The Australian music industry’s ‘night of nights’, the annual ARIA awards, has surely left plenty of artists and attendees with sore heads this morning, after trophies were handed out last night during a star-studded ceremony held at Acer Arena, Sydney. Scooping the competition in 2009 was “We Are The People” electro indie-pop outfit
Empire Of The Sun, who took home four awards – including the top prize, Album Of he Year, for Walking On A Dream.
With bandmate Nick Littlemore overseas, acceptance duties were left to eccentric frontman Luke Steele, who thanked his mum, dad, and God for the honour during his many speeches.
Pip Brown – better known to fans as
Ladyhawke – also had a big night, taking home both the Breakthrough Artist Album and Breakthrough Artist Single for her debut effort. It was a triumphant win for
Ladyhawke, after her inclusion in the ARIA nominees list initially brought about controversy due to her New Zealand heritage. Meanwhile, Sydney chanteuse
Sarah Blasko performed on the night and landed Best Female Artist for her disc As Day Follows Night, while Melbourne R&B sensation
Daniel Merriweather celebrated his trophy for Best Male.
With a special performance by British pop star
Robbie Williams, the 2009 ARIA Awards (broadcast on the Channel Nine network) proved yet again how wide and varied Australia’s music industry is. A full list of the winners is below:
Breakthrough Artist Single:
Ladyhawke – My Delirium
Best Rock Album: AC/DC – Black Ice
Best Blues & Roots Album: C.W. Stoneking – Jungle Blues
Best Adult Contemporary Album:
Josh Pyke – Chimney’s Afire
Best DVD: Sia – TV is my Parent
Best Children’s Album: The Wiggles – The Wiggles Go Bananas!
Highest Selling Album: AC/DC – Black Ice
