep breathing and telling himself he's done it all before.
Vincent will be joined at the concert by Samantha Jade, who is the show's ambassador. Johnny Ruffo, Adam Brand and Justine Clarke will also perform.
The free Woolworths Carols in the Domain is at Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney, on Saturday, December 19, from 8.30pm. It is also broadcast live on Channel Seven.
Vincent is also looking forward to his appearance at Sutherland Entertainment Centre a day later.
He said his Christmas with Mark Vincent concert, on Sunday, December 20, allowed him to show his appreciation for his shire background.
As for the future, he hopes to one day travel to Italy, the home of opera, to study at the world-renowned Milan Conservatory.
Christmas with Mark Vincent is at Sutherland Entertainment Centre on Sunday, December 20, at 11.30am. Tickets $55, bookings 9521 8888.