Empire of the Sun were the big winners at last night’s ARIA Awards. The electro-pop duo took out four awards on the night: best group, best album, best pop release, and best single for “Walking on a Dream.”
But thankfully there wasn’t the same sort of pool sweeping we’ve seen in recent years. Ladyhawke and AC/DC each bagged a double, while the rest of the night’s successes were shared around. That’s what I like to see! We’ve got so many brilliant performers here, and a night like that only reinforces it.
I could bore you with all the “who won what” talk, but chances are that you probably already know. If you don’t, you can read about it underneath. Instead I’d much rather share with you my highlight of the night. No, it wasn’t Empire of the Sun with their crazy colorful costumes or international ring-in Robbie Williams. I was impressed by the medley of singer-songwriters Lisa Mitchell, Kate Miller-Heidke, and best female talent winner Sarah Blasko. Any one of these three amazing women could have won the title. What a shame they didn’t each get to perform a complete song. This was magical.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQDtpZKwWFg]
Album of the Year: Empire of the Sun, Walking on a Dream
Single of the Year: Empire of the Sun, “Walking on a Dream”
Breakthrough Artist Album: Ladyhawke, Ladyhawke
Breakthrough Artist Single: Ladyhawke, “My Delirium”
Best Group: Empire of the Sun, Walking on a Dream
Best Female Artist: Sarah Blasko, As Day Follows Night
Best Male Artist: Daniel Merriweather, Love & War
Best Rock Album: AC/DC, Black Ice
Best Pop Release: Empire of the Sun, Walking on a Dream
Best Urban Release: Hilltop Hoods, State of the Art
Best Dance Release: The Presets, Talk Like That
Best Blues & Roots Album: C.W. Stoneking, Jungle Blues
Best Country Album: Troy Cassar-Daley, I Love This Place
Best Independent Release: Bertie Blackman, Secrets and Lies
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Josh Pyke, Chimneys Afire
Best DVD: Sia, TV is my Parent
Best Childrens Album: The Wiggles, The Wiggles Go Bananas!
Best Comedy Release: Hamish and Andy, Unessential Listening
Highest Selling Single: Jessica Mauboy, “Running Back”
Highest Selling Album: AC/DC, Black Ice