State Champ Radio bbawards
Trending on Billboard
You Am I emerged at the right time, with the right look, sound, songs and attitude. At the 2025 ARIA Awards on Wednesday night, Nov. 19, the ‘90s indie rock legends were elevated into the ARIA Hall of Fame, recognition of all those special traits, and their lasting impact on the country’s music scene and beyond.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
Formed in the late ’80s, and led by frontman Tim Rogers alongside bandmates Andy Kent, David Lane and Rusty Hopkinson, You Am I owned their lane.
You Am I were hard to beat in the ‘90s, a time when young Australian music fans were connected like never before. Newly-committed fans might discover You Am I on Triple J, which had rolled out as a national network, or on its sister music video channel Rage. Or watch them perform Saturday morning on the ABC’s Recovery, or catch them in the flesh on stage at the traveling Big Day Out.
Along the way, the group has released 11 studio albums, most recently 2021’s The Lives of Others, which went to No. 2 on the ARIA Chart. And they’ve collected 10 ARIA Awards, not including the Hall of Fame honor.
Australia’s alternative rock community loved, and still love, You Am I. The proof was there in the induction video, which included glowing tributes from Silverchair’s Daniel Johns, Powderfinger’s Bernard Fanning, and the country’s prime minister Anthony Albanese, who remarked that “along the way, you’ve added to who we are.”
Each bandmate took turns at the mic, though it was Rogers’ address that will spring to mind in years to come. The singer and guitarist held back tears as he spoke of his own health ordeals, and how making music with the band had given him life.
“F*** I love rock ‘n’ roll,” he remarked.
The rockers wrapped up the 39th ARIA Awards with a two-song performance of “Heavy Heart” and “Berlin Chair.” You Am I were in fine form, having reunited this year for a major national tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Hi Fi Way, which arrived fully formed on Feb. 20, 1995.
Next year, to mark the 40th anniversary of the ARIAs, the trade body will create a standalone ceremony with a class of five inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Watch You Am I’s ARIA Hall of Fame performance below.
Trending on Billboard
SYDNEY, Australia — The 2025 ARIA Awards are in the books, and, for hundreds of guests at Hordern Pavilion and the various afterparties across Sydney, hangovers and urgent sleep.
Many in the room said the show was one of the best in recent memory, led by honest speeches, strong performances and worthy winners.
Related
Australia’s recorded music industry has enjoyed some wins of late, none greater than the federal government’s decision to shut-down any talk of a text and data mining (TDM) exemption in the nation’s Copyright Act, a “significant” win that was achieved through a unified lobbying effort. Via Big Music, if you will.
There have been losses, too. Wednesday night’s 39th annual ARIA Awards in Sydney, however, was a celebration of the good times.
Amyl and The Sniffers led the way, with four spiky trophies. Ninajirachi (three), Dom Dolla (two) and Kevin Parker (two) also had nights to remember.
At the top of the show, before the free-to-air broadcast went out on Network 10, ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd and chair Natalie Waller reflected on the struggles, the journey, and the wins in 2025.
See the speech in full below and read more on the 2025 ARIA Awards here.
Annabelle Herd: Hello and welcome to the 2025 ARIA Awards at the iconic Hordern Pavilion on beautiful Gadigal country! We might not be the most exciting duo you’ll see tonight, but we are definitely the most consistent.
It’s a privilege to celebrate on this land. We pay our respects to First Nations people, elders, leaders, and especially the incredible First Nations nominees, artists, and colleagues here tonight. Always was, always will be.
Natalie Waller: A huge congratulations and welcome to all the nominated artists — we hope you have a wonderful night.
A very warm welcome to NSW Arts and Music Minister John Graham; Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke; Minister for Disability Jenny McAllister; Shadow Attorney-General and Arts Minister Julian Leeser; Senator Sarah Hanson-Young; and Dr Sophie Scamps. Thank you all for always standing with our industry.
Welcome also to Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones, and to two amazing women who, like us, spend every waking hour thinking about how to lift Aussie music: Sound NSW’s Emily Collins and Music Australia’s Millie Millgate.
So what has ARIA been up to since we were last on this stage? Quite a lot.
AH: This year we launched ARIA Innovator, kicked off ARIA Collab with two world-leading producers working with Australian talent, delivered another Great Southern Nights in NSW, and modernized the ARIA Charts by removing singles and albums over two years old, changes already delivering incredible results for new Aussie music.
AH: And then there was the big one.
When big tech tried to strip us of our copyright for AI training, after they’d already stolen all the music, we said: yeah, nah.
They didn’t expect the response they got. As an industry we hit back with a loud, unified, sophisticated, artist-led campaign delivered with heart and serious impact.
NW: The entire creative sector moved as one. And the result? Australia became the first country in the world where government ruled out a text-and-data-mining exception for AI training.
AH: A critical step, but only half the battle. We still need to ensure it is artists and rightsholders who decide whether their music can be used for AI and on what terms. This isn’t just about payment — it’s about agency. AI is exciting, but the benefits and opportunities must reach everyone in the chain, not just the tech bros.
When we were in Canberra after the announcement, a political heavy hitter started introducing us not as reps from the Australian music industry but as “Big Music.” And honestly? They’re right.
We should be known as Big Music — and this year we proved why. Canberra knows it, and so does the public who backed Australian music and culture. Let’s keep going.
NW: Thank you to every artist who spoke up including Briggs, Paul Dempsey, Kate Ceberano, Missy Higgins, Peter Garrett and of course Jack River/Holly Rankin. Nothing is more powerful, with the public or with Canberra, than artists speaking from the heart.
AH: And thank you to all our political supporters including the PM, Attorney-General, Michelle Rowland, and those here tonight — we know you’re standing with us on this critical issue.
NW: On this special night I also want to acknowledge someone whose contribution to this industry is immeasurable. This year Lynne Small is leaving ARIA and PPCA for a well deserved retirement. For nearly three decades, Lynne’s knowledge, sharp mind, heart and dedication shaped everything we did. Lynne, from all of us: thank you.
AH: And I want to acknowledge Van Picken, who recently stepped down as Chair and CEO of Sony Music Australia. As an ARIA Board member, Van contributed to evolving the ARIAs into what they are tonight, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.
NW: Now, back to tonight: Fifty-five percent of this year’s nominees are women. The indie scene is thriving. Hip-hop and R&B artists are finally getting their due. A new generation is reshaping what Australian music sounds and looks like.
Australian artists are streaming globally at record levels, selling out tours overseas, and appearing on festival lineups next to the world’s biggest names. The rebuild is working — brick by brick.
AH: And the momentum is real. Audiences are engaging not just with the music but the stories behind it.
Venues are packed again. Artists who’ve spent years grinding are breaking through here and internationally at the same time.
None of this happened by accident, it happened because people in this room showed up for each other and refused to accept that Australian music should be anything less than world-class.
NW: It’s been a huge year, we’re exhausted but we’re energized, because everything we’ve been building is working. The industry is unified. The music is undeniable. The audience is there.
And tonight is about celebrating what we’ve achieved — and recognizing that we’re just getting started.
NW: So let’s make it a night to remember. Dance and cheer loudly, support each other and remind everyone watching why Australian music matters.
AH: Before we kick off, I want to shout out our new presenting partner Spotify. Mikaela and the local team have seriously put everything and more into the 2025 ARIAs and the nominated artists and the engagement has already been incredible with public voting records absolutely smashed.
Thank you to Destination NSW, Paramount+ and Ten, and all our sponsors.
Huge love to our Exec Producer Craig Campbell and the Roving team, event producer Brendan Maher and the Second Sunday crew, and the whole ARIAs team — this is not an easy event to pull together but they do it with style! To the ARIA Board, Chart and Marketing Committee, performers, presenters, and everyone who poured everything into making tonight happen, thank you.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone in this room: artists, managers, label teams — special shout-out to the reps with ever-creative ways of asking me whether their artists have won — plus publicists, radio programmers, venue operators and crew. You’re all the reason Australian music is Big Music now.
NW: So raise your glasses — and let’s do this. To AusMusic!
Taylor Swift, Tyla and Sabrina Carpenter were among the big winners at the 2024 MTV EMAs, which also included a poignant tribute to Liam Payne, almost one month on from the singer’s death in Argentina.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“I just want to take a moment to remember someone that was very, very dear to us. We lost him recently, and he was a big part of the MTV world and my world, and I think a lot of yours at home and everybody in here tonight,” said the show’s host Rita Ora, who duetted with the former One Direction vocalist on 2018’s “For You (Fifty Shades Freed).”
“He had the biggest heart and was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could,” said a tearful Ora. “He brought so much joy to every room he walked into, and he left such a mark on this world,” said the visibly moved host.
Trending on Billboard
The EMAs show, which was staged at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, on Sunday (Nov. 10), also featured a brief video tribute to Payne.
Swift, who was not present in Manchester, won the most awards on the night, taking home prizes for best artist, best live, best U.S. act and best video for her Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone.
“I have to say thank you so much to Post Malone for being the most amazing co-star possible,” said Swift in a video acceptance speech.
Just behind Swift with three awards was Tyla, who took home trophies for best Afrobeats, best R&B and best African act. The South African singer, who was honored with a global impact award at Billboard’s R&B No. 1s event in New York earlier this year, also delivered one of the night’s standout performances, flanked by writhing dancers for a lively two-song medley of “Push 2 Start” and “Water.”
“I can’t believe it,” said Tyla accepting the best afrobeats prize from LL Cool J. “Literally, all the nominees, they are insane. They have taken Afrobeats so far and I’m so honored to be winning this award… Afrobeats has opened so many doors for African music, so thank you so much to Afrobeats.”
Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande, who both did not attend the show, won best song for “Espresso” and the award best pop, respectively. Billie Eilish and Charli xcx, who were also absent, failed to win in any of the five categories they were each nominated.
Benson Boone opened the two-hour show, which was being held in the U.K. for the first time since 2017, with an impassioned energetic run through “Slow It Down” and “Beautiful Things” that began with the 22-year-old suspended in the air as he played a golden grand piano. Later in the evening, Boone collected his first EMA award in the form of the best new act title.
Making their U.K. live debut, K-pop band LE SSERAFIM delivered an energetic performance of “Chasing Lightning” and “CRAZY”, the title track from their latest EP, which topped Billboard’s Top Album Sales in September.
The five-piece pop group, who made their Coachella debut this year, were rewarded for their efforts with the best push award, one of three prizes they were nominated for in the lead up to Sunday’s show.
Other memorable performances included Shawn Mendes playing his new single “Heart of Gold,” Mexican trio The Warning with a raucous, pyrotechnic-accompanied rendition of “Automatic Sun” and Best U.K. and Ireland act winner Raye, joined by a 30-piece choir for a stirring medley of “Escapism, “Oscar Winning Tears” and “Body Dysmorphia.”
Meanwhile, best Latin recipient Peso Pluma was joined by Estevan Plazola for a rousing performance of their hit single collaboration “Hollywood.”
Busta Rhymes won the global icon award, EMAs top honor, previously received by Queen, Eminem, Janet Jackson, U2 and Whitney Houston, among others.
“Thirty-four years of professionally recording, this is the first time I’m getting an award from MTV. And it feels fucking incredible,” said Rhymes collecting the icon trophy from British rapper Little Simz.
The Brooklyn-born rapper went on to play glowing tribute to “one of my heroes” LL Cool J, who was at the ceremony on presenting duties, before performing a collection of his greatest hits, including “Scenario,” “Put Your Hands Where The Eyes Can See,” “Do The BusABus Pt.2,” “Break Ya Neck” and “Pass The Courvoisier”.
“LL Cool J was the template that I followed,” said Rhymes in a lengthy eight-minute-long acceptance speech that also saw him thank his mother and Public Enemy’s Chuck D for supporting him at the start of his career.
“I learned how to become the embodiment of Busta Rhymes because I love to bust rhymes for real and I love hip-hop for real,” he told the audience.
“Busta Rhymes is a true creative visionary who has made a massive impact on the musical landscape and pop culture,” Bruce Gillmer, the event’s executive producer and president of music and chief content officer for music at MTV parent company Paramount+, told Billboard in the run up to Sunday’s ceremony.
The show also contained a succession of playful references to the musical heritage of host city of Manchester with the Hacienda night club’s famous yellow and black striped branding and the distinctive opening riff of New Order’s “Blue Monday” recurring motifs throughout the evening.
Local band Blossoms, from the nearby town of Stockport, also made a cameo joking with host Ora as she served champagne in a bar style setting, while one of the show’s more surreal moments featured Ora chatting with Happy Mondays’ founder members Shaun Ryder and Bez, with the latter in characteristically uncontrollable, highly spirited form.
In addition to marking the 30th anniversary of MTV’s EMAs, which first took place in Berlin in 1994, Sunday’s show was the first EMAs since 2022 after last year’s event in Paris was cancelled due to global security reasons in connection with the Israel-Hamas war.
Pet Shop Boys were joined by members of the Manchester Camerata orchestra (wearing the band’s iconic cone hats) to close the show with a stirring cover of David Bowie’s “All The Young Dudes” followed by the band’s debut hit “West End Girls,” first released in 1984.Full list of 2024 MTV EMA nominees and winnersGlobal Icon Award Busta RhymesMTV EMA Pop Pioneers AwardPet Shop BoysBest SongAriana Grande – we can’t be friends (wait for your love)Benson Boone – Beautiful ThingsBeyoncé – TEXAS HOLD ‘EMBillie Eilish – BIRDS OF A FEATHERChappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!WINNER: Sabrina Carpenter – EspressoBest VideoAriana Grande – we can’t be friends (wait for your love)Charli xcx – 360Eminem – HoudiniKendrick Lamar – Not Like UsLISA ft. Rosalía – NEW WOMANWINNER: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – FortnightBest ArtistBeyoncéBillie EilishPost MaloneRAYESabrina CarpenterWINNER: Taylor SwiftBest CollaborationCharli xcx & Billie Eilish – Guess featuring Billie EilishFuture, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar – Like ThatLady Gaga, Bruno Mars – Die With A SmileWINNER: LISA ft. Rosalía – NEW WOMANPeso Pluma, Anitta – BELLAKEOTaylor Swift ft. Post Malone – FortnightBest NewAyra StarrWINNER: Benson BooneChappell RoanLE SSERAFIMTeddy SwimsThe Last Dinner PartyTylaBest PopWINNER: Ariana GrandeBillie EilishCamila CabelloCharli xcxDua LipaSabrina CarpenterTaylor SwiftBest AfrobeatsAsakeAyra StarrBurna BoyRemaTemsWINNER: TylaBest RockBon JoviColdplayGreen DayKings of LeonLenny KravitzWINNER: Liam GallagherThe KillersBest LatinAnittaBad BunnyKAROL GWINNER: Peso PlumaRauw AlejandroShakiraBest K-PopWINNER: JiminJung KookLE SSERAFIMLISANewJeansStray KidsBest AlternativeFontaines D.C.HozierWINNER: Imagine DragonsLana Del ReyTwenty One PilotsYUNGBLUDBest ElectronicWINNER: Calvin HarrisDavid GuettaDisclosureDJ SnakeFred Again..Swedish House MafiaBest Hip-HopCentral CeeWINNER: EminemKendrick LamarMegan Thee StallionNicki MinajTravis ScottBest R&BKehlaniSZATinasheWINNER: TylaUSHERVictoria MonétBest LiveAdeleColdplayDoja CatRAYEWINNER: Taylor SwiftTravis ScottBest PushAyra StarrChappell RoanCoco JonesFlyana BossJessie MurphLaufeyWINNER: LE SSERAFIMMark AmborShaboozeyTeddy SwimsThe WarningVictoria MonétBiggest FansAnittaAriana GrandeBeyoncéBillie EilishChappell RoanCharli xcxKaty PerryWINNER: LISANicki MinajSabrina CarpenterShawn MendesTaylor SwiftFull list of 2024 MTV EMA Worldwide WinnersBest African Act – TylaBest Asia Act – BINIBest Australian Act – SiaBest Austrian Act – RAF CamoraBest Brasilian Act – Pabllo VittarBest Canadian Act – Shawn MendesBest Caribbean Act – Young MikoBest Dutch Act – Roxy DekkerBest French Act – Pierre GarnierBest German Act – AylivaBest India Act – MaliBest Israeli Act – Noa KirelBest Italian Act – AnnalisaBest Lat Am Central Act – Manuel TurizoBest Lat Am North Act – YerimuaBest Lat Am South Act – DillomBest Nordic Act – Zara LarssonBest Polish Act – Daria ZawiałowBest Portuguese Act – Bárbara BandeiraBest Spanish Act – Lola IndigoBest Swiss Act – NemoBest UK & Ireland Act – RayeBest US Act – Taylor Swift
-
Pages
