1. Tina Arena SLAYS
It is safe to say that the real legend of the 2015 ARIA Awards was none other than Hall of Fame-inductee, Tina Arena.
After delivering a powerful rendition of her mega-hit, Chains with Jessica Mauboy and The Veronicas, the 48-year-old thanked all the people who supported her four-decade career.
In true Tina fashion, she kept it real making Australia take a real hard look at ageism.
Tina not only delivered a powerful performance. Her 18 minute speech had everyone on their feet!
“I want to acknowledge the women in their ’40s still in the game in a big way… We will decide when it’s time for us to stop,” Tina explained in her epic 18 minute speech.
The Aussie songstress then thanked her loyal fans, “Thank you for not making me a celebrity but thank you for celebrating my work because that is where I am most comfortable. When I take a leap Australia, you manage to catch me.”
Kylie Minogue, who help induct Tina, summed it up perfectly, “What a woman, what a voice. Wow, oh my goodness, surely I’m not the only person who had goosebumps!”
Tina joins the likes of Molly Meldrum, Kylie Minogue, Olivia Newton John and INXS in the Hall of Fame.
Friends since their time on Young Talent Time.
Triple J’s Matt Okine slammed sexism in the industry.
2. Matt Okine makes a stand against sexism
It wasn’t just Tina who kept it real. Triple J breakfast host Matt Okine won the ARIA for Best Comedy Release. The comedian used his stage time call out the notable absence of women in not only his category, but the night in general.
Channel Ten decided not to air his empowering speech on television, which outraged many fans.
“I don’t think there were any women nominated in Best Comedy Release, and there’s not even any female featured guests!” he said.
“I’d just feel stupid not saying anything.” So would we. You can watch his brilliant speech below.
Perth group Tame Impala won the covered Album of the Year gong.
3. Tama Impala win big
Aussie rockers Tame Impala were crowned the winners of the ARIA Awards after collecting a massive three awards including Album of the Year for their record, Currents.
“You’re sick of seeing us,” frontman Kevin Parker joked.
New besites Ed Sheeran and James Blunt were in fine form.
4. Ed Sheeran gets his very own award
Honorary Aussie Ed Sheeran was given his very own award. James Blunt gifted the ginger Brit the newly inaugurated Diamond Award, for recognition of sales of more than half a million copies of his album X.
“Thank you very much for this award. I am very aware it was created so it was a bit tempting for me to turn up,” Ed quipped as James laughed at him.
Golden girls! Kylie Minogue, Tina Arena and The Veronicas killed it in the fashion ranks.
5. ARIA’s classiest and most shocking red carpet
Pop Princess, Kylie Minogue lead the ARIA red carpet with sparkle and dazzling sophistication in her sparkling J’ATon Couture gown. Also joining the ranks and looking fab were The Veronicas and Tina Arena.
Sadly the same can’t be said for Jessica Mauboy and The Sheppard sisters.
Honourable mention to Triple J’s breakfast hosts Matt Okine and Alex Dyson who brought to life Drake’s Hotline Bling music video.
Is it possible that Sheppard’s dragon boots attacked Jessica Mauboy’s outfit!?
So. Much. Yes. Triple J boys, Matt and Alex stepped in as the second international guest, Drake.
