Last night, the biggest event for Kiwi music took place at Auckland’s Spark Arena and included all the glitz, glamour and celebrity appearances from the country’s favourite stars of the year. We know you wouldn’t dare, but in case you missed it here are some of the highlights from the night.
Rising force BENEE proved that she’s only just beginning by scooping up four well-deserved Tuis, including THREE Best Solo Artist, Smirnoff Breakthrough Artist of the Year and The Edge Best Pop Artist. And to top it all off, she was presented Vodafone Single of the Year by none other than Jacinda Ardern. We can’t tell what’s the bigger honour …
SEE MORE: Ones to Watch: BENEE
The star also delivered an incredible live performance of ‘Soaked,’ fluttering and contorting herself around stage just like she does best and getting the crowd going.
NZ fave Six60 unsurprisingly cleaned up as well, earning NZ On Air’s Radio Airplay Record of the Year, Highest Selling Artist and “arguably the coolest award” Vodafone People’s Choice Award.
Wellington group Drax Project picked up the International Achievement Tui for their huge hit ‘Woke Up Late,’ which has achieved double platinum status by the Australian Recording Industry Association and 70 million streams on Spotify!
And closing on a warm and fuzzy note, Kiwi legends Th’ Dudes earned a spot in the NZ Music Hall of Fame and a RMNZ Legacy Award. The iconic band brought back some nostalgia with their live medley of hits ‘Bliss, ‘Be Mine Tonight’ and ‘Walking in Light’ and paid tribute to their fallen member Ian Morris who passed away in 2010.
What a year it’s been for NZ music! Congrats to all the Kiwi stars who are shining brightly, and we can’t wait to see what next year will bring.
