The 2025 ARIA Awards celebrated a vibrant night of Australian music, with Amyl and The Sniffers emerging as the standout winners. The pub rock band took home the coveted Album of the Year award during the ceremony held at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on March 15, 2025. Their successful evening also included wins for Best Group, Best Rock Album, and Best Cover Art.
Frontwoman Amy Taylor humorously addressed the audience, playfully declaring herself the “new prime minister of Australia.” She emphasized a vision of inclusivity, stating, “As the new prime minister of Australia, I’d like to say, ‘All immigrants welcome.’” Taylor also remarked on the financial implications of their success, joking that the recognition of their debut album means she likely won’t need to return to her previous job at IGA.
Celebrating Female Artists and New Talent
The awards night showcased an impressive array of female talent, with Ninajirachi also receiving significant recognition. The electronic DJ and producer took home three awards, including Best Solo Artist, Breakthrough Artist, and Best Independent Release. At just 26 years old, she reflected on her journey, attributing her rise to success to her dedication, which included writing music during her daily bus commutes to school.
The event also featured a performance by British artist Olivia Dean, who captivated the audience with her hit “Man I Need.” Dean, who is set to tour Australia in October 2026 promoting her album The Art of Loving, delivered an energetic performance while dressed in a stunning gold-sequinned mini dress.
Another highlight of the evening was the induction of rock legends You Am I into the ARIA Hall of Fame. They joined a prestigious list of inductees, including Kylie Minogue and John Farnham, celebrating their enduring impact on the Australian music scene.
Notable Wins and Performances
Other notable achievements included Dom Dolla, who won the inaugural Global Impact Award alongside Best Dance/Electronic Release, and The Kid Laroi, who claimed Song of the Year for the first time. Western Australian artists were particularly celebrated, with Kevin Parker of Tame Impala awarded Best Engineer and Best Producer. Additionally, Troye Sivan received the title of Best Australian Live Act for his Something To Give Each Other tour.
The night concluded with a spirited performance by You Am I, who played fan favorites “Heavy Heart” and “Berlin Chair,” demonstrating their enduring energy and relevance after more than 30 years in the industry.
The 2025 ARIA Awards not only highlighted the achievements of individual artists but also celebrated the collective talent and diversity within the Australian music landscape.
