Mark Vincent The singer has popped the question!
Singer Mark Vincent won Australia’s Got Talent – and then the heart of his new fiancee!
In a case of love at first song, Stephanie Pace was upstairs practising her singing when she was called down to watch Mark Vincent – a young boy with an amazing voice – on reality TV show Australia’s Got Talent.
“He was so good I had goosebumps listening to him,” Stephanie recalls.
Fast forward eight years, and the 25-year-old is preparing to marry her teenage crush. The pair finally met through mutual friends at Sydney’s Cronulla Beach. Then two years later, Mark proposed to his girlfriend at a restaurant in Woolloomooloo.
“I was so nervous I could barely get the words out,’’ says Mark, 24. “I told Stephanie I’d forgotten my wallet, and went back to the car to get the ring once we’d finished our meal.”
A spotlight switched on Stephanie, then Mark knelt down and popped the question. “We were both crying. And luckily for me, she said yes!”
The opera singer, who won AGT in 2009 and performed at Olivia Newton-john’s Gala in Melbourne last month, says it was definitely love at first sight.
“Within a short time of chatting, I knew Stephanie was The One,” reveals Mark. “She’s such a loving, caring person, and while I was initially afraid of getting into a relationship, knowing how all-consuming my career was, I’m glad I did. It’s undoubtedly the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.’’
Falling in love may be the greatest thing to have happened to Mark but he’s had many highlights since he burst onto our screens at 15 with a moving rendition of Nessun Dorma.
Mark’s fascination with music came from his grandfather, who always had Dean Martin, Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli playing at his restaurant – often with Mark singing along.
After winning AGT, Mark was signed by Sony Music and released eight albums, including his latest A Tribute To Mario Lanza, which features a virtual duet with the late singer, who he idolises. He’ll also fulfil a lifetime dream and perform with legendary tenor Jose Carreras in France and Spain.
But it’s all a lead-up to the biggest event in his life – his wedding day!
‘Within a short time of chatting, I knew Stephanie was The One’