25th ARIA awards

photography; Christopher James

Today marked the 25th anniversary of the Australian Record Industry Awards, otherwise known as the ARIA's. Media, fans and industry insiders bared Sydney's powerful sun's rays and took to the All Phones Arena, in order to see their favourite artists flaunt the red carpet. Delta Goodrem, Benji and Joel Madden, Missy Higgins, Molly Meldrum, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Hamish and Andy (just to name a few), paraded the carpet and mingled with screaming fans, before taking to their seats, to view the highly anticipated show. Some of us were deafened by the shuddering screams and giggles of young girls many metres away, when new to the scene, X-factor winner, Reece Mastin jumped out of the limo. This was also the case with comedian superstars, Hamish and Andy. Delta Goodrem was a stand out in the fashion department, back from LA, wearing a custom made Lisa Ho gown. The full length lace and nude design, flowed beautifully as Goodrem strutted her stuff, in this formal, yet sexy number. Another stand out was DJ Havana Brown, dressed head to toe in Balmain. Molly Meldrum added a little spark to the carpet, replacing his faithful pooch, 'Ziggy', with a modern day beat-box; a hand bag, which belted out our Aussie artists tunes (Jess Mauboys, 'Irreplaceable' when we spoke to him!) Of course, the highlight was the attendance of Ms. Kylie Minogue, who instead of a portable stereo bag, had her beau Andres Velencoso on her arm. My 8 year old self would be beside herself right about now, as I did get the chance to meet the tiny superstar. Inducted into the ARIA hall of fame by a sequined dressed Prime Minster, Kylie spoke of the bursts of emotions that she had whilst receiving this spectacular award. Minogue said that their are so many highlights of her career, which turns 25 next year, but 'one would have to be performing at the Olympics' and also back in her Neighbours days, 'the whole cast performing at a footy benefit,' which was the first time she really felt the 'nerves and excitement of performing.' Jet setting into Australia with dark hair, thanks to a movie role, Kylie told us the decision to switch back to her blond locks, was because tonight was about celebrating her career, so she wanted to look 'more like herself.' She said that she had 'dreamt about this moment' since she was a little girl, but thought that she just 'dreamt like the neighbours kids next door." Obviously, she dreamt a little harder! She acknowledged, 'Molly (Meldrum) and Michael, who have been their since the beginning' and whom she considers to be apart of her family. 'I know this sounds silly, but to them, I am still their little girl. They look out for me,' she said. Kylie looked gorgeous and deserved every inch of that golden, triangular trophy, in which she was presented with tonight on their iconic 25th birthday.