The song was written by Jörgen Elofsson and John Reid for Network Ten's TV talent competition, Australian Idol's inaugural season.

The song was certified as five times platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and sold in excess of 350,000 units.

"Angels Brought Me Here" was also popular in New Zealand, topping the RIANZ Singles Chart and achieving platinum certification.

"Angels Brought Me Here" was performed on 9 November 2003 by the final two contestants, Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll, during the penultimate episode of Network Ten's TV talent competition, Australian Idol (2003).

[5] Sebastian's version was produced by Bryon Jones (member of Rockmelons) and Adam Reilly (who was also the programmer).

[6] The B-side, "When I Get You Alone" – a cover version of Robin Thicke's 2002 single – was recorded live on Australian Idol episode "Up Close & Personal" in October 2003.

[15] The video was produced by Australian Idol's Stephen Tate and directed by the show's musical director, John Foreman.

[15] On 22 November, the clip was premiered on Network Ten's Video Hits – which had Tate as executive producer.

[2][18] It also had the second highest first week single sales from any artist, behind Elton John's tribute to Princess Diana, "Candle in the Wind".

[22] In January 2010 ARIA announced that "Angels Brought Me Here" was the highest selling single of the previous decade, with Anthony Callea's "The Prayer" ranked second.

[27] Sebastian reflected on his song's popularity, "I guess its success is due to it being a well-written pop ballad, coupled with the fact that it's perfectly suited to my voice, and also my back-story...

It doesn't take a genius to realise that the show was mostly responsible for the songs enormity but still, I'm glad I was the guy standing there at the end singing it".

[28] Byron felt there was considerable "controversy over whether to give ARIA awards to people like Guy Sebastian" due to concerns about the artist's credibility.

"[28] "Angels Brought Me Here" was also released in New Zealand, and debuted at number-one on 1 December 2003 on the RIANZ Singles Chart, retaining the position for three weeks.

In May Sebastian made a special guest appearance on American Idol, performing "Angels Brought Me Here" in the Top 3 verdict show.

[34] In April 2008, on the United Kingdom TV drama series Rock Rivals, which depicts a fictional talent show set in London, the song was performed by Bethany Hopkins (portrayed by Holly Quin-Ankrah) as her winner's single.

Cover versions of the song have been performed by Australian singer Hayley Legg and by French electro artist Sebastian Akchoté.

[35] La Diva had recorded the song as the theme for South Korean TV drama series, Queen Seondeok (May–December 2009).