As the winner of 2004 Australian Idol, Casey Donovan carried the weight of the world on her shoulders, trying to squeeze into the skinny music industry mould and struggling against the idea she was too fat to be a star.

But now curvy Casey, 21, has turned the tables on critics, celebrating her signature curves by starting the Big, Beautiful and Sexy online support group.

“I used to hate myself but I have since taken control and now I love myself,” Casey writes proudly on the site.

“Big, Beautiful and Sexy is a celebration of my womanhood, music and my curves.”

The group, which Casey founded through her Facebook profile, has already attracted nearly 2000 supporters and states its mission is “to promote and celebrate womanhood and our curves”.

Casey has also posted pictures of a clutch of voluptuous role models, such as Magda Szubanksi and Oprah Winfrey.

And Casey’s loyal fans love her new crusade – and her new attitude. While Australian Idol promised Casey a fast track to spectacular fame and fortune, her music career hit a dud note when she was dumped by her record label only a year after winning the coveted crown.

After losing 20 kilos under the strict watch of trainer and famous Iron Man Guy Leech in 2008, Casey has now not only regained the lost weight but also reclaimed her confidence – and her devoted fans.