The ARIA Awards 2024 brought Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion to life, celebrating the richness and diversity of Australian music. The event honoured seasoned stars and breakthrough artists alike, solidifying its reputation as a grand stage for homegrown talent.
Troye Sivan Takes Centre Stage
Pop icon Troye Sivan emerged as the big winner of the night, securing three major accolades: Album of the Year, Best Pop Release, and Best Solo Artist. His album Something to Give Each Other resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting themes of fleeting connections and hope during challenging times.
“This album has changed my life,” Sivan shared while accepting Album of the Year. “It’s about finding joy in brief moments during Melbourne’s lockdowns.” He recounted a personal story about a one-night stand that inspired the album, adding humour as he apologised to his mother in the audience.
The album marked a career high for Sivan, debuting at No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart. It also earned two Grammy nominations and cemented his position as a global pop powerhouse.
First Nations Talent Shines Brightly
The ARIA Awards 2024 saw unprecedented recognition for First Nations artists, with 22 nominations across categories. Hip hop trio 3% won Best Hip Hop/Rap Release for Kill the Dead and Best Cover Art. Member Nooky reflected on the album’s roots in the Australian Indigenous Voice referendum, stating, “We made this album when people doubted our voice. Well, they heard it loud and clear.”
Other notable wins included Troy Cassar-Daley (Best Country Album) and Emily Wurramara (Best Adult Contemporary Album). Budjerah secured Best Soundtrack for his work on Faraway Downs, while JK-47 won Best Use of an Australian Recording in an Advertisement.
Nooky, a mentor to The Kid LAROI, emphasised the importance of their work. “This is the most blackfellas ever nominated, and we’re taking them all home,” he declared.
Royel Otis Makes an Impact
Indie rock duo Royel Otis had a standout night, collecting four awards, including Best Group and Best Rock Album. Their production team also won Best Engineered Release and Best Produced Release. Beaming in from Belgium, the pair expressed their gratitude for the recognition.
Royel Otis’s success demonstrated the growing prominence of indie rock on both local and global stages.
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Breakthrough Artists and Diverse Performances
The ARIA Awards 2024 celebrated emerging talent alongside established names. Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers received the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist Award. Hardcore band SPEED, known for their electrifying performances, won Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album, marking their first ARIA victory.
The night’s performances highlighted the depth of Australian music. Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers delivered a powerful rendition of I Used to Be Fun. Amy Shark and Angie McMahon joined Missy Higgins for a soulful medley, celebrating Higgins’ induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
Other standout performances included 3%’s electrifying hip-hop medley and Budjerah’s soulful set, blending genres and captivating the audience.
Missy Higgins Honoured
Missy Higgins received the ultimate recognition with her induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Her contributions to Australian music over decades were celebrated with a heartfelt performance. Higgins also won Best Australian Live Act, further cementing her legacy.
International Guests Add Glamour
While the focus remained on Australian talent, international stars added sparkle to the evening. Ava Max performed a medley of her hits, while The Pixies delivered a world-exclusive rendition of Where Is My Mind. However, local acts like 3%, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, and Angie McMahon were the night’s true stars.
Industry Leaders Celebrate Success
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd praised the evening’s achievements, saying, “The ARIA Awards 2024 showcased the extraordinary diversity and strength of Australian music. This year highlighted the immense talent we have and the promising future ahead.”
YouTube’s Mel Silva echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in connecting global audiences to Australian music.
Conclusion
The ARIA Awards 2024 reflected the rich tapestry of Australian music. From Troye Sivan’s chart-topping achievements to the historic recognition of First Nations talent, the event celebrated diversity, artistry, and resilience.
With unforgettable performances and groundbreaking wins, the ARIAs reaffirmed Australia’s status as a global music powerhouse.