Well-known music veterans and emerging independent stars were among the big winners at Australian music’s night of nights.
Melbourne-based global hard rockers Amyl and The Sniffers reaped four ARIAs at the annual ceremony in Sydney, bookending the night with the best group, best cover art, best rock album and album of the year gongs.
Up-and-coming indie producer Ninajirachi won three gongs, including best independent release, breakthrough artist and best solo artist for her inaugural album I Love My Computer.
The 26-year-old, whose stage name is a mash of her first name, Nina, and her favourite Pokémon, Jirachi, had released her first single eight years ago, and described her breakout award in 2025 as “really awesome and funny”.
“I guess a lot of people here probably have never heard of me before tonight or this year, but I put out my first album this year called I Love My Computer,” she said.
Australian house music producer and DJ Dom Dolla picked up two awards for best dance/electronic release and global impact.
“If (AC/DC lead guitarist) Angus Young’s anything to go by, I’ll have white hair ripping it out on the dance floor in like 50 years from now,” the 19-year veteran said.
The global superstar offered a tip to the next generation: show up every day and don’t worry about the destination.
Legendary Sydney rock band You Am I, which emerged in the 1990s with a distinctive garage grit and power pop hooks, entered the ARIA Hall Of Fame.
Frontman Tim Rogers urged audiences to take a punt on artists playing at small venues, not just huge international acts.
“By buying a ticket, going to those shows and taking a punt on something, something you’ve never heard of, you may be in a crowd of 12 people, but by doing that, you’re part of this great art experiment,” he said.
Indie popstar Missy Higgins won best adult contemporary for her album The Second Act, inspired by her divorce and becoming a single mum, adding to her 10 ARIAs.
“Being a 42-year-old woman and singing about divorce and single parenting isn’t like the sexiest thing you can do in this industry,” she said.
Higgins said the response to her album made her realise women her age don’t care about sexy.
“We just want to feel heard. We want to feel seen. I feel so grateful to be able to tell your stories.”
Song of the year went to Girls by The Kid Laroi, while Troye Sivan picked up best Australian live act.
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