Silverchair became the most celebrated artist in ARIA history last night taking home five trophies, including their first album of the year title for Young Modern.
The album was also named best rock album. The record’s first single, “Straight Lines” was awarded trophies for single of the year and highest-selling single of the year, while the lads from Newcastle were fittingly named best band. This takes their total ARIA haul to a whopping 19 gongs.
While Silverchair stole the show with their clean sweep, the rest of the awards were fairly evenly distributed. Missy Higgins was the obvious choice for best female artist, while Gotye upset more fancied competition to take home the best male artist award.
Sneaky Sound System were nominated for more awards than anyone else, but as it turned out they only left with two gongs. They were named best breakthrough artist, while their self-titled debut was named best dance album.
John Butler Trio’s fantastic Grand National was named best blues and roots album and best independent release. John took the opportunity to say how proud he is to be part of the socially and environmentally conscious Australian music community.
Operator Please are tipped to be the next big thing all over the world, so it was little surprise to see them take home the breakthrough single award for “A Song About Ping Pong.” They had just about everyone in the audience on their feet when they gave an energetic performance of the song later in the night.
Keith Urban took home the best country album for Love, Pain and the Whole Crazy Thing, but he was almost upstaged by wife Nicole Kidman. While all eyes were on the Hollywood actress for much of the night, Keith took the spotlight with a killer duet with John Butler. The pair played a fantastic rendition of “Funky Tonight,” which I couldn’t resist including here in case you missed it!
Nick Cave may have been the only person formally inducted into the Hall of Fame last night, but he used his acceptance speech to unofficially induct his former Bad Seeds and Birthday Party bandmates. As his presentation was close to the end of the night, it’s unknown whether Nick managed to get that kebab after all.
Here’s the complete list of winners:
Hall of Fame Inductee: Nick Cave
Album of the Year: Silverchair – Young Modern
Single of the Year: Silverchair – “Straight Lines”
Best Group: Silverchair – Young Modern
Best Rock Album: Silverchair – Young Modern
Motorola Highest Selling Single: Silverchair – “Straight Lines”
Best Blues and Roots Album: The John Butler Trio – Grand National
Best Independent Release: The John Butler Trio – Grand National
Best Dance Release Sneaky Sound System – Sneaky Sound System
Breakthrough Artist Album: Sneaky Sound System – Sneaky Sound System
Best Male Artist: Gotye – Mixed Blood
Best Female Artist: Missy Higgins – On A Clear Night
Best Music DVD: You Am I – Who Are They, These Rock Stars? Live At The Mint
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Josh Pyke – Memories & Dust
Best Pop Release: Sarah Blasko – What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have
Best Urban Release: Hilltop Hoods – The Hard Road Restrung
Best Comedy Release: Dave Hughes – Live
Best Children’s Album: The Wiggles – Pop Go The Wiggles
Best Country Album: Keith Urban – Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing
Breakthrough Artist Single: Operator Please – “Just A Song About Ping Pong”
Motorola Highest Selling Album: Damien Leith – The Winner’s Journey
Best Classical Album: Richard Tognetti, Australian Chamber Orchestra – Bach Violin Concertos
Best Jazz Album: Mike Nock & Dave Liebman – Duologue
Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album: Choir of Hard Knocks – Choir of Hard Knocks
Best World Music Album: Zulya – 3 Nights
Best Cover Art: Aaron Hayward & David Homer (Debaser) – Powderfinger – Dream Days At The Hotel Existence
Best Video: Paul Goldman & Alice Bell – Silverchair – “Straight Lines”
Engineer of the Year: Wayne Connolly – Josh Pyke – Memories & Dust
Producer of the Year: Wayne Connolly & Josh Pyke – Josh Pyke – Memories & Dust