Toni Watson, better known as Tones and I, has become one of Australia’s most recognisable musical talents. Her journey from busking on the streets of Melbourne to topping global charts is a story filled with perseverance, creativity and personal transformation. While the world often knows her for the unstoppable success of Dance Monkey, there is far more to her life than a single hit.This blog explores the full picture her early years, career, relationships, weight loss, struggles, controversies, net worth and the personal experiences that shaped who she is today.
Early Life and Childhood
Growing up on the Mornington Peninsula, Tones and I had a fairly typical Australian childhood. Born in Mount Martha and raised between there and Frankston, she discovered her love for music early. Family gatherings often revealed her natural ability to sing, but she never imagined music would one day change her life so drastically.
Her early environment was modest and grounded. She didn’t come from a famous family or have industry connections. Instead, her creativity grew from her surroundings, school experiences and her own curiosity.
Family and Private Life
Tones and I has always kept her family out of the spotlight. Public information about her parents or siblings is limited because she prefers to protect their privacy. She has often said that fame shouldn’t affect the people who didn’t choose it, so she shields them from media attention.
Despite being private, it’s clear her family supported her musical ambitions and encouraged her independence from a young age.
Education and Early Interests
During school, Tones explored various creative paths. She learned keyboard, experimented with drum pads and loved singing. These small creative interests later shaped her distinctive performance style — especially her skill with a loop station.She worked retail jobs after school but always returned to music, building skills and confidence that would eventually lead her to busking.
From Busking to Breakthrough
Busking became the turning point of her life. Travelling from town to town along the east coast, she performed at local hotspots, beaches and markets. She performed from her van, relying entirely on her music to get by.Her track Johnny Run Away sparked early attention, but her life changed forever with Dance Monkey. The song became a global sensation, hitting number one in over 30 countries. Almost overnight, she went from a street performer to one of the most streamed artists in the world.
Lifestyle and Public Image
Even after fame, Toni stayed grounded. Her lifestyle is more low-key than people expect from a global star. She invested in property instead of extravagant purchases and prefers quiet time, close relationships and privacy.Her public image evolved too. In the early days, she often hid behind oversized clothes and caps to avoid attention, but as she gained confidence, her style and presence changed.
Success Through Pressure and Criticism
Tones and I’s success came with intense public attention. She has spoken openly about the pressure of being judged, from her voice to her fashion choices and even her personality.
Fame hit her fast, and she admitted she didn’t always feel prepared. Yet despite criticism, she kept creating music, winning multiple ARIA Awards and performing around the world.
Weight Loss Journey: Before and After
Her noticeable weight-loss transformation became a major talking point. She reportedly lost around 20 kilograms, and her new look drew immediate media attention.Toni has mentioned that the change came from improving her lifestyle, focusing on health and building confidence. It wasn’t about chasing trends or extreme dieting, it was about feeling better physically and mentally.Her transformation also encouraged her to embrace new fashion choices and step into public spaces with greater self-assurance.
Relationships, Marriage and Personal Life
In 2020, Tones and I began a relationship with Jason “Jimmy” Bedford. Their connection grew quickly, and they travelled together while she toured across Australia. Jimmy also worked as a technician on her team.They became engaged in 2021 and married in Bali in 2023. While she shares parts of her life through interviews and performances, Toni remains protective of her relationship and keeps most details private.
Children
Based on the latest confirmed information, Tones and I does not have children.
Controversies and Legal Matters
Despite tending to avoid drama, Toni has faced some incidents:
She and her husband were fined for unapproved renovation work on a property they owned. Although widely reported, the issue was administrative rather than criminal.
More recently, she was fined after her dog was involved in an attack on a neighbour’s elderly pet. The case was handled through civil proceedings and did not escalate into a criminal matter.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
Her net worth varies depending on the source. Some reports estimate around USD 6 million, while Australian entertainment analysts believe she may be worth far more due to property investments and massive royalties from Dance Monkey.Her earnings mostly come from streaming, touring, songwriting and real estate. Despite her wealth, she does not portray a flashy lifestyle and continues to focus on music and long-term investments.
Her Musical Evolution and Artistic Growth
While Dance Monkey defined the beginning of her fame, Tones and I never allowed herself to be trapped by one sound. Her later music explores deeper themes such as anxiety, relationships, identity and personal growth.Songs like Bad Child, Fly Away and tracks from her album Welcome to the Madhouse show an artist who is willing to experiment. She blends pop, alternate sounds and emotional storytelling in a way that highlights both vulnerability and grit.Her evolution hasn’t always pleased everyone, and some listeners found her shift unexpected, but she continues to produce music that reflects her experiences rather than trends.
Impact on Australian Music and Culture
Tones and I holds a rare position in modern Australian music. No other Australian artist in recent years has achieved a breakout as explosive as Dance Monkey. Her rise from busking to global fame has become a symbol of possibility for young artists across the country.
Her story also highlights the power of grassroots talent and how modern platforms can lift local performers onto the world stage.
Beyond music, she supports various charities, youth programs and community initiatives, showing a commitment to giving back to the same communities that once supported her.
Conclusion
Tones and I’s journey is one of determination, creativity and resilience. From her childhood on the Mornington Peninsula to becoming one of the most streamed artists worldwide, her life is filled with milestones, challenges and personal growth.Her weight loss, marriage, musical evolution, controversies and global success all show that she is more than a viral hit, she is an artist who continues to shape her own story while remaining true to herself.As she grows personally and musically, her influence on Australian music and the global pop scene is set to continue for years to come.
FAQs
What is Tones and I’s weight and height?
Tones and I are approximately 165 cm tall. Her exact weight has not been publicly confirmed, but she has spoken openly about improving her fitness, building better routines, and managing the pressures of fame. Any specific numbers circulating online are estimates, as she has never released official figures.
Are Tones and I married?
Yes. Tones and I married her long-term partner, Jimmy Bedford, in 2023. The pair had a private but beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and close friends. Jimmy has been a strong support in her life, especially through her career growth and health journey.
How old are Tones and I?
Tones and I (Toni Watson) was born on 15 August 2000, which makes her 24 years old as of 2024/2025.
What did Tones and I look like before her weight loss?
Before her transformation, Tones and I had a more rounded appearance and often wore oversized streetwear. Her signature look included loose hoodies, baggy pants and caps. Her weight loss journey has made her appear more energetic and confident, but she still keeps her personal health details private.
Is there a before and after comparison of Tones and I?
Yes. Fans have noticed a visible change in her face shape, posture and overall fitness. Photos from 2019–2024 show a gradual transformation rather than a sudden shift. She has credited her improvement to regular training, a better routine and prioritising mental health, not extreme dieting.
Do Tones and I have a partner?
Yes. Tones and I’s partner is Jimmy Bedford, who later became her husband. He has been part of her life long before her rise to global fame.
What is Tones and I’s net worth?
Tones and I’s estimated net worth is between $20 million and $25 million AUD, largely earned from the massive success of “Dance Monkey,” international touring, songwriting royalties, brand partnerships and business ventures. She has also invested in property in Australia.
