During her work on Neighbours, Goodrem had a relationship with fellow cast member Blair McDonough and it is widely speculated that the song "Not Me, Not I" was written about their breakup. In 2004, Goodrem began a nine month relationship with Australian tennis player Mark Philippoussis. Her "comeback" single "Out of the Blue" was written about his support during her cancer battle. The couple ended in controversy when newspapers reported Philippoussis had been unfaithful. Reports indicated Philippoussis had been linked with socialite Paris Hilton before breaking it off with Goodrem, though this was denied by Philippoussis, it was confirmed by Goodrem.

In 2004, Goodrem began dating former Westlife singer Brian McFadden, with whom she collaborated on the single "Almost Here", and this caused immense tabloid scrutiny in the UK. It was suggested the pair had embarked on their relationship before McFadden and then-wife Kerry Katona had separated. In May 2006, newspapers claimed that